Maker Sessions

Dive into scores of talks, workshops, and audio manifestos offering wisdom on everything from production skills to journalistic ethics from the best audio producers and makers on the planet.

These Are A Few Of Kaitlin Prest's Favorite Things

Kaitlin Prest, audio artist, radiophile, creator of The Heart with Radiotopia and The Shadows with CBC, talks about what has inspired her to push the boundaries of audio making...

  • 2024
  • 47:03

Trick: Part One

This curated Listening Reel was screened at the 2019 Third Coast Conference in Chicago.

  • 2024
  • 0

Trick: Part Two

This curated Listening Reel was screened at the 2019 Third Coast Conference in Chicago.

  • 2019
  • 0

Trust Me, I'm an Editor

Producers come to editors with their tape, a vision, and a piece in various stages of completion. Editors bring their skills, a fresh set of ears, a fat red pen, and often the mandate of an established show format.

  • 2004
  • 01:31:18

To Err (on the Air) Is Human

No one likes to make mistakes, but the difference between you (brilliant producer) and the guy next to you (average producer) is in learning how to use those mistakes to your advantage.

  • 2003
  • 01:13:12

Talking Story

The Kitchen Sisters skillfully lead this panel about creative and unusual approaches and techniques for producing compelling radio stories, including what can be learned from other media, like television and film.

  • 2001
  • 01:00:09

Trespassing

Jay Allison leads a discussion about the ways in which documentarians must be skilled in the art of trespassing...

  • 2002
  • 01:24:10

Two Towns of Jasper

Producers and long-time friends Whitney Dow and Marco Williams (Two Tone Productions) discuss the making of their film Two Towns of Jasper, a documentary about the racially motivated murder of James Byrd, who in 1998 was dragged to his death after being beaten then chained to the back of a pick-up truck in Jasper, Texas.

  • 2004
  • 01:23:16

These Are a Few of the Kitchen Sisters' Favorite Things

Ever wonder what inspires, obsesses and ignites the Kitchen Sisters? Find out during this hour-plus showcase of audio (and other less-evolved art forms) culled from their accidental archive and the stirring work of others.

  • 2008
  • 01:17:45

Taking Risks in Radio

Producing "outside the box" is a challenge to the formulaic landscape of public radio, whether you're producing a sound art parody or poetic essay or a show bent on surprising its listeners.

  • 2001
  • 01:27:40

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: Up With Bad

Founding producer of This American Life Nancy Updike on the inspiration she finds in the power of vice, foible and inappropriateness on radio, podcasts, TV and in books.

  • 2014
  • 01:08:29

These are a few of Audie Cornish and Sean Cole's Favorite Things

Audie Cornish and Sean Cole came up in radio together — smoking on the front steps of WBUR in Boston, puzzling over stories. Now Audie is a co-host of NPR's All Things Considered and Sean is a producer at This American Life .

  • 2016
  • 01:25:55

These Are a Few of Ira Glass's Favorite Things

Ira Glass plays and talks about radio and print journalism that has inspired him, including some surprising 1970s-era NPR documentaries which may be long forgotten by most.

  • 2002
  • 01:24:13

Truth on Stage

When facts cannot plumb the depths, shall we lie? In this session, producers listen to and discuss radio documentaries that use fiction and dramatic elements to get to the truth.

  • 2004
  • 01:19:44

These Are a Few of Jacki Lyden's Favorite Things

Jacki Lyden has been an NPR contributor and host for more than two decades, reporting on vital issues at home and abroad and winning numerous awards for her work.

  • 2004
  • 01:23:47

Telling Stories Far From Home

How can a producer prepare to make radio stories about distant lands and the people who live there, and why tell those stories anyway?

  • 2006
  • 01:25:48

Teens With Mics

Youth producers are creating some of the most revealing and moving work on the radio these days, and we've curated a collection of gems for you.

  • 2006
  • 01:24:23

Talk the Copy

The voice of the storyteller is often overlooked but it's a vital part of making great radio. Marilyn Pittman shows you how to make your narration tracks authentic and compelling with her many tips and techniques.

  • 2006
  • 01:24:29