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.


Image as Metaphor

Do metaphors inherently deepen a story? Can using metaphors be more effective than revealing direct facts and information about a subject?

  • 2004
  • 01:24:25

Everyday Voices

David Isay and Alex Kotlowitz both try to discover extraordinary stories in "ordinary people."

  • 2004
  • 01:20:47

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

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 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

Gen Next: Youth Producers Share Their Work - Part One

It's common enough to learn about youth culture through the observations of experts and adults, but so much more intriguing to hear it straight from the hearts and minds of the teenagers navigating through their own worlds.

  • 2004
  • 01:17:20

Gen Next: Youth Producers Share Their Work - Part Two

It's common enough to learn about youth culture through the observations of experts and adults, but so much more intriguing to hear it straight from the hearts and minds of the teenagers navigating through their own worlds.

  • 2004
  • 01:21:09

The Audible Picture Show

Matt Hulse presents short audio works by a diverse range of inventive audio artists and filmmakers, created specifically for "a darkened cinema."

  • 2004
  • 01:24:35

Deadline Radio

Most producers and reporters spend their days "feeding the machine" -- cranking out short-form work on a daily, sometimes hourly deadline, with no time for second guesses. However, a lot of news coverage is formulaic and, frankly, dull.

  • 2004
  • 01:18:25

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