The Necessity of Stories
An Interview with Ira Glass
J. A. Hanson
July 1, 2000
One million people listen every week to This American Life, a Chicago-based public radio program hosted by Ira Glass. But maybe listen is too mild a term-the show's devoted audience tunes in with old-fashioned concentration, like Londoners hunkering down to hear Churchill's wartime broadcasts.
Part of the appeal is Glass's on-air persona. His voice, full of halting tones and occasional stutters, sounds spontaneous and friendly, the opposite of an anchorperson's assured delivery. Then there are the show's often mundane topics (fiascos, the cruelty of children, reinventing yourself, road trips)-themes illustrated by journalists and other contributors through interviews and personal narrative. The result is a gripping, refreshingly intimate style of storytelling that is inspired by the enthusiasms of the show's staff.
One of those enthusiasms (it crops up routinely) is evangelical Christianity. For one recent show, "A Teenager's Guide to God," Glass accompanied teenagers from a church youth group to Appalachia for a missions trip. In another, "Pray," producer Alix Spiegel went to Colorado Springs to document a prayer movement. While there she nearly converted, and the record of her spiritual crisis is probably the best thing I've ever heard on radio about religion. (Both are available online at www.thislife.org.)
I spoke with Ira Glass in early August about stories, faith, and stories about faith.-J.A. Hanson
RQ: In the stories on This American Life, the narrators are invariably open to their own feelings and reactions. How do narrators' experiences relate to the stories they are telling?
IG: They are really important. A really great story is not just a chronicle of the events that occur, but also includes the attitude of the storyteller ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,359 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
