I laughed and came *this close* to buying this. But, the final 'lemonade means sex' just crossed the line of what I feel comfortable running at 2:45p on a Monday afternoon.
My standard is, "Would I want to hear this in the car with my 6-year old?"
That said, the read is terrific and the ad is a scream. I'll keep it in mind for an evening broadcast.
And, if possible, I'd run it more than once. I think some listeners would find this a hoot.
I laughed and came *this close* to buying this. But, the final 'lemonade means sex' just crossed the line of what I feel comfortable running at 2:45p on a Monday afternoon.
My standard is, "Would I want to hear this in the car with my 6-year old?"
That said, the read is terrific and the ad is a scream. I'll keep it in mind for an evening broadcast.
I am so intrigued by this story and I was with it all the way to the end. But, I was left hanging there.
There's no way to verify if it's real is the last thing I hear. So I find myself wondering why I needed to hear about it.
If I knew that it couldn't be confirmed before the final music, but was left with that tidbit of song, I would know that it was something I'd have to decide for myself. But, as it is the final sentence kind of deflates the tension and surprise in the piece.
If I were the editor of this piece, I would advise just that little tweaking of the final thought and then I'd definitely buy it.
Carl shares an iconic family story in a way that makes me feel like I'm a friend of his. His brother's experience in the library would be an interesting story anyway. But, knowing he grew up to be an astronaut makes it all the more compelling. Then, the terrible Shuttle disaster AND the information in the final tag?!?
It stands out for me because it delivers pieces of the story in every element: the intro, the audio and the tag. As a listener, it helps the story really stick in my mind.
From the piece description I was looking for more a more vivid recounting of his experiences. And I hoped to learn a bit more about Hubie's interest in this. Why a children's choir? What challenges did he face? What do the kids learn in rehearsal.
The interview drew me in when Hubie spoke about children spending the night with friends in neighborhoods they might never see otherwise. And, if there more scenes and specific moments like that, I'd totally go for this story. As it was, I just wasn't able to fully see and connect with him and his work in my mind's eye.
I do like hearing about this work, though. And I will continue to listen to other stories in this series and from this producer.
I have programmed several of Paolo's stories. He has a solid delivery and quality production every time.
This is a compelling perspective into mental illness. And, I don't think the date hook of 2010 precludes it from being run now.
This is a thoughtful piece and the generous amount of music sets a nice tone. It's not driving or hard hitting, but it is a good fit for an afternoon.
I was pulled into the details he shares from science, music and history. His final thought is touching without being treacly.
I like this piece for its insight into how the music business is changing. I am running it with this lead:
Technology has radically altered the music business.
Take Matisyahu as an example.
He’s a Hasidic Jew from White Plains, New York.
He’s also a musician who blends traditional Jewish themes with Reggae, rock and hip hop sounds.
And, Matisyahu uses high tech applications to build real relationships as he tours across the country meeting fans.
It's going so well he's finding himself as part of the Olympic promotional engine for NBC.
Andrew Davis explains his technological and personal approach.
I am not crazy about the nearly 10 second of music at the top of the story, I'd rather have jumped into the story first and then gotten the music.
Also, the delivery is a little too enthusiastic. I doubt the objectivity of the reporter. It would have been nice to get an outside voice to put Matisyahu's approach into context.
That said, I chose to run it on our afternoon magazine because it is an interesting lens into what music fans now are responding to. We have a lot of musicians - and technology - in Seattle and I think listeners will be drawn into both the music and the story of how Matisyahu has used hi-tech to reach fans.
The story starts off mysteriously. We hear about an X-ray, a girl's experience in school, but we don't hear what made her different.
It's a moving story throughout and a great history and perspective on the freak show.
The ending sealed it for me, though, making it a powerful and universal story.
I scheduled it for my afternoon magazine and am considering running it again for our weekend magazine.
I ran this story last week on our daily magazine and we are still getting inquiries about it this week. Listeners have said that they really appreciated hearing this personal story. Many wanted to share the story with people they knew in other cities.
I paired it with a harder news story with a dollars and sense perspective on the healthcare debate.
Comment for
"Voices on Antisemitism: Shawn Green (New York Mets)" (deleted)
I liked this story suggestion from the PRX editors and previewed it. I won't broadcast it for two reasons:
1. It is too time dated. Shawn Green retired from baseball in Feb 2008. So, saying 'we recently sat down with him' and referencing him as a current player doesn't work.
2. Like many podcasts, too much of the piece is identifying the segment, giving the concept, providing web links and soliciting feedback. The story is too buried.
Comment for
"Emerging Technology Allows the Blind to "See" through the Tongue" (deleted)
Incredible technology for those with visual impairment. And, interesting insight into the way our brains work.
This is a story that could bring hope to many people.
Even for those with good vision, it gives good history to treatment of blind veterans and the science of sight.
The straightforward news-style of the production keeps the information in front. As such, there is not really an opportunity to connect emotionally with the impact. But, it is totally worth hearing about this research and its potential.
A piece of history that offers real insight into the mystique of technology.
We ran this on KUOW Presents and have gotten several e-mails back from listeners who really enjoyed hearing it.
I like how the story transitions from studio to outdoors.
I get a vivid picture in my head of the scene, and that's always a good thing.
Love the moment caught on tape - surprising and rewarding.
Exactly the right length.
I hesitate to call this terrific only because the images from the museum are terrifying. As other reviews have commented, though, the tone of the producer and museum guide help give some levity to disturbing instruments of mental treatment. It is a piece that has real impact.
The museum tour could actually be shortened. After abour five minutes I needed some kind of context for all the historical devices. The interview at the end gave me that context and helped me as a listener put all those images into a place in my head where I could really mull over the significance.
Also, the artifacts are presented out of chronological order. It would have been helpful to me to hear about them in a way that gave me a sense of the 'progression' of treatments. For me, that would have given this a stronger story structure, a sense of cause and effect, a beginning, middle and end - something that helps a radio piece stick in my head so I can tell others about it.
This piece does offer much-needed historical perspective on mental health treatment. I find this an important - though gruesome - tour of what humans have tried to do for one another. And, I really appreciate the final thought in this from the producer.
Although on the surface this story is about solving a budget problem, I also appreciated hearing the deeper tension that faces many teachers. Teach to the book or teach the true subject?
While the administrator is concerned that time spent raising money-saving crayfish takes away from book time, the teacher knows that real-life experiences are worth it.
The children's voices are fun and the production is tight.
I like this story because it leaves room for the listener to continue thinking.
The stories and philosophy of nature and life in this piece are inspirational. For anyone living in a city, the Medicine Garden and the attitudes of the people who tend it, give hope to what is possible just beyond the concrete and cyclone fencing.
Nice ambiance, good 'visuals' and sticky information about plants, Native American beliefs and the history of Chicago.
This piece got me laughing at several points.
One of my tests for a good story is if it makes me want to share a story of my own. At the end, I wanted to write down my own memories from my hometown. So, it is effective storytelling on that point.
It is a bit long, though. About midway through my attention started to lag. The music cues are fun, but could be cut back.
This is an interesting piece of history and Nate has a good style to his storytelling.
There are times, however, when it's hard to catch some of his words. His tone is a bit too soft on critical words. The overall effect is intimate storytelling, but a piece like this is such a different pace and volume from most other stories that it is difficult to find the best place to schedule it.
That said, the story is vivid. Within the context of the larger tale, I figure out what's going on - even if I can't catch every word.
I program a local magazine that mixes in-house stories and acquired content. So, I still need some kind of intro to set up this piece and let listeners know why they want to hear it - especially since it does not have any kind of current news hook.
Here's how I led in:
INTRO:
"Cross-dressing, high-drama, guns, romance, a remarkable ending… you don’t have to go to Hollywood to get an amazing story.
Just turn to history.
Independent producer Nate DiMeo [dih-MAY-oh] brings us this tale of Ellen and William Craft's escape from slavery in 1848."
The mix of music and Levy's interview is engaging.
Levy clearly loves the harmonica and I came away with a real appreciation for the instrument's range. There moments in his car and his house give me a sense of being right there with him. Levy is an entertaining guy.
Comments by Megan Sukys
Comment for "Almost Perfect"
Megan Sukys
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 05:17 PM | Permalink
Love how this story unfolds!
A touching exploration of a father and son relationship interspersed with the philosophical underpinnings of bowling. Really nice.
Comment for "Best Craigslist Ad Ever? "
Megan Sukys
Posted on March 21, 2011 at 12:36 AM | Permalink
So funny, Just a Little too Saucy for Afternoon
I laughed and came *this close* to buying this. But, the final 'lemonade means sex' just crossed the line of what I feel comfortable running at 2:45p on a Monday afternoon.
My standard is, "Would I want to hear this in the car with my 6-year old?"
That said, the read is terrific and the ad is a scream. I'll keep it in mind for an evening broadcast.
And, if possible, I'd run it more than once. I think some listeners would find this a hoot.
Comment for "Best Craigslist Ad Ever? "
Megan Sukys
Posted on March 21, 2011 at 12:34 AM | Permalink
So Funny, Can't Do It
I laughed and came *this close* to buying this. But, the final 'lemonade means sex' just crossed the line of what I feel comfortable running at 2:45p on a Monday afternoon.
My standard is, "Would I want to hear this in the car with my 6-year old?"
That said, the read is terrific and the ad is a scream. I'll keep it in mind for an evening broadcast.
Comment for "Stagefright"
Megan Sukys
Posted on March 11, 2011 at 07:33 PM | Permalink
Personal and Universal
Even though this story is 11 years old, it still stands up to listening today.
Comment for "John Lennon's Lost Letter to Oral Roberts"
Megan Sukys
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 06:32 PM | Permalink
Just Needed a Slightly Stronger End
I am so intrigued by this story and I was with it all the way to the end. But, I was left hanging there.
There's no way to verify if it's real is the last thing I hear. So I find myself wondering why I needed to hear about it.
If I knew that it couldn't be confirmed before the final music, but was left with that tidbit of song, I would know that it was something I'd have to decide for myself. But, as it is the final sentence kind of deflates the tension and surprise in the piece.
If I were the editor of this piece, I would advise just that little tweaking of the final thought and then I'd definitely buy it.
Comment for "Shakespeare In Black and White"
Megan Sukys
Posted on February 24, 2011 at 11:02 PM | Permalink
Just kept listening
I hadn't heard about a lot of the history covered in this piece.
Comment for "Aha Moment: Underground Railroad"
Megan Sukys
Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:58 PM | Permalink
History Matters Now
Lovely story that weaves the past and the present for one woman.
Comment for "StoryCorps Griot: Carl McNair"
Megan Sukys
Posted on February 07, 2011 at 12:40 AM | Permalink
Memorable Images
Carl shares an iconic family story in a way that makes me feel like I'm a friend of his. His brother's experience in the library would be an interesting story anyway. But, knowing he grew up to be an astronaut makes it all the more compelling. Then, the terrible Shuttle disaster AND the information in the final tag?!?
It stands out for me because it delivers pieces of the story in every element: the intro, the audio and the tag. As a listener, it helps the story really stick in my mind.
Comment for "Toilet Paper Scrap Chronicles Civil Rights Ordeal"
Megan Sukys
Posted on February 06, 2011 at 10:56 PM | Permalink
Still worth Hearing
This story was produced five and a half years ago, but I still found it very compelling.
Comment for ""A Second Wind: Elders Act for Justice" Hubie Jones"
Megan Sukys
Posted on February 06, 2011 at 10:19 PM | Permalink
Good Guest and Idea, but wanted More story
From the piece description I was looking for more a more vivid recounting of his experiences. And I hoped to learn a bit more about Hubie's interest in this. Why a children's choir? What challenges did he face? What do the kids learn in rehearsal.
The interview drew me in when Hubie spoke about children spending the night with friends in neighborhoods they might never see otherwise. And, if there more scenes and specific moments like that, I'd totally go for this story. As it was, I just wasn't able to fully see and connect with him and his work in my mind's eye.
I do like hearing about this work, though. And I will continue to listen to other stories in this series and from this producer.
Comment for "Music and Mental Illness"
Megan Sukys
Posted on January 28, 2011 at 09:26 PM | Permalink
Wonderful Blend of Story, Music and Information
I have programmed several of Paolo's stories. He has a solid delivery and quality production every time.
This is a compelling perspective into mental illness. And, I don't think the date hook of 2010 precludes it from being run now.
This is a thoughtful piece and the generous amount of music sets a nice tone. It's not driving or hard hitting, but it is a good fit for an afternoon.
I was pulled into the details he shares from science, music and history. His final thought is touching without being treacly.
Comment for "Matisyahu on the World's Stage"
Megan Sukys
Posted on January 04, 2010 at 08:46 PM | Permalink
Where Music is Going
I like this piece for its insight into how the music business is changing. I am running it with this lead:
Technology has radically altered the music business.
Take Matisyahu as an example.
He’s a Hasidic Jew from White Plains, New York.
He’s also a musician who blends traditional Jewish themes with Reggae, rock and hip hop sounds.
And, Matisyahu uses high tech applications to build real relationships as he tours across the country meeting fans.
It's going so well he's finding himself as part of the Olympic promotional engine for NBC.
Andrew Davis explains his technological and personal approach.
I am not crazy about the nearly 10 second of music at the top of the story, I'd rather have jumped into the story first and then gotten the music.
Also, the delivery is a little too enthusiastic. I doubt the objectivity of the reporter. It would have been nice to get an outside voice to put Matisyahu's approach into context.
That said, I chose to run it on our afternoon magazine because it is an interesting lens into what music fans now are responding to. We have a lot of musicians - and technology - in Seattle and I think listeners will be drawn into both the music and the story of how Matisyahu has used hi-tech to reach fans.
Comment for "Freaks Like Us"
Megan Sukys
Posted on December 07, 2009 at 09:26 PM | Permalink
Great Ending
The story starts off mysteriously. We hear about an X-ray, a girl's experience in school, but we don't hear what made her different.
It's a moving story throughout and a great history and perspective on the freak show.
The ending sealed it for me, though, making it a powerful and universal story.
I scheduled it for my afternoon magazine and am considering running it again for our weekend magazine.
Comment for "Overtreatment: How health care makes us sick"
Megan Sukys
Posted on November 17, 2009 at 03:20 PM | Permalink
Haven't Heard this Perspective Covered Much
This is a valuable addition to any discussion about health care in America.
Comment for "Healthcare and the Death of David"
Megan Sukys
Posted on September 22, 2009 at 07:53 PM | Permalink
Much Listener Gratitude
I ran this story last week on our daily magazine and we are still getting inquiries about it this week. Listeners have said that they really appreciated hearing this personal story. Many wanted to share the story with people they knew in other cities.
I paired it with a harder news story with a dollars and sense perspective on the healthcare debate.
Comment for "Voices on Antisemitism: Shawn Green (New York Mets)" (deleted)
Megan Sukys
Posted on September 15, 2009 at 05:58 PM
Time Dated, Bulky Package (deleted)
I liked this story suggestion from the PRX editors and previewed it. I won't broadcast it for two reasons:
1. It is too time dated. Shawn Green retired from baseball in Feb 2008. So, saying 'we recently sat down with him' and referencing him as a current player doesn't work.
2. Like many podcasts, too much of the piece is identifying the segment, giving the concept, providing web links and soliciting feedback. The story is too buried.
Comment for "Emerging Technology Allows the Blind to "See" through the Tongue" (deleted)
Megan Sukys
Posted on August 17, 2009 at 09:36 PM
Technology I Want to Know About (deleted)
Incredible technology for those with visual impairment. And, interesting insight into the way our brains work.
This is a story that could bring hope to many people.
Even for those with good vision, it gives good history to treatment of blind veterans and the science of sight.
The straightforward news-style of the production keeps the information in front. As such, there is not really an opportunity to connect emotionally with the impact. But, it is totally worth hearing about this research and its potential.
Comment for ""these words, forever"" (deleted)
Megan Sukys
Posted on July 21, 2009 at 09:17 PM
Good Listener Response (deleted)
A piece of history that offers real insight into the mystique of technology.
We ran this on KUOW Presents and have gotten several e-mails back from listeners who really enjoyed hearing it.
Comment for "Blind Dog"
Megan Sukys
Posted on July 20, 2009 at 09:38 PM | Permalink
Great Story
I like how the story transitions from studio to outdoors.
I get a vivid picture in my head of the scene, and that's always a good thing.
Love the moment caught on tape - surprising and rewarding.
Exactly the right length.
Comment for "Inside the Glore"
Megan Sukys
Posted on July 16, 2009 at 09:37 PM | Permalink
Disturbingly Visual and Thought Provoking
I hesitate to call this terrific only because the images from the museum are terrifying. As other reviews have commented, though, the tone of the producer and museum guide help give some levity to disturbing instruments of mental treatment. It is a piece that has real impact.
The museum tour could actually be shortened. After abour five minutes I needed some kind of context for all the historical devices. The interview at the end gave me that context and helped me as a listener put all those images into a place in my head where I could really mull over the significance.
Also, the artifacts are presented out of chronological order. It would have been helpful to me to hear about them in a way that gave me a sense of the 'progression' of treatments. For me, that would have given this a stronger story structure, a sense of cause and effect, a beginning, middle and end - something that helps a radio piece stick in my head so I can tell others about it.
This piece does offer much-needed historical perspective on mental health treatment. I find this an important - though gruesome - tour of what humans have tried to do for one another. And, I really appreciate the final thought in this from the producer.
Comment for "One School District's Unlikely Solution to Budget Woes...Crayfish"
Megan Sukys
Posted on July 15, 2009 at 05:40 PM | Permalink
Hints at Deeper Issue
Although on the surface this story is about solving a budget problem, I also appreciated hearing the deeper tension that faces many teachers. Teach to the book or teach the true subject?
While the administrator is concerned that time spent raising money-saving crayfish takes away from book time, the teacher knows that real-life experiences are worth it.
The children's voices are fun and the production is tight.
I like this story because it leaves room for the listener to continue thinking.
Comment for "A Peculiar Wilderness"
Megan Sukys
Posted on July 15, 2009 at 04:53 PM | Permalink
Inspirational
The stories and philosophy of nature and life in this piece are inspirational. For anyone living in a city, the Medicine Garden and the attitudes of the people who tend it, give hope to what is possible just beyond the concrete and cyclone fencing.
Nice ambiance, good 'visuals' and sticky information about plants, Native American beliefs and the history of Chicago.
Comment for "How the West was Won"
Megan Sukys
Posted on July 14, 2009 at 09:05 PM | Permalink
Made me Reconsider My Hometown
This piece got me laughing at several points.
One of my tests for a good story is if it makes me want to share a story of my own. At the end, I wanted to write down my own memories from my hometown. So, it is effective storytelling on that point.
It is a bit long, though. About midway through my attention started to lag. The music cues are fun, but could be cut back.
Comment for "the messrs. craft" (deleted)
Megan Sukys
Posted on July 13, 2009 at 08:08 PM
Good Storytelling (deleted)
This is an interesting piece of history and Nate has a good style to his storytelling.
There are times, however, when it's hard to catch some of his words. His tone is a bit too soft on critical words. The overall effect is intimate storytelling, but a piece like this is such a different pace and volume from most other stories that it is difficult to find the best place to schedule it.
That said, the story is vivid. Within the context of the larger tale, I figure out what's going on - even if I can't catch every word.
I program a local magazine that mixes in-house stories and acquired content. So, I still need some kind of intro to set up this piece and let listeners know why they want to hear it - especially since it does not have any kind of current news hook.
Here's how I led in:
INTRO:
"Cross-dressing, high-drama, guns, romance, a remarkable ending… you don’t have to go to Hollywood to get an amazing story.
Just turn to history.
Independent producer Nate DiMeo [dih-MAY-oh] brings us this tale of Ellen and William Craft's escape from slavery in 1848."
Comment for "Howard Levy: Reinventing the Harmonica"
Megan Sukys
Posted on July 01, 2009 at 07:51 PM | Permalink
Entertaining Mix of Information and Music
The mix of music and Levy's interview is engaging.
Levy clearly loves the harmonica and I came away with a real appreciation for the instrument's range. There moments in his car and his house give me a sense of being right there with him. Levy is an entertaining guy.