How the Host of ‘S-Town’ Gained Subjects’ Trust and Made Tough Reporting Decisions

Katie Kilkenny interviews Brian Reed, the host of the popular investigative podcast, “S-Town” from the producers of Serial and This American Life. Reed shares his perspective on his approach to reporting the story: how he earned the trust of the people he interviewed, (the story takes place in Bibb County, Alabama — a poor and rural part of the state not used to outsiders) and his thoughts about reporting on someone after they have died. (Warning: the interview contains spoilers.)

Published: Apr 13, 2017
Length: 8 minutes (2,223 words)

Where Are The Romanovs’ Missing Fabergé Easter Eggs?

Allison Mc Nearny seeks out the history of these glorious Easter gifts.

Source: The Daily Beast
Published: Sep 2, 2016
Length: 6 minutes (1,660 words)

The End of Independent Film As We Know It

How a new generation of indie filmmakers is finding its voice through Amazon and Netflix — and why this might be a scary development for the future of cinema.

Source: The Ringer
Published: Apr 10, 2017
Length: 30 minutes (7,529 words)

Will London Fall?

In an increasingly insular Britain, the world’s most cosmopolitan capital is bracing for an uncertain future.

Published: Apr 11, 2017
Length: 15 minutes (3,838 words)

Most People Love Ramona Quimby, But I Remember Beverly Cleary

“That Cleary eventually ended up writing children’s books feels the way the paths of a great many talented people feel: both inevitable and magical, the result of a lot of hard work mixed with a certain amount of luck.”

Author: Kate Dries
Source: Jezebel
Published: Apr 12, 2016
Length: 6 minutes (1,691 words)

Going It Alone

Rahawa Haile shares her story of hiking the Appalachian Trail as a queer black woman in the spring of 2016 — traveling through hundreds of miles in states that staunchly supported Donald Trump in the election.

Source: Outside
Published: Apr 11, 2017
Length: 15 minutes (3,787 words)

Inside the Renegade Republican Movement for Tackling Climate Change

The number of Republicans who believe in climate change is increasing, yet the GOP stance is to deny and avoid the issue. These conservative advocates are talking to conservative voters about how a warming planet effects the things they value: economics, hunting and fishing and national security.

Source: The Verge
Published: Apr 7, 2017
Length: 7 minutes (1,955 words)

Some Vague Stars to the South

“Bakers, Grand Mufti, Bashar al-Assad, Epictetus, Rumi, butchers, lecture halls, Syrians, Battle of Kadesh, Damascus, calf brains, strawberry shisha, goblet drums, lovemaking, Christian Quarter, Qur’an, Bedouin encampments, tiny backpacks & Islam.”

Author: David Zoby
Source: Nowhere
Published: Mar 1, 2017
Length: 20 minutes (5,081 words)

The Brutality of the Barkley Marathons

One hundred-plus miles. No marked route. No GPS. No trails. No sleep. Can you finish in under 60 hours?

Source: Deadspin
Published: Apr 10, 2017
Length: 12 minutes (3,146 words)

The Existential Conundrum That Is the American Waste Paper Basket

“Until I read Paradox, I had not considered the possibility that waste paper baskets could be imbued with paradox, but Legrand has convinced me.”

Author: Ben Marks
Published: May 4, 2015
Length: 8 minutes (2,060 words)