How Two Producers of ‘Transparent’ Made Their Own Trans Lives More Visible

A profile of former couple Zackary Drucker and Rhys Ernst—producers of Amazon’s Transparent, who are transgender themselves—in which they discuss “Relationship,” the book-length photo essay they both shot and appear in, and the importance of having transgender people act not just as subjects, but as the authors of works on the topic.

Published: Sep 13, 2016
Length: 15 minutes (3,791 words)

Fortress of Tedium: What I Learned as a Substitute Teacher

This New England novelists’ view of the world is always singular. Baker recounts how he became a low-wage, revolving door educator in order to better understand American education and the ways it makes “interesting things dull.” “Explain your answer,” said the assignment. “No, thank you,” said Baker.

Published: Sep 7, 2016
Length: 11 minutes (2,789 words)

Edward Snowden’s Long, Strange Journey to Hollywood

A behind-the-scenes look at how Oliver Stone’s “Snowden” got made.

Published: Aug 30, 2016
Length: 32 minutes (8,018 words)

Making House: Notes on Domesticity

Is a home something to be lived in, or looked at — or both? Rachel Cusk meditates on the duality of a life simultaneously constructed and experienced.

Published: Aug 31, 2016
Length: 20 minutes (5,007 words)

Inside Facebook’s (Totally Insane, Unintentionally Gigantic, Hyperpartisan) Political-Media Machine

John Herrman meets the social media marketers whose political memes are taking over Facebook.

Published: Aug 25, 2016
Length: 17 minutes (4,436 words)

‘I Have No Choice but to Keep Looking’

Five years after a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, a husband is still searching the sea for his missing wife, joined by a father looking for his daughter.

Published: Aug 2, 2016
Length: 24 minutes (6,140 words)

The Mysterious Metamorphosis of Chuck Close

Not just a fascinating profile of the legendary artist—undergoing major life changes at 76—but also a lovely tribute to late-stage creativity and a glimpse of how Hilton navigated what he should and shouldn’t disclose about Close’s illnesses and relationships.

Published: Jul 14, 2016
Length: 30 minutes (7,512 words)

Marie Kondo and the Ruthless War on Stuff

Brodesser-Akner profiles Marie Kondo, the best-selling Japanese author has started a formal training program for her organizing methods. Kondo has devoted followers, but also many detractors from the National Association of Professional Organizers, who find her methods too draconian.

Published: Jul 6, 2016
Length: 23 minutes (5,753 words)

Refugees Encounter a Foreign Word: Welcome

In Canada, ordinary citizens are clamoring to sponsor Syrian refugees and welcome them into their homes. The Times spent five months interviewing families and refugees about their experiences, which have been largely positive.

Published: Jun 30, 2016
Length: 22 minutes (5,511 words)

Bill on Bill

Legendary New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham died this weekend. In this 2002 article for the Times, Cunningham writes about how he got his career started.

Published: Oct 27, 2002
Length: 12 minutes (3,200 words)