The Leader

Issue date: 10/8/09 Section: The Spotlight

Storytelling through the radio seems to be an activity of the past. Not with Ira Glass narrating the story. This American Life's executive producer and host, Ira Glass has taken storytelling and reporting to create a fusion that captivates listeners everywhere. On October 24, Ira Glass will be at UWM's Wisconsin Room to share his stories with the Milwaukee community.

Glass is no ordinary radio host, but he is a man everyone can relate to. Glass dedicated his time to working his way to the top; he did everything from tape cutting to reporting at NPR. As a little boy, he dreamed of being an astronaut and still is fascinated by the invention of airplanes. Even as a business traveler, Glass still thinks it's absolutely crazy to fly in an airplane. His personality is filled with knowledge and curiosity to understand and see individuals' in their truest form, which he translates into "This American Life."

Ira Glass's renowned status, however, didn't come easily. Like many college students, Glass was confronted by the typical idea that the only solid job one can get would be a doctor, a lawyer, or a businessman. Likewise, Glass was interested in plays, and even dabbled in magician acts, but didn't think of those hobbies as careers.

"What else would I do? That's what people did if they were smart. They become a doctor," Glass comments on the situation in an RTN interview.

At nineteen, he decided to satisfy his parents' wish while continuing to search for his passion. Glass found two summer internships- one being in the shock trauma unit at the University of Maryland Hospital and the other at NPR's Washington Headquarters. Over that summer it became quite clear what suited Glass.

The summer internship at NPR paved the way for Glass to explore the world of radio broadcasting. For seventeen years, Glass stayed with NPR's Washington Headquarters to put in his foot or one could say his whole body into a variety of job positions. Glass had the opportunity to work on almost every NPR news show, and had every production job they had to offer. He gained experience from all spectrums of the board.

In 1989, Glass moved to Chicago where he began a documentary series on public schools and race relations for NPR. By 1995, "This American Life" aired and Ira Glass started his journey as the "king of American public radio," describes National Post. Glass breaks the one-hour show down into four or five acts. The show focuses on one theme, and each act tells a story that links into this theme. Glass brings his viewers through this captivating hour of ordinary people with extraordinary stories. The music in the background, the soft yet vivid conversation- even the breaks make this a beautiful, full circle of storytelling.

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