I think the most interesting thing about the piece was the attribution and the reporter's subjective view, which came across in the voicing.

The piece focuses on a myriad of methods for lowering taxes -- the commitment of some grassroots level people to cut taxes at all costs. To me, the piece came across as very subjective. While I think that some producers can steer a piece one way or another through choosing their talking heads or including certain information, this reporter seemed to include all sides fairly, but then subjectively jumped to one side. I'm not sure this is entirely bad. It was interesting, her voicing parts with what sounded like incredulity. To offset, the piece interviewed quite a lot with the opposite opinion from what the reporter had to say.

I think a few technical issues could be smoothed out, with better mixing of the backgrounds of the heads with the reporter in the studio, and better identification, too... maybe. Twice she introduced two people and they alternated back and forth and it became a little confusing. I sort of liked that method, though. I'm torn. The two speakers had similar opinions, so confusion wouldn't hurt too much. Maybe if it were obviously two different people, a male and female, an older voice and a younger, etc. Interesting technique, though. I'll give it stars for trying that, at least. If they had polar opposite opinions, it would backfire.

The open for this piece really grabbed me -- always a good thing. The script is very nicely delivered. He's so engaging and personable. I chuckled a few times and had a good, solid laugh at the end. Nice job. Someone -- please air this!

This short piece is almost without context: People Don't Have Anything to Say? I won't argue the point. But in the process of reinforcing this reality, say something, say anything (!).

I bet this could be developed into a great transition piece for a broader, more engaging program on the underlying shortness of thought that's visible to the naked eye, as long as one's looking.

I liked it and think I want to hear more.

I almost didn’t make it through the introduction of this compilation of excerpts from a local series because the opening tone felt, to me, so saccharine it made me cranky. But I’m glad I persisted because there’s a good amount of practical, useful information contained within a few of the segments, especially for folks who’ve never had any kind of psychotherapy.
For parents, good tips for dealing with conflict, some ranging from word choice to tone of voice, to simply being a kind presence near another’s conflicts. The segment on middle school includes a young woman recalling bullies and other conflicts in her middle school years, and two dispute resolution mediators. A meditation teacher offers some basic Buddhist concepts for creating inner peace and dealing with people who could care less about inner peace, yours or their own. He shares a terrific antidote to fear meditation he practiced heavily after 9/11. A trainer in non-violent communication explains what empathic connection involves. Two work place mediators give a brief and not very illuminating report on improvements in postal service culture. Who can imagine “going postal” becoming anachronistic? The final segment features three African Americans, a city administrator, university student, and diversity trainer, in a frank and instructive conversation about instances of white privilege and injustice. Race is still such a complex, difficult and under-discussed topic, I’m grateful for any public conversation on the seemingly endless need for improving race relations in this country.
The trouble with compiling excerpts is you sometimes have to stretch to fill an hour, and the hour may lack a true unifying integrity. It’s a well-intentioned piece, uneven in quality, that I wish had been split into two half hour segments – perhaps one addressing people, parents, kids, one addressing work place, school, race, the more outer world. As things stand, different people will respond to different segments, some to none, and all in all, it’s on the whole, less than fully satisfying. sl

Alaska has always sounded interesting to me. Geo Beach pushes this further... Guvner Bushrat, political nepotism, losing to marijuana... An excellent, wide ranging commentary for those looking for commentaries, especially and obviously involving politics and the question "Whose Democracy is it, Anyway?"

Listening to Yo Yo Ma discuss music and culture with Chris Lydon just happens to be a great way to spend an hour. If you’re remotely curious about this exquisite musician and the range of his work outside of the classical genre, that in itself is reason enough to listen. In this journey about journeying, there’s fascinating talk of different cultures, musical styles, instruments, conflict, communication. Lydon gives Ma lots of room to expound, and their back and forth is so relaxed you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a leisurely after dinner, cognac-sipping kind of conversation. The production is beautifully mixed with lots of music. Lydon’s intelligence and writing skill are nicely displayed in the introduction and close to the piece. Plus, anyone who’s seen Fog of War will discover that Robert McNamara and Yo Yo Ma have something in common! Both elevate the notion of empathy for other cultures as essential to the struggle for world peace.
This piece can be aired whenever, just to air because it’s so darn good, or in connection to any Yo Yo Ma appearance or new recording, or violent world events (as I said, any time!), UN in the news, etc. Just air it. sl

I think it's unfortunate that I had to choose "experimental, offbeat and esoteric" to place this piece because I wish stuff like this was much more common, and that more people would get it. Chelsea has done a few like this that I like a lot. I also find this amusing. If you use it, don't introduce it, just play the sucker and then don't say anything but "Produced by Chelsea Merz" and leave it be. Those that get it will love you for it, those that don't aren't gonna like it no matter what your explanation will be. More people will get it than won't.

This report does a great job of capturing a day on the job--of illustrating the hardships and rewards of working on the Healthy Babies Project. The sound is great too and there are some colorful, memorable actualities. This would be best to boradcast on a news magazine, All Things Considered or Morning Edition. It would be a good addition to any show on community, healthcare, inner city culture. cm

A real sense of these communities comes through clearly, as does a sense of the three docs profiled. Lovely tape of patient/doctor interactions, as well as others connected to the health concerns of the community. Lots of problematic issues discussed, no lecturing, just the realities. Good production in every way.
Could air any time or in connection to health, family, community, work programming, or if there’s any congressional action around medical/work/rural concerns. So good I want to hear the rest of the series right away. sl