Salt Institute for Documentary Studies

Since 1973, the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies has taught students from all over the United States and around the world to become skilled documentarians and storytellers. At the core of Salt is a 24/7 15-week experience. Motivated individuals from all walks of life come to Salt to focus on documentary storytelling, develop new skills, and build expertise. Our faculty members are working documentarians and teaching professionals who help provide a strong foundation for students to make their best work.

SaltCast: the Backstory to Great Radio Storytelling

59 Pieces

The SaltCast was a bi-weekly podcast produced from 2008-2010, aimed at pulling back the curtain on radio storytelling. From fieldwork and recording techniques to narrative and ethics, Saltcast explored the ins-and-outs of radio production. If you want to hear more Salt radio work, including that produced by more recent students, check out http://www.prx.org/group_accounts/1185-salt !

From: Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
Updated: Jan 07, 2013

Food on the Table

From: Salt Institute for Documentary Studies

In today’s economy, you don’t hear too many success stories – let alone an unlikely one. Guy and Stella Hernandez went from designing buildings to ...

Bought by WMPG, New Hampshire Public Radio, and WAMC Northeast Public Radio

More Than Just Houses

From: Salt Institute for Documentary Studies

Portland, Maine’s Little Italy was one of many neighborhoods across America that was demolished as a result of Urban Renewal.

Bought by Connecticut Public (WNPR), New Hampshire Public Radio, WMPG, and SALTcast Podcast

Long After I'm Gone

From: Salt Institute for Documentary Studies

Francis Fenton, a ninety-five year old apple farmer, keeps the family farm running despite his advanced age and the decline of family farms.

Bought by WMPG, WAMC Northeast Public Radio, and KFAI Minneapolis

#61 - Ann Meets Mr. Ellington

From: Salt Institute for Documentary Studies

“Why now?” Producers often dread this question but editors often won't move forward on a story unless the question is answered.

Bought by PRX Remix

#60 - Cypress Knees

From: Salt Institute for Documentary Studies

Caption: A cypress knee — Jay Allison’s memento from a visit to Florida, a tour of a cypress knee museum, and a radio story about “an elevated, transcendent beauty we become aware of at death.”, Credit: Rob Rosenthal

Producer Jay Allison talks about hardship, memory, death... and pitching stories.

Bought by PRX Remix

#59 - Powered By Laughter

From: Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
Series: SaltCast: the Backstory to Great Radio Storytelling

Caption: Katie West smiles to change the world. , Credit: Avery Moore

At Salt we say "Music is emotional fascism." It's a bit tongue-in-cheek. But, the idea is that you want to be VERY careful when you choose to use m...

Bought by WOUB, Radio Newark, KUT, WMPG, and PRX Remix

#58 - Dam Radio Story

From: Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
Series: SaltCast: the Backstory to Great Radio Storytelling

Caption: President Franklin Roosevelt examines a model of the proposed Quoddy Dam, Eastport, Maine in 1935. The project barely got off the ground before it failed miserably., Credit: National Archive.

Sometimes the first step is the hardest. Same with starting a story.

Bought by Radio Newark, KUT, WMPG, and PRX Remix

#57 - Song of Marconi

From: Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
Series: SaltCast: the Backstory to Great Radio Storytelling

Caption: Guglielmo Marconi, inventor and early radio technology pioneer. , Credit: Dibner Library for the History of Science and Technology

Artist and writer Dennis Downey's essay on Marconi, an early radio pioneer, and talking on the radio.

Bought by WOUB, Radio Newark, KZMU Moab Community Radio, and PRX Remix

#56 - Dowser, Consultant to the Universe

From: Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
Series: SaltCast: the Backstory to Great Radio Storytelling

Caption: Glenn Johnson's business card reads "Dowswer, Consultant to the Universe.", Credit: Katherine Hays

Dowswer Glenn Johnson makes a mistake.

Bought by Radio Newark and PRX Remix

#55 - How I Get By

From: Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
Series: SaltCast: the Backstory to Great Radio Storytelling

Focus. Focus. Focus.

Bought by Radio Newark, KUT, WMPG, and PRX Remix

	Amy O'Leary Editor
	Sarah Buckingham
	Jamie Yuenger Independent Producer
	Selena Simmons-Duffin Production Assistant at NPR's Morning Edition
	Shane Perry
	donna galluzzo Executive Director, the Salt Institute
	Christine Heinz
	Anna Pinkert
	Alix Blair
	Emily Baer
	Salt Staff
	Isaac Kestenbaum (Admin)

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