Notes

Alan Rickman's advice for young actors (Feb. 28, 2012) | Charlie Rose
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I am a firm believer that a lifetime of experiences contribute to the best work creative individuals put out. As Pentagram’s Paula Scher once said “[design may seem quick but] It’s done in a second and 25 years.”
While giving an interview with Charlie Rose, the late Alan Rickman commented that “whatever you do as an actor is cumulative” and therefore young actors gain the best experience when they “go to art galleries, listen to music, and know what’s happening on the news.”
Every great designer or writer will tell you where they gained inspiration for each project, and not surprisingly most of it likely came from outside their immediate field.
For me time-based media (audio and video) are my go-to for frequent consumption, and the reasons are simple.
They require a strong narrative structure to work. If you look at the sheer number of podcasts on iTunes one would assume that the public would be talking more about all of the great shows available. In reality a number of those podcasts are nothing but individuals rambling on about a particular topic or conducting an interview with no editorial goal. Without some sort of thesis or basic use of pacing these shows quickly fall to the bottom.They’re easy to consume while workingIt is very easy for me to actively design while listening to and comprehending a story. These are good situations in which to “double down” or both consume and produce at the same time.They’re entertainingWhile many of us have a desire to be smart there’s no denying that lack of interest in the delivery of information will result in immediate mental detachment. Video and Audio are a time-tested source of pure entertainment (I think I’ve been to only five art shows where I’d consider myself completely “entertained”) and the best part is that if you’re bored you can move on. Art galleries are still important and thought provoking. Reading a balance of fiction and non-fiction is excellent exercise for the brain. Film, garbage TV, and the depths of Reddit all serve a purpose for relaxing an overworked mental state. However, for this piece I will focus on my favorite podcasts and documentaries.
Here is a breakdown of the best content I consumed in 2015.
Podcasts I love (in no particular order) This American LifeTAL is a tried and true classic, and we owe it for the creation of serial. Ira Glass’s meter can throw some people off, but this is arguably the pinnacle of human interest reporting.
Song ExploderHrishikesh Hirway has a serious case of “microphone voice” but I love that he just sits back and lets artists recount the genesis of their music. I love that the musicians run the gamut from scrappy (Tune Yards) to fully educated in music theory (John Lunn)
99% InvisibleRoman Mars also likes to get close to the mic, but the stories he puts out are incredible. This show focuses on design decisions that affect everyone but go nearly unnoticed, such as the use of concrete as a building material, or the placement of missing persons on milk cartons.
CriminalPhoebe Judge presents stories that vary in their relationship with crime. Whether they’re accounts of particularly viscous offenses, or portraits of detectives, there is a mystique about her delivery that keeps me on the edge of my seat.
The HeartFormerly Audio Smut, this show paints a picture of sexuality from all walks of life, socioeconomic levels, and sexual preference. As they moved into the name “The Heart” Kaitlin Prest and Mitra Kaboli have expanded their pieces to dive further into human relationships and romance. For any millennial who has spent time in New York’s social scene, this is a must. “The Beach” is an incredible episode, as is “Idiot and Dummy.”
Death, Sex, and MoneyAnna Sale is an incredible interviewer, always finding a way to make her subjects feel comfortable enough of open up about personal subjects. I was instantly hooked after listening to “Brooklyn Left Me Broke and Tired” and haven’t stopped listening since.
The AllusionistThis one took me a while to get into, but Helen Zaltzman’s soothing British pulled me back in. In reality, it was the “Crosswords” episode that hooked me for good, and I look forward to every fast-paced, information-packed show.
The TruthJonathan Mitchell brings the listener entertainment–these are “Radio Shows” in their purest form. Typically fiction, multiple actors voice characters that take the listener on a gripping, mysterious journey that may leave them feeling unsettled on the other side. Start with “Voyager Found.” An aside—their audio logo is haunting and perfect.
Benjamen Walker’s Theory of EverythingI’m new to Benjamen Walker’s approach to delivery, he almost comes across as insistent as he hammers emphasis onto the end of each line. That said, his content is always of highest quality and heavily personal accounts of his life and growing up. “1984 (the year not the book)” is the episode that drew me in and I’d be surprised if it didn’t bring in every first-timer as well.
Love and RadioNick Vanderkolk brings a gritty, realistic approach to this show that is similar to that of The Heart. Whether they’re long-format interviews with individuals from less than desirable walks of life, or introspective investigations brought to the public, each show piques my interest. I was brought in via “The Living Room” as many were, but “Thank You, Princess” is a wild ride of kinky exploration that will satisfy everyone’s more curious side.
InvisibiliaLulu Miller and Alix Spiegel take a look at the invisible forces that define our everyday life, from the thoughts we have to the way we behave. This is a very approachable show, and their ability to break topics down to be comprehensible without catering to the lowest common denominator is near-perfect. The first season was short, but I’m looking forward to what more they might have in store.
RadiolabI shouldn’t have to explain this one, as it’s up there with This American Life in terms of reputation. Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich bring stories of all types to the table, from human interest, to crime, to science, to technology. What sets them apart though is a unique approach to sound design. Rather than the standard radio interviewer/interviewee format, they chop up conversations and employee sound effects to set the stage and move their stories along. “Stochasticity” is an all time favorite for me, as is “The Ring And I.”
Planet MoneyI feel that everyone should stay somewhat informed of the state of the global economy and thankfully this podcast makes it simple and clear. Whether the subject is Greece’s crises (“The Last Euro in Greece”), patents (“When Patents Attack”) or ranching (“How To Catch A Cattle Thief”) each story is carefully crafted to increase its relevance to the listener.
StartupMany people have at some point considered going into business for themselves, and this podcast documents former NPR reporter Alex Blumberg as he does just that. Combine his bumbling mishaps with the fast-paced, “take no prisoners” nature of the current tech community, and you get a realistic peek behind the curtain of investment, valuation, staffing, and personal drama. There have now been about one and a half seasons, but each is true to this format. This show is also home to the creation of Gimlet Media, the producer of the two following podcasts.
Mystery ShowThis show’s debut season was short, but NPR reporter Starlee Kine creates entertainment out of her quest to solve mysteries she has developed or procured through friends. I would place this into the entertainment category rather than education, but I find it interesting to study her uniquely quirky approach to serious journalism. All of the episodes are unique and fun, but “Source Code” takes the cake.
Reply AllP.J. Vogt and Alex Goldman (formerly of WNYC’s TLDR) bring you stories about the internet and how they had real effects on human beings. “We Know What You Did” is an amazing piece of radio that features the inventor of the popup ad and the story of how and why he created it. All of the pieces follow a similar format that investigates the relationship between humans and the web, but in a manner that doesn’t start with a skeptical viewpoint.
SerialUnfortunately Serial has almost become a cliché at this point, but regardless of whether everyone has listened or not, Sarah Koenig is an excellent reporter and can form stories in vivid detail. There is no way that season 2 can live up to the public’s expectations, but I think that it’s off to a great start.
Documentaries I enjoyed Chef’s Table (Netflix)I blew through this series, as each episode follows a different chef and his or her approach to creating new dishes, perfecting old ones, and maintaining a perfect level of service at their restaurant. Though it’s centered on food, the filmmaking, editorial format, and focus on creativity make this serious a must-watch for every creative. Episodes “Magnus Nilsson, and “Francis Mallman” are the best of the bunch.
Mind of a Chef (Netflix)Though not as good as Chef’s Table, this series takes a closer look at the production of food as well as the origin of many dishes people eat today. The format gets a bit dry and repetitive, but the subjects covered are interesting for food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs alike.
Making a Murderer (Netflix)This series is almost as much of a cliché as Serial after everyone seemed to have watched it over the Christmas holiday. For those who don’t know, this series follows the allegedly wrongful convictions of Brendan and Steven Avery for a murder in 2005. The documentary approach is unique and satisfying, especially for a ten show format. Rather than featuring a narrator pushing an agenda, opinions are conveyed through the use of interviews, the presentation of facts, and the introduction of characters.
Murder on a Sunday Morning (Youtube)An excellent documentary about a boy named Brenton Butler who was wrongfully accused of a murder in Florida. What drew me into this film was the strong teamwork and personalties of defense duo Patrick McGuinness and Ann Finnell. McGuinness himself is worth the watch as he brings a “no-bullshit” approach to his job as a public defender.
Inside Necker IslandRegardless of your opinion on Richard Branson I bet most wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to visit his private piece of paradise. This documentary takes a look at life on Necker Island, the staff who keep it running, and the individuals who pay top dollar for the opportunity for just a moment with the famous mogul. This film reminds the viewer that everyone is human whether they have a billion dollars or very little, and how people make use of the hand they’re dealt.
Hot Girls Wanted (Netflix)Documentaries are a platform by which to explore topics that may otherwise be taboo, and this is a great example. Though it can be hard to watch, this film not only explores the online sex industry, but also how easy it has gotten for the current generation to make and distribute pornography.
The Central Park Five (Netflix)New York City was a completely different place in the 80s compared to now, and this documentary is just one example. In April of 1989 a woman was brutally raped and assaulted in Central Park, and five young African American boys were unlucky enough to be causing unrelated trouble in the park that night. This film explores failures in the police system as well as the power of public perception as the five young men are wrongfully accused, coerced into confessing, and sent to prison.
I‘d love to hear about more great shows that I haven’t yet discovered, as this is a very focused slice of the content available. Even better, let me know what you do to stay inspired while you work. Is it a specific genre of music? 24 hour news running in an open tab? Or a clean window facing the park?
Stay curious and always on the lookout for interesting stories and we’ll see what we find in 2016!

Website: https://etauhren.at