Show notes
Does the world have you baffled? Looking to spark your curiosity and make sense of what's going on? Join Dr. Diane for a very special year-end edition of the Adventures in Learning podcast with award-winning producer and writer Aisha Turner. Aisha is a producer and writer from the Baltimore area. She is currently the Executive Producer on the NBC News/MSNBC podcast Into America.Previously, Aisha was a producer with StoryCorps. She was also the first Race and Ethnicity Reporter for WUWM – Milwaukee Public Radio and had worked in the city as a radio producer on Precious Lives – an award-winning series about gun violence in Milwaukee.Her work seeks to encourage empathy, create connection, and put events into context so that this world can seem a little less baffling.[00:01] Introduction[01:13]The Steve Spangler Connection[02:51] Impact of Travel and Experiences[06:46] Aisha's Journey in Media- Highlights: Fellowship at PBS NewsHour, international experiences, and transition to audio storytelling.[08:05] Role as Executive Producer at MSNBC Audio- Overseeing podcasts, staffing, and editorial approaches.- Main show: Into America with host Tremaine Lee.[10:06] Qualities of Engaging Storytelling- High-quality production, intimate storytelling, and challenging assumptions.- Emphasizes the importance of empathy, connection, and putting events into context.[11:01] Encouraging Empathy and Creating Connection- Making world events less baffling.- Acknowledging the impact of media on perceptions and policies.[14:45] Uncovering Underreported Stories- The need for more in-depth coverage of climate change's impact on marginalized communities.- Focus on ongoing issues like food security and homelessness.[18:20] Challenges in Media Today- Speed, defining the audience, and resource constraints - Balancing nuance and thoroughness with quick turnaround times.[19:53] Stories Aisha Would Like to See- More in-depth coverage of climate change's impact on marginalized communities.- Creative storytelling around ongoing issues like food security and homelessness.[24:10] Notable Project: "Reconstructed"- Explores historical events and connects them to contemporary issues.[26:03] Influential Figures: Oprah and Nikole Hannah-Jones- Aisha admires Oprah's openness, curiosity, and ability to cover a range of topics.- Nikole Hannah-Jones is Aisha's current journalism crush for her masterful storytelling.[27:46] Current Curiosities- Learning about other cultures through travel.- Exploring international contexts and political systems.[30:16] Sources of Joy- Connecting with new people, reflecting, and taking on new challenges.- Currently finds joy in her role at work and her continuous growth.[30:51] New Year Adventures- Plans to travel more and take more art classes.- Expresses a desire to lean into creativity and the joy of being a creator.Support the Show.Read the full show notes, visit the website, and check out my on-demand virtual course. Continue the adventure at LinkedIn or Instagram. *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
