1. A Big Listening Project
1. A Big Listening Project
1. A Big Listening Project
1. A Big Listening Project
Interview Series
Loretta Metoxen
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One of our favorite episodes to work on was Episode 6: Native Historians do Stand-up about the WPA project to preserve the Oneida language and history. But that was not the first time we explored this story. We traveled to Oneida, conducting interviews and digging into archives, when we produced our documentary Soul of a People. One of those interviews was with the remarkable Loretta Metoxen.
Until her death in 2021, Metoxen was the Tribal Historian for the Oneida Nation, a position she served in for over two decades. She was tasked with preserving, documenting and interpreting her people’s history, culture, and traditions. Having learned directly from the WPA’s Oscar Archiquette, Metoxen is clear in her reflections on the groundbreaking work of the Oneida writers during the Depression and its huge impact today.
To hear the full interview, consider joining our Patreon.
Studs Terkel
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Studs Terkel was many things – a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, oral historian, radio legend, fiery populist, labor advocate and, above all, a master listener. For 45 years, his Chicago radio show invited everyday people to share their stories – the kind of history that often gets forgotten.
In 2006, we turned the tables and asked Studs to tell us his story. This never-before-released interview was one of his last before his death at age 96. Before we left, he signed our copy of his book about the Depression, Hard Times, with a simple message: “Keep up the good work.”
And that’s what we’re trying to do with The People’s Recorder – carry forward Studs’ legacy of person-first storytelling.
To hear the full interview, consider joining our Patreon.
Douglas Brinkley
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In 2006, award-winning filmmaker and producer Andrea Kalin sat down for an interview with bestselling author and renowned presidential historian Douglas Brinkley. Now, for the first time ever, that insightful and inspiring conversation is available for you to enjoy.
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To hear the full interview, join our Patreon Community
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