Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio

There is a metaphor in the book that the author uses to explain the feeling of being confused and trying to find the point of a story - "German Forest." Well, this book will make you feel lost in a large forest without any signs of where you are going. Ironically, the author stresses the use of signposting for making radio stories understandable; if only she used signposting in her book. We have a lot of weighty statements by the new "Masters of Radio" (Ira Glass, yes; the other "masters," not so much). There are better books about creating good podcasts and radio shows that teach both good technical skills and storytelling. I've worked in radio and created radio shows so I have some knowledge about radio production. Yes, there is hard work in creating a good show. However, you are better off spending time listening to your audience than, as she suggests, reading the over-dramatic philosophical musings of these "Masters of Radio."

Jessica, thank you so much for writing this book!!! It seriously changed my whole game.I was working on my independently produced podcast Working Sunday for a year or so before being recommended your book. It was a complete gamechanger for me. It not only reinvigorated my enthusiasm (which was waning) but gave me super practical tips on how to build scenes and craft stories ...I've completely re-organized my workflow as a result.I can't thank you enough :)-Reubenworkingsunday.com

My Aviation News Talk podcast is a news and pilot skills show for pilots and student pilots, but I came across a compelling story that I wanted to do in a narrative format. I'd figured out some of the devices used by This American Life and NPR podcasts, but Out on the Wire really helped me understand their methodology more fully. I read the book over a weekend and then made many small changes to the episode based on what I learned in the book. I released the episode a few days ago, and downloads are running about 35% ahead of other recent episodes. And the FAA contacted me saying they'd like to promote the episode through their social media! Thank you Jessica! What I learned from you has given my show a strong boost! If you want to check out the episode, it's #101 Emergency Landing: Controller Talks Down Student Pilot After Oil Covers Windshield at aviationnewstalk.com

First, it's important to know that this is written as a graphic novel. An interesting choice for a book about audio storytelling. But it works. The graphics and personal narrative make it feel like you are visiting with Ira Glass and others - it's a behind the scenes tour of how to make great radio. How to do audio storytelling. And the graphic format, helps punctuate the profound insights on how the stories are made. My only criticism is the text is small so bring reading glasses when to sit down to enjoy this book.

Was so looking forward to reading this tome, but it has proven absolutely nearly impossible on my kindle paperwhite. Do yourself a favor and order the physical copy. Incredibly disappointed with the formatting -- it doesn't do the book justice.

This is an awesome book for anyone who is working on storytelling. Also great for podcast nerds who want to know how the sausage is made. I’ve been inspired by it, and the podcast techniques have helped me up my game at presentations for work (I’m a researcher in tech.) Very consumable book, I recommend it now to all my colleagues.

The first 10-20 pages of this book are self-referential and somewhat opaque. But once you make it through (which takes just a few minutes-it's a graphic novel!) you start to understand that this is a heartfelt personal journal that also explains how the best podcasts (radio shows) tell compelling stories. Eventually you realize that the personal journal IS the story, which is exactly the point the author is trying to make.Highly recommended for content creators, particularly podcasters.

Yes it looks like a poorly put together comic book - Margins are to big - must zoom in on each page to see the full view for best reading - I dislike this style of eBook Format Greatly !!! Lucky I Returned My Purchase of this Title before the "Grace Period" had elapsed ( two days ) after I made My Original Purchase of this eBook ....

This is a fantastic book for anyone with any interest in the history of communication, especially if you're a podcast junkie. It's a meticulously research and masterfully crafted account of the early days of podcasting, and how they connect with the glory days of radio.

Love this. I teach radio. And do some presenting. So I've read a few books on the subject in my time.But this combines pearls of wisdom about making factual radio, in particular This American Life, in a comic book format.A must for students of documentary radio and podcasts.My new favourite text book.

I loved the idea of a cartoon explaining how to make audio stories but was unsure it would work.It did. Although I know a lot about storytelling being a journalist and novelist I learned so much from this book. It is very informative and explains to the reader in a very attractive ways. The idea works!

Brilliant book.Comic strip layout makes it a great book to dip in and out of.If you listen to this American life you’ll love this book.

Deeply, deeply frustrating. Read and make notes so you never need to open it again. Why make a book on this subject and then present the information in this excruciatingly protracted way. To discover 'the storytelling secrets of the new masters of radio' I'm forced to absorb it through Abel's self indulgent doodles, of which she appears to be in 50% of them.