Photo Credits: WNYC Studios, Netflix: Connected
-Life as a Co-Host of WNYC Studios RADIOLAB-
The world around us offers up so much in the way of wonder and intrigue. Ponder the world of natural science or even the complexity of our own species and all that entails from a social, cultural and biological perspective.
It’s utterly compelling to observe how all of these elements intermix, combine and ultimately redefine themselves within a space time continuum.
You could consider this interplay between us and our environment a factory of story if you will, which endlessly pumps out content.
Sadly, much of what is produced is flying over our head due to the sheer speed, volume and intricacy of it all.
Fortunately, there are those out there who are doing their absolute damnedest to capture and document what they can.
On this episode, we have a guest many of you might consider to be one of the very best out there at recognizing, recording and chronicling such stories for audiences, the world over.
Introducing
Latif Nasser is a man of many interests, passions and activity. Distilling his varied professional pursuits down to a few, you’d end up with an uber-talented researcher, writer and presenter.
Equipped with an undergrad from Dartmouth College and PhD from Harvard’s History of Science department, his official titles include being the Co-Host of Radiolab, a WNYC Studios production and one of the most influential, awarded and beloved podcasts | public radio shows ever.
Professional Background
Latif is also the host of the Netflix docuseries Connected which explores how humans are connected to each other and the universe.
Further he created and hosted the podcast The Other Latif, an investigative series in which Nasser explored the story of Guantanamo Bay detention detainee Abdul Latif Nasir.
Unique Talent & Accomplishment
Aside from his expert skill in the curation of topic matter for Radiolab or his meticulous care for fact and detail, Latif’s other superhuman quality may just be his innate ability to weave data, facts and stories together in such ways that spark imagination and thought within others.
Resultantly, it is of little surprise he is so widely respected and accomplished or been asked to give two Ted talks or even contribute to the Boston Globe Ideas section.
Get to know Latif
Now for those just discovering Latif through this podcast, perhaps the most apt way to describe him and his work would be to reference WNYC Studio’s own website.
There, he is described as a guy who has investigated and reported on a little of everything from snowflake photography, medieval robots to a polar bear who liked to have sex with grizzly bears.
Reasons to Listen
This talk provides a direct gateway for listeners to learn more about what personally and professionally drives Latif. Fan of his work will undoubtedly gain a deeper appreciation for all that he and his work has come to represent. Here are some topics we cover in this engaging talk:
- His transition from being the Director of Research to the Co-Host of Radiolab
- How Latif made his unconventional way onto the Radiolab team
- Commentary on the inner production workings at Radiolab
- Get an update on how things have been going since Latif and Lulu Miller took over for Radiolab founder Jad Abumrad
- What excites him most about his work as the Co-Host of Radiolab
- A backstory on how things got started for Latif from his early days growing up in Canada to where he is now
- How Latif maximized his unique talents and self-awareness to professionally stand out and propel himself forward
- The role of passion, curiosity and self-awareness in finding career opportunities
- How he comes up with story ideas for Radiolab and how other journalists and podcasters can do the same if they make a few simple changes to how they interpret the world
- One of his go to sources for new ideas and inspiration
- The intimate nature of podcasting and what that can bring rise to for both listeners and hosts themselves
- A story involving a world famous astrophysicist which could very well be the basis of a future Radiolab episode
- A discussion on the future of podcasting and just how impactful of a medium it has become
- + Much more!
This talk is engaging on many levels and will be a treat for those familiar with Latif and his work or for those just discovering him.
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
“The two jobs that you mentioned I do, one is that I co-host a podcast and one is that I was a host of a Netflix docuersies. When I was graduating from college, neither of those two things existed. I had never heard of a podcast. Netflix was still mailing DVD’s to people. I could never have conceived of doing those things.”
-Latif Nasser
Check out the Video Conversation:
For those who desire to view highlights of the conversation, you can do so via Youtube.
Words of Wisdom:
Hear from Latif as he gives advice to those within the world of podcasting and media production.
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Latif and his work you can check out several ways including his own website or via WNYC Studios, his own podcast series or his Netflix docuseries. Further, you can find him on the following social platforms:
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!
