Studs Terkel is considered by many to be a patron saint of documentary radio journalism. It’s been 15 years since his death. On this archive episode of Sound School from 2012, Rob talks to Syd Lewis who worked with Studs for 25 years. The show also includes a lengthy excerpt from “Working With Studs,” a Transom Radio Special produced by Syd, Jay Allison, and Viki Merrick.
~ from Revisiting: Remembering Studs - Transom or search for the “remembering studs” episode of the Sound School podcast.
In this compelling episode of Sound School, Rob Rosenthal revisits the life and work of Studs Terkel, the iconic chronicler of 20th-century American voices. Through archival tape and a deeply personal interview with Sidney Lewis—Terkel’s editor and collaborator of 25 years—we’re offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Terkel crafted his celebrated oral histories. From his decades-long radio show on WFMT to his Pulitzer Prize-winning books, Terkel didn’t just collect stories—he gave voice to the unseen, the unheard, and the “ordinary” people who lived extraordinary lives. His method wasn’t flashy or slick; it was empathetic, rigorous, and subversively political, gently unraveling deep truths with warmth and curiosity.
The episode doesn’t just tell us about Terkel—it shows us why he mattered. Through anecdotes, reflections, and audio excerpts, we hear how he disarmed guests with rumpled charm and technical “incompetence,” how he edited interviews like a sculptor revealing form, and how even the most stoic subjects often surprised themselves with what they revealed. Whether you’re an audio storyteller, a history buff, or just someone who believes in the power of human connection, this episode is a masterclass in listening—and a tribute to someone who spent his life helping America understand itself.
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