Curiosity and Storytelling: MSNBC Audio Executive Producer Aisha Turner

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 showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.