The Great Indoors

Three stories from 2020 that each paint a unique portrait of survival and hope in the time of coronavirus. This episode was first published in November, 2020. For the most recent recommendations and information about COVID-19, please visit your local public health website. "The Great Indoors" is one of four episodes of Best of the Best (2020), a nationally broadcast radio special produced each year by Third Coast. Each of episode of the series features winning stories from the 20th annual Third Coast / Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition. Dat Rona [excerpt], by Dr. Janina Jeff (Host and Executive Producer) and Sam Riddell (Lead Producer), with Chad Milner (Music Producer), Chris Diggins (Creative Director) and Dr. Ashira Blazer (guest medical expert). Winner of the 2020 Impact Award Made on March 20, just days after the United States went into lockdown, this episode of the podcast In Those Genes features host and geneticist Janina Jeff speaking with colleagues on the immediate impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly for Black communities in the U.S. Plus, an interview with the makers of Dat Rona, recorded on November 1st, 2020. Centenarians in Lockdown [full story], produced by Nellie Gilles, Sarah Kate Kramer, and Joe Richman for Hunker Down Diaries from Radio Diaries and NPR. Winner of the 2020 Best Documentary: Short Award When the 1918 flu pandemic broke out, Joe Newman was 5 years old. Today, he's 107 and his fiancée Anita Sampson has just turned 100. Together, they reflect on life, love and lockdown. Diary of a HomeSchooler [full story], produced by Anayansi Diaz-Cortes for Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX, in partnership with Chalkbeat. Winner of the 2020 Best News Feature Award High school student Sarah Ali-Brown finds herself managing several new heightened home responsibilities, in addition to schoolwork, during the pandemic, but she’s determined to stay on track with her future plans. This episode of Best of the Best was produced by Isabel Vázquez. Keep up with the latest from Third Coast by signing up for our newsletter at thirdcoastfestival.org.