Interview with the Host–November 28st, 2008 Show

December 1, 2008

I had the honor of turning the tables on Sound Authors host Dr. Kent Gustavson and interviewed him about the guests on last week’s show.

1)You interviewed Nikki Giovanni who has been writing poetry for over 30 years. From speaking to her what did you learn about the children’s books she has written vs. the adult poetry?

What an honor to speak to poet Nikki Giovanni! She said something very interesting on the show. She said that there is no difference between children’s literature and adult literature. That resonated with me, as I am a lover of children’s books. And, last night, as I was sitting in Carnegie Hall, watching Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie give a concert, Pete Seeger talked about his work with children. He said much the same thing. He talked about “This Land is Your Land” and how it was never on the radio. It was in children’s songbooks. The children learned it, loved it, and it took the world by storm. Now everyone loves the song.

In much the same way, Nikki Giovanni writes beautiful books for children, poetry for adults, and she loves them all. Her book for children called “Rosa” about her friend Rosa Parks won very prestigious awards.

2) After speaking to Nadia and her experience with 24 straight hours of Christian TV, did you gather any new insights on Christian media programming?

Nadia Bolz-Weber is a good friend, and it was a great pleasure to speak with her about her new book. I was surprised by her project, and intrigued. I could certainly not sit in front of 24 hours of all Christian programming, though I am a devout Lutheran. I share Nadia’s positions on homosexuality in the church, and am very liberal in my religious beliefs, and was surprised by some of the assumptions I had made about Christian television that she debunks in her book… And then, she confirmed my belief that Christian television is mostly about products, and I was intrigued by her statement in the book, “Do they really believe it?” — so often I feel like the religious personalities in the media are really serving their own careers, and that seems so opposite to what they preach!

Nadia was a great guest, and I love the book.

3) You spoke to Dan Goldman who has some intriguing music. What is your take on his musical style?

Dan has a really gifted ear. His use of concrete sounds and electronics really sets off the timbre of his voice. And the string quartet arrangements on his new album are really stunning. I look forward to having him on the show again in February.

Posted by amber | Filed Under Afterthoughts