Andrea Smardon
THURSDAY | February 7, 2019 | 7:00-9:00 pm
Andrea will talk about lessons learned and questions still outstanding after producing KUER’s Next Door Strangers, a podcast about finding connection in a time of division.
GATHERING AT:
University of Utah,
The A. Ray Olpin Union, Panorama Room East
200 S Central Campus Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Go here for written directions and a map
The nearest parking is the visitors lot with kiosks. $2 for the first hour, free after 8:00 pm.
Whether you drive or go public trans, it’s just a 10 minute walk from the Rice Eccles TRAX Station. You can view the bus and TRAX schedules at rideuta.com. Or you can park at Rice Eccles for free.
There is no admission but you’re encouraged to bring some finger food to share.
THE DISCUSSION:
Next Door Strangers was born out of a sneaking suspicion that news media was making out country’s divisions worse, not better. It’s something Andrea struggled with as a daily news reporter—how to cover politics without perpetuating the things that divide people. With the podcast, she was attempting to step outside the system, to figure out how we got here and how we’re going to get out of it. Andrea sees an opportunity for journalists to take an active role in helping people work through these issues to build stronger communities.
In this presentation, Andrea will discuss what she’s learned, and invite participants to break up in small groups to talk about identity, community, and the role of media in their lives.
As will all our gatherings, there is no pressure to share in the large group or when we break into small groups. But what makes Think Again work is not just who presents but who is present, prepared, and willing to share.
For guidance in having productive conversations please read the intentions page.
ABOUT ANDREA:
Andrea Smardon is an award-winning journalist and podcast producer. She’s worked in public radio newsrooms across the country for over 15 years. She is known in Utah for her work as a reporter at KUER and for her contributions to National Public Radio. She has been independent since fall 2016, freelancing and producing her own podcast- Changing Our Stories, and contracting with KUER to produce Next Door Strangers. Andrea has also been pursuing an interest in dialogue facilitation, and has been working on a year-long Utah Civic Engagement Fellowship with support from Essential Partners.
STUFF TO STUDY:
Next Door Strangers (A must listen to, really!)
Complicating the Narratives, by Amanda Ripley
Video version of Complicating the Narratives
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Utah Humanities for funding the venue tonight and for their support and encouragement in the dialogue community.
Also the Utah Village Square, Living Room Conversations, and Essential Partners for their work and support.
