I have specific (some might say narrow) personal tastes in music. But producers introduce me to new talents over a wide musical range. I think this can make for even stronger interviews. Listeners can learn along with me.
I had heard about Macklemore, of course. The Seattle rap artist has topped the charts, sold millions and won Grammy Awards.
But I had not truly noted his music until producer Andrew Craig and editor Matthew Schuerman worked mightily to book an interview with Macklemore to talk about his first release in five years — Ben.
I was enthralled to meet a truly interesting artist who speaks about his challenges with addiction (he calls himself an addict, pointedly), the blessings of family and his restless creativity.
“Each album is a process of self-discovery,” Macklemore told us. “My job as an artist is to peel away, to excavate, to exfoliate, to make sure that the spirit is vulnerable in purest form so that I can feel something and be a conduit for whatever is flowing through at that moment.”
Whatever music you like — meet a true artist here.
And another discovery this week: Great economists can be funny!
Perhaps you noticed a survey concluding that the cash amounts left under children’s pillows by the tooth fairy have risen more than the rate of inflation. I felt a scholarly reflection on this trend (wait, can I call it an inflection point?) was required.
I contacted Justin Wolfers, professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan – and it turns out to he’s the funniest Australian since Dame Edna. He assailed the tooth fairy as “a ruthless monopolist ... who has made willing accomplices of parents everywhere.” Funny and insightful.
A funny economist! I cherish the chance I have each week to learn what can happen in this world.
Scott Simon is one of NPR's most renowned news anchors. He is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and one of the hosts of the morning news podcast Up First. Be sure to listen to him every Saturday on your local NPR station, and follow him on Twitter.
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