My guest today is recently retired from an illustrious career with NPR, where she hosted high-profile shows including Weekend All Things Considered, Weekend Edition Sunday, and the independent documentary series Soundprint. She also brought us musical events such as the 2008 Inaugural Concert in Washington, D.C., concerts from the Aspen Music Festival, and Toast of the Nation, where she rang in the New Year live from Paris — as one does.

A Google search returns photos of her in what look like couture gowns posing with the likes of Martin Scorcese, Placido Domingo and Rufus Wainwright. All of which reveals there is at least one truly glamorous job at NPR, and for decades it was held by the woman who might be my most famous guest thus far: Lisa Simeone.

We discuss the barriers to honest reporting at NPR, the New York Times and traditional media as a whole. We vent our frustrations about all manner of frustrating people and things, and pay homage to the (mostly lesbian) women whose courage and confidence inspire us to keep talking.

Links:

Follow Lisa to get her insights and hot takes in your Substack feed

The made-for-TV movie Lisa brought up: Normal, 2003 starring Jessica Lange

We couldn’t find the viral video clip Lisa praised near the end of the conversation, but if anyone knows where to find it, please link in the comments — I want to see it!

UPDATE: a listener named Jackie found the video clip on X and it’s definitely worth your 2 minutes. Thanks, Jackie!

Credits:

Theme music by William A. Ferguson

UnMuted logo art by Anne Gibbons

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jennypoyerackerman.substack.com