#18: Amanda Ripley: Adding Complexity to the Stories We Tell

Last summer, bestselling author and Atlantic magazine contributor Amanda Ripley published an essay, Complicating the Narratives, exploring what journalists could learn from mediators, lawyers, rabbis, and others “who know how to disrupt toxic narratives and get people to reveal deeper truths.” Ripley revealed how she discovered her own shortcomings as a journalist and called on reporters to change how they conduct interviews and cover conflict -- in order to do a better job listening and being heard in the current age of outrage. The essay went viral online and was translated into multiple languages.

This episode captures a presentation Amanda did at the University of Oregon’s Agora Journalism Center as well as a conversation with Agora’s director Regina Lawrence.

Show notes & links: 

• Complicating the Narratives
• Amanda Ripley