Show Notes is an interview series with members of the Signal Awards Judging Academy: the architects, instigators and trailblazers of the podcast medium.
Dan Taberski is a writer, director, producer and podcaster known for creating the kind of addictive limited run series that make headlines and spark Reddit forums. His past projects include 'Missing Richard Simmons, '9/12,' Running From COPS,' 'Surviving Y2K,' and 'The Line.' In June Taberski dropped 'Hysterical' investigating a mysterious illness that spread among a group of high school girls in upstate New York. Here is our interview with Dan.
SA: Tell us about your latest project, Hysterical. It’s been getting a lot of buzz, including a write up from Nick Quah in Vulture.
DT: Hysterical is about a mystery illness in upstate New York. It’s been fascinating to make, with a team of really great producers, and it’s fun now to see it out in the world and see people react.
Signal Awards: What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
Dan Taberski: My first job in the industry was as an assistant producer at NBC News. It taught me to shut up because I had a ton to learn.
SA: You’re part of The Signal Awards Judging Academy, which means that you’ll be listening to many podcasts made in the last year and weighing which deserve broader recognition. When you’re listening to a show, how do you know when it’s good? What does ‘good’ feel or sound like?
DT: For me, good means it feels specific to the person hosting, and that I can see something of them coming through every conversation, every line of writing. I really get hooked when i’m not just interested in the story but also become just happy to spend time with the person telling it.
SA: What has working in podcasting taught you about life or about who you are?
DA: It has taught me to have a healthy dose of humility around someone else’s story, because you even if it feels like you totally get it – you usually totally don’t. That’s the fun of it.
SA: Okay, a few quick hits. Is there a show or creator who’s work you think people should be paying more attention to?
DA: Search Engine is putting out some great episodes that are really thoughtful and curious.
SA: What about a podcast or a non-podcast sound that you adore?
DA: I love the sound of my own knuckles cracking.
SA: And finally, we all want to see a photo of your now famous ‘under the sea’ jell-o. Will you do us the honor?
DA:
Thanks to Dan for his excellent journalism and superlative jell-o abilities. To learn more about the people behind The Signal Awards, visit The Signal Awards Judging Academy.