David Isay — Listening as an Act of Love

In the 'On Being with Krista Tippett' episode featuring David Isay, the conversation delves into the profound act of listening and the human stories that emerge from it. Isay, the founder of StoryCorps and a recipient of numerous accolades, discusses with Tippett the inception and evolution of StoryCorps, an initiative that captures the oral histories of everyday people. The episode begins with Isay's personal journey, from his early interest in the human voice to his family's influence on his listening skills. Tippett explores Isay's background, revealing that his inspiration sprang from a combination of cultural, educational, and familial experiences, including his father's work as a psychiatrist and his own early attempts at recording family interviews.

As the conversation unfolds, Isay recounts the serendipitous moment that led him to a career in radio documentary, a path that eventually culminated in the creation of StoryCorps. He shares the poignant story of a tape he made as a child, interviewing his grandmother and her sisters, which he later lost and still searches for, highlighting the impermanence of memory and the importance of preserving voices. This personal anecdote becomes a cornerstone for understanding StoryCorps' mission to safeguard interviews for posterity at the Library of Congress.

Tippett and Isay discuss the unique space that StoryCorps booths offer: a sacred environment where individuals can engage in intimate conversations, often about life's most significant themes. Isay emphasizes the transformative power of being listened to and the role of StoryCorps facilitators in bearing witness to these exchanges. The significance of the 40-minute interview format is also touched upon, as it allows participants to ask meaningful questions and share stories that might otherwise remain untold.

The episode further examines the impact of StoryCorps stories, both on the participants and the listeners. Isay reflects on the emotional resonance of the narratives and the common criticism that they are emotionally manipulative. He contends that the authenticity and humanity of these stories evoke a natural emotional response. Isay also shares insights into his own listening practices, acknowledging his personal struggles with patience and attentiveness, despite his professional focus on listening.