MeFi Projects

The Conversation is an 8-month long conversation about the future, based on the hypothesis that at certain times in history the established systems (of economics, society, religion, etc.) cease answering the important questions. At these moments, we posit, a conversation takes place which tears down the old and builds anew the systems of thought for the next era. Our questions: Are we in one of those moments? If so, is the conversation taking place? Is the conversation even possible in this age of siloed knowledge and specialization. We're trying to find it or, perhaps, to start it. [more inside]
posted by dj_fraudulent on Oct 10, 2012 - 0 comments

My interviewing website, called Conversus, is a place where people can tell any story they want. My experience interviewing includes as a radio, television, print reporter and as well as a freelance videographer and writer, and through my work as a public affairs officer. Because I have talked to hundreds of people during my career (maybe thousands), I have a good sense for what motivates people to share, namely asking a simple question and then, listening. I have had many five minute conversations with strangers who's stories could've been made into indie film sagas, only to have them disappear never to be seen again. I think these interactions are the stuff that fuel us and give us empathy for each other. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind on Oct 1, 2012 - 2 comments

I'm fairly socially awkward and really have a tough time talking to people. Conversation, especially with new people, is a stilted and uncomfortable affair. So what do I do? I make a podcast where I only talk to strangers. Will I get over my fears? Will I figure out how to not pause awkwardly and go "ahhhh" in silent moments? Time will tell!
posted by a47danger on May 16, 2011 - 4 comments

A public radio program and podcast dedicated to in-depth conversation with thinkers and creators. It emphasizes equally the ideas and the people behind them, and those people have included 43Folders founder Merlin Mann, "mumblecore" director Andrew Bujalski, New Yorker fiction critic James Wood, Bookworm host Michael Silverblatt, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. I've aired over 100 interviews so far, most about an hour long, and I show no signs of stopping.
posted by colinmarshall on Jun 18, 2010 - 4 comments

A new, short-form interview blog. Our first conversations are with Chandler Burr, the perfume reviewer from the New York Times, and Gerald Lange, a well-known and very talented typographer, printer and educator; upcoming interviews will include authors, scientists, politicians, and all sorts of interesting non-famous people too. Got suggestions for interviewees and/or questions? I'm listening!
posted by luriete on Jun 4, 2010 - 5 comments