99% Invisible – 543- In Proximity: Ryan Coogler and Roman Mars

Intro

In this episode of “99% Invisible,” host Roman Mars and filmmaker Ryan Coogler discuss creativity, collaboration, and their experiences in the podcasting and filmmaking industries. They also delve into their collaboration on the Judas and the Black Messiah podcast, which explores the true story behind the events portrayed in Coogler’s film. This conversation offers insights into the process of creating podcasts and films, as well as the power of collaboration and storytelling.

Main Takeaways

Creative Collaboration

• Roman Mars and Ryan Coogler discuss creativity and collaboration in their podcast conversation.
• Roman Mars and Ryan Coogler hit it off in terms of podcasting and had weekly meetings during the pandemic to discuss podcast business and more.
• Mars admired how Coogler demystified the podcast business for him.
• Collaboration and making something together can be profoundly exciting.
• Having a team of editors with different perspectives and approaches can lead to innovative and surprising choices.

Journey into Podcasting

• Roman Mars got into radio by listening to NPR and Talk of the Nation.
• A caller on Talk of the Nation named Ray Suarez as their hero, which inspired Mars to work with him as a producer.
• Mars started in radio by doing a job for free and was inspired by Ira Glass and fell in love with radio storytelling.
• Mars transitioned from working on various public radio shows to creating 99% Invisible.
• 99% Invisible started as an idea to tell stories about everyday things in the built world.

Judas and the Black Messiah Podcast

• Roman Mars and Ryan Coogler collaborated on the Judas and the Black Messiah podcast, which tells the true story behind the events portrayed in the film.
• The podcast was created to give Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. a platform to discuss the film and protect his father’s legacy.
• The podcast allowed for more in-depth conversations about the film and its themes, providing insights from Chairman Jr. on the filmmaking process.
• The podcast was a remarkable piece of journalism and allowed for more nuanced discussions about the film.
• The podcast was a cool problem to solve in terms of creating a genuine companion rather than mere promotion.

The Power of Audio Storytelling

• The podcast medium is fascinating and offers endless possibilities for storytelling.
• Podcasting is similar to filmmaking but requires a different form of thinking and has its own language.
• Audio storytelling can be learned from websites like transom.org and the book “This American Life: A Radio Handbook” is a great resource.
• Listening to different podcasts and audio shows is a great way to learn and improve in the craft.

Summary

Creative Collaboration and Podcasting Journey

Roman Mars and Ryan Coogler discuss their experiences in podcasting and filmmaking, highlighting the excitement and value of collaboration. Mars got into radio by listening to NPR and Talk of the Nation, which inspired him to work with his hero, Ray Suarez. He fell in love with radio storytelling and transitioned to creating 99% Invisible, a podcast that tells stories about everyday things in the built world. Coogler admired Mars’ ability to demystify the podcast business and they hit it off in terms of podcasting, having regular meetings during the pandemic.

Judas and the Black Messiah Podcast

Mars and Coogler collaborated on the Judas and the Black Messiah podcast, which delves into the true story behind Coogler’s film. The podcast was created to give Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. a platform to discuss the film and protect his father’s legacy. It allowed for more in-depth conversations about the film and its themes, providing insights from Chairman Jr. on the filmmaking process and his critiques. The podcast was a remarkable piece of journalism, offering a genuine companion to the film.

The Power of Audio Storytelling

Mars and Coogler explore the fascinating world of audio storytelling. They discuss how podcasting is similar to filmmaking but requires a different form of thinking and has its own language. They recommend resources like transom.org and the book “This American Life: A Radio Handbook” for those interested in learning about audio storytelling. They emphasize the importance of listening to different podcasts and audio shows to improve in the craft and appreciate the endless possibilities of the medium.

Conclusion

This podcast episode featuring Roman Mars and Ryan Coogler offers valuable insights into the creative collaboration process, podcasting journey, and the power of audio storytelling. It highlights the excitement and challenges of working together to create meaningful content. Whether you’re a podcast enthusiast, filmmaker, or aspiring storyteller, this episode provides inspiration and practical tips to enhance your craft. Don’t miss out on the Judas and the Black Messiah podcast and 99% Invisible for more captivating stories and discussions.