Episode 424
with Chioke l’Anson, Leah Sottile, and Justin Townes Earle
Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share what they wish they had been talked out of; Chioke I’Anson, the voice of NPR’s underwriting, admits to feeling self-conscious about the sound of his own voice; journalist Leah Sottile unpacks the symbiotic relationship between the federal government and fringe patriot groups, as investigated in her podcast Bundyville; and we pay tribute to the late singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle by sharing his 2017 performance of "Maybe a Moment."
Chioke l’Anson
Professor and Voice of Underwriting at NPR
Chioke l’Anson is a fan of the fast lane. The motorcycle enthusiast, who claims he would rather be riding right this second, combines his love of speed with a background in philosophy – and a current gig as the voice of public radio. An Assistant Professor of African American Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, you can also hear l’Anson as the Voice of Underwriting for NPR. His teaching and his work in radio and podcasting are powerful amplifiers for getting his message and viewpoints across to a wider audience.
Leah Sottile
Journalist
Leah Sottile dives deep. A freelance journalist whose profiles, investigations, and essays have been featured by the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, The New York Times Magazine, and Outside, among others. Her work is defined by the ability to draw her audience into the web of the story she is telling – whether that’s about a legendary Bigfoot sighting, Evel Knievel, or the rise, fall and resurgence of the Bundy family and the armed uprisings they inspired. Her podcast on that topic, Bundyville, was a finalist for the National Magazine Award and is now in its second season. For reporting and writing that exposes and enlightens, Leah Sottile is your go-to deep diver. Website • Twitter
Justin Townes Earle
Singer & Songwriter
Justin Townes Earle was an American singer-songwriter and musician. After his debut, EP Yuma, he released eight full-length albums. He was recognized with an Americana Music Award for Emerging Artist of the Year in 2009 and for Song of the Year in 2011 for "Harlem River Blues" Website • Twitter • Spotify
