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Twice a month, Joe answers questions he receives over at the Frankophiles Forum. Ask your question now, and check back here for the answer.

May 9, 2007

are you familiar with the film "the conversation"? it is one of the greats and i often remarked to my friends on the related themes that exist in your work and this classic film....isolation....subjectivity....overhearing private conversations....etc etc any thoughts?
eligit

A. I thought "The Conversation" was a great film, too--although I don't remember it that well. But, as you suggest, it certainly resembled my work in a number of ways. The sense of isolation and alienation, the overhearing of recorded private conversations, the soulful longing expressed in those lonely sax solos. Gene Hackman's character was living in pain, without hope, and spent most of the film trying to decipher unintelligible words recorded on tape, the way someone might try to comprehend God through ambiguous and impenetrable data.

Are you a fan of Ken Nordine's work, as I am? Has it influenced you? Moved you? There are similarities.... Thanks. Sincerely,
Norway

A. I don't find Nordine particularly moving or compelling, because he never reveals himself or seems to go deep enough (for me). His work usually consists of short, clever thought-pieces or fable-like stories that appear too artful and almost precious. Sometimes the cadences of his delivery and the accompanying music remind me of the beat poets of the 50s. He has a rich, mighty voice and a smooth delivery, and his radio pieces are very well produced and take you on an intriguing and haunting journey, but in the end he reminds me of The Wizard of Oz, hiding his vulnerable humanity behind a cool, stylish curtain. But maybe I haven't heard enough of his work, and I could be wrong.

I was just wondering if you could explain how you began your career. I know you were a teacher for some time and began working in radio in your 30's. How did you make that transition? How did you get your foot in the door?
The Apologists

A. I was teaching at Dalton, a private school in Manhattan, when I made the transition to radio. I volunteered at a public station, WBAI-FM, and after doing odd jobs there for about six months (editing tape, recording announcements, engineering live shows), I was given my own program on Tuesday mornings from 5 to 7am (1976). I talked about my thoughts and experiences the preceding week and discussed passages from books I was reading and played music, and it wasn't too long before I was offered the Saturday midnight to 5am slot (1977). That's when I first met many of the comic actors with whom I still work, who appeared live on my show as faux guests. About a year later, I was invited to host the Weekend Edition of All Things Considered in Washington, D.C. Soon after, I moved on to write my first series of radio dramas for NPR Playhouse. Then, in 1986, I was asked to produce weekly one-hour shows for KCRW and moved to Los Angeles.

Also, would you ever consider participating in a documentary film about your work & life?
The Apologists

A. No, I wouldn't.

Over the years there have been many talented people who appeared in your shows. Some I have heard only once or twice and some are in quite a few shows. Do you still keep in touch with any of these folks? Are there any interesting stories about how you met some of them? Best,
Roger

A. We keep in touch but don't speak as often as in the "old days," because many still live in the New York area and I'm out here in LA. Arthur Miller, who used to appear as the program's absurd resident intellectual, is a good friend. Tim Jerome, who always performed with an accent (French, Spanish, German), is also someone with whom I am close. Although I didn't know Larry Block that well, we've become friends through recorded phone calls that aired in the Other Side series. Lester Nafzger, who's appeared in many programs over the years (most recently in some amusing exchanges in "Goodbye"), lives in Woodstock, N.Y. He was particularly wonderful during my illness, calling almost every day to see how I was doing. He's a very soulful, good-hearted person, in addition to being extremely funny. I talk to Ryan Cutrona and Debi Mae West every so often; in fact, I owe Debi a call and will speak with her later today.

I can think of only one amusing first encounter. It took place with Arthur Miller. I was told Arthur was a smart, funny guy and invited him to appear on my program as an internationally famous mime, the night before his appearance in Carnegie Hall. On air, Arthur and I engaged in a pseudo-serious discussion of the history and art of mime (re-created later in "Talk to Me") and then he offered to perform a piece for the audience. Because we were on the radio, this meant a minute of dead air. And so, we both sat quietly while the station's switchboard was overwhelmed by calls from dumfounded and outraged listeners who could not fathom the stupidity of a mime performing on radio. It was a great moment for us, and we'll never forget it.

See you next time,

Joe