John Updike

A good podcast and you don't even know your running (sort of)...

I'm a Fresh Air-aholic. Terry Gross is such an impressive and skillful interviewer, which I'm sure is much harder than it appears. She lets the subject actually talk, and then lets the responses lead down a natural and unpredictable path. A lot of interesting discoveries along the way. And her interviews always enrich the subject immensely for me - whether the subject is the person being interviewed or a specific topic. The podcast I heard today was actually excerpts from 3 different interviews with John Updike, in honor of his death of lung cancer a few weeks ago at 76. Here is what I learned by hearing his voice for the first time, rather than reading his words:

* His voice is much richer and deeper than I imagined, he sounded like a thoughtful New England minister or teacher
* So incredibly articulate, very inspiring to observe his thought process and listen as he constructs these beautiful responses, so effortlessly...its like watching a poet's brain in motion
* Artists are skilled observers of the world, but are often shy or self-conscious participants in the world - this was echoed in her recent interview with Bruce Springsteen as well. I guess I feel some affinity w/this :-)
* Note to self: remember this inspiration - inspiration to not only keep running, but to keep feeling healthier, and keep oberving the world