Radio Sweethearts

We got back from our public radio-themed honeymoon to Boston and New York last night, and it was awesome. The trip, that is. Coming home was alright (apparently, the dog missed us).

On our first night in New York, we went to WNYC to meet the On the Media crew. Brooke, Katya and Megan were standing outside when we walked up, and they immediately recognized us. That kept happening all weekend, and it never stopped being weird. I know that there are pictures of us on the site, but I never expect anyone to look at them.

We hung out at WNYC for a while, drinking beer, making friends and listening to Brooke and Bob record the transitions for the week’s episode. Bob wasn’t around, but talked to us by phone a little. As soon as he said hello, I felt compelled to start apologizing. I’m still not sure why.

Brooke is every bit as lovely and wonderful in person as she sounds on the radio. She was scrambling to try to get things done before her turn on jury duty on Thursday, but she was still super nice and warm and friendly. I think I like her even more now, having met her in person. Sorry, Bob. You don’t have the same advantage.

Also – both of us are eternally grateful to the OTM crew for hooking us up with tickets to see This American Life Live on Thursday night. We were really excited, thinking we were going to see it broadcast in a theatre (something that will probably never happen in Memphis). We had no idea that we had been hooked up with tickets to the actual live taping at NYU until we were sitting in a restaurant that served fake shrimp just before the show. (Because in New York, apparently, imposter meat is abundant.)

It was an amazing and totally unexpected treat, and we left a gushy voicemail for Brooke after the show, drunk on public radio love. Sorry if it was creepy.

We spent the second half of the weekend in Boston at the Megapolis festival, hanging out with nice people from Public Radio Redux, PRX, and Third Coast. I was finally able to tell Sean Cole that “Strip”, (his too-hot-for-radio piece for “Love and Radio”) is one of my all time favorite few minutes of radio ever. Much love to Nick and Andrea for being so sweet and putting on the festival.

(It should also be noted that this weekend, I realized that I’m not alone in my dislike of Jesse Thorn. Anyone want to start a feud with me? )

It was great to meet everyone, and we had a fantastic time with all of you. Come to Memphis. We’ll feed you and take you to good record shops and drive you by Platinum Plus.