Former Slate editor David Plotz, now at Atlas Obscura, says that he is a big fan of Studs Terkel’s classic book Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do
. He has paid tribute to that great work in the best possible way, by updating it with his podcast series, Working. With thoughtful, insightful questions, he interviews people about how they spend their workday. Some of the people have high profile jobs. The first in the series is Stephen Colbert, and whether the idea of the series appeals to you or not, whether you are a fan of the Colbert Report or not, you have to listen to this one, and I guarantee you will be moved. Other interviews include an LA waiter, a lexicographer (she works on dictionaries), a farmer, a hospice worker, a television writer, a musician, a porn star, a political cartoonist, and a pastor. The stories are fascinating, illuminating, and inspiring. You will not think about the people around you or about your own job the same way again. Highly, highly recommended.
