If you are finding yourself in Whisper Cities by way of Roman Mars’ 99% Invisible, welcome!
Here at Whisper Cities, we seek out stories of overlooked places and the people who find them. We are so thrilled that you’re along for the ride.
You might notice that, unlike virtually every other radio show or podcast, we don’t have a funder credit at the end. That’s because we are a 100% independent (read: volunteer) operation, so our episodes and entries are sporadic at best. But stick with us and we’ll take you some exciting places as often as we can. Promise.
Per your request, we’ll be adding the xml to the sidebar so you non-iTunes-types can subscribe, too.
You may also be interested in a collab we did with Roman last year about the lost and found (and lost again) columns of the US Capitol’s east portico. Check it out!
When people encounter the escalators in DC’s Metro stations, they are usually thinking one of two things:
1. Hurry down to the train before the doors close, or
2. Get back above ground.
Which is to say, they are not reflecting on the escalators’ strange beauty. Rainy days in the city offer the chance to seek out the secret music they possess.
Washington Post music critic Chris Richards will tell you how to find it.
Ep. 3: Escalate! by samgreenspan
Chris Richards’ manifesto for listening to the escalators is here.
Music:
(song – artist – album)
Paint The Huron River – Sarasota – Things Alive
Would you pay for an intimate dining experience with a room full of strangers?
In our nation’s capital–which has the reputation that everyone is from somewhere else and no one plans to stay long–it can be tough to build real friendships with fellow Washingtonians. So when diners attend Geeta’s Hush Supper Club, an underground restaurant in Washington, D.C., they might be craving more than just an Indian meal.
Whisper Cities, Ep. 2: Hush by samgreenspan
Special thanks to Tamara Keith for recording help.
Learn more about Hush at hushsupperclub.com.
We know you’ve been hungry for more. Take a listen and let us know what you think at info [at] whispercities.org.
love, wc
—–
Music in this episode:
“Zeno,” James Darcy Argue’s Secret Society, Infernal Machines
“Waiting Room,” Fugazi, 13 Songs
“Soul And Onward,” Do Make Say Think, & Yet & Yet
Here at Whisper Cities, we’re busy spinning gears and pulling levers to get you some new episodes. We’ll be coming at you soon with tales of:
an underground restaurant that connects two very different sides of one city…
the secret world of alley neighborhoods…
and! lessons from a grocery store with most sordid nickname of all time…
And while you’re waiting, take a listen to a story we produced for a wonderful podcast called 99% Invisible:
99% Invisible-24- The Capitol Columns by Roman Mars
Keep those ears pressed to the ground. More soon. We promise.
love, wc
From our backyard to yours: Greetings!
Whisper Cities is a new, independent podcast presenting stories of overheard and out-of-sight places. You may also hear our collaborations with other programs from time to time on other podcasts (such as on this week’s 99% Invisible).
So with no further ado! We present to you our first episode: The Communist Daughter.
Ep. 1: The Communist Daughter by Sam Greenspan
To hear more from bartender/flugelhorn player Michael Louis Johnson and clarinetist Bob Stevenson, check out their awesome record label, Urban Meadow.
Here are some coltan-powered snapshops of Michael Louis Johnson and the band that night:
Special shout-out to radio-head Sean Cole for introducing us to the Communist Daughter. Thanks also to Sean Phillips, Danny Meltzer, and Jonah Beram for help getting this episode off the ground.
Keep watching this space for more stories soon.
Love, |wc|
Listen
Whisper Cities- Ep. 3: Escalate!When people encounter the escalators in DC’s Metro stations, they are usually thinking one of two things: 1. Hurry down to the train before the doors close, or 2. Get back above ground. Which is to say, they are not reflecting on the escalators’ strange beauty. Rainy days in the city offer the chance to seek out the […]
- Ep. 2: HushWould you pay for an intimate dining experience with a room full of strangers? In our nation’s capital–which has the reputation that everyone is from somewhere else and no one plans to stay long–it can be tough to build real friendships with fellow Washingtonians. So when diners attend Geeta’s Hush Supper Club, an underground restaurant […]
- Ep. 1: The Communist DaughterA Toronto bar becomes a portal to another era. […]
- Ep. 3: Escalate!
