Tag Archives: journalists

Day 307: Terry Gross

I’m a big fan of NPR and one of my favorite hosts is Terry Gross. If you haven’t heard her show Fresh Air, you should really make a point to listen. I used to catch the show here and there, but now I have started listening to podcasts when I’m walking to/from work and such – that way I can hear all the episodes.

I really think that Terry is precisely the type of person who appreciates the handwritten letter. Hopefully I’m right.

Day 307-4

Dear Terry,

I’ve heard Fresh Air for many years but only recently began listening. I love how you talk with your guests. There’s something beautiful about your style, maybe it’s your empathy. Your questions are always thoughtful and poignant. And you have a true gift of summarizing the work of others – I recently got a kick out of Michael Keaton’s appreciation for your characterization of his films. So memorable.

Congratulations on 40 years of Fresh Air – I hope you continue for many years to come.

Reed Sandridge

Day 143: Michael Swaine

Photo: Darryl Bush

Photo: Darryl Bush

One of my favorite television journalists is Steve Hartman. When you turn on CBS and see him, you know that you are about to see a story that is going to touch your heart. He did a story in October of 2006 about a young kid with autism named Jason McElwain who became an unlikely hero on the basketball court.

Last night I saw a story he did on an art professor named Michael Swaine from San Francisco. Once a month for the past 15 years Michael pulls a cart with an antique sewing machine on it into the streets of San Francisco’s Tenderloin District and repairs and alters people’s clothes at no cost. He calls it the Free Mending Library. And while what he is doing is awesome in and of itself, the real value is how he is touching the community. The stories he sews are strengthening that community.

Day 143-2

Dear Michael,

I saw your story on CBS last evening – so inspiring. I love it. I looked you up online and found FutureFarmers.com – also amazing projects.

You are doing so much more than sewing – you’re mending a stronger fabric of community which is something we are thirsty for these days. I’d love to know more about other projects you’re involved with as I too am investing in projects that create meaningful community in unique and hopefully inspiring ways. Where’s the best place to follow what you are up to?

All the best,
Reed Sandridge