The People's Recorder

Winner of a Silver Signal Award and nominated for an Ambie, The People’s Recorder is an immersive podcast on how history is recorded and the power of being heard.  Inspired by the WPA’s Federal Writers’ Project, this distinctive series takes listeners on a journey that explores the Project’s legacy, what it achieved, where it fell short, and what it means for Americans today.

The Federal Writers’ Project employed thousands of out-of-work writers to document American life during the Great Depression. It produced hundreds of publications, notably a series of state and city guidebooks, oral histories, and ethnic studies. By creating the nation’s first self-portrait, the Project also sparked ongoing discussions about the documentation of history and the power to determine which historical narratives are told.

In premier audio storytelling, we explore stories of American life first recorded by workers on the FWP and contemporary stories that echo with them.

Now available wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube.  Visit our website to learn more.

The People’s Recorder was produced with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Florida Humanities, Virginia Humanities, Wisconsin Humanities, California Humanities and Humanities Nebraska.

Learn how you can help keep this podcast going by joining our Patreon!  Subscribers receive exclusive access to extended interviews, bonus episodes, Ask Me Anything events, and more.  Learn more at www.patreon.com/peoplesrecorder

"People are hungry for stories. It is a part of our being." Studs Terkel   Oral historian and Writers' Project Member

Credits

Hosted by:

Chris Haley

Produced by:
Andrea Kalin
David Taylor
James Mirabello

Written by:
David Taylor

Edited by:
Ethan Oser

Production Manager:
James Mirabello

Funding Support:  
National Endowment for the Humanities
Florida Humanities
Virginia Humanities
Wisconsin Humanities
California Humanities
Humanities Nebraska

Project Partners:  
American Library Association
Arts Wisconsin
Stetson Kennedy Foundation

Trailer

Awards

Winner, Silver Signal Award, 2025

Nomination, Ambie Award for Best Indie Podcast, 2024