Most weeks between 2006 and 2014, Ira Glass’ show This American Life was the most popular podcast on iTunes. Then, in October 2014 his team created Serial, which blew it out of the water with 300 million downloads and counting across two seasons. In 2017 his team followed it up with another blockbuster, S-Town, which got 40 million downloads in its first month. Glass and his team never predicted these shows would be that big. During this talk, he’ll explain what they believe it takes to create a truly compelling narrative. He’ll play clips and mix stories live on stage. Glass will also offer his unique take on the state of the business and technology of audio storytelling. Session will be simulcast to Ballroom BC at the Austin Convention Center, as well as Room 5 at the JW Marriott.

[Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.]