Photo Credit: Sandy Honig

By Taylor Smith 

Ira Glass, host and creator of This American Life, will deliver a special presentation on what he has learned about the art and interest of storytelling on Sunday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa. 

Glass began his radio career as an intern at National Public Radio’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., as a 19-year-old college freshman in 1978. Even then, Glass says that he had a desire to convey the personal stories of ordinary folks in a suspenseful and surprising way. His hunch was that any tale could become compelling, riveting, and even gripping if told in the appropriate way. 

The June 16th presentation is titled “Seven Things I Learned,” and will touch on his experience using a unique brand of narrative journalism to win over more than 2.2 million listeners for his weekly show, This American Life. Glass is also one of the editors of the podcasts Serial and S-Town, with more than 2.5 million listeners downloading each podcast. 

This American Life is broadcast by more than 500 public radio stations. It has won the highest honors for broadcasting and journalistic excellence, including six Peabody Awards. Glass frequently appears as host on a number of popular NPR programs, such as Talk of the Nation and Weekend All Things Considered. 

Glass has produced three feature films: Don’t Think Twice, Sleepwalk with Me, and Come Sunday. A television adaptation of This American Life appeared on Showtime for two seasons. 

The event will take place at Longwood’s Open Air Theatre. Ticket prices start at $42 and include all-day Gardens Admission. To purchase, visit longwoodgardens.org. 

Longwood Gardens is located at 1001 Longwood Road in Kennett Square, Pa.