Key Insights
Why was the creation of ThruLine considered a top-secret project initially?
It was a pilot project under Guy Raz, and the team was isolated to figure out how to make a podcast without prior journalism or podcasting experience.
How did the friendship between Rand and Ramtin contribute to the development of ThruLine?
Their friendship provided the emotional and motivational support needed to sustain the show through difficult times, as they enjoyed working together and wanted to create something meaningful for each other.
What was the pivotal moment that convinced the team ThruLine had potential?
After playing the pilot episode 'War of the Worlds' for their boss, he declared it the future of NPR, validating their efforts and setting the ball in motion for further development.
How did the team handle the challenge of finding guests for the 'Two Miles Down the Road' episode?
They followed a trail of recent panels and found a local reverend who was well-connected in the community, making it easier to find other key figures like the Ferruccios.
What was the main challenge in producing the 'Two Miles Down the Road' episode?
The challenge was in fact-checking personal accounts and ensuring the accuracy of events described by the guests who lived through the historical event.
Why did the team ultimately decide to change the cold open for the 'Mythos and Melodrama in the Philippines' episode?
They chose to start with the Filipino folktale of Malacca Samaganda to provide a clearer through line and better introduce the Marcos' self-mythologizing, which was central to the episode's narrative.
How did the team use sound design in the cold open for 'Mythos and Melodrama in the Philippines'?
They used archival footage from 1970s documentaries about the Tassadai to create an immersive experience that mirrored the discovery and eventual revelation of the hoax.
Chapters
- ThruLine began as a secret project in 2015 under Guy Raz.
- The founders, Rand Abdel-Fattah and Ramteen Arab-Louie, had no prior journalism experience.
- The first pilot episode, 'War of the Worlds,' was a personal and experimental project.
- The show was greenlit after a positive response from NPR executives.
Shownotes Transcript
