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Ira Glass, This American Life Host - Quiz
Contributed by: Morrison
  • 1. This quiz will test your knowledge of Ira Glass, the renowned host and producer of the public radio show and podcast 'This American Life.' His distinctive storytelling style and curation of narratives have made the program a cultural touchstone. What is the name of the popular public radio show and podcast hosted by Ira Glass?
A) Radiolab
B) Serial
C) The Moth
D) This American Life
  • 2. Before 'This American Life,' Ira Glass was involved in another prominent radio program. What was the name of this earlier show that he co-hosted?
A) Morning Edition
B) The Wild Room
C) Marketplace
D) All Things Considered
  • 3. Ira Glass is known for his distinctive vocal delivery and interview style. What is one characteristic often associated with his voice?
A) High-pitched and excitable
B) Slightly nasal and conversational
C) Deep and booming
D) Monotone and academic
  • 4. The format of 'This American Life' typically revolves around a central theme for each episode. What is the primary function of this thematic approach?
A) To test the audience's memory
B) To limit the show's creative scope
C) To cater to a specific demographic
D) To provide a unifying narrative structure
  • 5. Ira Glass has a well-known saying about storytelling that emphasizes a particular aspect of the process. What is this commonly quoted phrase?
A) 'Everyone has a story to tell.'
B) 'The truth is stranger than fiction.'
C) 'All stories are about something.'
D) 'Life is a series of accidents.'
  • 6. Beyond hosting, Ira Glass is also credited as a producer for 'This American Life.' What does a producer typically do on a radio show?
A) Manages the marketing and promotion
B) Only interviews guests
C) Oversees the creation and editing of segments
D) Solely writes the scripts
  • 7. What is the approximate duration of a typical 'This American Life' episode?
A) About one hour
B) About 30 minutes
C) About 15 minutes
D) About two hours
  • 8. Ira Glass has collaborated with many individuals and organizations. Which of these is a notable project he was involved with beyond 'This American Life'?
A) The film 'Sleepwalk with Me'
B) The band 'Arcade Fire'
C) The video game 'Minecraft'
D) The TV show 'The Office'
  • 9. What is one common characteristic of the stories featured on 'This American Life'?
A) They are exclusively about historical events
B) They always have a tragic ending
C) They often explore everyday life with a unique perspective
D) They are always about famous people
  • 10. Ira Glass's approach to storytelling often involves.
A) Using only dramatic reenactments
B) Presenting multiple perspectives on a single topic
C) Focusing solely on his own experiences
D) Presenting facts without any personal commentary
  • 11. The production company behind 'This American Life' is also known for creating other successful podcasts. What is the name of this production company?
A) NPR
B) Gimlet Media
C) This American Life Productions
D) WBEZ Chicago
  • 12. Ira Glass's role in 'This American Life' can be described as more than just a host. What is another key aspect of his contribution?
A) Curator of stories
B) Advertising salesperson
C) Guest booker
D) Sound engineer
  • 13. What award has 'This American Life' received multiple times, acknowledging its excellence in radio journalism?
A) Peabody Award
B) Pulitzer Prize
C) Emmy Award
D) Grammy Award
  • 14. Ira Glass is known for his self-deprecating humor. What is an example of a common theme in his self-deprecating jokes?
A) His immense wealth
B) His perceived lack of certain social skills
C) His athletic prowess
D) His culinary expertise
  • 15. The podcast version of 'This American Life' became particularly popular. How did this digital distribution impact the show's reach?
A) Led to a decrease in listenership
B) Primarily reached a niche academic audience
C) Had little to no impact on listenership
D) Significantly broadened its audience globally
  • 16. What is a recurring element in many 'This American Life' episodes that helps to illustrate a point or emotion?
A) Music
B) Weather reports
C) News headlines
D) Sports scores
  • 17. Ira Glass often uses specific phrasing to transition between segments or introduce a new idea. Which of these is NOT typical of his style?
A) 'It's one of those stories that...'
B) 'We have a story from...'
C) 'Breaking news from the front lines...'
D) 'And so, there's this thing that happened...'
  • 18. What is a significant challenge that Ira Glass and 'This American Life' have faced in their storytelling?
A) Finding compelling stories that fit the show's format
B) Competing with commercial radio
C) Obtaining interviews with everyday people
D) Securing funding for the show
  • 19. Ira Glass has been praised for his ability to make complex or ordinary topics relatable. What is a key technique he employs?
A) Using extensive technical jargon
B) Focusing on the human element and personal experiences
C) Presenting only statistical data
D) Maintaining a detached and objective tone
  • 20. The show 'This American Life' has inspired many other narrative-driven podcasts. What does this influence suggest about Ira Glass's contribution?
A) He pioneered and popularized a significant style of audio storytelling.
B) His work has had no lasting impact on podcasting.
C) He exclusively copied existing radio formats.
D) He was the first to ever use a microphone for radio.
  • 21. What is one of Ira Glass's stated beliefs about the importance of storytelling?
A) Stories are only for children.
B) Stories are a waste of time.
C) Stories help us understand ourselves and others.
D) Stories are only for entertainment.
  • 22. In his interviews and public appearances, Ira Glass often talks about the process of creating 'This American Life.' What is a common theme in these discussions?
A) The iterative nature of editing and refining stories
B) The lack of creative control for contributors
C) The reliance on pre-written scripts
D) The ease and speed of production
  • 23. What is the primary broadcast station associated with 'This American Life'?
A) SiriusXM
B) NPR
C) WBEZ Chicago
D) BBC
  • 24. Ira Glass's distinctive intro to many episodes often sets a certain tone. Which of these best describes that tone?
A) Authoritative and definitive
B) Somber and melancholic
C) Humorous and sarcastic
D) Curious and slightly uncertain
  • 25. What is a significant achievement of Ira Glass and 'This American Life' in terms of its cultural impact?
A) Revolutionizing the stock market.
B) Inventing a new form of visual art.
C) Dominating the music industry.
D) Elevating the art of radio storytelling and podcasting.
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