Who are today's best audio storytellers?

Behind the scenes of a Pulitzer finalist, and seeking the sky.

A Pulitzer honor for The 13th Step

If you’re a regular reader of this newsletter or a Sound Judgment podcast listener, you know I’ve been spending oodles of time pulling apart the investigative podcast The 13th Step in recent weeks. (In fact, it’s been months; I first invited reporter Lauren Chooljian and lead editor Alison MacAdam onto the show at the turn of the year.)

“The best defense is the truth,” Part 2 of my deep dive into The 13th Step, came out this morning. Two days ago, as I was finishing up the fact-checking on this episode, I received an email from Alison. It said, simply, “Update: We’re Pulitzer finalists!”

The Pulitzer board honored the team “for their gripping and extensively reported investigation of corruption and sexual abuse within the lucrative recovery industry that sought accountability despite legal pressure.” (Read the entire list of Pulitzer finalists and winners.)

I’m thrilled for The 13th Step team. 

And, frankly, I’m thrilled for what it says about my goal fo…