1:1 session

Shia Levitt: Private Session (60 mins)

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Session Details

  • 60 minute mentorship session via Zoom
  • Shia has most availability on Tuesdays and Fridays, with some hours on Wednesday afternoon as well. Shia is on the west coast.
An expert in pitching stories, field reporting, writing and voicing for radio, digital audio editing, and international reporting, Shia is a great mentor for those looking to sharpen their skills and broaden their understanding of the industry. With 21+ years of relevant experience, she is excited to work with people starting their own podcasts who may not have a background in public radio/journalism/reporting; young people just starting out in the radio field; those transitioning to radio from other fields. 

Shia possesses a keen sense for the ins and outs of freelancing -- a perfect fit if you’re seeking guidance on how to navigate that space. Shia has also done extensive reporting from abroad and can help those considering foreign reporting with preparation, story pitching, logistics, working with translators and fixers, and cultivating sources.

About Shia

Shia Levitt (she/her) is a longtime public radio journalist who has covered stories for NPR, Marketplace, KQED, and numerous other outlets. She has reported domestically from the U.S., and internationally from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Her beats have included science/health/environment and labor/economics, among others. In addition to reporting and producing, Shia has taught radio to young people for WNYC’s Radio Rookies, for UNICEF in Haiti, and at the college level both at Mills College in Oakland and at Brooklyn College in New York City. She has produced podcasts for UNICEF and has advised other podcasts on both technical aspects and content. Shia has also worked in television, on international documentary productions focused on bridging divides between people, and domestically on several interactive citizen engagement programs. She also works as a freelance photographer. Shia spent many years living in Northern California, where she enjoyed hiking and camping. She recently moved back to Brooklyn and is always looking for suggestions of beautiful hiking/camping spots to explore on the east coast. 
Patrick Jones - Course author
MENTORSHIP

How does it work?

  • Find your perfect mentor
  • Pay for your session
  • You should be directed to a booking page. If not, check back here and click  Book Your Session Time
  • Book your calendar slot
  • You'll receive your invite via email
  • Email soundpath@airmedia.org if you have any problems

Shia was encouraging and pointed out how I could use my narration to strengthen the story. She gave me tips on signposting, ambient sound, and interviewing, and even helped me brainstorm future show ideas and think more critically about show structure. Her knowledge in the art of audio and journalistic skills have deeply impacted my work. Whenever I make a new episode I can hear Shia guiding me. I have found our work together to have had a lasting impact on the quality of my work as well as my confidence in producing it.
Dana DiPrima, host of Talk Farm to Me podcast 
Her [radio reporting and audio storytelling] course was transformative for me and that experience led me to switch my career focus. Prior to her class, I wanted to go into sports broadcasting but Shia helped me understand the greater role of a journalist in society. How we are the gatekeepers between the government and the people. That I could help reach folks from my community and put a spotlight on their issues.
Jared Marcelle, NPR, Planet Money, This American Life, and ELSEWHERE