All Of It Podcast Episode Summary: "The Teachers That Shape Us"

Host: Alyson Stewart
Guest: Playwright Sarah Ruhl
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Podcast: All Of It, WNYC
Duration: Approximately 25 minutes

Introduction

In the May 9, 2025 episode of WNYC’s "All Of It," host Alyson Stewart welcomes renowned playwright Sarah Ruhl to discuss her insightful new book, "Lessons From My Teachers From Preschool to the Present." The episode coincides with the final day of Teacher Appreciation Week, setting the stage for a heartfelt exploration of the profound impact teachers have on our lives beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Exploring Sarah Ruhl’s New Book

[00:29] Alyson Stewart introduces Sarah Ruhl and her book, highlighting the expansive definition of "teachers" that Ruhl employs. Ruhl views teachers not just as educators in formal settings but as anyone who imparts valuable life lessons—be it a parent, a piano instructor, a literary figure like Virginia Woolf, or even the owner of a favorite local falafel place.

[01:13] Ruhl explains the primary goal of her class at Yale, emphasizing the diversity of approaches to playwriting and the importance of acknowledging the lineage and legacy of her own mentors. She seeks to dismantle the "guru" mentality, encouraging students to recognize multiple entry points into the craft and to honor the myriad influences that shape their work.

The Joy and Responsibility of Teaching

[02:01] When asked about her feelings toward teaching, Ruhl expresses her deep love for it. She cherishes the opportunity to engage with the next generation of thinkers and creators, especially during challenging times like the COVID pandemic and its economic impacts on the arts.

[02:05] Ruhl highlights the resilience and optimism of her students, viewing them as vital to the continuation and evolution of theater as an ancient art form that thrives on presence, gesture, and ritual.

Listener Stories: Celebrating Various Teachers

Throughout the episode, Alyson Stewart invites listeners to share their own stories about influential teachers. Several heartfelt calls are featured, each underscoring the diverse ways teachers impact lives.

• Spencer from Westchester County [07:26]:
  Spencer honors his late father for instilling fundamental values and credits his grammar professor, Robert Wheeler, for fostering his communication skills.
  Notable Quote:
  “Communication is one of the most important skills we can master today... I trace it all the way back to age 21 with Robert Wheeler.”

• Jenny from Manhattan [08:57]:
  Jenny praises Irina Akulenko, her fusion belly dance teacher, for helping her develop a unique relationship with her body and mind.
  Notable Quote:
  “Her classes... helped me find a relationship with my body that is completely unique. It’s both my mind and my body.”

• Laura [14:54]:
  Laura shares the profound lessons learned from her mother during a challenging time when her mother battled cancer. She emphasizes the importance of genuine interactions over superficial greetings.
  Notable Quote:
  “You don't know how they're feeling, so don't say, 'How are you?'”

• Unnamed Caller [16:07]:
  A caller reminisces about their 5th-grade teacher who sparked creativity and built their self-confidence, transforming their ability to communicate effectively.
  Notable Quote:
  “I entered her class as a boy who couldn't speak without stuttering like Porky Pig. Her nurturing was such that by the end of the school year, I was hardly stuttering anymore.”

• Tina [16:58]:
  Tina recounts her encounter with Betty Wilson, a dance teacher who unknowingly set her on a path to becoming an architect by submitting her portfolio to CCA.
  Notable Quote:
  “She submitted my portfolio without me knowing and helped me earn a merit scholarship.”

• Charles from the Upper West Side [19:48]:
  Charles honors his mother, a Pentecostal minister, and recounts influential teachers who nurtured his artistic talents and instilled peace and perseverance.
  Notable Quote:
  “Peace is the greatest thing you have. The trick is learning how to hold on to it.”

• Colleen [21:39]:
  Colleen shares a touching story about her second-grade teacher, Mrs. Wolf, who demonstrated kindness and resilience by rebuilding her blocks with a bullied student without overt comfort.
  Notable Quote:
  “Mrs. Wolf really just led by example. It’s something I hold with me still to this day about looking for people who are on the outside and bringing them into the center of focus.”

In-Depth Discussion: Defining Teachers Broadly

[03:28] Alyson Stewart delves into why Sarah Ruhl chose teachers as a lens for her memoir. Ruhl articulates that our growth is fundamentally tied to our relationships with others, and by mapping life through the lessons learned from various teachers, the narrative becomes less self-centered and more about interconnectedness.

[05:22] Ruhl elaborates on her expansive definition of teachers, revealing that her children, students, and even mentors outside formal settings—like Paula Vogel—are integral to her understanding of teaching. This inclusive approach underscores the fluidity and reciprocity inherent in learning.

Overcoming Personal Challenges Through Teaching

[06:07] Ruhl shares a personal struggle with loneliness and confusion around 2015-2016, exacerbated by health issues and socio-political turmoil. She reflects on how revisiting lessons from her real-life teachers provided nourishment and solace, contrasting with the often inadequate answers found online.

Reflections on Paula Vogel’s Influence

[11:53] The conversation shifts to Ruhl’s influential teacher, Paula Vogel. Recalling her first impression of Vogel's passionate teaching style, Ruhl credits Vogel with altering her career trajectory from poetry and teaching to playwriting.

[13:47] Ruhl recounts Vogel’s generous support during a kidney infection, illustrating Vogel’s bravery and generosity. This act of kindness deeply impacted Ruhl, reinforcing the profound personal connections teachers can forge beyond academic mentorship.

[13:58] Discussing criticism and rejection, Ruhl shares Vogel’s advice on handling rejection letters, which helped her build resilience. Vogel's metaphor of "vaccinating" Ruhl against rejection underscores the practical and emotional tools teachers provide.

The Profound Impact of Teachers

[18:04] Ruhl observes that many teachers are unaware of the significant impact they have on their students. Her interactions with former teachers revealed that simple acts of teaching extend far beyond imparting knowledge, shaping students' lives in ways teachers might never realize.

Final Reflections and Takeaways

As the episode draws to a close, Alyson Stewart asks Ruhl what listeners should take away from these collective lessons. Ruhl emphasizes the ubiquitous nature of kindness and the implicit and explicit ways teachers shape us. She advocates for expressing gratitude to teachers and maintaining a student’s mindset throughout life.

Notable Quote:
“We heard a lot of callers talk about kindness... they teach us how to be a person.”

Upcoming Events

Before signing off, Ruhl mentions her play "Eurydice," set to premiere at Signature Theater on May 13. The revival offers a fresh perspective on the classic Orpheus myth, told from Eurydice’s viewpoint and featuring notable actors like Maya Hawke and Brian d’Arcy James.

Conclusion

The episode "The Teachers That Shape Us" serves as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted roles teachers play in our lives. Through Sarah Ruhl’s reflections and listeners' heartfelt stories, the conversation celebrates the enduring legacy of educators in shaping personal and professional identities. The episode underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring the diverse influences that guide and inspire us every day.

This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, listener contributions, and the overarching theme of the significant role teachers play in our personal growth and societal fabric.