Consider This from NPR

Episode: Goodbye, Ari Shapiro

Date: September 26, 2025
Host: NPR Team

Overview

This episode is a heartfelt tribute to Ari Shapiro, marking his departure from NPR after 25 years, including a decade as host of All Things Considered and several years helming the Consider This podcast. Colleagues, guests, and producers reflect on Ari’s incredible journalistic career, his unique personal touch in storytelling, and the enduring connections he built with listeners and interviewees alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ari Shapiro’s Impact & Legacy

• Tenure: Ari’s two and a half decades at NPR included coverage from all over the globe and a reputation for speed, depth, and empathy.
  • "Ari walks fast, talks fast, writes and reads fast. But the story I will always associate with him is the first one we did together in Toledo, Ohio." — Matt Ozug (00:49)
• Commitment to Following Up: Ari maintained relationships with interviewees well beyond the initial story, exemplified by updates on Mo, a Syrian refugee he first covered in 2015.
  • Mo: "Yes, yes, yes. I’m so glad I am now American citizen." — Mo (01:54)

2. Memorable Moments in Storytelling

• Bringing Unheard Voices Forward: Ari ensured those often left out of mainstream narratives were heard, such as mothers affected by Tennessee’s 2015 law on drug dependency and pregnancy.
  • “Many stories...rarely included the voices of mothers. Ari’s did.” — Juana Summers (06:42)
  • Mother interviewed (2015): “What finally broke me was I was 31 weeks...and I put my arm on my stomach and she kicked my arm off and that broke me. It hurt.” (07:16)
• Championing Full Self-Expression: Ari consistently encouraged authenticity in others and himself on air.
  • “Ari has always championed bringing your whole self to the air. You hear that in just about every interview he does.” — Scott Detrow (09:15)

3. Notable Interviews & Highlights

• Big-Name Guests & Up-and-Coming Artists:
  • Kylie Minogue: “How do you keep finding new ways to write a song about first love or the joy of being on a dance floor?” — Ari Shapiro (08:05)
    • Kylie: “I ask myself the same question… I keep going back to that.” (08:10)
  • Renee Rapp:
    • Renee: “I’m quite aggressive and I’m quite delusional. That’s a potent combination.” (08:56)
    • Ari (laughing): “Yeah, that laugh.” (09:00)
  • Humorous, personal touches:
    • “What a person of your generation would call vibes are very physical, very sweaty. Yes. Hope it’s okay for me to say this. Kind of horny a little sometimes, you know.” — Ari Shapiro (09:13)

4. Connecting With Listeners & Guests

• Listener Letters: Ari celebrated listener engagement, even displaying critical mail publicly.
  • “Anytime a listener wrote in with some strong reaction...he would gleefully tape the letter to his office window for everyone to read.” — Mary Louise Kelly (11:04)
• Returning to Important Stories: Ari revisited interviewees to highlight ongoing challenges and positive changes.
  • Lisa Winton (Small Manufacturer):
    • “He stands out because he listens deeply and he asks thoughtful questions.” — Lisa Winton (12:26)
  • Janaya McDonald (Flint Water Crisis):
    • “I really felt like Ari gave me the voice of the Flint residents… Ari made sure that that did not happen ever since.” — Janaya McDonald (13:30)
    • “I just want to thank you guys for coming into my home and allowing me to be a voice. And for that I’m grateful.” — Janaya (14:12)

5. Ari’s Final Sign-off

• Gratitude to Listeners:
  • “Whether you are in your kitchen or your car, walking your dog or at the gym, your most valuable resource is your time. And I’m so grateful that you spent your time with me.” — Ari Shapiro (15:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He circles back to check in on people.” — Matt Ozug (01:30)
• “Ari has covered the White House, he has reported from the United Kingdom, he has reported from all across the country for NPR before ever joining this show.” — Ailsa Chang (06:00)
• “What mattered most to Ari was the connection. He connected powerfully with listeners and with guests.” — Mary Louise Kelly (11:11)
• “Best wishes, Ari. And I hope you can feel me squeezing you right now.” — Janaya McDonald (14:15)
• “Thank you for listening to All Things Considered from NPR News.” — All hosts together, echoing Ari's legacy (16:05)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00-02:30 — Introduction by producer Matt Ozug; Ari’s early stories and unique qualities.
• 02:30-05:00 — Reflections on first collaborative reporting and ongoing relationships with interview subjects.
• 06:00-09:15 — NPR hosts recall Ari’s major reporting beats, unique storytelling style, and early NPR rejection story.
• 09:15-12:00 — Highlights from notable interviews with creative guests.
• 12:00-14:15 — Testimonials from Lisa Winton and Janaya McDonald on Ari’s thoughtfulness and impact.
• 15:00-16:05 — Ari’s final words to the audience and collective farewell by the All Things Considered team.

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode is heartfelt, nostalgic, and filled with gratitude. There’s laughter, a few tears, and a strong sense of camaraderie among Ari’s colleagues and the people whose stories he shared. Moments of levity (“Kind of horny a little sometimes”) intermingle with genuine emotion (“I hope you can feel me squeezing you right now”) to paint a rich portrait of Ari’s legacy.

Summary

This episode of Consider This doubles as both commemoration and celebration, tracing Ari Shapiro’s powerful influence as a journalist and human being at NPR. Colleagues and community members share moving stories about his dogged reporting, empathy, and infectious passion for storytelling. Listeners are left with a deep sense of Ari’s unique gifts, and a reminder of NPR’s enduring commitment to connection.