Forever Ago Podcast Episode Summary: "How Sesame Street Tried to Change the World"

Released November 27, 2024 by American Public Media

In the "Forever Ago" episode titled "How Sesame Street Tried to Change the World," hosts Joy Dolo and Truman explore the remarkable history and enduring impact of the iconic children's television program, Sesame Street. Through engaging storytelling and insightful discussions, the episode delves into the show's origins, its innovative approaches to education, the challenges it faced, and the profound changes it brought to children's programming and education.

Introduction: Setting the Stage

The episode opens with a playful advertisement for the Joy Dolo School of Acting, introducing a whimsical subplot featuring a giant green capital letter E seeking to land a role on Sesame Street. This creative narrative sets the tone for the episode, blending humor with educational insights.

• [00:00] Joy Dolo: "Oh, Truman, come here. My commercial is about to be on."
• [00:03] Truman: "Cool. I'll turn the TV up."

Acting Class: Letter E's Audition Journey

Joy Dolo introduces a unique storyline where Letter E, a character aspiring to join Sesame Street, enrolls in an acting class taught by Joy. This subplot serves as an allegory for the larger themes of education and personal growth, paralleling Sesame Street's mission to educate and inspire children.

• [02:07] Joy Dolo: "Welcome to Forever Ago from APM Studios. I'm Joydolo, here with my buddy Truman from Minneapolis, Minnesota."
• [02:20] Truman: "I think for sure. Rocco."

Letter E's Emotional Range Training: Joy and Truman guide E through mastering various emotions, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence—an essential component of Sesame Street's educational approach.

• [03:15] Truman: "I think so, yeah. If they have the space, if they have the people who will watch them that can teach good morals. Teach to not lie, teach to not cheat. They could change the world."
• [04:08] E: "Um, sad. That's a tough one for an E. How about engrossed or entertained or even envious?"

Historical Context: The Birth of Sesame Street

The hosts provide a rich historical backdrop, situating Sesame Street in the context of 1960s America—a time of significant social and economic challenges. They discuss the disparities in education and the desire to use television as a tool to bridge the educational gap for children from underprivileged backgrounds.

• [05:28] Truman: "But some people thought, hey, if we could just help get those kids ready for school earlier in life, they'd break the cycle."
• [05:01] Joy Dolo: "It's a story full of big gambles, wild ideas, haters and doubters, and ultimately a huge win."

Joan Ganz Cooney's Vision and Leadership

Central to the episode is Joan Ganz Cooney, the visionary producer behind Sesame Street. The discussion highlights her innovative approach to educational television and her determination to create a program that was both entertaining and instructive for children.

• [17:14] Joy Dolo: "Well, to make a difference, this new show had to do three things. One, it had to be educational. Two, it had to show kids a world that looked like theirs. And three, it had to be super fun or else they definitely wouldn't watch."
• [17:08] E: "Oh, E. For an experiment. I love it. What happened next?"

Innovative Production Techniques and Collaboration

The episode delves into the groundbreaking production methods employed in creating Sesame Street. This includes collaboration with renowned puppeteer Jim Henson and the integration of experts in child development to ensure the content was both engaging and educational.

• [19:11] Truman: "At first, Jim Henson didn't want to do a kids show. His dream was to make puppet shows for grownups. But Joan was super convincing."
• [19:44] Joy Dolo: "H, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, B, W, X, Y, Z. Just put it right there, Dudley."

Challenges and Overcoming Criticism

Despite its innovative approach, Sesame Street faced significant criticism and obstacles. Critics argued that the show was too fast-paced and flashy for children, and the interracial interactions on the show were controversial during the Civil Rights Movement.

• [22:03] E: "I knew it. I wasn't worried at all."
• [22:05] Truman: "There was pushback, though."

Impact and Legacy: Educational Outcomes

Ultimately, Sesame Street proved to be a resounding success, significantly improving educational outcomes for its young viewers. The show not only enhanced early childhood education but also set new standards for inclusivity and diversity in children's programming.

• [22:43] Joy Dolo: "Actually, it helped all kids who watched it do better in school, regardless of how much money their families had, which was a big win for them."
• [23:11] Truman: "But it did not break the cycle that led to some families struggling more with money and jobs."

Conclusion: Continuing Influence and Legacy

The episode concludes by reflecting on Sesame Street's enduring legacy and its ongoing influence on both education and entertainment. Through the lens of Letter E's journey, listeners are reminded of the characters and educational values that have made Sesame Street a beloved institution.

• [23:30] E: "Not cookie."
• [24:08] Truman: "That's amazing."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [03:15] Truman: "I think so, yeah. If they have the space, if they have the people who will watch them that can teach good morals. Teach to not lie, teach to not cheat. They could change the world."
• [17:14] Joy Dolo: "Well, to make a difference, this new show had to do three things. One, it had to be educational. Two, it had to show kids a world that looked like theirs. And three, it had to be super fun or else they definitely wouldn't watch."
• [22:43] Joy Dolo: "Actually, it helped all kids who watched it do better in school, regardless of how much money their families had, which was a big win for them."

Final Thoughts:

"Forever Ago's" exploration of Sesame Street provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how the show was conceived, the innovative methods that brought it to life, and the significant impact it has had on generations of children. Through engaging narratives and insightful discussions, the episode celebrates Sesame Street's role in shaping educational television and fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment for young audiences.