Max Politics - Episode 232: Murphy Signs Off
Date: May 27, 2021
Host: Ben Max
Guest: Jarrett Murphy

Episode Overview

This episode commemorates Jarrett Murphy’s final appearance as co-host on the show, following his decision to leave journalism for nursing school. Host Ben Max and Murphy reflect on Murphy’s impactful career in New York City journalism, the lessons he’s learned, and his hopes for the future. The tone is warm, reflective, and appreciative, making this episode a tribute to a respected voice in urban reporting.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Arc of Jarrett Murphy’s Journalism Career

[01:36 - 03:31]

• Murphy traces his path from growing up in a New England mill town to falling in love with New York City at age 8.
  • “I just was absolutely enraptured around cities. And journalism is sort of what I fell into…” — Jarrett Murphy [01:46]
• Details career milestones:
  • Began at Hartford Advocate after college.
  • Short early stint at City Limits in 1999–2000.
  • Worked for CBS News, then chose to get a master’s in economics instead of journalism school to focus on policy.
  • Moved to the Village Voice, where he covered the 2005 mayoral race.
  • Returned to City Limits in 2007 as investigations editor, later becoming editor-in-chief and publisher.
• Reflects on the unexpected longevity of his City Limits tenure:
  • “It was the rare opportunity where my job got better just by my standing still…” — Jarrett Murphy [03:07]

2. Influential People and Pivotal Moments

[03:31 - 05:42]

• The most pivotal decision, Murphy says, was meeting his wife, who’s also a journalist and connected him to influential mentor Wayne Barrett.
  • “She is who introduced me to the great Wayne Barrett…that internship sort of changed my life.” — Jarrett Murphy [03:55]
  • Describes the “exciting moments like running from the people who ran a sweatshop that we were trying to bust, and a lot of unexciting moments, learning what real reporting is…” [04:12]
• Credits working at the Village Voice under Tom Robbins and Down Forest as formative.
• City Limits was “the job of a lifetime,” providing unique opportunities and impact.

3. Lessons and Advice for Aspiring Journalists

[05:42 - 07:49]

• Murphy, who’s also taught journalism and mentored young reporters, distills his advice:
  • “The first is to just read everything. All the best secrets are written down somewhere. If you get your hands on documents, you know, squeeze every ounce of fact you can out of them.” — Jarrett Murphy [06:22]
  • “Don’t let people talk you out of a story because they say it doesn’t matter…If it lights that bulb in your head, or more importantly, if it sparks the flame, then it's an important story and it's worth pursuing.” — Jarrett Murphy [06:50]
  • Reminds journalists that small-scale impact is as valuable as high-profile exposés:
    • “Sometimes you might be the only voice talking about some pain that people are feeling. And if so, you matter a lot to them.” [07:40]

4. Looking Ahead: Nursing School and Future Contributions

[07:49 - 08:37]

• Murphy shares that his immediate future will be devoted to nursing school and adapting to a big life change.
  • “I would not expect anything soon, but...this is not the last time people will hear from me. I have too many, too many opinions and too much obscure policy knowledge to sit on.” — Jarrett Murphy [08:24]
• He leaves open the possibility of future appearances or written work as a contributing editor.

5. Reflections and Farewells

[08:37 - End]

• Ben Max commends Murphy’s “great run in journalism and especially at City Limits, which you’ve really helm[ed] so well.”
• Appreciations exchanged between Max and Murphy, with Murphy thanking colleagues, his family, and listeners:
  • “Thank you…to you listeners. Thank you so much for being part of the Bai family and the Max and Murphy experiment.” — Jarrett Murphy [09:35]
• Murphy confirms he’ll continue listening to the show and ends with an ode to New York:
  • “God bless the greatest city in the world.” — Jarrett Murphy [09:59]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Journalism is sort of what I fell into with internships and other stuff. And so it is what I ended up doing.” — Jarrett Murphy [01:49]
• “It became…the job of a lifetime. It was sort of the job I was born into and, or born to do, I should say.” — Jarrett Murphy [04:29]
• “If it lights that bulb in your head, or more importantly, if it sparks the flame, then it's an important story and it's worth pursuing.” — Jarrett Murphy [06:50]
• “Sometimes you might be the only voice talking about some pain that people are feeling. And if so, you matter a lot to them.” — Jarrett Murphy [07:40]
• “I have too many, too many opinions and too much obscure policy knowledge to sit on. So I think I'll be back in some form.” — Jarrett Murphy [08:24]
• “Thank you…to you listeners. Thank you so much for being part of the Bai family and the Max and Murphy experiment.” — Jarrett Murphy [09:35]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [01:36] — Murphy summarizes his career path in journalism.
• [03:31] — Influential people, mentors, and key decisions.
• [05:42] — Murphy’s advice and lessons for young journalists.
• [07:49] — Discussion of Murphy’s plans as he transitions to nursing.
• [08:37] — Reflections and thank-yous from both Max and Murphy.
• [09:59] — Murphy’s closing words and final sign-off.

Summary

“Murphy Signs Off” is a heartfelt episode marking a transition not only for Jarrett Murphy, but for New York’s journalism community at large. The discussion is rich with wisdom, memories, and genuine reflections on the craft and purpose of local reporting. Even as Murphy embarks on a new profession, his passion for stories, cities, and public service remains deeply felt—making his sign-off a thoughtful meditation on change, legacy, and the enduring value of journalism.