My NPR Interview Experience: A Peek Behind the Mic
In NPR’s “Why Some People Try to Lose Their Accents”, I was invited to share my perspective on accent modification and the question, “Can you really change your accent?” This post shares my NPR interview experience—what it was like behind the scenes, from the first email to recording from home with a toddler and dogs, and the emotional timing of its release.
The Honor of Being Interviewed by NPR
Being interviewed by NPR was such an honor—and honestly, a little nerve-wracking! I never imagined my work in accent modification would lead to a national conversation on how accents shape identity. As a speech-language pathologist, I’ve always loved helping people speak with confidence, but this was a new kind of stage.
The Unexpected Email
It all started with an email from an NPR producer. Like many people, I was skeptical at first—could this really be happening? After confirming it was legitimate, we scheduled a preliminary interview. We talked about my background, work with clients in accent modification, and perspective on why people seek to adjust their accent.
At the end of our chat, the producer mentioned she had several others to reach out to. I didn’t expect to hear back, so when she followed up saying they wanted to move forward with me for the segment, I was thrilled (and slightly terrified).
The Story Behind the Segment
The idea for the episode was sparked by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s interview with the Associated Press, where he shared that he loves his accent, that it’s part of his identity, and that it’s even helped him professionally. That raised an interesting question for the NPR team: Can you really change an accent—and should you?
It’s a question I get all the time as a speech-language pathologist who specializes in accent modification and accent coaching. People are often curious whether changing your accent is possible, or if doing so means giving up part of who you are. The producers wanted to explore that nuance.
Behind the Scenes: Setting Up for the NPR Interview
Once the interview was confirmed, the producer sent me an app to download that would capture high-quality audio from my end. The first few minutes were spent troubleshooting: adjusting the mic settings, checking for echoes, and praying that my house stayed quiet.
Easier said than done—with a toddler and two dogs, background noise is basically a given! My husband, Alex, kindly took Leo out of the house so I could record in peace. This is the kind of thing you don’t see when you listen to NPR—the quiet chaos behind the microphone.
The Interview Experience
My NPR interview experience itself was conducted entirely over the phone—no visual cues, no friendly nods, just voices and questions flying my way. The host asked thoughtful questions and the conversation ebbed and flowed.
I had notes prepared, but there was one moment I remember flipping through them, trying to find my “perfect” response. I got a little flustered, but thankfully I was allowed to ask to start questions over when needed and they obliged.
Thankfully, NPR’s editors are true professionals. When I listened to the final cut, I was amazed at how seamlessly it flowed. They managed to capture the essence of the topic- and it all sounded so polished!
A Bittersweet Timing
What I didn’t expect was how emotionally charged the release day would be. The segment aired on our late daughter Kaiya’s birthday. That morning, my phone lit up with messages—half from loved ones remembering her, and half from friends who had just heard me on NPR and reached out with congratulations.
I hadn’t been told when the interview would air, and it had been delayed a few weeks because of breaking political news. (Let’s just say, Trump stole my thunder more than once!) But in hindsight, it came out exactly when it was supposed to.
Reflections on the Experience
Looking back, I’m so glad I said yes. Being featured on NPR was a career highlight, but more than that, it was a reminder of why I love what I do. It was wonderful to be able to share my insight and have others openly listen.
My NPR interview experience gave me a new appreciation for radio journalism—from the prep work to the editing to the sensitivity behind every question. And maybe, just maybe, it won’t be my last time behind the mic.
For more tips on accent modification, view my blog HERE.