I just have a harder time, I think, feeling close to people without self consciousness.

I think people who live in New York don't realize just how much time they spend talking about the subway.

I think stories get better the more people try to amuse themselves.

But sadly, one of the problems with being on public radio is that people tend to think you're being sincere all the time.

A lot of broadcasting, I think, is doing a tremendous amount of preparation and trying to act like, 'Oh, this thought is just occurring to me right now' - and speaking sincerely.

I think good radio often uses the techniques of fiction: characters, scenes, a big urgent emotional question. And as in the best fiction, tone counts for a lot.