Kyle Norris - Producer

Kyle Norris got her start in radio as a Michigan Radio intern. Her features have appeared on The Environment Report, All Things Considered, Marketplace, The Splendid Table, World Vision Report, Justice Talking, and The Health Show. In 2008, she won a Division A (News Staff of 5 or more) first place award from Public Radio News Directors Incorporated for best investigative journalism. Norris is endlessly fascinated with people and their struggles. She's also fascinated with the figurative beating of the human heart. She loves public radio because it gives her the chance to explore all of those things. In her downtime she enjoys soccer, yoga, and coffee. Her website is at kylenorris.wordpress.com. Q&A What three people, alive or dead, would you like to have lunch with? Why? Probably a couple of my ancestors, because I’d just love to know who they were and where they were from and what their lives were like. And Tori Amos—because she’s creative and inspiring and has always marched to the beat of her own drum. How did you get involved in radio? In college I applied several times to the This American Life internship position and never made the cut. A few years later I got a spot as a Michigan Radio intern and worked on Stateside with Charity Nebbe and The Jack Lessenberry Show. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Play soccer, drive through small towns and explore them, cook, listen to music, relax, and hang with my peeps. What has been your most memorable experience as a reporter/host/etc.? Interviewing a woman named Faith who grew up in a small, segregated southern town. She was raised on a farm and her family used teas and herbal remedies to stay healthy. She was incredibly old school and incredibly new school and had an amazing take on life. What one song do you think best summarizes your taste in music? “You turn me on I’m a radio” by Joni Mitchell. What is your favorite program on Michigan Radio? Why? Yikes that’s a tough one! I kinda love RadioLab because of the way they layer sound on top of sound when telling a story, and also for the banter between the two hosts. It’s a real, varied exchange and makes me feel like I’m hanging out with them. What is one ability or talent you really wish you possessed? I wish I were really good at math—like famous good. What do you like best about working in public radio? The freedom and staggering possibility when it comes to storytelling. Is there anyone in the broadcasting industry you find to be particularly admirable or inspiring? Who? My comrades at Michigan Radio. Is there a T.V. show you never miss? If so, which one? “Please pack your knives and go.” (Top Chef) What would your perfect meal consist of? Barbeque What modern convenience would it be most difficult for you to live without? Bicycle What are people usually very surprised to learn about you? I am not a vegetarian (see #12). Return to Michigan Radio Staff.