Sidedoor: Call for story ideas

Got a great story? Let’s tell it together. 

Sidedoor, the Smithsonian’s flagship podcast, is now developing Season 12 —and we want to hear your ideas! Whether it’s an aha moment from your research, an overlooked figure in Smithsonian history, or a fresh angle on a well-known topic, we’re all ears.

What kinds of stories work well on Sidedoor?

• Vivid characters: This could be a historical figure, a present-day scientist, an artist, a collector… or even you, the researcher! Non-human subjects are welcome too.
• Action: Something happens. (This is the difference between a “topic” and “story.”) A story is set in a place and a time where a sequence of actions occurs: a journey, a rivalry, a discovery… even if it’s small, there’s movement.
• Meaning: What broader idea does this story touch on? What might it help people see differently?
• Great audio potential: The podcast is a great way to share the audio-rich stories that are typically challenging to exhibit. Does your work involve bioacoustics? Music? Oral histories or other archival sounds? If you’ve got cool Smithsonian-specific audio, let’s use it!

Got an idea? Get in touch! You don’t need a fully formed story—just a spark.

Contact the Sidedoor Team via Lizzie Peabody at PeabodyEl@si.edu

Related posts:

Smithsonian on the go: Listen to our podcasts wherever you are, whenever you want Moving toward Phase 1 Bloodsuckers! Or “How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Leeches” My Name, My Story