Samantha Balaban
Samantha Balaban is a producer at Weekend Edition.
After receiving her M.A. in Journalism and Latin American studies from New York University, she got her start in public radio covering the James "Whitey" Bulger trial for WBUR as an intern. Since coming to NPR in 2014, she has reported on a perfume-loving tiger, traveled to Mexico to meet actor Diego Luna (and cover the elections), ridden with border patrol officers along the Rio Grande River, eaten very well in Houston, interviewed a Bangle and used her waterproof fanny pack to help keep her mic dry during hurricanes. She's also responsible for Picture This, a series of conversations with authors and illustrators.
Most days, you can find her under a pile of books and mail coordinating Weekend Edition's book coverage. On weekends, she's hanging out with her dog, Winnie.
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Nicole Rikard, Kristen Clifford, Erin Gibson and Melissa Swailes were all married to officers who killed themselves. They want to end the stigma of police asking for help when facing mental illness. -
Some things get better with age. Just ask the members of the Wizdom, a dance team for the NBA's Washington Wizards who are all 50 years old or older. -
All veterans of the 1990s U.K. indie-pop scene, the rock quartet uses a textured, melodic sound to take on some very contemporary concerns. -
Recent stories about high-profile politicians in Virginia having worn blackface have caused many people to recount their own experiences and how it made them feel unwelcome, or unsafe. -
Renowned Iraqi conductor and cellist Karim Wasfi tells NPR's Scott Simon about his music, the challenges of his work and his commitment to his country. -
Is there a relative, friend or co-worker you lost who you think others should know about? Tell us about them, and we may share their story. -
Wildlife officials in India are trying to catch a tiger thought to be responsible for the deaths of several people. So far, no luck. But could the secret to success be under their noses? -
Before his death in 2015, the subject of the hit podcastmade music inspired by painter and ambient musician Tor Lundvall. Now, Lundvall is paying tribute to McLemore in return. -
An asylum seeker is five times more likely to win a petition for asylum with the help of a lawyer. But, many asylum seekers are expected to represent themselves in court. -
Genesis Blu is both a psychotherapist who works with teenagers and a rapper. "I love them equally," she says.
