’12 hours at the Runcible Spoon’ podcast
On Nov. 7, 2025, six student producers in adjunct instructor Alex Chambers’ fall 2025 MSCH-J 431 Advanced Podcast and Audio Storytelling class spent 12 hours in the Runcible Spoon to record a day in the life of the local restaurant. Inspired by “24 Hours at the Golden Apple” produced by “This American Life” and “Twelve hours at the Richmond park and ride” produced by “Brave Little State,” the class project captures the spirit of Runcible Spoon ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2026.
After a few dead ends trying to get a local organization agree to be featured, a student in the class who worked at the restaurant helped coordinate logistics to have the students spend 12 hours talking with the workers, owners, and customers at Runcible Spoon. Following the 12-hour day, students spent another eight to 10 hours each editing their sections and working with Chambers to assemble captured audio into a 30-minute piece for “Nice Work,” a WFIU podcast. The show aired Feb. 7-8 with a listening party held in the basement of Runcible Spoon on Feb. 19.
The story was produced by Lily Marks, Owen Koehler, Ben Burns, Audrey Ouillette, Clara Licklider, and Joe Ringer.
“My students said it was one of their favorite projects ever,” Chambers said. “And I was glad to be able to bring a story about a local institution to our airwaves and RSS feeds.”
Listen to the podcast episode.