The Miller Aud-cast | January 28, 2021

Hello and happy New Year: this is Miller Aud-cast #4. This time out we feature Vivien Schüetz’s submission in the Audio Documentary category, “Not In the Cards.”

Vivien Schüetz is an independent audio producer from Germany living in Brooklyn. She studied Journalism and Radio Art in Germany and is now an independent radio journalist for German public radio and podcasts. Her microphone gives her the chance to peek into ordinary people’s lives. She is currently working on a documentary about orthodox women in Brooklyn who push boundaries. Find her at www.torial.com/vivien.schuetz or on Twitter @vivienschuetz.

In “Not in the Cards,” we meet Robert, who lost his sight at birth, as he reflects on growing up blind, coming to the realization that he was gay, and what these realities would mean for him. Sometimes hearing him in conversation with his helpers, and mostly hearing from him directly, this is a deeply humane and empathetic listen to a very particular existence: listen on as “Bob” gives us the opportunity to hear what his life is like in his own words.

Thanks to Vivien Schüetz for bringing us this life. Special thanks to Robert, who Schütz wants you to know that you can reach out to, if you like, at harlynn [at] panix.com. Thanks also to the musicians who contributed to the production of the piece: Colin Stetson / www.colinstetson.com/ (“And It Fought To Escape”), Blue Dot Sessions / www.sessions.blue/ (“Rubber Ball Machine,” “Ultima Thule”), Bexar Bexar / westernvinyl.com/artists/bexar-bexar.php (“Kt”) and The Album Leaf / thealbumleaf.com/ (“The Light”). Click on the links in the show notes to discover more about them.

Stay tuned for Miller Aud-cast # 5, on its way next week. Thanks also to the Missouri Review contest editor, Bailey Boyd, and to Patricia Miller, for her generous support for the Miller Audio Prize. Finally, TMR is open for submissions year-round, and we remain dedicated to discovering and publishing the best contemporary writing in fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Be heard. Give us the opportunity to discover you: subscribe or submit your work today! Learn more at www.missourireview.com.