Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer

Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer is a narrative audio series exploring the private life and public contradictions of one of America’s most polarizing media figures — beyond the spectacle that defined his reputation.

Role

Executive Producer

Industry

Narrative Audio / Media

Duration

Limited series

a cellphone leaning against a wall
a cellphone leaning against a wall
a cellphone leaning against a wall

Reframing a familiar story

Although Jerry Springer is widely known as a symbol of American tabloid television, the series set out to examine the deeper tensions in his life — ambition, compromise, identity, and legacy.

The challenge was to move beyond caricature and construct a narrative that felt intimate, historically grounded, and surprising to listeners who thought they already knew the story.

Narrative development and product voice

As executive producer, I oversaw narrative development across the series, working closely on structure, pacing, and editorial direction. I also collaborated on product copy to ensure the language surrounding the series reflected the depth and seriousness of the reporting.

Impact & recognition

– Named the #2 podcast of 2025 by The New Yorker

– Named the #4 podcast of 2025 by Rolling Stone

– Named a Top Ten podcast of 2025 by The Economist

Reframing a familiar story

Although Jerry Springer is widely known as a symbol of American tabloid television, the series set out to examine the deeper tensions in his life — ambition, compromise, identity, and legacy.

The challenge was to move beyond caricature and construct a narrative that felt intimate, historically grounded, and surprising to listeners who thought they already knew the story.

Narrative development and product voice

As executive producer, I oversaw narrative development across the series, working closely on structure, pacing, and editorial direction. I also collaborated on product copy to ensure the language surrounding the series reflected the depth and seriousness of the reporting.

Impact & recognition

– Named the #2 podcast of 2025 by The New Yorker

– Named the #4 podcast of 2025 by Rolling Stone

– Named a Top Ten podcast of 2025 by The Economist

Other projects

Let's continue the conversation.

I look forward to creating best-in-class content with you.

Let's continue the conversation.

I look forward to creating best-in-class content with you.

Let's continue the conversation.

I look forward to creating best-in-class content with you.

Copyright 2026 by Heather Won Tesoriero

Copyright 2026 by Heather Won Tesoriero

Copyright 2026 by Heather Won Tesoriero