SFA’s Gravy podcast tells true stories of the changing American South.

A narrative show telling one feature-length story per 20-minute episode, Gravy showcases a South that is constantly evolving, receiving immigrants from across the world, adopting new traditions and lovingly maintaining old ones. Through the lens of foodways, Gravy digs into the lesser-known corners of the region, complicates stereotypes, documents new dynamics, connects the dots between history and the present day, and sings the unsung people who grow, cook, and serve our meals.

Prospective reporter-producers may pitch a single story or multiple stories that may or may not be thematically linked. Previous Gravy collaborators are welcome to re-apply. Payment for a successfully completed single episode begins at $3,000, inclusive of travel and expenses. A professional audio engineer will assist you in producing the final project.  Pitches are always welcome. There is no deadline. SFA will not accept pitches of a PR nature. 

Applicants should possess the equipment (or access to equipment) and skills to pitch, outline, report, cut tape, script, and track a 20-minute podcast episode.

A complete pitch includes:

  • A 200-400 word description of the intended story: Tell us who and/or what the story is about, where it takes place, why the main character(s) and setting(s) are interesting, and why Gravy should tell the story now. Why does this story merit a 20-minute audio feature? What does this story tell us about the changing American South? 
  • A sample of previous audio work. This call is intended for experienced audio storytellers.

SFA provides the following resources to podcast collaborators: 

  • Suggestions for research material and subject-area experts, upon request 
  • The services of an audio engineer to mix, master, and score each episode 
  • Editorial services 
  • Fact-checking 
  • Subscription to an online transcription service for transcribing interviews 
  • Online file storage via a shared Dropbox account 
  • Host audio tracks 
  • Publishing, hosting, and promotion of the episode(s)

Complete pitches, as well as any questions, may be directed to thegravypodcast@gmail.com.

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