30 Facts About Ari Shapiro

Early Life and Education

Ari Shapiro's journey to becoming a renowned journalist began with a solid foundation in education and early experiences that shaped his career.

1. Born on September 30, 1978, in Fargo, North Dakota, Ari Shapiro grew up in Portland, Oregon.
2. Shapiro attended Beaverton High School, where he developed an interest in journalism.
3. He graduated magna cum laude from Yale University in 2000 with a degree in English.
4. During his time at Yale, Shapiro was a member of the Yale Whiffenpoofs, the university's famous a cappella group.

Career Beginnings

Shapiro's career took off with his early roles in journalism, setting the stage for his future success.

5. He started his career as an intern at NPR's legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg's office.
6. In 2001, Shapiro joined NPR as an editorial assistant for Morning Edition.
7. By 2004, he became NPR's Justice Correspondent, covering the Department of Justice and legal affairs.

Notable Achievements

Ari Shapiro's career is marked by numerous achievements and recognitions that highlight his contributions to journalism.

8. In 2010, Shapiro became NPR's White House Correspondent during the Obama administration.
9. He was part of the NPR team that won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for coverage of the 2008 presidential election.
10. Shapiro received the Daniel Schorr Journalism Prize in 2005 for his investigative reporting on methamphetamine use in the United States.
11. He was the first NPR reporter to be promoted to correspondent before the age of 30.

International Reporting

Shapiro's work has taken him around the globe, providing listeners with insights into international events and issues.

12. From 2013 to 2015, Shapiro served as NPR's London Correspondent.
13. He covered major events such as the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks and the Greek financial crisis.
14. Shapiro reported from more than 40 countries, including Iraq, Ukraine, and South Africa.

All Things Considered

One of Shapiro's most prominent roles has been as a host of NPR's flagship news program, All Things Considered.

15. In 2015, Shapiro became a co-host of All Things Considered, one of NPR's most popular programs.
16. He has interviewed numerous high-profile figures, including former President Barack Obama and author Margaret Atwood.
17. Shapiro's engaging storytelling and interviewing style have earned him a loyal following among NPR listeners.

Personal Life

Beyond his professional achievements, Shapiro's personal life offers a glimpse into the man behind the microphone.

18. Shapiro is openly gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
19. He married his longtime partner, Michael Gottlieb, in 2004. Gottlieb is a lawyer and former White House staffer.
20. The couple resides in Washington, D.C., where they are active in the local community.

Musical Pursuits

Shapiro's talents extend beyond journalism; he is also an accomplished singer and performer.

21. He has performed with the band Pink Martini, contributing his vocals to several of their albums.
22. Shapiro has sung at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall.
23. He has collaborated with artists like Rufus Wainwright and the Oregon Symphony.

Awards and Honors

Shapiro's work has earned him numerous awards and honors, reflecting his impact on journalism.

24. He received the American Bar Association's Silver Gavel Award for his legal reporting.
25. Shapiro was honored with the Gracie Award for his contributions to radio journalism.
26. He has been recognized by the White House Correspondents' Association for his outstanding reporting.

Fun Facts

Ari Shapiro's life is full of interesting tidbits that showcase his diverse interests and talents.

27. Shapiro is fluent in Hebrew and has a working knowledge of French.
28. He is an avid runner and has completed several marathons.
29. Shapiro enjoys cooking and often shares his culinary creations on social media.
30. He has a passion for theater and has appeared in several stage productions.

The Final Note on Ari Shapiro

Ari Shapiro's life is a tapestry of journalism, music, and advocacy. From his early days in Fargo to becoming a household name on NPR, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. His work with All Things Considered and Pink Martini showcases his versatility and passion. Shapiro's commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant stories highlights his dedication to giving a voice to the underrepresented. Whether he's reporting from a war zone or performing on stage, Ari Shapiro's impact is undeniable. His story reminds us of the power of storytelling and the importance of empathy in our world. Keep an eye on his future endeavors; they're bound to be as compelling as his past achievements. Ari Shapiro isn't just a journalist or a singer; he's a beacon of truth and creativity in an ever-changing landscape.