Talia Schlanger Discusses Her New Album

In a special episode of World Cafe, former host Talia Schlanger, who captivated audiences for three years, revisits the show to share her transformative journey from radio to music. Known for her engaging interviews with numerous musicians, Schlanger left the program in 2019 to pursue her passion for singing, a dream that had been overshadowed by her successful career in broadcasting. Schlanger, a former theater performer with credits in productions like *American Idiot*, *We Will Rock You*, and *Mamma Mia!*, embarked on a new adventure that took her to Europe. There, she discovered an old guitar in Paris, which sparked her creativity and led to the writing of her debut solo album, *Grace for the Going*. The album showcases her unique blend of theatricality and intimacy, marking a significant evolution in her artistic expression. During the episode, Schlanger reflects on her transition from a beloved radio host to a recording artist, discussing the challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way. She also performs selections from her album in front of a live audience, offering listeners a glimpse into her new musical direction. The episode, produced and edited by Miguel Perez, features contributions from senior producer Kimberly Junod, engineer Chris Williams, programming and booking coordinator Chelsea Johnson, and line producer Will Loftus, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the scenes.