Ira Glass on fakery, musicals and the incredible whiteness of Lawrence

It’s weird to dial a phone number and have Ira Glass pick up on the other end. It’s kind of like calling the tooth fairy or the Easter Bunny. At first, it feels surreal.

If you’re a fan of the public radio program This American Life, Glass’ voice is unmistakable: definitely nerdy, a little bit nasal, lined with an undercurrent of laughter or irony. Each week, that voice brings millions of radio listeners a one-hour package of perfect storytelling. And with his pithy introductions and seamless interviews, Glass comes off as the coolest, funniest and smartest person you probably only wish you knew in real life.

This weekend, Glass will be in Kansas in the flesh, bringing his radio equipment to the stage of the Lied Center, where he’ll re-create the magic of TAL in front of a live audience. In anticipation of Glass’ Saturday-night appearance, I spoke yesterday with the famous radio host about his interview technique, a soon-to-air investigative series (possibly in song) and his favorite story about Lawrence.