Testimonials
In 2023, I wished to leave a short account of my life experience. Adam escorted me through a narrative of my life, and through emotional states, with an expert, gentle, seasoned and decisive hand. Like a close friend, he listened and made me listen to myself. My family and friends will have access to an oral history I could not possibly have written in the same candid voice.
Fabrizio Larocca
Cancer Patient
Adam was expert at getting to the heart of my business teaching karate and self-defense to children and adults with disabilities. He expertly probed my motives in starting and growing the business nationally and the passion that made it unique. Adam was sensitive, respectful, and committed to getting the story right. I deeply admire him and appreciate his work.
Kerry Kollmar
Founder of Martial Hearts
“This class was fascinating! So glad I took it! We all learned skills for communicating with people and it helped me to feel more comfortable talking with people drawing them out. There was also great camaraderie in the class. Thank you Adam Phillips!”
Oral History Student
During every interview I’ve had with Adam, I’ve been impressed by his insightful questions and the ease of our conversations. He has a unique voice and is a great storyteller. His kind presence and genuine curiosity makes working with him a delight.
Sharon Salzburg
Buddhist Teacher and Author
The deep, holistic perspective Adam brings to his interview approach stems from his decades of experience as a radio journalist, gathering the wisdom of philosophers, artists, adventurers, and others. Like a jazz improviser, Phillips has honed the skill of active listening, in which conversation becomes a place of exploration, learning, and new layers of understanding.
Andy Tierstein
Professor, New York University
I was very fortunate to be interviewed by Adam Philips. He knew just the right questions to ask to get my whole story. And has a wonderful talent getting at the “meat” of it without missing the many subtle yet essential emotional components. My story simply could not have been properly told without Adam’s skilled and incisive interviewing talents.
Rhonda Steeg
Philanthropist
“... Because Adam is genuinely curious and respectful of your past, you walk away with the rare experience of being truly "seen and heard." You feel acknowledged and validated for having lived a life worthy of being recounted and shared.”
Beppe Manca
When Adam Phillips first interviewed me as a founding editor of Ms. Magazine, I found him to be an empathetic, thorough, well-prepared interlocutor who produced audio records… of my life in a way that was both factually accurate and presented with care and nuance.
Letty Cottin Pogrebin
Writer, Activist, and Author
Adam is an amazing interviewer. He created a safe space for me to talk; his empathic nature helped me to open up and explore some deeply personal experiences of loss and relate my story in a beautiful, intimate, and moving way. I’ll always be grateful for our time together, and I look forward to sharing our recording with my kids someday.
Erik Hendin
Musician and Composer
Adam Phillips presented an excellent workshop for our hospice volunteers. Throughout, he was informative, detailed and very practical. He encouraged participants to ask the right questions of our clients and taught them how to professionally record their stories as a family keepsake. We want him to return regularly for more workshops.
Lori Johnson, LCSW
Hospice Volunteer Coordinator
Adam interviewed me extensively for National Public Radio. Right away, he put me at ease with his friendliness, his curiosity, his incisive, open-ended questions, his active listening skills and his keen intelligence. He had a knack for hitting all the necessary high points, while also allowing me to lead the interview where I needed it to go to feel fully self-expressed and heard. Five stars!
Rebecca Koeppen
Artist
Adam Phillips is among the most perceptive, curious, and empathetic interviewers and partners-in-conversation I’ve ever met. He invites and draws forward and responds with intelligence, warmth, and tact. I cannot commend him highly enough.
Jane Hirshfield
Poet
When Adam interviewed me about my business he took the time to really understand me and my company. He asked great questions, recorded it to a broadcast standard and expertly pieced it all together into one unit prospective customers can hear, and which will be a lasting record for us for years to come. The result was beautiful.
Kadidja Kabore Lamport
Business Owner
Adam has a friendly demeanor that conveys both curiosity and safety and help you to open up. He focuses on the personal connection, the telling details, the meaningful moments when you were most fully engaged. Adam has made an art form out of smart interviewing.
Beck Lee
New York Press Agent
Adam helped me to dig deep into why physics fascinates me. Our conversations together were a safe and enjoyable opportunity to look within and create a broadcast quality recording I could share with my family, my colleagues, my students and those who will come after me.
Ketevi Assamagan
Co-Founder African School of Physics