When Ari Shapiro appears on a recent video call, the co-host of National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” is in a great mood.

“I just found out that the thrash metal band GWAR is playing a Tiny Desk Concert,” he says of the group known for its comically grotesque costumes and penchant for spraying fake blood on fans. “I pulled up a mock news article from The Hard Times, which is like The Onion, from two years ago that is making fun of the idea of GWAR doing a Tiny Desk Concert.

“Now it’s actually going to happen, so my mind is blown,” Shapiro says, laughing. “I mean, are they going to spray the NPR offices with fake blood? I’m dying to know how this is going to go down.”

Ari Shapiro, center, reports for National Public Radio from a Colombia’s border with Venezuela in 2019. His new memoir, “The Best Strangers in the World,” shares stories from his professional and personal lives alike. (Photo by Ryan Kellman/NPR)

Ari Shapiro, longtime National Public Radio reporter and host, shares stories from his professional and personal life in the new memoir “The Best Strangers in the World.” (Photo by J.J. Geiger)

Ari Shapiro, longtime National Public Radio reporter and host, shares stories from his professional and personal life in the new memoir “The Best Strangers in the World.” (Book jacket courtesy of HarperOne)

Ari Shapiro reports for National Public Radio from Zimbabwe in 2018. His new memoir, “The Best Strangers in the World,” shares stories from his professional and personal lives alike. (Photo by Claire Harbage/NPR)

National Public Radio journalist Ari Shapiro’s new memoir, “The Best Strangers in the World,” shares stories from his professional and personal lives alike. (Photo by Stephen Voss)

Ari Shapiro, left, with his …read more

Source:: Los Angeles Daily News