NPR's Rob Schmitz speaks with marine biologist Edie Widder and director Tasha Van Zandt about the new documentary A Life Illuminated.
Copyright 2026 NPR
Rob Schmitz
Rob Schmitz is NPR's international correspondent based in Berlin, where he covers the human stories of a vast region reckoning with its past while it tries to guide the world toward a brighter future. From his base in the heart of Europe, Schmitz has explored Berlin’s techno scene, reported on the rise and fall of far-right rule in Poland, investigated Norway’s salmon farming industry, covered elections in the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Poland, the European Union and beyond, and patiently chronicled a 639-year organ performance in rural Germany.
Daniel Ofman
Michael Levitt
Michael Levitt is an assistant producer for All Things Considered. [Copyright 2025 NPR]
Zephyr Weinreich