Hi, I'm Avery.


Whether it's a podcast series or investigative feature, I'm most interested in creating journalism that dives into the nuances of life around us. I explore context and connections in order to illuminate stories we think we already know in new and surprising ways. I'm a multi-medium master, jumping between audio and print seamlessly.

I always strive to center human, personal experiences in my storytelling. I am steadfast in my commitment to creativity over clickbait. It increasingly feels like journalism is moving away from this ethos, so if you think similarly, let's talk...and hopefully, make something new together.

By the way, I recently changed my professional name from Avery J.C. Kleinman to Avery Jessa Chapnick. If you're curious why, shoot me a message!

NPR.org •

ICYMI: A Young Family's Journey From Ivory Coast To New York City : 1A

Salimata, her husband Moussa, and their baby son, Ibrahim, fled violence in their home country of Ivory Coast. They arrived in Texas this year, seeking asylum in the United States. After a day at a shelter, they were put on a bus and dropped off in Washington, D.C. 1A producer Avery J.C. Kleinman talked to Salimata and Sue as part of a conversation on 1A about what's happening to migrants being bussed north.
NPR •

From Scar to James Bond enemy Safin, movie villains have long shared a harmful trope

American moviegoers spent about $56 million dollars during opening weekend on tickets for the new James Bond film No Time To Die. Sitting in theaters across the country, they stared up at the villain Safin, who shares more in common with past villains than his disdain for the handsome and suave titular character. Safin's face is covered with scars, continuing a long-time trend of Bond's greatest on-screen adversaries having facial differences.
Washington City Paper •

Harm Reduction Advocates Want to Make Echostage Safer

You wouldn’t have known it was close to freezing looking at the exterior of the cavernous, warehouse-like concert venue Echostage on a recent Friday night. For every person bundled in a winter coat, someone else wore no jacket at all. Men in tank tops emblazoned with the logo of the electronic duo performing that night, Above & Beyond, wrapped their arms around glitter-faced women in fishnet stockings and booty shorts. The show was sold out, and the line snaked down Queens Chapel Road in Northe
1A •

A Sisterhood Of Sexual Assault Survivors Are Sharing Stories, Shouting Back

You are not alone. That’s been the message on social media as more and more people have come forward to share their stories and experiences with sexual assault and abuse. The charge was ignited by Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. She told the committee that Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her while she was in high school.
Washington City Paper •

On Life Support, The Funk Parade Makes a Last-Ditch Effort To Keep Going

Years ago, Justin Rood, the co-founder of one of D.C.’s most cherished nascent street celebrations, the Funk Parade, had a prophetic dream. “There was this rumble in the distance, and coming east down U Street there was a parade, and at the front the Grand Marshal was George Clinton and behind him was the Howard University Marching Band, and there were all these dancers,” Rood says. “As it came through the neighborhood, people came out of their houses to see what was going on, and they all join