I’m a long time fan of This American Life. I freakin’ love that show- the radio version especially. The TV version is pretty cool too, but there’s something about having just the audio that makes it what it is.
One thing I really love about the show is that it appeals to so many different types of people. You know how sometimes you have your “dieting” friends who you can talk about weight-loss with, your “aware” friends who you can talk about current issues and politics with, your “redneck” friends (or family, mostly) who you can talk about dune-buggying and shooting guns with, and your “catty” friends who you can make fun of people with? (Sorry about ending all those phrases with a preposition, by the way.) Well, this is a show that I discuss with friends from each of those groups. Each episode is unique, and really pokes fun at all of us in one way or another, and Ira just seems to always ask the best questions. When he interviews someone, it sounds like they’ve been friends for years.
Anyway, a while back I listened to an episode called The Fix Is In. Normally they will tell a few different stories in one episode all based on a theme but drastically different, but once in a while they’ll devote an entire episode to one story. This was one of those times. If you listen to the episode, you’ll see why- the story is quite amazing. Now I don’t want to hype it up too much- it’s not one of those incredible “Man Saws Off Own Arm” stories- but it did make me look around and think, “Huh.” And then get kind of angry, and then just marvel at what goes on in the world right under our (and the FBI’s) noses, and then marvel some more about some other stuff they talk about. Am I being cryptic enough? Just go listen.
And after you’ve listened, rent The Informant with Matt Damon.
Killer.
August 3, 2010 at 1:42 pm
This is one of those posts that make me think I should turn on the TV more often…I’ve never even heard of this! I’ll be checking this out later for sure. Thanks for sharing!
August 3, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Sunny- I rarely turn on the TV either. That’s one of the things I like best about the TAL radio show- I listen to it while I do other things. It’s the best way to go! The movie is just an added bonus to the story.
August 3, 2010 at 2:58 pm
There’s my problem, the kids and the hubster have iPods plugged in everywhere. I’ll have to see if I can catch it in the commute.
August 3, 2010 at 2:43 pm
I love that guy’s voice. I like listening to The Moth Radio Hour, too.
August 3, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Amanda
I’m glad you like my laminate armoire makeover…it looks SO much better now! I can’t comment on your blog post cause I really don’t watch tv at all. 😮 I know, I’m weird, but I just have so much to do and when I get a little time to myself, I want to blog, sew, craft or build. 🙂 No time for tv.
Have a great week!
missy
August 5, 2010 at 6:06 pm
I love watching TV, esp. Bad Girls Club. If you like This American Life, like me, you’ll love Bad Girls Club.
August 5, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Nick, I’ve been waiting for you to finally show your face around here and tell us about the real you.
August 5, 2010 at 9:33 pm
I think by “catty” friends, you mean the ones that discuss their feline friends frequently 🙂