this american life
(not to be confused with "that american life")What is it?
"This American Life" is a rather entertaining program broadcast from WBEZ in Chicago, though to explain it takes all the magic out of it. Each week's show has a theme, such as "Superpowers" or "Cruelty of Children," and people from around the country tell stories about that theme.
That sounds pretty lame.
It does in words like that, yes. But what makes the show so great can't really be described in a sentence - the surprise and fun involved with all the stories, the stuff "inbetween the lines", so to speak, is what makes it tick. When you listen to "This American Life," you're listening to real slices-of-life you wouldn't normally hear about, none of it scripted, none of it predictable, but nearly always interesting.
Well hot dang, tell me more.
While every week's show has different contributors, there's a few major players.
Ira Glass
your host and mine
Ira Glass is the host of "This American Life." His boyish enthusiasm for the stories and infectious laugh make him beloved by some, hated by others.
David Sedaris
he talk pretty one day
David Sedaris, author of books such as Naked and Me Talk Pretty One Day, is a frequent contributor to "This American Life," telling his self-depreciating autobiographical stories.
Sarah Vowell
a e i o u and sometimes y
Sarah Vowell is a journalist and a regular contributor to "This American Life," along with being the voice of Violet in The Incredibles.
... plus many many more!
I see what you mean! This show is pretty neat! Where can I listen to more?
You can go on the website (http://www.thislife.org/) for full archives and streaming episodes of the show. If you want to kick it 1930's style and listen to the radio, tune in to 104.1 on Saturdays at 1:00 PM or Sundays at 3:00 PM.
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- hot topics last edited on 19 November 2006 at 6:34 pm by c-71-205-70-111.hsd1.mi.comcast.net