This American Life
By Chicago Public Media
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Podcast Description
Official free, weekly podcast of the award-winning radio show "This American Life." First-person stories and short fiction pieces that are touching, funny, and surprising. Hosted by Ira Glass, from WBEZ Chicago Public Media, and distributed by Public Radio International. In mp3 and updated Mondays.
| Name | Description | Released | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1 |
#459: What Kind of Country | All across the country right now, local and state governments are finding they can't pay their bills. Schools are losing teachers, street lights are going dark, garbage is piling up in public parks, and cops are suddenly an optional expense. | 3/4/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 1 Episode |
Customer Reviews
Beware Of This Show!
Oh sure, This American Life almost always begins with some rollicking, humors piece directly related to its theme. You’ll hear Ira interview someone to a backdrop of fun, upbeat or whimsical music….You can’t help but get sucked in. But know this, and know it well: Ira Glass is an insidious and manipulative genius. Sure you’ll start out the hour laughing (maybe harder than you’ve ever laughed at a public radio show) but inevitably and seamlessly, in a completely unconscious manner your emotions will be turned inside out and you’ll end the hour sobbing in your car, in the Target parking lot you’ve been parked in for the last 40 minutes. And sometimes you won’t even know why you’re crying, all you’ll know is that some sort of emotional release is needed before reintegrating yourself into the outside world. Remember how the television show The Outer Limits began with the warning, “We have taken control of your TV….” well, Ira Glass and Co. take control of your emotional state with full reign to raise you to dizzying heights of euphoric happiness or plung you down, down into unsettling depths of despair. So beware. The stories within have the ability cling to you for days, weeks, month, or even a lifetime. That’s why I never miss a show.
The Last Remaining Reason to Own a Radio is Gone
The podcast itself is evidence of the producers' dedication to their art. I've purchased this program for the last couple of years from Audible. I held on to an XM Radio subscription only because they added TAL to their lineup. I've streamed it online. I even offered to help my local public radio station raise money to carry the program JUST so they could carry TAL. The fact that it is now available as a free podcast is a great public service. Since Audible will be refunding this year's subscription price, I plan to send the money to my local public radio affiliate. Thanks, Ira and Gang!!
Best Show on Radio •• not to be missed.
The most honest, heartwarming, sometimes sad, sometimes funny, and always insightful look into our society and culture, incredibly real, and incredibly entertaining. The show has such a following that it has 20 5 star reviews and the first podcast hasn't even been, well 'casted yet. It's THAT good.
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- Category: Personal Journals
- Language: English
- © Copyright 1995-2011 Chicago Public Media & Ira Glass
