This American Life
I'm not sure how many of you have ever listened to 'This American Life' on NPR (presented by Chicago Public Radio) but it's been on my playlist via iTunes since college and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
If you install iTunes (on any mac or pc) you can then download the This American Life Podcast. It's easy to sync up with any mp3 player, so when you plug in your player it automatically uploads the latest episodes. This works great for me specifically because I can then take the shows to listen during my daily subway commute. Now, Showtime has a This American Life television series. This series takes the original to a whole new level.
I've always enjoyed imagining these people featured and do think that it almost helps to break down certain stereotypes, however the showtime series really pulls you into each scenario almost immediately. Salon.com describes it best with "an appreciation for sadness, for the dark side of things, for conflict, for flaws, for the contradictions inherent to being human, but they're carried along by a wicked sense of humor and an almost buoyant sentimentality". Season 1 is currently being replayed on Showtime on Demand, but some episodes can be watched on their website here or you can purchase the entire season dvd at Borders or online here. It is also available for download via iTunes Store as well. So, if you like the radio version - check out the show.
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I'm also a huge fan of this radio show, it was just this past weekend when I stumbled upon the TV series - which pulls you in more. I've heard the hosts voice (Ira Glass) for years on the radio but had never seen him before I caught the showtime episode .. he looks exactly as I pictured. I'm going to record all these episodes for future viewing.
There used to be a similar shorter bit that CBS(?) did on Fridays during the nightly news. Some guy would randomly pick a spot on the US Map and then randomly pick a name in the phonebook - that person would then be called/profiled for 5 minutes. Pretty much letting them tell their life story .. talk about how the ended up where they are. Don't think they do that anymore but it was cool.
Hey, we thought WE discovered This American Life! However, I never figured out the pod cast thing. We'll try that out again, given Craig's advice.
Favorite episodes, anyone? I love the "1st day on the job" where the cop has to chase the flaming squirrel on his first day of work. I feel like I still live in that episode some days.
Did you hear the segment where Ira Glass got asked back to NPR to do a joint feature on the housing bubble recently? How sweet is that - they send him packing 10 years (or so) ago because he's too edgy, and then NPR brings him back on All Things Considered to put some punch back in their show?! Happiness is indeed the best revenge.
I am not a This American Life afficianado but I do enjoy the show when I get a chance. I read in the Times about the television series and it was a very favorable article. Some day when we get cable - I will check it out or when it is out on DVD.
Ira Glass is great. It is funny that he was brought back to All Things Considered.
Never herd of it and I dont have an IPOD ne more when i save up some money i'll go get one agian I miss the gym exercises with DMX blaring in my hear.. "x gonna give it to you, y gonna give it to you"
On my flight to Boston yesterday they had an episode of 'this American life' .. awesomeness.
You seen this episode? Ghosts of Pasha .. loved it