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212
May 10, 2002

The Other Man

Stories about what happens when a new guy comes on the scene, and changes the way everyone who was already there relates to each other.
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Taylor Dahlin

Prologue

Host Ira Glass talks with Sarah Koenig, about the first and only time a movie star came over to her family's house when she was a kid, and how it didn't go too well, for the celebrity or for her. The movie star, Robert Redford, ended up stealing all her parents' attention, attention they usually lavished on Sarah, the youngest. On top of that, they were acting all nervous, and anxious, different than usual. It made young Sarah mad, and she ended up taking it out on poor Mr. Redford. (6 minutes)

By

Ira Glass
Sarah Koenig
Act One

Psychic Buddha, Qu'est-ce Que C'est

The story of what happens to an average American family, when a perfectly normal, rational and funny mom starts spending every day in the company of an ancient Buddhist monk named Aaron, who no one else can see. Davy Rothbart is one of her three sons, and also the reporter for this story. He goes back and to talk to his brothers and father and mother about something they've never actually discussed: Do any of them believe in Aaron? Davy is the man behind Found Magazine. (26 minutes)

By

Davy Rothbart

Song:

“Aaron is the Man” by Hal Rothbart
Act Two

The Jackson Two

Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. already had one other man in his life who shared his name—his world famous father, the Jesse Jackson. But then right before his most recent primary race, an aide told him that he now had another Jesse Jackson to contend with. This other Jesse Jackson, a retired truck driver with no political experience, had mysteriously appeared on the same voting ballot as congressman Jackson. Ira reports on whether this was all a strange coincidence or a bit of political mischief orchestrated by the Congressman's political rivals. (9 minutes)

By

Ira Glass

Song:

“Nude as the News” by Cat Power
Act Three

Mr. Fun

Jonathan Goldstein and Heather O'Neill tell the true story of what happens when a person tries to intrude on a idyllic family of two, one of whom loves him, one of whom does not. For the first few years Jonathan knew Heather, her daughter Arizona was not very fond of him. For a long time he was nineteenth on Arizona's list of favorite people—behind the neighbor's dog and the plumber. Jonathan Goldstein is the author of the book, Lenny Bruce is Dead. Heather O'Neill's is the author of Two Eyes Are You Sleeping, a book of poetry. (15 minutes)

By

Jonathan Goldstein
Heather O'Neill

Related

If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these
222: Suckers
Sept. 27, 2002

Act Four: Mother Sucker

Writer Heather O'Neill tells the story of how she became a foster mother at 18—to a 16 year-old.
696: Low Hum of Menace
Mar. 13, 2020

Act Two: Reality Show

FBI agents question NSA contractor Reality Winner, who was later charged with leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S. elections. Even the most casual small talk takes on an air of menace.
169: Pursuit of Happiness
Sept. 29, 2000

Act Four: How To Be Happy, One Man's Guide

Finding happiness is serious business.

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Feb. 15, 2013

Harper High School - Part One

We spent five months at a high school in Chicago where in the last year 29 current and recent students were shot.

488
Feb. 22, 2013

Harper High School - Part Two

Part two of our program on Harper High School in Chicago, where in the last year 29 current and recent students were shot.

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