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379
May 1, 2009

Return to the Scene of the Crime

A live episode of the radio program, including stories told on stage by Dan Savage and Mike Birbiglia.

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Dominic Neitz
Live Show Video

Return to the Scene of the Crime

Dan Savage, David Rakoff, and Mike Birbiglia. Plus: Joss Whedon sings! 
Video

Quimby the Mouse

For our “Return to the Scene of the Crime” live show, Chris Ware and John Kuramoto created this animated short, about a mouse falling in love with a cat head. Set to a song by Andrew Bird.

Prologue

There's a town in Florida where if you shoplift, and get caught, a judge will send you back to the scene of your crime to stand in front of the store, with a large sign that reads "I stole from this store." Ira and producer Lisa Pollak talk to one such teenager who was caught stealing from a convenience store, the supervisor overseeing her punishment, and the judge who sends her there. (11 minutes)

By

Ira Glass
Lisa Pollak
Act One

D-u-why?!

Mike Birbiglia recalls being in a car accident with a hit and run drunk driver. In the weeks that follow, Mike's brush with death turns into a full blown nightmare when the police report is so poorly filled out that somehow Mike winds up owing the drunk driver 12 thousand dollars…not because it's fair, but because he can't get anyone to listen to him. (15 minutes)

By

Mike Birbiglia
Act Two

Return To The Scene Of The Scene

Ira invites Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon to perform a song from his Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog DVD extra commentary, which is a musical satire that pokes fun at the idea of DVD commentary. Joss has directed many films, including The Avengers. (10 minutes)

By

Joss Whedon
Act Three

Our Man Of Perpetual Sorrow

Dan Savage points a finger at the Catholic Church for being the kind of criminal organization that drives him to atheism—despite the fact that he still wants to believe he'll see his mom in heaven someday. Dan writes the sex advice column Savage Love and is the author of several books including The Commitment. (16 minutes)

By

Dan Savage

Related

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Act Two: Thou Shalt Worship No Other Trousers Before Me

If you're in thrall to a pair of pants, is that such a bad thing? Ira talks to Kate—who invested her hopes and dreams in a pair of favorite trousers—and her husband Joel, who thought she was nuts.

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Josh's family didn't play much of a role in his daily life—until duty called, and they took over his life.

38
Oct. 11, 1996

Simulated Worlds

Civil War reenactments, wax museums, simulated coal mines, fake ethnic restaurants, an ersatz Medieval castle, and other re-created worlds that thrive all across America.

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This American Life is produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago and delivered to stations by PRX The Public Radio Exchange.

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