We use cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. If you continue to use our site, you agree to the use of such cookies. For more info, see our privacy policy.
Skip to main content

Hi. We love you. Be our Life Partner.

Support the show to get ad-free listening, bonus content, and our new Greatest Hits Archive.

Learn more
This American Life Partners logo
00:00
00:00
  • Transcript
  • Share
This American Life
  • Life Partners
  • How to Listen
  • Episodes
  • Recommended
  • About
    • Overview
    • Staff
    • Announcements
    • Fellowships
    • Jobs
    • Music
    • Make Radio
    • On The Road
    • FAQ
    • Submissions
    • Merch
    • Contact Us
    • Our Other Shows
  • Merch
  • Follow Us
  • Life Partners
468
June 29, 2012

Switcheroo

People pretending to be people they're not: sometimes it's harmless, sometimes it's harmful, and sometimes it's hard to tell. From world-famous artists to mail-order brides to a practice that could change the face of American journalism.

  • Download
    Control-click (or right-click) Tap and hold to download
  • Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Subscribe
  • Transcript
Sharyn Morrow

Prologue

Recently, host Ira Glass and his friend Etgar Keret were at an exhibit of photography by Cindy Sherman, and a woman came up to Etgar claiming to be Cindy Sherman. Then she said she wasn't. Ira decides to call Cindy Sherman to clear things up. (9 minutes)

By

Etgar Keret
Act Extra

Listener Sightings of Cindy Sherman!

Act One

Healthy Start

What if someone mistakes you for someone else, and you decide to just go with it? Actor John Conlee reads this story from Etgar Keret's book Suddenly a Knock on the Door. In the podcast version, Etgar returns to explain the real-life experience that inspired him to write the story. (12 minutes)

By

Etgar Keret
Act Two

Forgive us our Press Passes

Producer Sarah Koenig reports on a company called Journatic, that is producing local journalism in a brand new way. Or is it really journalism? (23 1/2 minutes)

An article at Poynter.org adds details to the story.

By

Sarah Koenig
Act Extra

Updates about Journatic

Act Three

Runaway Groom

Comedian Jackie Clarke tells this story, about parents pretending to be parents. Jackie is a writer for the ABC sitcom Happy Endings.

Song:

“Switcharoo” by Gadjo

Related

If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these
345: Ties That Bind
Dec. 14, 2007

Act One: Fred And Barney

Jonathan Goldstein's story about trouble in the Town of Bedrock.
324: My Brilliant Plan
Jan. 26, 2007

Act One: Mr. Adam's Neighborhood

Radio reporter Adam Davidson went to Iraq to report on the war.
40: Lessons
Nov. 1, 1996

Act Two: Swimming Lesson

Scott Carrier's wife and mother-in-law insist that Scott's three-and-a-half year old daughter enroll in swimming classes.

Staff Recommendations

View all
589
June 17, 2016

Tell Me I’m Fat

Maybe it’s time to rethink the way we see being fat.

597
Sept. 23, 2016

One Last Thing Before I Go (2016)

Ordinary people make last ditch efforts to get through to their loved ones.

This American Life

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

  • How to Listen
  • Episodes
  • Recommended
  • About
    • Overview
    • Staff
    • Announcements
    • Fellowships
    • Jobs
    • Music
    • Make Radio
    • On The Road
    • FAQ
    • Submissions
    • Merch
    • Contact Us
    • Our Other Shows
  • Merch
  • Contact
  • Life Partners
  • Serial
  • S-Town
© 1995 - 2025 This American Life Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Subscribe

  • on Spotify
  • in Apple Podcasts

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email