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
Full episode
146: Urban Nature
Act One

Interpretation Of Dreams

  • Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
  • Transcript
Building everything that comprises modern life—constructing cities and suburbs both—means trampling nature. And that bothers some people. They want to keep nature at hand, even in the city. David Rakoff visited Reykjavik, Iceland, where the government is careful not to disturb certain boulders when it builds roads because some people believe that invisible "hidden people"—like elves—live at those sites. (17 minutes)

By

David Rakoff

More in Environment

View all
762: Apocalypse Creep
Feb. 11, 2022

Act One: Apocalypse Now-ish

Producer Alix Spiegel reports on the city of Pacifica, California.
628: In the Shadow of the City
Oct. 13, 2017

Act Three: Yes, In My Backyard

The story of the government cracking down on smokestack emissions at a city factory—even though the residents like the emissions.
495: Hot In My Backyard
May 17, 2013

Act One: The CO2 in CO

Reporter Julia Kumari Drapkin tells the story of Colorado’s State Climatologist, Nolan Doesken.

More by David Rakoff

View all
470: Show Me the Way
July 27, 2012

Act Two: Oh! The Places You Will Not Go!

A man who believes he's turning into a cockroach reaches out to a world famous doctor for advice.
464: Invisible Made Visible
May 18, 2012

Act Three: Stiff as a Board, Light as a Feather

David Rakoff tells this story, about the invisible processes that can happen inside our bodies and the visible effects they eventually have.
433: Fine Print 2011
Apr. 15, 2011

Act Two: Occupancy May Be Revoked Without Notice

David Rakoff tells the story of a contract between a son and his visiting mother.
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