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Full episode
174: Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Milestones
Act Three

Birthday Present

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On a commemorative day, it can be hard to feel a real sense of the past and of how time has moved forward. Russell Banks has a story demonstrating what it might take to do just that. He reads "The Moor," from his collection of short fiction The Angel on the Roof. (19 minutes)

By

Russell Banks

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851: Try a Little Tenderness
Jan. 10, 2025

Act One: The Big Nap

A hardened PI works the toughest case of his very young life. (18 minutes)ALL IN: COMEDY ABOUT LOVE is written by Simon Rich and stars John Mulaney, Richard Kind, Fred Armisen, and Chloe Fineman.
851: Try a Little Tenderness
Jan. 10, 2025

Act Four: The Feels on the Bus

Writer Etgar Keret reads his story about a bus driver who refuses to open the doors for late passengers. (9 minutes)This story is from Etgar's book, The Bus Driver Who Wanted To Be God & Other Stories.
803: Greetings, People Of Earth
June 23, 2023

Act Two: Meat Cute

A short piece of fiction from the perspective of aliens who’ve been scouting Earth, from writer Terry Bisson.

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514: Thought That Counts
Dec. 20, 2013

Act Three: Christmas or Bust

Writer Russell Banks tells the story of a teenager, estranged from his family, who plans a triumphant return home for the holidays.
228: You Are So Beautiful…To Me
Jan. 3, 2003

Act Two: On The Border Between Good And Bad

Another story of someone using the word love as they try to make sense of things.
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