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
273: Put Your Heart In It
Act Two

Diary Of A Longshot

  • Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
  • Transcript
When a 24-year-old runs for city council in Washington, D.C., he has to answer one question over and over: What's a 24-year-old doing running for city council? Sam Brooks is the candidate. At one point his campaign looks so hopeless, even he doesn't believe he's the better man for the job. He kept an audio diary, starting in February 2004. Sam's story was produced by Teal Krech. (21 minutes)

Song:

“You're Still a Young Man” by Tower of Power

More in Politics

View all
862: Some Things We Don't Do Anymore
June 20, 2025

Act Two: Case Study

Two Americans moved to Eswatini when that country was the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic.
862: Some Things We Don't Do Anymore
June 20, 2025

Act Three: Two Daughters

When USAID suddenly stopped all foreign assistance without warning or a transition plan, it sent people all over the world scrambling.
862: Some Things We Don't Do Anymore
June 20, 2025

Act One: 63 Years, 7 Months, 26 Days

USAID was founded in 1961.

Staff Recommendations

View all
266
June 4, 2004

I'm From the Private Sector and I'm Here to Help

Nancy Updike goes to Iraq to try to figure out what it's like to be a private citizen working in the middle of a war zone.

218
Aug. 9, 2002

Act V

A group of inmates at a high-security prison stage a production of the last act of Hamlet.

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