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
306: Seemed Like A Good Idea at the Time
Act Three

Bad Morning America

  • Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
  • Transcript

Davy Rothbart was on a 136-city tour appearing on morning TV talk shows to promote his book Found: The Best Lost, Tossed, and Forgotten Items from Around the World. Just before one appearance he had what seemed like a great idea at the time. Without letting the host know, he tested it out, live, on-air. Davy is the creator of Found Magazine and author of the book of essays My Heart Is An Idiot. (6 minutes)

By

Davy Rothbart

Song:

“Opportunity” by The Jewels

More in Live Performance

View all
639: In Dog We Trust
Feb. 23, 2018

Act One: The Youth In Asia

When a pet dies, to what degree can it be replaced by another? And to what degree can pets replace people in our lives? David Sedaris tells this story of cats and dogs and other animals.
551: Good Guys 2015
Mar. 20, 2015

Act Two: The Heels On The Bus

Mike Birbiglia has this story about a time his good guy-ness was called into question.
528: The Radio Drama Episode
June 20, 2014

Act Three: How Do You Slow This Thing Down

Joshuah Bearman tells a story that’s a sequel to his memorable episode about his mother and half-brother David.

More by Davy Rothbart

View all
327: By Proxy
Mar. 9, 2007

Act One: I'm The Decider

This American Life regular contributor Davy Rothbart talks about the time a friend asked him to make a decision for her that she really had to make for herself: Whether she should have an abortion.
262: Miracle Cures
Apr. 2, 2004

Act One: Changing The Channeler

This American Life contributor Davy Rothbart goes to Brazil with his deaf mother to try and get her hearing back from a miracle healer called Joao de Deus, or John of God.
239: Lost in America
June 6, 2003

Act Three: I Found Your Letter

Davy Rothbart reads from letters, notes, scraps of paper and school papers, which have been lost by their original owners.
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