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400
February 12, 2010

Stories Pitched by Our Parents

We try something harder than anything we've ever tried before, by taking the random ideas that members of our own families have told us would be "perfect for the show," and turning them into actual stories.

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  • Transcript

The Erie Canal

Prologue

Host Ira Glass talks to his dad and stepmom about a story his dad thought might be good for the radio, concerning a mishap with a lost suit on a train. Ira then gathers the producers and announces a contest: Whoever makes the best story out of their parent's pitch wins. (7 minutes.)

By

Ira Glass
Act One

Lisa's Mom's Story

Funny Funerals. (11 minutes.)

By

Lisa Pollak
Act Two

Nancy's Dad's Story

The Erie Canal. (6 minutes.)

Download the song that Nancy and Dave sing.

By

Nancy Updike
Act Three

Alex's Dad's Story

Corporate Personhood. (6 minutes)

In the broadcast, we interrupt Alex's story in the middle. Listen to the whole thing.

By

Alex Blumberg
Act Four

Robyn's Dad's Story

One Switch. (7 minutes.)

By

Robyn Semien
Act Five

Alissa's Mom And Sarah's Mom

Two short ideas that didn't work out so well as full stories. (3 minutes.)

All the songs in this episode prompted Senior Producer Julie Snyder to sing the unofficial This American Life jingle.

By

Sarah Koenig
Julie Snyder
Act Six

Jane's Dad's Story

Harry Brakeman University. (16 minutes.)

By

Jane Feltes

Song:

“My Momma and My Poppa” by Darondo
Photos

Harry Brakeman University

Episode Extra

We Have a Winner!

Thank you to the 13,000 listeners who voted for their favorite stories.

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