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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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.)
Nancy's Dad's Story
The Erie Canal. (6 minutes.)
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.
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.
Jane's Dad's Story
Harry Brakeman University. (16 minutes.)
We Have a Winner!
Related
Act Four: Just Be Yourself
Act One: 21 Chump Street: The Musical
Act Four: Now What?
Staff Recommendations
Act V
A group of inmates at a high-security prison stage a production of the last act of Hamlet.
No Coincidence, No Story!
We asked listeners to send us their best coincidence stories, and we got more than 1,300 submissions!