Little-known and surprising stories of how all sorts of institutions began.
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An updated version of an episode from 2009.
Mad Man
Sarah Koenig tells the story of her father, Julian Koenig, the legendary advertising copywriter whose work includes the slogan "Timex takes a licking and keeps on ticking" and Volkswagen's "Think Small" ads. For years, Sarah has heard her dad accuse a former partner of stealing some of his best ideas, but until recently, she never paid much attention. Then she started asking her dad for details of this fight for his legacy, and what she learned surprised her. (20 minutes)
Sarah Koenig is the host and co-creator of Serial.
Silent Partner
Producer Sean Cole visits Chad's Trading Post in Southampton, Massachusetts. One person who works there wears a shirt that says "Chad's Brother;" other shirts say "Chad's Best Friend," "Chad's Cousin," and "Chad's Father." Pictures of Chad are everywhere. Chad's dead. The family explains. (14 minutes)
Wait Wait… Don't Film Me
Peter Sagal, host of NPR's Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me, tells Ira the origin story of one of the worst movie sequels ever made. (5 minutes)
Bill Clinton's 7-Year-Old Brother
Reporter Mary Wiltenburg tells the story of a little boy stymied by the question "Where do you come from?" (8 minutes)
You can read more of the family’s stories on Mary’s website.
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Act Three: I Am Iraq, I Am An Island
Act Four: Contrails Of My Tears
Act Three: Accidental Deception
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Somewhere in the Arabian Sea
Life aboard an aircraft carrier stationed in the Arabian Sea supporting bombing missions over Afghanistan.
Act V
A group of inmates at a high-security prison stage a production of the last act of Hamlet.