The one thing you know for sure when you're watching a romantic comedy is that it's going to turn out okay in the end. When you're living one? Not so much. This week, stories that unfold like rom-coms.
Dominic Bugatto
Note: The internet version of this episode contains un-beeped curse words. BEEPED VERSION.
Prologue
Romantic comedies usually don’t get much respect. Producer Neil Drumming explains what’s so great about them. (5 minutes)
Meet Cute
Actor Daniel Radcliffe reads a short piece of fiction, “The Present,” from Simon Rich’s book of short stories “The Last Girlfriend on Earth.” (10 minutes)
Song:
The Obstacle
Elna Baker interviews comedian Michelle Buteau about one of her first big romantic challenges. (14 minutes)
The Run
David Kestenbaum retraces the steps of Steve Snyder, a man who found himself running for love. (9 minutes)
You Had Me at Hello
Comedian Jillian Welsh tells Diane Wu about one of the most romantic—and stressful—nights of her life, a night that paralleled the plot of a rom-com in several ways. A version of this story first appeared on the Risk! podcast. Jillian is a member of the Second City National Touring Company. (16 minutes)
Song:
Related
Act Three: Unbreak My Heart
Act Three: The Hostess With the Toastess
Act Two: My Ames is True
Staff Recommendations
Prom
While the seniors danced at Prom Night 2001 in Hoisington, Kansas—a town of about 3,000—a tornado hit the town.
The Ghost of Bobby Dunbar
In 1912, a four-year-old boy went missing in Louisiana. Eight months later, he was found. But two grief-stricken mothers both claimed the same boy as their own.