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)
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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)
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Related
Act One: Let Me Kiss Your Stiff Upper Lip
Act Three: The Early Bird Catches The Chicken
Act One: The Chasm Between Comedy And Music
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Act V
A group of inmates at a high-security prison stage a production of the last act of Hamlet.
Mistakes Were Made
Freezing dead people so scientists can reanimate them in the future is a lot harder than it sounds.