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 Two: How To Avoid The Difficulty Of Living With Someone
Act Two: Humanitarians
Act One: Doing Good By Doing Bad
Staff Recommendations
Middle School
Stories from the awkward, confusing, hormonally charged world of middle school.
129 Cars
One car dealership tries to make its monthly quota: 129 cars. It is way more chaotic than we expected.