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 for Valentine's Day, 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. But with Valentine’s Day approaching, This American Life 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: The Game Ain't Over Til The Fatso Man Sings
Act Three: On A Quiet Street in Richmond
Act One: Gameboy Grows Up
Staff Recommendations
One Last Thing Before I Go
Stories in which ordinary people make last ditch efforts to get through to their loved ones.
Somewhere in the Arabian Sea
Life aboard an aircraft carrier stationed in the Arabian Sea supporting bombing missions over Afghanistan.
