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769
April 29, 2022

The Reluctant Explorer

A man finds himself thrust into a new world he didn’t necessarily ask to visit. He takes a look around.

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Edward Carvalho-Monaghan

Note: The internet version of this episode contains un-beeped curse words. BEEPED VERSION.

Prologue

Prologue

Ken had created a website and abandoned it. Years later, a stranger reaches out to him and tells him he can make money off it. Ken becomes a millionaire within days, but is not sure what really happened. Host Ira Glass calls him. (10 minutes)

By Ira Glass
Act One

Planet of the Apes

Ira Glass follows Ken as he tries to figure out whether or not the man who reached out to him actually scammed him. Ken learns about a mysterious bot that may have been involved and worries his life may be in danger. (23 minutes)

By Ira Glass
Act Two

In the Time of Chimpanzees I Was a Monkey

Host Ira Glass talks to one of the suspects. Ken learns who is behind the bot and who isn’t. (21 minutes)

By Ira Glass

Song:

“Where Am I” by Duffy Power & “Apeman” by The Kinks (Radio Only)

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247: What Is This Thing?
Sept. 19, 2003

Act Two: View From The Other Half

An act named after two TV shows, one where women sit around and talk, the other where men sit around and talk.

Staff Recommendations

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Nov. 21, 1997

Harold

The story of Harold Washington and the white backlash that was set off when he became Chicago's first black mayor.

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129 Cars

One car dealership tries to make its monthly quota: 129 cars. It is way more chaotic than we expected.

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This American Life is produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago and delivered to stations by PRX The Public Radio Exchange.

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