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August 18, 2023

The Rest of the Story

Legendary radio broadcaster Paul Harvey had a popular show called “The Rest of the Story.” Today on our show, we do just that. We hear from people who, whether they want to or not, find themselves face-to-face with the rest of their stories.

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Peter Ryan

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

Prologue

Prologue

Legendary broadcaster Paul Harvey had one of the most popular radio shows of all time. For 35 years he served up big twists and  jaw dropping reveals all with his one-of-a-kind delivery. (7 minutes)

By Ira Glass
Act One

Burning Down The Couch

Psychiatry used to be all talk. Then came a patient named Ray Osheroff. Producer Chris Benderev tells us what became of the man who changed therapy. (26 minutes)

Rachel Aviv’s latest book is Strangers to Ourselves: Unsettled Minds and the Stories That Make Us. Eric Caplan is looking for a publisher for his book Do No Harm: Osheroff v. Chestnut Lodge and the Future of Psychiatry.

By Chris Benderev; Edited by Bethel Habte

Song:

“(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden” by Lynn Anderson
Act Two

Oh Mother Where Art Thou?

Contributor Samuel James thought he knew what happened to his mother. But he was wrong. Then he was wrong again. (9 minutes)

Samuel James tells stories and plays guitar at his website.

By Samuel James; Produced by David Kestenbaum
Act Three

Righteous Gemstone

A new resident in Berlin is greeted like a minor celebrity wherever she goes. The perks are nice, but does she really want to know why? Producer Bim Adewunmi has the rest of the story. (14 minutes)

Jean Hannah Edelstein tells this story and others in her memoir, This Really Isn't About You.

By Bim Adewunmi

Song:

“Now You Know” by Weird Al Yankovic

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When a pet dies, to what degree can it be replaced by another? And to what degree can pets replace people in our lives? David Sedaris tells this story of cats and dogs and other animals.
284: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
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Act Three: Because I'm The Mommy, That's Why

One day Virginia Holman's mother announced she was taking Virginia and her little sister to their cottage at the beach.

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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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