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821
January 19, 2024

Embrace the Suck

People finding themselves in situations that are worse than they thought and deciding to really go with it.

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Alvaro Dominguez

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

Prologue

Prologue

A Boston woman takes her dog for a walk and suddenly finds herself in a terrible situation she never anticipated. The strange thing is, it helps her. (9 minutes)

By Ira Glass
Act One

Haley Mary Pass

Two college friends try to stop Donald Trump’s primary season momentum by convincing New Hampshire voters to vote against everything they care about. Producer Zoe Chace follows along. (22 minutes)

By Zoe Chace
Act Two

The Dream Police

When producer Ike Sriskandarajah tries to sleep-train his baby, a neighbor decides to call the police. Later, Ike thinks, "I can work with that." (9 minutes)

By Ike Sriskandarajah
Act Three

Notes on Cycling

A story by producer Boen Wang about how to get through a summer of bad days. (9 minutes)

By Boen Wang; Produced by Lilly Sullivan

Song:

“The Only Way Out Is Through” by Hannah Williams & The Affirmations

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Act Three: Age of Enchantment

What happens when a dad tries too hard to protect his child from disappointment and instead enthrall the child.

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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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