There's a deep impulse in American culture that says that you can make yourself into anyone. Today, three stories about people who tried to do just that.
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Act One
Girls Girls Girls
Over the last ten years in Los Angeles, there's been a noticeable increase in the number of transsexual teenagers, kids who were born as boys but live as girls, and vice versa. Cris Beam has spent the last two years getting to know these kids, and tells the story of two of them, Foxxjazell and Ariel. (26 minutes)
Act Two
Agent To The Stars
Writer John Hodgman in New York tells the story of how he dreamt of getting to know the B-movie star Bruce Campbell, and how his unlikely dream accidentally came true, partly to his delight, partly to his horror. (16 minutes)
Song:
“Theme to Secret Agent Man”
Act Three
Airel Sharon, Shimon Peres, David Ben Gurion, And Me!
Host Ira Glass talks with contributor Adam Davidson about how Adam's teenage diaries are filled with his dream of someday becoming the prime minister of a country where he does not even reside. (8 minutes)
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Act One
Ron Carlson's short story.
Act Two: Are Movies Stronger Than Communism?
This is a story of a father and son—told by the son, Juan Zaldivar, who was born in Cuba.
Act Four: Speak Now Or Forever Hold Your Peace
David Rakoff demonstrates—in rhyme—how to make a wedding toast for people you never wanted to see married in the first place.
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