I love stories. Even better, I love true stories. Stories about people’s lives. Whether it be serious, funny, sad, inspiring…whatever. Almost a year ago my best friend Kyle told me about a podcast she listened to. It’s through Chicago Public Radio and it’s called “This American Life.” Some of you are probably freaking out right now because you can’t believe how I had never heard about it before a year ago. But I think there is also a segment of people who are like me and have no idea what it is.
Each episode (there is a new one every week and it is an hour-long) has a theme. Usually there is anywhere from 1 to 5 stories included in the hour. What’s great is they’re all true. Usually there is an interviewer that talks to the people and helps narrate the segment. I get sucked into the show very easily. And Ira Glass’ voice is just lovely. He is the host. I really want to be his friend.
One of my favorites as of recent is #399 titled “Unknown Contents.” It’s about “a man who finds himself in a train station in India, with no idea how he got there or who he is. [With] his memory gone he has no choice but to let other people–police, doctors, friends, family–create an identity for him.” It’s soooooo good! Check it out!
While listening to the show, they have shared stories from another organization called the Moth. The Moth is a not-for-profit storytelling organization. It began in New York in 1997 and now has venues in L.A., Chicago, Detroit, and other traveling cities. They have storytelling events that are usually themed. People come to share their stories or to just listen. And they do it without any notes. I really want to go, so I’m hoping when I go out to L.A. in April that I can swing in on a Tuesday night. Especially since they are not traveling much right now. A little bit of a warning, sometimes there is language.
One of the most powerful stories as of recent was given by David Carr titled: “The Craackhouse: Snow Suits and Snow Blindness” You should definitely check it out.
Well, that’s all I got tonight kids. Enjoy some stories and until next time…PEACE OUT!
The One... 