I love listening to the stories - no matter what the subject - in this American Life. I still remember the first time I was exposed to this radio show - in the Spring 2006 in my Master's program- it was one of my first multimedia classes with Jenny. Since then, I guess I almost forgot about this great program, but just subscribed to the free podcast from iTunes. I guess the closest equivalent that I listen to now, is NPRs "This I believe."
What I remember about this program and the great stories as I listed to the different stories, is just how entertaining, even the most seemingly mundane topic, can be throught the way the host, Ira, helps to narrate everything, to the musical and sound editing added to the broadcast. It is very much an entertaining event and each story seems to connect to me in some way as well - they are the stories of everyday life.
The music and sound effects added to each episode give it a very "tv show" feeling. I listend to "A Little Bit of Knowledge" during my lunch break as I worked on cleaning my office and ate my lunch. It was so entertaining and made me laugh out load a few times, all while considering all the similar moments I've had in my life. This is truly and entertaining show for me and I will be sure to listen regularly.
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3 comments:
I agree with you that this programming is entertaining -- but I think it is more than that. Yes, I'm always entertained, but I'm also drawn in through the sounds. The TV show doesn't do the same for me.
It sounds like we like this radio show for the same reasons. It's purpose is to showcase everyday life in America as full of everything you go to the movies for - to laugh, to feel passion, to cry, to be scared, to be inspired. It's not about being entertained by celebrity guests.
I have noticed that most members comment on the emotional effect of TAL. However, I think it is more of a testament to the well-developed stories and progamming that are part of the broadcast. The program is constructed in such a way that staggers the types of stories that it incorporates. A sad story is rarely followed by an even sadder story. This allows for the audience to relax before given weightier information and I think it is very important to the succcess of the program.
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