News and Talk Programs

The World

Almost all the producers at This American Life have had the same experience: We've been pitched stories by our parents. In the past, we've invariably rejected these story ideas?either out of petulance, or because the idea was too big, or too small, or simply terrible. But this week, for our 400th episode, we pay our parents the respect they are due: Each producer solicited ideas from a parent, and chose one idea to pursue, lousy or not. Then, once we hear each other's stories, we vote on whose story turned out..."best."  Brilliant concept, or nepotistic folly? Find out this week. Broadcast February 12 - February 14.