Case Studies

This American Life: "The Slingshot"

As per usual on this program, Ira Glass always manages to find spectacular speakers and storytellers with great stories. In this episode, the story is contributed by writer, actor, and Daily Show correspondent John Hodgman. Being that I was familiar with the speaker, I felt it made the story even more relatable than usual, but this never seems to be a problem on the program. Glass's selection of stories always manage to find grounds relatable to people of any and all background, which is what makes the program truly special. The events may be extraordinary or foreign to us, but we may always relate to the messages related by these people and their contemplations on life. If I were to have a complaint about this program, it would be that I don't fully understand the inclusion of music in so many points. I feel like the musical breaks are used often as transitions or mood-setters, but I often find them unnecessary and even distracting. This, frankly is a petty quip and doesn't truly take much away from the program, which is otherwise immensely entertaining and often thought provoking as well. From perceptions of the everyday to humorous stories of the extremes, This American Life tackles everything from philosophy to rodent control, maintaining a cohesive brand of compelling stories.