[E]lemental KC

This is an awesome show that I’ve recently been following and really need to support. I need to submit my donation quick before Ira Glass gets me. Anyway, This American Life is like MTV’s True Life for the radio in a few ways, but much more honest, personal, and credible really.

This episode I’m posting is really a good, thoughtful and funny view of people who operate better in the dark. They’re the night shift people you never see but know exist. I’ll let Ira do the intro. I don’t think I can give it justice.

This American Life – Middle of the Night Listen Now

Enjoy!

ALSO, please go to This American Life (www.thisamericanlife.org/) and support this free podcast. I would say listen to 2 or 3, then make your decision. I think you’ll find it much easier to donate when you hear this remarkable show!

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Stories of people who are up while the rest of us are sleeping—some for work, some for play, and some for a free sandwich. Including the story of a woman walking alone at night, who encounters another woman walking alone at night, for the exact same reason, and a whole population of people haggling over the cost of oranges at 3 in the morning.

Prologue.

Host Ira Glass remembers one of his favorite jobs, as a temp typist working at night in New York City. And we hear from a group of teenagers who create unique fun during the middle of the night when none of their classmates are awake. (4 minutes)

Act One. Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Banana?

Adam Davidson and Chana Joffe-Walt from Planet Money head to the Hunts Point Market in the Bronx, a bustling area of vegetable and fruit commerce that only comes alive at night. Planet Money is a co-production of NPR News and This American Life. (13 minutes)

Song: “Apples, Peaches, Bananas and Pears,” The Monkees

Act Two. It Was a Dark and Smoky Night.

Jenifer Hixson tells the story of walking alone at night, and meeting a woman who was out for the very same reason. Jenifer performed the story live in front of an audience at the storytelling series The Moth. (9 1/2 minutes)

Act Three. The Early Bird Catches the Chicken.

When a new Chick-Fil-A sandwich shop opens, people line up 24 hours in advance to be one of the hundred people to get a free year’s worth of chicken sandwiches.  Comedian/musician Dave Hill and writer Shaina Feinberg headed down to Orlando, Florida to experience the night before an opening. (12 1/2 minutes)

Act Four. Midnight Run.

Producer Nancy Updike speaks with Specialist Lindsay Freeland of the Oregon National Guard about the trips Freeland takes at night in Iraq, providing security for convoys heading to forward operating bases. (6 minutes)

Song: “First Breath after Coma,” Explosions in the Sky

Act Five. Bump in the Night.

Producer Jane Feltes talks with her parents about staying up at night with a sick child—specifically, after Jane had a serious injury when she was six.  (9 1/2 minutes)

Song: “Nighttime,” Stylophone