neo-americana?

by MK

With the incredible amount of options in podcastland, it can be difficult to sift through and find those diamonds in the rough. One of the more popular and most deserving unearthed diamonds is Chicago Public Radio's very own This American Life.

If you don't already listen to National Public Radio, this program may have slipped by your radar. You may have seen it in the iTunes store and decided it wasn't for you. You may have even figured that you'd "get around to it eventually." For your own sake, eventually should be now. This wonderfully written and produced program is expertly narrated by Chicago radio personality Ira Glass. The charm of the program is simple: it's the best non-fiction you've never read. These stories from around our increasingly identity-challenged country have enough comedy, drama and raw storytelling power that they actually help re-connect one with a sense of national pride and charm.

Some of the stories are extremely relatable, while others are extraordinary. The beauty is that, in each case, it's easy to get wrapped up in the beautifully constructed plots. And, to use an appropriate idiom, some of this stuff you just can't make up. It's like having a well-traveled friend with fantastic anecdotes regularly show up on your mp3 player on a weekly basis.

This American Life is ideal for your daily commute, holiday travel or simply that private, quiet time that we all need to unwind. And even if you're not a fan of non-fiction, talk radio or podcasts--this program will make you seek out time for yourself to sit, listen and remember that you live in America.