What Remains

#156 - 31 March 2000

Usually This American Life brings you stories of people in the middle of big experiences. But sometimes these moments of dramatic change are only half the story. The other half occurs after time passes and they return to revisit what happened, and who they were back when. Today's show is about what they find.

Hoaxing Yourself

#155 - 17 March 2000

Stories of people who tell a lie and then believe the lie more than anyone else does. In other words: Stories about people pulling hoaxes...on themselves.

In Dog We Trust

#154 - 10 March 2000

Stories of dogs and cats and other animals that live in our homes. Exactly how much are they caught up in everyday family dynamics? We answer this question and others.

Dolls

#153 - 3 March 2000

Stories of what people are playing at when they play with dolls.

Crush

#152 - 11 February 2000

Stories of love in its earliest stage. Crushes: what's terrible about them, what's great about them and how they can overshadow real love for some people.

Primary

#151 - 28 January 2000

Today's program is made all of stories from the New Hampshire primary. Voters want to find a candidate who inspires them. Candidates want to inspire. So where's the system failing? Why do most of us feel like the system doesn't produce anyone inspiring? We hear stories that answer why. We hear from voters who've found candidates they love. And we hear what those voters are seeing that the rest of us aren't.

Kids As Adults

#150 - 21 January 2000

Stories of kids trying to act like adults—some by choice—some because they're forced to.

Bedside Diplomacy

#149 - 14 January 2000

In the hospital, we give up our normal schedule and sleep patterns; we give up our normal food and clothing; we're in a place that has its own rules and its own language and its own customs.

The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Suit

#148 - 24 December 1999

A special Christmas edition of our show, with stories about Santa Claus—the many many different versions of Santa Claus. It was in America, in New York, that people started believing in the modern idea of Santa—a guy who comes down the chimney with a sack of goodies. But America has invented a few other Santas as well.

A Teenager's Guide to God

#147 - 17 December 1999

Oh faithless and perverse generation? How long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you?—Matthew 17.