Letters

#36 - 20 September 1996

Host Ira Glass and playwright David Hauptschein took out advertisements in Chicago inviting people to come to a small theater with letters they've received, sent or found.

Fall Clearance Sale

#35 - 6 September 1996

Evocative, funny, emotional stories collected over the last few months that haven't fit into any of our regular "theme" shows.

Democratic Convention

#34 - 30 August 1996

Unusual stories from the 1996 Democratic Convention in Chicago, with scenes and moments not documented elsewhere.

A Night at the Wiener Circle

#33 - 23 August 1996

Host Ira Glass spent a Saturday night — from 9:00 p.m. until dawn the next morning — at one of the most frenetic, joyous, efficient, angry, boisterous hot dog stands in the nation: Chicago's own Wiener Circle.

Republican Convention

#32 - 16 August 1996

Unusual stories about day-to-day life at the Republican Convention.

When You Talk About Music

#31 - 9 August 1996

Stories of people whose lives are transformed by music.

Obsession

#30 - 26 July 1996

Stories of obsession and compulsion. What happens when a little idea starts to control you. Co-hosted by Paul Tough.

Bob Dole

#29 - 19 July 1996

Unusual perspectives on the presumptive Republican nominee.

Detectives

#28 - 12 July 1996

Writer David Sedaris recalls the days when his mother and sister played armchair detective — until a very odd crime wave hit within their own home. Plus, host Ira Glass goes out on surveillance with a real-life private eye.

The Cruelty of Children

#27 - 21 June 1996

Stories about kids being mean to each other... including a mysterious handbook for bullies, a surprising experiment conducted by a teacher who wants to make kids be nice, and a story of youthful backstabbing told by David Sedaris.