People put in positions they’re completely unqualified to handle, but who try to make it work anyway. Including one story of a tough group of soldiers who attempt to save lives through the power of show tunes.
AJ Dungo
Theater of War
Fort Bragg Army base was suffering a number of unnecessary deaths — so they decided to attempt to save soldiers’ lives through the art of musical theater. Jack Hitt investigates, and tells the story of how this strange phenomenon began. (20 minutes)
Jack is the author of several books, including Bunch of Amateurs. He's also the co-host of Uncivil from Gimlet Media.
What to Expect When You're Expecting a Robot
Some schools make kids take care of eggs in order to teach them about the responsibilities of rearing a child. But at Glen Ridge High, kids are asked to take care of robotic babies. Hilary Frank follows around two teenage “moms" to see how realistic the experience is. (17 minutes)
Hillary is the creator of the parenting podcast The Longest Shortest Time. And the author of several books, including Weird Parenting Wins.
Commander In Brief
Stephanie Foo tells us the story of amateurs who for one night get thrown into a very, very big job — perhaps the biggest: President of the United States of America. (8 1/2 minutes)
Related
Act Three: A Curious Bone
Act Two: If Wishes Were Horses
Act Four: Fiascos As A Force For Good
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Nancy Updike goes to Iraq to try to figure out what it's like to be a private citizen working in the middle of a war zone.
Mistakes Were Made
Freezing dead people so scientists can reanimate them in the future is a lot harder than it sounds.