http://www.odeo.com/channels/432033-PRI-Selected-Shorts-Podcast AlJohnson no It's story time for adults with PRI's award-winning series of short fiction read by the stars of stage and screen. Recorded live at Peter Norton Symphony Space in NYC and on tour. A co-production of Symphony Space and WNYC, New York Public Radio. It's story time for adults with PRI's award-winning series of short fiction read by the stars of stage and screen. Recorded live at Peter Norton Symphony Space in NYC and on tour. A co-production of Symphony Space and WNYC, New York Public Radio. It's story time for adults with PRI's story series. en-us 40 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:27:20 -0800 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:27:20 -0800 Literature http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25424387-Tales-that-Surprise The heroine of Amy Hempel's road trip tale, "Jesus is Waiting," is working through a personal crisis by driving endlessly on America's Interstate highways and turnpikes. The reader is Mary Stuart Masterson. Second, graphic novelist Shaun Tan gives us a glimpse of a world within a world in "No Other Country," read by Campbell Scott. Our Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Writing Contest winner last year was Daniela Maristany; her story "Swimmers" is a touching snapshot of family life. Our final story, "Number 10," is a haunting work by Edna O'Brien in which a husband and wife sleepwalk, or dream-travel, to a very special address. The reader is Marian Seldes. The heroine of Amy Hempel's road trip tale, "Jesus is Waiting," is working through a personal crisis by driving endlessly on America's Interstate highways and turnpikes. The reader is Mary Stuart Masterson. Second, graphic novelist Shaun Tan gives us a glimpse of a world within a world in "No Other Country," read by Campbell Scott. Our Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Writing Contest winner last year was Daniela Maristany; her story "Swimmers" is a touching snapshot of family life. Our final story, "Number 10," is a haunting work by Edna O'Brien in which a husband and wife sleepwalk, or dream-travel, to a very special address. The reader is Marian Seldes. The heroine of Amy Hempel's road trip tale, "Jesus is Waiting," is working through a personal crisis by driving endlessly on America's Interstate highways and turnpikes. The reader is Mary Stuart Masterson. Second, graphic novelist Shaun Tan gives us a glimpse of a world within a world in "No Other Country," read by Campbell Scott. Our Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Writing Contest winner last year was Daniela Maristany; her story "Swimmers" is a touching snapshot of family life. Our final story, "Number 10," is a haunting work by Edna O'Brien in which a husband and wife sleepwalk, or dream-travel, to a very special address. The reader is Marian Seldes. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-08,25424387 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:27:20 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25391475-Tales-from-the-Great-Epics This program features powerful narratives drawn from Homer's Iliad and the "Inferno" section of Dante Aleghieri's Divine Comedy. First, Stephen Lang reads "The Death of Hector," followed by Phylicia Rashad's rendering of Cantos IV and V of the "Inferno," in which the poet/guide Virgil leads Dante through the outer circles of Hell, and introduces him to the tragic lovers Paolo and Francesca. The third story is derived from Herman Melville's Moby Dick. Paul West's "Captain Ahab, A Novel by the White Whale," is a short but compelling meditation in the voice of the great whale, voiced by Diane Venora. This program features powerful narratives drawn from Homer's Iliad and the "Inferno" section of Dante Aleghieri's Divine Comedy. First, Stephen Lang reads "The Death of Hector," followed by Phylicia Rashad's rendering of Cantos IV and V of the "Inferno," in which the poet/guide Virgil leads Dante through the outer circles of Hell, and introduces him to the tragic lovers Paolo and Francesca. The third story is derived from Herman Melville's Moby Dick. Paul West's "Captain Ahab, A Novel by the White Whale," is a short but compelling meditation in the voice of the great whale, voiced by Diane Venora. This program features powerful narratives drawn from Homer's Iliad and the "Inferno" section of Dante Aleghieri's Divine Comedy. First, Stephen Lang reads "The Death of Hector," followed by Phylicia Rashad's rendering of Cantos IV and V of the "Inferno," in which the poet/guide Virgil leads Dante through the outer circles of Hell, and introduces him to the tragic lovers Paolo and Francesca. The third story is derived from Herman Melville's Moby Dick. Paul West's "Captain Ahab, A Novel by the White Whale," is a short but compelling meditation in the voice of the great whale, voiced by Diane Venora. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-01,25391475 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:47:42 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25375470-Women-on-the-Move This program features three stories about women in transition—geographically, morally, or emotionally. Shereen Pandit's "She Shall Not Be Moved" features a political exile who experiences a crisis of conscience during an incident on a London bus. The reader is Rita Wolf. The program's second story, Andrea's Levy's "Loose Change," also takes place in London, and involves ?migr?s from different worlds. The story is read by Eve Best. Back in America, Molly Giles' whimsical story "Pie Dance," features an odd m?nage. A woman, her former husband, his current wife, and the family dog are the principal characters in this little domestic comedy. The reader Kate Burton. This program features three stories about women in transition—geographically, morally, or emotionally. Shereen Pandit's "She Shall Not Be Moved" features a political exile who experiences a crisis of conscience during an incident on a London bus. The reader is Rita Wolf. The program's second story, Andrea's Levy's "Loose Change," also takes place in London, and involves ?migr?s from different worlds. The story is read by Eve Best. Back in America, Molly Giles' whimsical story "Pie Dance," features an odd m?nage. A woman, her former husband, his current wife, and the family dog are the principal characters in this little domestic comedy. The reader Kate Burton. This program features three stories about women in transition—geographically, morally, or emotionally. Shereen Pandit's "She Shall Not Be Moved" features a political exile who experiences a crisis of conscience during an incident on a London bus. The reader is Rita Wolf. The program's second story, Andrea's Levy's "Loose Change," also takes place in London, and involves ?migr?s from different worlds. The story is read by Eve Best. Back in America, Molly Giles' whimsical story "Pie Dance," features an odd m?nage. A woman, her former husband, his current wife, and the family dog are the principal characters in this little domestic comedy. The reader Kate Burton. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-26,25375470 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:13:17 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25311607-A-Tale-of-Terror This entire program is given over to a sensational psychological ghost story, "The Bees," by Dan Chaon, author of the critically acclaimed novel, Await Your Reply. The story comes from the world in between nightmare and reality, and was inspired by the idea of exploring secrets in a marriage. The reader is four-time Tony Award-winner Boyd Gaines. This entire program is given over to a sensational psychological ghost story, "The Bees," by Dan Chaon, author of the critically acclaimed novel, Await Your Reply. The story comes from the world in between nightmare and reality, and was inspired by the idea of exploring secrets in a marriage. The reader is four-time Tony Award-winner Boyd Gaines. This entire program is given over to a sensational psychological ghost story, "The Bees," by Dan Chaon, author of the critically acclaimed novel, Await Your Reply. The story comes from the world in between nightmare and reality, and was inspired by the idea of exploring secrets in a marriage. The reader is four-time Tony Award-winner Boyd Gaines. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-19,25311607 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:53:08 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25272170-French-Fictions This French-themed program includes a story is by the 19th-century master Guy de Maupassant. His "A Parisian Affair" depicts the adventures of a bored provincial housewife seeking the Paris of her fantasies. It was read by stage and screen star Rene Auberjonois. Our second reading is an excerpt from Faiza Guene's novel KIFFE KIFFE TOMORROW, in which a feisty Moslem teenager comes of age in the public housing projects of a Paris suburb. It is read by Sonia Manzano. And our final story is a whimsical tale about a strange instrument, "The Secret of the Old Music," by the French aristocrat Auguste Villiers de l'Isle Adam, read by former Metropolitan Museum director Philippe de Montebello. This French-themed program includes a story is by the 19th-century master Guy de Maupassant. His "A Parisian Affair" depicts the adventures of a bored provincial housewife seeking the Paris of her fantasies. It was read by stage and screen star Rene Auberjonois. Our second reading is an excerpt from Faiza Guene's novel KIFFE KIFFE TOMORROW, in which a feisty Moslem teenager comes of age in the public housing projects of a Paris suburb. It is read by Sonia Manzano. And our final story is a whimsical tale about a strange instrument, "The Secret of the Old Music," by the French aristocrat Auguste Villiers de l'Isle Adam, read by former Metropolitan Museum director Philippe de Montebello. This French-themed program includes a story is by the 19th-century master Guy de Maupassant. His "A Parisian Affair" depicts the adventures of a bored provincial housewife seeking the Paris of her fantasies. It was read by stage and screen star Rene Auberjonois. Our second reading is an excerpt from Faiza Guene's novel KIFFE KIFFE TOMORROW, in which a feisty Moslem teenager comes of age in the public housing projects of a Paris suburb. It is read by Sonia Manzano. And our final story is a whimsical tale about a strange instrument, "The Secret of the Old Music," by the French aristocrat Auguste Villiers de l'Isle Adam, read by former Metropolitan Museum director Philippe de Montebello. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-12,25272170 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:13:13 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25234753-Please-Don-t-Explain This edition of SELECTED SHORTS offers four stories in which elaborate explanations just make things worse. We start with a classic by Algonquin Round Table wit Dorothy Parker, "Just a Little One," read by Broadway star Dana Ivey. Next, Jonathan Lethem's "The Spray" is a comic fantasy about the wages of infidelity. It is read by Tony Award-winner Robert Sean Leonard. Indie film star Parker Posey reads Miranda July's bittersweet story "The Swim Team, and Tim Blake Nelson rounds things out with a bold rendering of David Sedaris' "Jesus Shaves," in which Sedaris tackles French and tries to explain the Easter Bunny. This edition of SELECTED SHORTS offers four stories in which elaborate explanations just make things worse. We start with a classic by Algonquin Round Table wit Dorothy Parker, "Just a Little One," read by Broadway star Dana Ivey. Next, Jonathan Lethem's "The Spray" is a comic fantasy about the wages of infidelity. It is read by Tony Award-winner Robert Sean Leonard. Indie film star Parker Posey reads Miranda July's bittersweet story "The Swim Team, and Tim Blake Nelson rounds things out with a bold rendering of David Sedaris' "Jesus Shaves," in which Sedaris tackles French and tries to explain the Easter Bunny. This edition of SELECTED SHORTS offers four stories in which elaborate explanations just make things worse. We start with a classic by Algonquin Round Table wit Dorothy Parker, "Just a Little One," read by Broadway star Dana Ivey. Next, Jonathan Lethem's "The Spray" is a comic fantasy about the wages of infidelity. It is read by Tony Award-winner Robert Sean Leonard. Indie film star Parker Posey reads Miranda July's bittersweet story "The Swim Team, and Tim Blake Nelson rounds things out with a bold rendering of David Sedaris' "Jesus Shaves," in which Sedaris tackles French and tries to explain the Easter Bunny. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-05,25234753 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:43:14 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25198003-Unlikely-Situations In a classic by the humorous English writer H.H. Munro (pen name, "Saki"), a governess uses unusual teaching methods to puncture the pretensions of her employers. Marian Seldes reads "The Scharz-Metterklume Method." Next, T.C. Boyle dates Jane Austen, and SHORTS host Isaiah Sheffer reads. From strange people, we move to strange possibilities. Jonathan Safran Foer wishes us to believe that once upon a time New York City had a "Sixth Borough," which floated away and exists now in faint traces and uncertain memories. This bitter-sweet fantasy is read by Broadway director Jerry Zaks. The program concludes with an Arturo Vivante story about the love of a young man for a much older woman, read by Jeff Zinn. In a classic by the humorous English writer H.H. Munro (pen name, "Saki"), a governess uses unusual teaching methods to puncture the pretensions of her employers. Marian Seldes reads "The Scharz-Metterklume Method." Next, T.C. Boyle dates Jane Austen, and SHORTS host Isaiah Sheffer reads. From strange people, we move to strange possibilities. Jonathan Safran Foer wishes us to believe that once upon a time New York City had a "Sixth Borough," which floated away and exists now in faint traces and uncertain memories. This bitter-sweet fantasy is read by Broadway director Jerry Zaks. The program concludes with an Arturo Vivante story about the love of a young man for a much older woman, read by Jeff Zinn. In a classic by the humorous English writer H.H. Munro (pen name, "Saki"), a governess uses unusual teaching methods to puncture the pretensions of her employers. Marian Seldes reads "The Scharz-Metterklume Method." Next, T.C. Boyle dates Jane Austen, and SHORTS host Isaiah Sheffer reads. From strange people, we move to strange possibilities. Jonathan Safran Foer wishes us to believe that once upon a time New York City had a "Sixth Borough," which floated away and exists now in faint traces and uncertain memories. This bitter-sweet fantasy is read by Broadway director Jerry Zaks. The program concludes with an Arturo Vivante story about the love of a young man for a much older woman, read by Jeff Zinn. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-28,25198003 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:23:08 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25158510-The-Rea-Award-for-the-Short-Story-A-Tribute-Part-2 In 1987 the late Michael Rea and his wife Elizabeth established The Rea Award for the Short Story, to "foster a literary cause, to ennoble the form, and to give it prestige." This program, the second of two celebrating the Award, features Campbell Scott reading "The Orphaned Swimming Pool," by the late John Updike. The pool reflects a suburban couple's disintegrating marriage. The jobless narrator of Stuart Dybek's "Killing Time," read by Philip Casnoff, finds relief from his dreary life in the paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago. The program also includes the authors John Edgar Wideman, Joy Williams, and Tobias Wolff reading from their own works; remarks by Updike; and an interview with Stuart Dybek. In 1987 the late Michael Rea and his wife Elizabeth established The Rea Award for the Short Story, to "foster a literary cause, to ennoble the form, and to give it prestige." This program, the second of two celebrating the Award, features Campbell Scott reading "The Orphaned Swimming Pool," by the late John Updike. The pool reflects a suburban couple's disintegrating marriage. The jobless narrator of Stuart Dybek's "Killing Time," read by Philip Casnoff, finds relief from his dreary life in the paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago. The program also includes the authors John Edgar Wideman, Joy Williams, and Tobias Wolff reading from their own works; remarks by Updike; and an interview with Stuart Dybek. In 1987 the late Michael Rea and his wife Elizabeth established The Rea Award for the Short Story, to "foster a literary cause, to ennoble the form, and to give it prestige." This program, the second of two celebrating the Award, features Campbell Scott reading "The Orphaned Swimming Pool," by the late John Updike. The pool reflects a suburban couple's disintegrating marriage. The jobless narrator of Stuart Dybek's "Killing Time," read by Philip Casnoff, finds relief from his dreary life in the paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago. The program also includes the authors John Edgar Wideman, Joy Williams, and Tobias Wolff reading from their own works; remarks by Updike; and an interview with Stuart Dybek. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-21,25158510 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:23:44 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25122482-The-Rea-Award-for-the-Short-Story-A-Tribute In 1987 the late Michael Rea and his wife Elizabeth established The Rea Award for the Short Story, to "foster a literary cause, to ennoble the form, and to give it prestige." This program, the first of two, features stories by a dazzling line-up of past winners—including Cynthia Ozick, the late Grace Paley, and Richard Ford. Ozick's powerful story of a family trying to survive in a concentration camp, "The Shawl," is read by Lois Smith, and Tandy Croyn gives life to Paley's musing, "Wants." In 1987 the late Michael Rea and his wife Elizabeth established The Rea Award for the Short Story, to "foster a literary cause, to ennoble the form, and to give it prestige." This program, the first of two, features stories by a dazzling line-up of past winners—including Cynthia Ozick, the late Grace Paley, and Richard Ford. Ozick's powerful story of a family trying to survive in a concentration camp, "The Shawl," is read by Lois Smith, and Tandy Croyn gives life to Paley's musing, "Wants." In 1987 the late Michael Rea and his wife Elizabeth established The Rea Award for the Short Story, to "foster a literary cause, to ennoble the form, and to give it prestige." This program, the first of two, features stories by a dazzling line-up of past winners—including Cynthia Ozick, the late Grace Paley, and Richard Ford. Ozick's powerful story of a family trying to survive in a concentration camp, "The Shawl," is read by Lois Smith, and Tandy Croyn gives life to Paley's musing, "Wants." tag:odeo.com,2009-09-13,25122482 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:33:11 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25084527-People-with-Problems In David Schickler's story "Wes Amerigo's Giant Fear," a family catering business veers into the surreal, and a gifted child proves that home cooking really does have special properties. The reader is SELECTED SHORTS host Isaiah Sheffer. The Schickler tale is all about food, and for dessert we present Miranda Mellis's short tale about a bizarre psychotherapist, "The Doctor of Mental Health," read by David Rakoff, author and THIS AMERICAN LIFE contributor. In David Schickler's story "Wes Amerigo's Giant Fear," a family catering business veers into the surreal, and a gifted child proves that home cooking really does have special properties. The reader is SELECTED SHORTS host Isaiah Sheffer. The Schickler tale is all about food, and for dessert we present Miranda Mellis's short tale about a bizarre psychotherapist, "The Doctor of Mental Health," read by David Rakoff, author and THIS AMERICAN LIFE contributor. In David Schickler's story "Wes Amerigo's Giant Fear," a family catering business veers into the surreal, and a gifted child proves that home cooking really does have special properties. The reader is SELECTED SHORTS host Isaiah Sheffer. The Schickler tale is all about food, and for dessert we present Miranda Mellis's short tale about a bizarre psychotherapist, "The Doctor of Mental Health," read by David Rakoff, author and THIS AMERICAN LIFE contributor. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-07,25084527 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 01:53:08 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25048972-Overwhelmed This is a program devoted to two master storytellers, Eudora Welty and Anton Chekhov. The first story, a mysterious, dreamlike piece by Welty, draws back a "Curtain of Green," to reveal a widow at a moment of crisis. The reader is Frances Sternhagen. Then, Anton Chekhov's "Concerning Love" charts the unhappy course of star-crossed lovers in provincial Russia. The reader is Joe Morton. This is a program devoted to two master storytellers, Eudora Welty and Anton Chekhov. The first story, a mysterious, dreamlike piece by Welty, draws back a "Curtain of Green," to reveal a widow at a moment of crisis. The reader is Frances Sternhagen. Then, Anton Chekhov's "Concerning Love" charts the unhappy course of star-crossed lovers in provincial Russia. The reader is Joe Morton. This is a program devoted to two master storytellers, Eudora Welty and Anton Chekhov. The first story, a mysterious, dreamlike piece by Welty, draws back a "Curtain of Green," to reveal a widow at a moment of crisis. The reader is Frances Sternhagen. Then, Anton Chekhov's "Concerning Love" charts the unhappy course of star-crossed lovers in provincial Russia. The reader is Joe Morton. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-30,25048972 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:16:09 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25011745-Figuring-it-Out Ron Carlson's stories show ordinary lives struck by hope and happiness—or their opposites—but this program's "Towel Season" depicts the dilemma of a genius trying to fit into marriage and social life without losing his train of thought. The reader is Tony Award-winning actor, and director, James Naughton. The second story, "Bad Joke," is by Chinese-born Ha Jin, and reflects both oppression and comic obtuseness in the Communist regime under which he grew up. The reader is Tony Award-winner B.D. Wong. Ron Carlson's stories show ordinary lives struck by hope and happiness—or their opposites—but this program's "Towel Season" depicts the dilemma of a genius trying to fit into marriage and social life without losing his train of thought. The reader is Tony Award-winning actor, and director, James Naughton. The second story, "Bad Joke," is by Chinese-born Ha Jin, and reflects both oppression and comic obtuseness in the Communist regime under which he grew up. The reader is Tony Award-winner B.D. Wong. Ron Carlson's stories show ordinary lives struck by hope and happiness—or their opposites—but this program's "Towel Season" depicts the dilemma of a genius trying to fit into marriage and social life without losing his train of thought. The reader is Tony Award-winning actor, and director, James Naughton. The second story, "Bad Joke," is by Chinese-born Ha Jin, and reflects both oppression and comic obtuseness in the Communist regime under which he grew up. The reader is Tony Award-winner B.D. Wong. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-23,25011745 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:53:11 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24973559-Tales-in-Verse-and-a-Chiller On this program we invite you to join us at a delightful evening of poetry and fiction selected by the actor and writer John Lithgow. He and Tony Award-winner Bill Irwin read selections from writers such as Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, Gertrude Stein and Robert Frost. The second part of the program is given over to Lithgow's fervent rendering of a horror classic—the macabre tale "The Monkey's Paw," by the English writer W.W. Jacobs. On this program we invite you to join us at a delightful evening of poetry and fiction selected by the actor and writer John Lithgow. He and Tony Award-winner Bill Irwin read selections from writers such as Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, Gertrude Stein and Robert Frost. The second part of the program is given over to Lithgow's fervent rendering of a horror classic—the macabre tale "The Monkey's Paw," by the English writer W.W. Jacobs. On this program we invite you to join us at a delightful evening of poetry and fiction selected by the actor and writer John Lithgow. He and Tony Award-winner Bill Irwin read selections from writers such as Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, Gertrude Stein and Robert Frost. The second part of the program is given over to Lithgow's fervent rendering of a horror classic—the macabre tale "The Monkey's Paw," by the English writer W.W. Jacobs. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-17,24973559 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:03:20 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24935398-It-s-Love This program presents two tales of hearts taken by surprise. First Laurie Colwin's "An Old-Fashioned Love Story" portrays an elegant world of befuddled, well-bred people who, when it comes to love "are just as stupid as the rest of us." Mia Dillon reads. Next, in Alice Hoffman's "Examining the Evidence," a woman is plagued by natural catastrophes—but some good may come of this. The reader is Tony Award-winner Joanna Gleason. This program presents two tales of hearts taken by surprise. First Laurie Colwin's "An Old-Fashioned Love Story" portrays an elegant world of befuddled, well-bred people who, when it comes to love "are just as stupid as the rest of us." Mia Dillon reads. Next, in Alice Hoffman's "Examining the Evidence," a woman is plagued by natural catastrophes—but some good may come of this. The reader is Tony Award-winner Joanna Gleason. This program presents two tales of hearts taken by surprise. First Laurie Colwin's "An Old-Fashioned Love Story" portrays an elegant world of befuddled, well-bred people who, when it comes to love "are just as stupid as the rest of us." Mia Dillon reads. Next, in Alice Hoffman's "Examining the Evidence," a woman is plagued by natural catastrophes—but some good may come of this. The reader is Tony Award-winner Joanna Gleason. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-09,24935398 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:14:35 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24902131-Best-Friends-Dog-Tales There is a French proverb that declares, "The best thing about a man is his dog," and this is a program of dog-inspired writings. First, Abigail Thomas's "Sleeping with a Dog on a King-Sized Bed" muses on canine companionship. It is read by Rochelle Oliver. Amy Hempel's "The Dog of the Marriage," weaves together marital discord and dog therapy work in a unique way. It is read by Joan Allen. Host Isaiah Sheffer concludes with T. C. Boyle's hilarious revisionist view of the legendary Lassie, "Heart of a Champion." There is a French proverb that declares, "The best thing about a man is his dog," and this is a program of dog-inspired writings. First, Abigail Thomas's "Sleeping with a Dog on a King-Sized Bed" muses on canine companionship. It is read by Rochelle Oliver. Amy Hempel's "The Dog of the Marriage," weaves together marital discord and dog therapy work in a unique way. It is read by Joan Allen. Host Isaiah Sheffer concludes with T. C. Boyle's hilarious revisionist view of the legendary Lassie, "Heart of a Champion." There is a French proverb that declares, "The best thing about a man is his dog," and this is a program of dog-inspired writings. First, Abigail Thomas's "Sleeping with a Dog on a King-Sized Bed" muses on canine companionship. It is read by Rochelle Oliver. Amy Hempel's "The Dog of the Marriage," weaves together marital discord and dog therapy work in a unique way. It is read by Joan Allen. Host Isaiah Sheffer concludes with T. C. Boyle's hilarious revisionist view of the legendary Lassie, "Heart of a Champion." tag:odeo.com,2009-08-03,24902131 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:23:09 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24867890-Strange-But-True-Aimee-Bender-Etgar-Keret This program features the startling fiction of two young authors, the American Aimee Bender, and the Israeli Etgar Keret. Impulsive, fantastical, and sardonic, are just some of the adjectives that come to mind. We hear Bender's "Drunken Mimi," and "Death Watch," and Keret's "Your Man" and "Shooting Tuvia." The readers are Bernadette Quigley and David Rakoff. This program features the startling fiction of two young authors, the American Aimee Bender, and the Israeli Etgar Keret. Impulsive, fantastical, and sardonic, are just some of the adjectives that come to mind. We hear Bender's "Drunken Mimi," and "Death Watch," and Keret's "Your Man" and "Shooting Tuvia." The readers are Bernadette Quigley and David Rakoff. This program features the startling fiction of two young authors, the American Aimee Bender, and the Israeli Etgar Keret. Impulsive, fantastical, and sardonic, are just some of the adjectives that come to mind. We hear Bender's "Drunken Mimi," and "Death Watch," and Keret's "Your Man" and "Shooting Tuvia." The readers are Bernadette Quigley and David Rakoff. tag:odeo.com,2009-07-26,24867890 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:05:35 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24831960-Paws-and-Claws In Teolinda Gersao's intriguing tale a fur coat has unexpected properties, bringing out the inner beast in a humble bank clerk. The reader is award-winning actress Kathleen Chalfont. If "The Red Fox Fur Coat" is about turning into an animal, what happens if you're already raised as one? "St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves," by Karen Russell, charts the heartbreaking course from carefree werewolves, to upright citizens of the world. The reader is Tony Award-winner (appropriately, for "Into the Woods") Joanna Gleason. In Teolinda Gersao's intriguing tale a fur coat has unexpected properties, bringing out the inner beast in a humble bank clerk. The reader is award-winning actress Kathleen Chalfont. If "The Red Fox Fur Coat" is about turning into an animal, what happens if you're already raised as one? "St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves," by Karen Russell, charts the heartbreaking course from carefree werewolves, to upright citizens of the world. The reader is Tony Award-winner (appropriately, for "Into the Woods") Joanna Gleason. In Teolinda Gersao's intriguing tale a fur coat has unexpected properties, bringing out the inner beast in a humble bank clerk. The reader is award-winning actress Kathleen Chalfont. If "The Red Fox Fur Coat" is about turning into an animal, what happens if you're already raised as one? "St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves," by Karen Russell, charts the heartbreaking course from carefree werewolves, to upright citizens of the world. The reader is Tony Award-winner (appropriately, for "Into the Woods") Joanna Gleason. tag:odeo.com,2009-07-19,24831960 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:13:15 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24792774-Memories-that-Define-Us The two works on this program deal comically and tragically with memory. In "Dissed Fish," humorist Calvin Trillin recounts the longing an ex-patriot South African lawyer experiences for a despised national fish, the Snook. The author reads. Then, Luis Alberto Urrea dives into unfathomable grief in his beautiful tale "Bid Farewell to Her Many Horses," the name of the dead woman remembered with love and anguish by her husband on the day of her burial. The reader is Tony Award-winner Robert Sean Leonard. The two works on this program deal comically and tragically with memory. In "Dissed Fish," humorist Calvin Trillin recounts the longing an ex-patriot South African lawyer experiences for a despised national fish, the Snook. The author reads. Then, Luis Alberto Urrea dives into unfathomable grief in his beautiful tale "Bid Farewell to Her Many Horses," the name of the dead woman remembered with love and anguish by her husband on the day of her burial. The reader is Tony Award-winner Robert Sean Leonard. The two works on this program deal comically and tragically with memory. In "Dissed Fish," humorist Calvin Trillin recounts the longing an ex-patriot South African lawyer experiences for a despised national fish, the Snook. The author reads. Then, Luis Alberto Urrea dives into unfathomable grief in his beautiful tale "Bid Farewell to Her Many Horses," the name of the dead woman remembered with love and anguish by her husband on the day of her burial. The reader is Tony Award-winner Robert Sean Leonard. tag:odeo.com,2009-07-12,24792774 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:26:21 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24747212-You-Just-Don-t-Understand-An-Edith-Wharton-Celebration This program offers two stories from the classic American writer Edith Wharton. Her acerbic and penetrating short stories portray men and women in conflict in her upper-class social milieu. "The Dilettante," is a sly and subtle tale about a man with two women in his life. It is read by Brenda Wehle. "The Muse's Tragedy," explores the relationship of a great poet and his inspiration. It is read by Oscar nominee David Strathairn. This program offers two stories from the classic American writer Edith Wharton. Her acerbic and penetrating short stories portray men and women in conflict in her upper-class social milieu. "The Dilettante," is a sly and subtle tale about a man with two women in his life. It is read by Brenda Wehle. "The Muse's Tragedy," explores the relationship of a great poet and his inspiration. It is read by Oscar nominee David Strathairn. This program offers two stories from the classic American writer Edith Wharton. Her acerbic and penetrating short stories portray men and women in conflict in her upper-class social milieu. "The Dilettante," is a sly and subtle tale about a man with two women in his life. It is read by Brenda Wehle. "The Muse's Tragedy," explores the relationship of a great poet and his inspiration. It is read by Oscar nominee David Strathairn. tag:odeo.com,2009-07-05,24747212 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:33:10 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24742542-Living-life-to-the-fullest In the first story on this program, Pam Houston's wry "How to Talk to a Hunte," the first-person narrator charts the bumpy path of love with a macho outdoorsman. The reader is Mia Dillon. Next, Alan Gurganus's "It Had Wings," as the title suggests, tells of an encounter between an elderly widow and a divine being. SHORTS host Isaiah Sheffer reads. "The Canoeists," by Rick Bass, conjures up a lazy day shimmering with sensual details and is read by Neil Patrick Harris. Our fourth story shows an unexpected side of the great American humorist and cartoonist James Thurber, and is read by another humorist, David Rakoff. In the first story on this program, Pam Houston's wry "How to Talk to a Hunte," the first-person narrator charts the bumpy path of love with a macho outdoorsman. The reader is Mia Dillon. Next, Alan Gurganus's "It Had Wings," as the title suggests, tells of an encounter between an elderly widow and a divine being. SHORTS host Isaiah Sheffer reads. "The Canoeists," by Rick Bass, conjures up a lazy day shimmering with sensual details and is read by Neil Patrick Harris. Our fourth story shows an unexpected side of the great American humorist and cartoonist James Thurber, and is read by another humorist, David Rakoff. In the first story on this program, Pam Houston's wry "How to Talk to a Hunte," the first-person narrator charts the bumpy path of love with a macho outdoorsman. The reader is Mia Dillon. Next, Alan Gurganus's "It Had Wings," as the title suggests, tells of an encounter between an elderly widow and a divine being. SHORTS host Isaiah Sheffer reads. "The Canoeists," by Rick Bass, conjures up a lazy day shimmering with sensual details and is read by Neil Patrick Harris. Our fourth story shows an unexpected side of the great American humorist and cartoonist James Thurber, and is read by another humorist, David Rakoff. tag:odeo.com,2009-06-28,24742542 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:53:16 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24742546-Postcards-from-the-Edge Summer days invite stories about pets and gardens. Television writer Merrill Markoe's "A Conversation with My Dogs," shows us an unusual glimpse of family life, so sit, stay, and listen. Next, Daniel Gerroll reads a story by H.H. Munro, or Saki, "The Occasional Garden," about a woman who has to make special arrangements for her garden in order not to lose face. The hilarious results give new meaning to the term "one upmanship." Finally, Ann Beattie's poignant tale, "What Was Mine" calls into question what constitutes a family. The reader is John Shea. Summer days invite stories about pets and gardens. Television writer Merrill Markoe's "A Conversation with My Dogs," shows us an unusual glimpse of family life, so sit, stay, and listen. Next, Daniel Gerroll reads a story by H.H. Munro, or Saki, "The Occasional Garden," about a woman who has to make special arrangements for her garden in order not to lose face. The hilarious results give new meaning to the term "one upmanship." Finally, Ann Beattie's poignant tale, "What Was Mine" calls into question what constitutes a family. The reader is John Shea. Summer days invite stories about pets and gardens. Television writer Merrill Markoe's "A Conversation with My Dogs," shows us an unusual glimpse of family life, so sit, stay, and listen. Next, Daniel Gerroll reads a story by H.H. Munro, or Saki, "The Occasional Garden," about a woman who has to make special arrangements for her garden in order not to lose face. The hilarious results give new meaning to the term "one upmanship." Finally, Ann Beattie's poignant tale, "What Was Mine" calls into question what constitutes a family. The reader is John Shea. tag:odeo.com,2009-06-22,24742546 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:04:20 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24705371-Hints-of-madness Indian writer Kiran Desai's "Sermon in the Guava Tree," follows the uneven fortunes of an ordinary man and his disgruntled family when one day he decides to retreat from a disappointing life. Paradoxically, this gives him a place in the world for the first time. The reader is Tazewell Thompson. Our second story, "Crazy Glue," by the provocative Israeli writer Etgar Keret, gives us a look at a bizarre and transformative moment in an emotionally sluggish marriage. Chris Saradon is the reader. Some examples of works created as part of Symphony Space's adult literacy program ALL WRITE! round out the program. Indian writer Kiran Desai's "Sermon in the Guava Tree," follows the uneven fortunes of an ordinary man and his disgruntled family when one day he decides to retreat from a disappointing life. Paradoxically, this gives him a place in the world for the first time. The reader is Tazewell Thompson. Our second story, "Crazy Glue," by the provocative Israeli writer Etgar Keret, gives us a look at a bizarre and transformative moment in an emotionally sluggish marriage. Chris Saradon is the reader. Some examples of works created as part of Symphony Space's adult literacy program ALL WRITE! round out the program. Indian writer Kiran Desai's "Sermon in the Guava Tree," follows the uneven fortunes of an ordinary man and his disgruntled family when one day he decides to retreat from a disappointing life. Paradoxically, this gives him a place in the world for the first time. The reader is Tazewell Thompson. Our second story, "Crazy Glue," by the provocative Israeli writer Etgar Keret, gives us a look at a bizarre and transformative moment in an emotionally sluggish marriage. Chris Saradon is the reader. Some examples of works created as part of Symphony Space's adult literacy program ALL WRITE! round out the program. tag:odeo.com,2009-06-15,24705371 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:23:10 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24665222-Appetites-for-life Mary Gordon's "Storytelling" features a disenchanted writer who is reanimated after an encounter with a man whose life is a form of fiction. The story is read by the stage and screen actress Lindsay Crouse, and an interview with Gordon follows. In our second story, the English novelist V.S. Pritchett's "Just a Little More," an aging man reclaims his dignity in his robust accounts of meals he remembers. The reader is Rene Auberjonois. Mary Gordon's "Storytelling" features a disenchanted writer who is reanimated after an encounter with a man whose life is a form of fiction. The story is read by the stage and screen actress Lindsay Crouse, and an interview with Gordon follows. In our second story, the English novelist V.S. Pritchett's "Just a Little More," an aging man reclaims his dignity in his robust accounts of meals he remembers. The reader is Rene Auberjonois. Mary Gordon's "Storytelling" features a disenchanted writer who is reanimated after an encounter with a man whose life is a form of fiction. The story is read by the stage and screen actress Lindsay Crouse, and an interview with Gordon follows. In our second story, the English novelist V.S. Pritchett's "Just a Little More," an aging man reclaims his dignity in his robust accounts of meals he remembers. The reader is Rene Auberjonois. tag:odeo.com,2009-06-07,24665222 Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:15:32 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24635432-A-Gallant-writer-celebrated This program celebrates the remarkable Canadian-born writer Mavis Gallant, who moved to Paris in the 1950s to write fiction in an era when this was still an uncommon choice for woman. An award-winning lifetime later, she joined us at SELECTED SHORTS to read her own story "Grippes and Poche," which chronicles an epic relationship between a wily French novelist and a relentless tax collector. This program celebrates the remarkable Canadian-born writer Mavis Gallant, who moved to Paris in the 1950s to write fiction in an era when this was still an uncommon choice for woman. An award-winning lifetime later, she joined us at SELECTED SHORTS to read her own story "Grippes and Poche," which chronicles an epic relationship between a wily French novelist and a relentless tax collector. This program celebrates the remarkable Canadian-born writer Mavis Gallant, who moved to Paris in the 1950s to write fiction in an era when this was still an uncommon choice for woman. An award-winning lifetime later, she joined us at SELECTED SHORTS to read her own story "Grippes and Poche," which chronicles an epic relationship between a wily French novelist and a relentless tax collector. tag:odeo.com,2009-05-31,24635432 Sun, 31 May 2009 23:33:13 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24604955-Down-to-the-sea-in-ships Joseph Conrad's "Initiation" is a gripping tale of a young naval officer's first encounter with maritime disaster and the fickle nature of the sea, and has all the lush and powerful hallmarks of a work by the author of Heart of Darkness and Nostromo. It is read by Broadway star Tony Roberts. The Conrad story is followed by an evocative micro-fiction, Robert King's "Country Miles," in which an ordinary life suddenly takes on epic proportions—at least in terms of mileage! The reader is the distinguished American actress Marian Seldes. Joseph Conrad's "Initiation" is a gripping tale of a young naval officer's first encounter with maritime disaster and the fickle nature of the sea, and has all the lush and powerful hallmarks of a work by the author of Heart of Darkness and Nostromo. It is read by Broadway star Tony Roberts. The Conrad story is followed by an evocative micro-fiction, Robert King's "Country Miles," in which an ordinary life suddenly takes on epic proportions—at least in terms of mileage! The reader is the distinguished American actress Marian Seldes. Joseph Conrad's "Initiation" is a gripping tale of a young naval officer's first encounter with maritime disaster and the fickle nature of the sea, and has all the lush and powerful hallmarks of a work by the author of Heart of Darkness and Nostromo. It is read by Broadway star Tony Roberts. The Conrad story is followed by an evocative micro-fiction, Robert King's "Country Miles," in which an ordinary life suddenly takes on epic proportions—at least in terms of mileage! The reader is the distinguished American actress Marian Seldes. tag:odeo.com,2009-05-25,24604955 Mon, 25 May 2009 00:33:08 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24575282-Proof-of-love Stories by Anton Chekhov, Edna O'Brien, and Tobias Wolff depict people unable to fully express their emotions for a variety of reasons. First, a lovelorn beau tries to fathom his beloved in Anton Chekhov's "An Enigmatic Nature," read by Fionnula Flanagan. Next, Flanagan reads a salty story of forbidden love by the renegade Irish writer Edna O'Brien; an interview follows. Finally, "Awaiting Orders," by the eminent fiction and memoir writer Tobias Wolff, depicts the private torments of an officer on a stateside military base. The reader is Broadway star Michael Cerveris. Stories by Anton Chekhov, Edna O'Brien, and Tobias Wolff depict people unable to fully express their emotions for a variety of reasons. First, a lovelorn beau tries to fathom his beloved in Anton Chekhov's "An Enigmatic Nature," read by Fionnula Flanagan. Next, Flanagan reads a salty story of forbidden love by the renegade Irish writer Edna O'Brien; an interview follows. Finally, "Awaiting Orders," by the eminent fiction and memoir writer Tobias Wolff, depicts the private torments of an officer on a stateside military base. The reader is Broadway star Michael Cerveris. Stories by Anton Chekhov, Edna O'Brien, and Tobias Wolff depict people unable to fully express their emotions for a variety of reasons. First, a lovelorn beau tries to fathom his beloved in Anton Chekhov's "An Enigmatic Nature," read by Fionnula Flanagan. Next, Flanagan reads a salty story of forbidden love by the renegade Irish writer Edna O'Brien; an interview follows. Finally, "Awaiting Orders," by the eminent fiction and memoir writer Tobias Wolff, depicts the private torments of an officer on a stateside military base. The reader is Broadway star Michael Cerveris. tag:odeo.com,2009-05-18,24575282 Mon, 18 May 2009 01:03:09 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24545472-Shattered-peace Two deeply emotional stories make up this program, one by Hannah Krall, a Polish woman who specialized in reportage and fiction about Polish Jews during World War II, and the other by the South African Nobel Prize-winner, Nadine Gordimer. First, in Krall's story "The Woman from Hamburg, a Polish couple hides a Jewish woman from the Nazis, with consequences for three generations. The reader is Hope Davis, with whom there is also an interview. Next, Nadine Gordimer's "The First Sense" describes a marriage between an internationally successful cellist and his less talented, less ambitious wife. The reader is Joanna Gleason. Two deeply emotional stories make up this program, one by Hannah Krall, a Polish woman who specialized in reportage and fiction about Polish Jews during World War II, and the other by the South African Nobel Prize-winner, Nadine Gordimer. First, in Krall's story "The Woman from Hamburg, a Polish couple hides a Jewish woman from the Nazis, with consequences for three generations. The reader is Hope Davis, with whom there is also an interview. Next, Nadine Gordimer's "The First Sense" describes a marriage between an internationally successful cellist and his less talented, less ambitious wife. The reader is Joanna Gleason. Two deeply emotional stories make up this program, one by Hannah Krall, a Polish woman who specialized in reportage and fiction about Polish Jews during World War II, and the other by the South African Nobel Prize-winner, Nadine Gordimer. First, in Krall's story "The Woman from Hamburg, a Polish couple hides a Jewish woman from the Nazis, with consequences for three generations. The reader is Hope Davis, with whom there is also an interview. Next, Nadine Gordimer's "The First Sense" describes a marriage between an internationally successful cellist and his less talented, less ambitious wife. The reader is Joanna Gleason. tag:odeo.com,2009-05-11,24545472 Mon, 11 May 2009 01:53:15 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24533901-Playwright-s-Delight This program includes three stories chosen and introduced by the eminent Broadway playwright and screen writer John Patrick Shanley, His literary picks include Ernest Hemingway's "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," and "After the Storm," as well as Haruki Murakami's fantasy, "The Little Green Monster." The readers are Ron Cephas Jones, Dana Ivey, and John Turturro. Worth the price of admission is Shanley's rich, robust and poetic introductions. As he says, "Why do storytellers tell stories and why do you listen to them? We might as well ask, "Why do we breathe?" This program includes three stories chosen and introduced by the eminent Broadway playwright and screen writer John Patrick Shanley, His literary picks include Ernest Hemingway's "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," and "After the Storm," as well as Haruki Murakami's fantasy, "The Little Green Monster." The readers are Ron Cephas Jones, Dana Ivey, and John Turturro. Worth the price of admission is Shanley's rich, robust and poetic introductions. As he says, "Why do storytellers tell stories and why do you listen to them? We might as well ask, "Why do we breathe?" This program includes three stories chosen and introduced by the eminent Broadway playwright and screen writer John Patrick Shanley, His literary picks include Ernest Hemingway's "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," and "After the Storm," as well as Haruki Murakami's fantasy, "The Little Green Monster." The readers are Ron Cephas Jones, Dana Ivey, and John Turturro. Worth the price of admission is Shanley's rich, robust and poetic introductions. As he says, "Why do storytellers tell stories and why do you listen to them? We might as well ask, "Why do we breathe?" tag:odeo.com,2009-05-03,24533901 Sun, 03 May 2009 23:33:53 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24508481-Food-fantasies Two delectable pieces about that ever-popular subject, food, glorious food. The first is host Isaiah Sheffer's reading of an outrageous recipe in the form of a story, "Cooking From Central France: Roast Boned Rolled Stuffed Shoulder of Lamb (Farce Double)", by experimental fiction writer Harry Matthews. Second, a charming memoir about cooking on a shoe string by the late food writer and novelist Laurie Colwin, read by musical star Kelli O'Hara. Two delectable pieces about that ever-popular subject, food, glorious food. The first is host Isaiah Sheffer's reading of an outrageous recipe in the form of a story, "Cooking From Central France: Roast Boned Rolled Stuffed Shoulder of Lamb (Farce Double)", by experimental fiction writer Harry Matthews. Second, a charming memoir about cooking on a shoe string by the late food writer and novelist Laurie Colwin, read by musical star Kelli O'Hara. Two delectable pieces about that ever-popular subject, food, glorious food. The first is host Isaiah Sheffer's reading of an outrageous recipe in the form of a story, "Cooking From Central France: Roast Boned Rolled Stuffed Shoulder of Lamb (Farce Double)", by experimental fiction writer Harry Matthews. Second, a charming memoir about cooking on a shoe string by the late food writer and novelist Laurie Colwin, read by musical star Kelli O'Hara. tag:odeo.com,2009-04-27,24508481 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:15:12 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24473554-Indian-Country This entire program is devoted to Tony Award-wining actor John Lithgow's powerful reading of Sherman Alexie's "Indian Country," in which a celebrated writer confronts his past, his heritage, and his prejudices in one odyssey-like day. This entire program is devoted to Tony Award-wining actor John Lithgow's powerful reading of Sherman Alexie's "Indian Country," in which a celebrated writer confronts his past, his heritage, and his prejudices in one odyssey-like day. This entire program is devoted to Tony Award-wining actor John Lithgow's powerful reading of Sherman Alexie's "Indian Country," in which a celebrated writer confronts his past, his heritage, and his prejudices in one odyssey-like day. tag:odeo.com,2009-04-20,24473554 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:33:10 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24441962-Family-Relations Four stories about families range from outsized humor to poignant reconciliation, beginning with a Eudora Welty classic about the rebellious daughter of a somewhat bizarre Southern family, "WHY I LIVE AT THE P.O." The reader is stage and screen star Stockard Channing. Basic questions of identity are at the core of "OTHER PERSONS," by Juan Jose Milias. This sensual and provocative story, read by James Naughton, casts a new light on marriage. A wary child learns a lesson in love and tolerance from an unexpected source in Melodie Edwards' "THE BIRD WOMAN," read by the star of the critically acclaimed revival of "South Pacific," Kelli O'Hara. This program concludes with Lynn Freed's "MA, A MEMOIR." A loving but troubled marriage is glimpsed through the eyes of an adult child in this ambivalent tale. The reader is the distinguished American actress Marian Seldes. Four stories about families range from outsized humor to poignant reconciliation, beginning with a Eudora Welty classic about the rebellious daughter of a somewhat bizarre Southern family, "WHY I LIVE AT THE P.O." The reader is stage and screen star Stockard Channing. Basic questions of identity are at the core of "OTHER PERSONS," by Juan Jose Milias. This sensual and provocative story, read by James Naughton, casts a new light on marriage. A wary child learns a lesson in love and tolerance from an unexpected source in Melodie Edwards' "THE BIRD WOMAN," read by the star of the critically acclaimed revival of "South Pacific," Kelli O'Hara. This program concludes with Lynn Freed's "MA, A MEMOIR." A loving but troubled marriage is glimpsed through the eyes of an adult child in this ambivalent tale. The reader is the distinguished American actress Marian Seldes. Four stories about families range from outsized humor to poignant reconciliation, beginning with a Eudora Welty classic about the rebellious daughter of a somewhat bizarre Southern family, "WHY I LIVE AT THE P.O." The reader is stage and screen star Stockard Channing. Basic questions of identity are at the core of "OTHER PERSONS," by Juan Jose Milias. This sensual and provocative story, read by James Naughton, casts a new light on marriage. A wary child learns a lesson in love and tolerance from an unexpected source in Melodie Edwards' "THE BIRD WOMAN," read by the star of the critically acclaimed revival of "South Pacific," Kelli O'Hara. This program concludes with Lynn Freed's "MA, A MEMOIR." A loving but troubled marriage is glimpsed through the eyes of an adult child in this ambivalent tale. The reader is the distinguished American actress Marian Seldes. tag:odeo.com,2009-04-12,24441962 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 22:03:10 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24413179-A-Baseball-Celebration Batter up! This very special baseball program of SELECTED SHORTS includes stories, memoirs, and poems that celebrate the national game, and an interview with radio sports commentator Bill Littlefield, host of NPR's "Only A Game." First up is T.C. Boyle's epic tale of a game that never ends, "THE HECTOR QUESADILLA STORY," read by Jerry Zaks. Next, an excerpt from Lawrence S. Ritter's evocative book about old-time baseball greats, "THE GLORY OF THEIR TIMES," read by John Rubinstein. Finally, Fritz Weaver's memorable reading of a poem by the noted American poet Rolfe Humphries, "Polo Grounds." Batter up! This very special baseball program of SELECTED SHORTS includes stories, memoirs, and poems that celebrate the national game, and an interview with radio sports commentator Bill Littlefield, host of NPR's "Only A Game." First up is T.C. Boyle's epic tale of a game that never ends, "THE HECTOR QUESADILLA STORY," read by Jerry Zaks. Next, an excerpt from Lawrence S. Ritter's evocative book about old-time baseball greats, "THE GLORY OF THEIR TIMES," read by John Rubinstein. Finally, Fritz Weaver's memorable reading of a poem by the noted American poet Rolfe Humphries, "Polo Grounds." Batter up! This very special baseball program of SELECTED SHORTS includes stories, memoirs, and poems that celebrate the national game, and an interview with radio sports commentator Bill Littlefield, host of NPR's "Only A Game." First up is T.C. Boyle's epic tale of a game that never ends, "THE HECTOR QUESADILLA STORY," read by Jerry Zaks. Next, an excerpt from Lawrence S. Ritter's evocative book about old-time baseball greats, "THE GLORY OF THEIR TIMES," read by John Rubinstein. Finally, Fritz Weaver's memorable reading of a poem by the noted American poet Rolfe Humphries, "Polo Grounds." tag:odeo.com,2009-04-05,24413179 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 22:14:44 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24382811-Unexpected-Developments This program features four brief tales by absolute masters of the form—Edgar Allan Poe, Guy de Maupassant, Saki and Thomas Wolfe—in which something unexpected occurs. First, "Sphinx," a haunting, visceral tale by Edgar Allan Poe, read by Kathleen Widdoes. Second, Guy de Maupassant's charmingly melancholy "Minuet" is read by the distinguished stage and screen actor Rene Auberjonois. Third, the English humorist of Saki proposes politically correct playtime in "THE TOYS OF PEACE." The reader is Dana Ivey. The program concludes with Thomas Wolfe's "Only the Dead Know Brooklyn," which describes an unsettling encounter on a New York City subway line. It is read by SHORTS host Isaiah Sheffer. This program features four brief tales by absolute masters of the form—Edgar Allan Poe, Guy de Maupassant, Saki and Thomas Wolfe—in which something unexpected occurs. First, "Sphinx," a haunting, visceral tale by Edgar Allan Poe, read by Kathleen Widdoes. Second, Guy de Maupassant's charmingly melancholy "Minuet" is read by the distinguished stage and screen actor Rene Auberjonois. Third, the English humorist of Saki proposes politically correct playtime in "THE TOYS OF PEACE." The reader is Dana Ivey. The program concludes with Thomas Wolfe's "Only the Dead Know Brooklyn," which describes an unsettling encounter on a New York City subway line. It is read by SHORTS host Isaiah Sheffer. This program features four brief tales by absolute masters of the form—Edgar Allan Poe, Guy de Maupassant, Saki and Thomas Wolfe—in which something unexpected occurs. First, "Sphinx," a haunting, visceral tale by Edgar Allan Poe, read by Kathleen Widdoes. Second, Guy de Maupassant's charmingly melancholy "Minuet" is read by the distinguished stage and screen actor Rene Auberjonois. Third, the English humorist of Saki proposes politically correct playtime in "THE TOYS OF PEACE." The reader is Dana Ivey. The program concludes with Thomas Wolfe's "Only the Dead Know Brooklyn," which describes an unsettling encounter on a New York City subway line. It is read by SHORTS host Isaiah Sheffer. tag:odeo.com,2009-03-29,24382811 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:03:38 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24345979-Dazed-and-Knights Literary history shows many connections between restaurants, bars, and cafes, and the writers who hung out in these places, and the first story on this program comes from a special evening devoted to writers who work out of New York City's beloved Hungarian Pastry Shop on Amsterdam Avenue, near Columbia University. Writing students and neighborhood authors have come to think of the Pastry Shop as their literary home away from home, and Rivka Galchen's unsettling tale of marital discord, "What Happened Between Us," no doubt got its start there. It is read by Jonathan Hadary, who recently completed a reign as King Arthur in the Monty Python musical "Spamalot." In our second story, Neil Gaiman's charming tale, "Chivalry," a feisty widow finds the Holy Grail—in her local thrift shop—and a knight in shining armor turns up to reclaim it. The reader is Emmy Award-winning actor Jane Curtin. Literary history shows many connections between restaurants, bars, and cafes, and the writers who hung out in these places, and the first story on this program comes from a special evening devoted to writers who work out of New York City's beloved Hungarian Pastry Shop on Amsterdam Avenue, near Columbia University. Writing students and neighborhood authors have come to think of the Pastry Shop as their literary home away from home, and Rivka Galchen's unsettling tale of marital discord, "What Happened Between Us," no doubt got its start there. It is read by Jonathan Hadary, who recently completed a reign as King Arthur in the Monty Python musical "Spamalot." In our second story, Neil Gaiman's charming tale, "Chivalry," a feisty widow finds the Holy Grail—in her local thrift shop—and a knight in shining armor turns up to reclaim it. The reader is Emmy Award-winning actor Jane Curtin. Literary history shows many connections between restaurants, bars, and cafes, and the writers who hung out in these places, and the first story on this program comes from a special evening devoted to writers who work out of New York City's beloved Hungarian Pastry Shop on Amsterdam Avenue, near Columbia University. Writing students and neighborhood authors have come to think of the Pastry Shop as their literary home away from home, and Rivka Galchen's unsettling tale of marital discord, "What Happened Between Us," no doubt got its start there. It is read by Jonathan Hadary, who recently completed a reign as King Arthur in the Monty Python musical "Spamalot." In our second story, Neil Gaiman's charming tale, "Chivalry," a feisty widow finds the Holy Grail—in her local thrift shop—and a knight in shining armor turns up to reclaim it. The reader is Emmy Award-winning actor Jane Curtin. tag:odeo.com,2009-03-23,24345979 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:03:09 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24311628-Hard-boiled-and-Hard-Tack Two classic adventure stories make up this program. Dashiell Hammet's tale, "The Creeping Siamese," was first published in the pulp fiction magazine Black Mask in 1926, and is given a great hard-boiled read by John Shea. Jack London's "Make Westing," takes us into the world of clipper ships making the dangerous passage around Cape Horn. The reader of this gripping tale is the late Steven Gilborn. Two classic adventure stories make up this program. Dashiell Hammet's tale, "The Creeping Siamese," was first published in the pulp fiction magazine Black Mask in 1926, and is given a great hard-boiled read by John Shea. Jack London's "Make Westing," takes us into the world of clipper ships making the dangerous passage around Cape Horn. The reader of this gripping tale is the late Steven Gilborn. Two classic adventure stories make up this program. Dashiell Hammet's tale, "The Creeping Siamese," was first published in the pulp fiction magazine Black Mask in 1926, and is given a great hard-boiled read by John Shea. Jack London's "Make Westing," takes us into the world of clipper ships making the dangerous passage around Cape Horn. The reader of this gripping tale is the late Steven Gilborn. tag:odeo.com,2009-03-16,24311628 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:44:04 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24275841-Women-on-a-Mission "Women On A Mission" make appearances in this program's two short stories. The first is Carlton Stevens Montanye's "A Shock for the Countess," a delicious 1920's pulp magazine crime story involving glamorous international jewel thieves. The reader is Fionnula Flanagan. The boulevards of Paris give way to the mountain ranges of the American West in our second story, Mark Helprin's "Katherine Comes to Yellow Sky." The heroine of this quietly beautiful tale is traveling West to break away from the confinements and restrictions of life as a 19th-century woman, and to discover her true self. The reader is Lisa Gay Hamilton. "Women On A Mission" make appearances in this program's two short stories. The first is Carlton Stevens Montanye's "A Shock for the Countess," a delicious 1920's pulp magazine crime story involving glamorous international jewel thieves. The reader is Fionnula Flanagan. The boulevards of Paris give way to the mountain ranges of the American West in our second story, Mark Helprin's "Katherine Comes to Yellow Sky." The heroine of this quietly beautiful tale is traveling West to break away from the confinements and restrictions of life as a 19th-century woman, and to discover her true self. The reader is Lisa Gay Hamilton. "Women On A Mission" make appearances in this program's two short stories. The first is Carlton Stevens Montanye's "A Shock for the Countess," a delicious 1920's pulp magazine crime story involving glamorous international jewel thieves. The reader is Fionnula Flanagan. The boulevards of Paris give way to the mountain ranges of the American West in our second story, Mark Helprin's "Katherine Comes to Yellow Sky." The heroine of this quietly beautiful tale is traveling West to break away from the confinements and restrictions of life as a 19th-century woman, and to discover her true self. The reader is Lisa Gay Hamilton. tag:odeo.com,2009-03-08,24275841 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:03:11 -0700 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24248695-Strong-Men-Stronger-Women This SELECTED SHORTS program features two stories about remarkable couples. Rita Dove's "Second-Hand Man" pairs the strong-willed Virginia with a beau with a way with words—and a secret. The reader is Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald. Padgett Powell's eccentric chronicle "The Winnowing of Mrs. Schuping" brings a headstrong Southern woman and a real Florida sheriff together in a swamp-side courtship. Tony-winning actor James Naughton is the reader. This SELECTED SHORTS program features two stories about remarkable couples. Rita Dove's "Second-Hand Man" pairs the strong-willed Virginia with a beau with a way with words—and a secret. The reader is Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald. Padgett Powell's eccentric chronicle "The Winnowing of Mrs. Schuping" brings a headstrong Southern woman and a real Florida sheriff together in a swamp-side courtship. Tony-winning actor James Naughton is the reader. This SELECTED SHORTS program features two stories about remarkable couples. Rita Dove's "Second-Hand Man" pairs the strong-willed Virginia with a beau with a way with words—and a secret. The reader is Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald. Padgett Powell's eccentric chronicle "The Winnowing of Mrs. Schuping" brings a headstrong Southern woman and a real Florida sheriff together in a swamp-side courtship. Tony-winning actor James Naughton is the reader. tag:odeo.com,2009-03-01,24248695 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 23:56:30 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24213675-Let-s-Not-Talk A longing for silence plays an important part in both stories on this program. Kevin Brockmeier's "The Year of Silence" speculates on what it would be like if all the noise, all the sounds of civilization and daily life, were to fade to an auditory stillness. Reader Anthony Rapp appeared on Broadway in the musical "Rent." From silence we move to a ghastly chatter-filled weekend in the country as imagined by 1920s writer Ring Lardner. The zestful reader is five-time Emmy winner and screen actor Christina Pickles. A longing for silence plays an important part in both stories on this program. Kevin Brockmeier's "The Year of Silence" speculates on what it would be like if all the noise, all the sounds of civilization and daily life, were to fade to an auditory stillness. Reader Anthony Rapp appeared on Broadway in the musical "Rent." From silence we move to a ghastly chatter-filled weekend in the country as imagined by 1920s writer Ring Lardner. The zestful reader is five-time Emmy winner and screen actor Christina Pickles. A longing for silence plays an important part in both stories on this program. Kevin Brockmeier's "The Year of Silence" speculates on what it would be like if all the noise, all the sounds of civilization and daily life, were to fade to an auditory stillness. Reader Anthony Rapp appeared on Broadway in the musical "Rent." From silence we move to a ghastly chatter-filled weekend in the country as imagined by 1920s writer Ring Lardner. The zestful reader is five-time Emmy winner and screen actor Christina Pickles. tag:odeo.com,2009-02-26,24213675 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:20:55 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24162154-Let-s-Not-Talk A longing for silence plays an important part in both stories on this program. Kevin Brockmeier's "The Year of Silence" speculates on what it would be like if all the noise, all the sounds of civilization and daily life, were to fade to an auditory stillness. Reader Anthony Rapp appeared on Broadway in the musical "Rent." From silence we move to a ghastly chatter-filled weekend in the country as imagined by 1920s writer Ring Lardner. The zestful reader is five-time Emmy winner and screen actor Christina Pickles. A longing for silence plays an important part in both stories on this program. Kevin Brockmeier's "The Year of Silence" speculates on what it would be like if all the noise, all the sounds of civilization and daily life, were to fade to an auditory stillness. Reader Anthony Rapp appeared on Broadway in the musical "Rent." From silence we move to a ghastly chatter-filled weekend in the country as imagined by 1920s writer Ring Lardner. The zestful reader is five-time Emmy winner and screen actor Christina Pickles. A longing for silence plays an important part in both stories on this program. Kevin Brockmeier's "The Year of Silence" speculates on what it would be like if all the noise, all the sounds of civilization and daily life, were to fade to an auditory stillness. Reader Anthony Rapp appeared on Broadway in the musical "Rent." From silence we move to a ghastly chatter-filled weekend in the country as imagined by 1920s writer Ring Lardner. The zestful reader is five-time Emmy winner and screen actor Christina Pickles. tag:odeo.com,2009-02-23,24162154 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:44:18 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24107879-Passions-Run-Deep In each of these two very American stories, different as they may be from each other, one harrowing and the other hilarious, a fervent belief drives the narrative along. In Tobias Wolff's "Bible" the story's alarming opening scenario—a woman hijacked in her car—gives way to developments that surprise both us and its heroine. The reader is Jane Alexander. The second story, Percival Everett's "The Appropriation of Cultures," also defies our expectations as its hero hits on a novel strategy for defeating racial prejudice. The reader is the Tony Award-winning ("Seven Guitars") Broadway actor and director Ruben Santiago Hudson. In each of these two very American stories, different as they may be from each other, one harrowing and the other hilarious, a fervent belief drives the narrative along. In Tobias Wolff's "Bible" the story's alarming opening scenario—a woman hijacked in her car—gives way to developments that surprise both us and its heroine. The reader is Jane Alexander. The second story, Percival Everett's "The Appropriation of Cultures," also defies our expectations as its hero hits on a novel strategy for defeating racial prejudice. The reader is the Tony Award-winning ("Seven Guitars") Broadway actor and director Ruben Santiago Hudson. In each of these two very American stories, different as they may be from each other, one harrowing and the other hilarious, a fervent belief drives the narrative along. In Tobias Wolff's "Bible" the story's alarming opening scenario—a woman hijacked in her car—gives way to developments that surprise both us and its heroine. The reader is Jane Alexander. The second story, Percival Everett's "The Appropriation of Cultures," also defies our expectations as its hero hits on a novel strategy for defeating racial prejudice. The reader is the Tony Award-winning ("Seven Guitars") Broadway actor and director Ruben Santiago Hudson. tag:odeo.com,2009-02-15,24107879 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 22:23:11 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24059972-Unexpected-Developments A summer vacation, a romantic tryst, and a key business trip don't turn out the way the characters in these two stories expected. In Shirley Jackson's "The Summer People," the "people" in question cross an invisible line when they decide to stay on in their summer cottage past Labor Day—with harrowing consequences. Rene Auberjonois is the reader. "Luggage tends to look alike," as a woman traveling to meet her lover, and a man plotting to bring down a business rival, discover when they wind up with each other's in Maeve Binchy's "The Wrong Suitcase." The reader is Sex and the City alum Cynthia Nixon. A summer vacation, a romantic tryst, and a key business trip don't turn out the way the characters in these two stories expected. In Shirley Jackson's "The Summer People," the "people" in question cross an invisible line when they decide to stay on in their summer cottage past Labor Day—with harrowing consequences. Rene Auberjonois is the reader. "Luggage tends to look alike," as a woman traveling to meet her lover, and a man plotting to bring down a business rival, discover when they wind up with each other's in Maeve Binchy's "The Wrong Suitcase." The reader is Sex and the City alum Cynthia Nixon. A summer vacation, a romantic tryst, and a key business trip don't turn out the way the characters in these two stories expected. In Shirley Jackson's "The Summer People," the "people" in question cross an invisible line when they decide to stay on in their summer cottage past Labor Day—with harrowing consequences. Rene Auberjonois is the reader. "Luggage tends to look alike," as a woman traveling to meet her lover, and a man plotting to bring down a business rival, discover when they wind up with each other's in Maeve Binchy's "The Wrong Suitcase." The reader is Sex and the City alum Cynthia Nixon. tag:odeo.com,2009-02-08,24059972 Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:33:54 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24013897-Two-Wild-Guys Two stories written by American women about impulsive men are the focus of this program. Louise Erdrich's "Gleason" may remind listeners of the Coen Brothers movie "Fargo," though without the gore. Its faux murder plot leads to mayhem and complications in a similar vein. The reader is Tony Award-winner Robert Sean Leonard. In Maile Meloy's "Red," a disillusioned WWII soldier, waiting to ship out, picks up a girl and finds a moment of connection. "Red" is performed by the veteran television and stage actor Keith Szarabajka. Two stories written by American women about impulsive men are the focus of this program. Louise Erdrich's "Gleason" may remind listeners of the Coen Brothers movie "Fargo," though without the gore. Its faux murder plot leads to mayhem and complications in a similar vein. The reader is Tony Award-winner Robert Sean Leonard. In Maile Meloy's "Red," a disillusioned WWII soldier, waiting to ship out, picks up a girl and finds a moment of connection. "Red" is performed by the veteran television and stage actor Keith Szarabajka. Two stories written by American women about impulsive men are the focus of this program. Louise Erdrich's "Gleason" may remind listeners of the Coen Brothers movie "Fargo," though without the gore. Its faux murder plot leads to mayhem and complications in a similar vein. The reader is Tony Award-winner Robert Sean Leonard. In Maile Meloy's "Red," a disillusioned WWII soldier, waiting to ship out, picks up a girl and finds a moment of connection. "Red" is performed by the veteran television and stage actor Keith Szarabajka. tag:odeo.com,2009-02-01,24013897 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 23:06:48 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/23945882-Listen-Up The characters in the three stories on this program have strong needs and agendas. In Brock Clarke's, "The Apology," two displaced Americans want an apology from the Catholic Church for abuse they suffered as children. The reader is stage and screen star Stephen Lang. On a lighter note, Joshua Ferris's story "The Chairs" chronicles the obsessive search for status in an office environment. The reader is cabaret star Ivy Austin. George Garrett's "Feeling Good, Feeling Fine," moves between past and present as a single baseball game leads to the unraveling of a whole lifetime. The reader is Tony Award-winner B.D. Lang. The characters in the three stories on this program have strong needs and agendas. In Brock Clarke's, "The Apology," two displaced Americans want an apology from the Catholic Church for abuse they suffered as children. The reader is stage and screen star Stephen Lang. On a lighter note, Joshua Ferris's story "The Chairs" chronicles the obsessive search for status in an office environment. The reader is cabaret star Ivy Austin. George Garrett's "Feeling Good, Feeling Fine," moves between past and present as a single baseball game leads to the unraveling of a whole lifetime. The reader is Tony Award-winner B.D. Lang. The characters in the three stories on this program have strong needs and agendas. In Brock Clarke's, "The Apology," two displaced Americans want an apology from the Catholic Church for abuse they suffered as children. The reader is stage and screen star Stephen Lang. On a lighter note, Joshua Ferris's story "The Chairs" chronicles the obsessive search for status in an office environment. The reader is cabaret star Ivy Austin. George Garrett's "Feeling Good, Feeling Fine," moves between past and present as a single baseball game leads to the unraveling of a whole lifetime. The reader is Tony Award-winner B.D. Lang. tag:odeo.com,2009-01-25,23945882 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:13:14 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/23901216-Deepening-Insight What unites this program's two rather different stories is that both are tales of deepening insight, stories whose main characters undergo profound and life-altering experiences. The program begins with "The Seventh Man," by Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, and it starts with an old fashioned device: On a dark and stormy night, a group of men sit around a circle and tell their stories. The reader is John Shea. In our second tale, Aimee Bender's "The Rememberer," the heroine's lover undergoes a remarkable transformation that changes both their lives forever. The reader is Tony Award-winner Marian Seldes. A brief interview with Seldes follows the reading. What unites this program's two rather different stories is that both are tales of deepening insight, stories whose main characters undergo profound and life-altering experiences. The program begins with "The Seventh Man," by Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, and it starts with an old fashioned device: On a dark and stormy night, a group of men sit around a circle and tell their stories. The reader is John Shea. In our second tale, Aimee Bender's "The Rememberer," the heroine's lover undergoes a remarkable transformation that changes both their lives forever. The reader is Tony Award-winner Marian Seldes. A brief interview with Seldes follows the reading. What unites this program's two rather different stories is that both are tales of deepening insight, stories whose main characters undergo profound and life-altering experiences. The program begins with "The Seventh Man," by Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, and it starts with an old fashioned device: On a dark and stormy night, a group of men sit around a circle and tell their stories. The reader is John Shea. In our second tale, Aimee Bender's "The Rememberer," the heroine's lover undergoes a remarkable transformation that changes both their lives forever. The reader is Tony Award-winner Marian Seldes. A brief interview with Seldes follows the reading. tag:odeo.com,2009-01-18,23901216 Sun, 18 Jan 2009 23:43:12 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/23860578-A-Pair-of-Paleys Pick a pair of perfect Paleys, that's the recipe for this program of SELECTED SHORTS, honoring the work of the late author who contributed much to the series, and influenced a generation of young writers. Paley often wrote in the voice of a fictional alter ego, Faith. Both stories on this program are Faith stories. Laura Esterman reads "The Long Distance Runner," a fantastical account of Faith's encounter with the people who now live in her old apartment, and Anne Pitoniak reads "A Conversation with My Father," which has Faith's feisty parent scolding the author for her non-traditional narrative style. Pick a pair of perfect Paleys, that's the recipe for this program of SELECTED SHORTS, honoring the work of the late author who contributed much to the series, and influenced a generation of young writers. Paley often wrote in the voice of a fictional alter ego, Faith. Both stories on this program are Faith stories. Laura Esterman reads "The Long Distance Runner," a fantastical account of Faith's encounter with the people who now live in her old apartment, and Anne Pitoniak reads "A Conversation with My Father," which has Faith's feisty parent scolding the author for her non-traditional narrative style. Pick a pair of perfect Paleys, that's the recipe for this program of SELECTED SHORTS, honoring the work of the late author who contributed much to the series, and influenced a generation of young writers. Paley often wrote in the voice of a fictional alter ego, Faith. Both stories on this program are Faith stories. Laura Esterman reads "The Long Distance Runner," a fantastical account of Faith's encounter with the people who now live in her old apartment, and Anne Pitoniak reads "A Conversation with My Father," which has Faith's feisty parent scolding the author for her non-traditional narrative style. tag:odeo.com,2009-01-12,23860578 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:33:31 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/23823822-Two-Funny-Guys The two stories on this program are devoted to goings-on at the workplace—that hotbed of intrigue and thwarted ambitions. First, Lydia Davis's "Alvin the Typesetter" chronicles the travails of one office worker. The reader is author and "This American Life" performer David Rakoff. Next, T.C. Boyle weaves a tangled web of comic deceit in "The Lie," with a zestful read by political satirist and TV personality Stephen Colbert. The two stories on this program are devoted to goings-on at the workplace—that hotbed of intrigue and thwarted ambitions. First, Lydia Davis's "Alvin the Typesetter" chronicles the travails of one office worker. The reader is author and "This American Life" performer David Rakoff. Next, T.C. Boyle weaves a tangled web of comic deceit in "The Lie," with a zestful read by political satirist and TV personality Stephen Colbert. The two stories on this program are devoted to goings-on at the workplace—that hotbed of intrigue and thwarted ambitions. First, Lydia Davis's "Alvin the Typesetter" chronicles the travails of one office worker. The reader is author and "This American Life" performer David Rakoff. Next, T.C. Boyle weaves a tangled web of comic deceit in "The Lie," with a zestful read by political satirist and TV personality Stephen Colbert. tag:odeo.com,2009-01-04,23823822 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:13:11 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/23823823-Family-matters Four stories about families and children by classic and contemporary writers. "Charles" is a surprisingly light-hearted tale by Shirley Jackson ("The Lottery") read by Lois Smith. Next, Israeli writer Etgar Keret's "Pride and Joy," in which a childhood prodigy takes a toll on his parents. The reader is Tony Award- winner Robert Sean Leonard. In Jeanne Dixon's "Blue Waltz with Coyotes," a brother and sister have an adventure in the wild—and get to know each other. The reader is Mia Dillon. Finally, Rick Moody's poignant story, "Boys," poetically chronicles the life of two brothers from birth to adulthood. The reader is Broadway and television star B.D. Wong. Four stories about families and children by classic and contemporary writers. "Charles" is a surprisingly light-hearted tale by Shirley Jackson ("The Lottery") read by Lois Smith. Next, Israeli writer Etgar Keret's "Pride and Joy," in which a childhood prodigy takes a toll on his parents. The reader is Tony Award- winner Robert Sean Leonard. In Jeanne Dixon's "Blue Waltz with Coyotes," a brother and sister have an adventure in the wild—and get to know each other. The reader is Mia Dillon. Finally, Rick Moody's poignant story, "Boys," poetically chronicles the life of two brothers from birth to adulthood. The reader is Broadway and television star B.D. Wong. Four stories about families and children by classic and contemporary writers. "Charles" is a surprisingly light-hearted tale by Shirley Jackson ("The Lottery") read by Lois Smith. Next, Israeli writer Etgar Keret's "Pride and Joy," in which a childhood prodigy takes a toll on his parents. The reader is Tony Award- winner Robert Sean Leonard. In Jeanne Dixon's "Blue Waltz with Coyotes," a brother and sister have an adventure in the wild—and get to know each other. The reader is Mia Dillon. Finally, Rick Moody's poignant story, "Boys," poetically chronicles the life of two brothers from birth to adulthood. The reader is Broadway and television star B.D. Wong. tag:odeo.com,2008-12-28,23823823 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 22:35:43 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/23790487-Richard-Prince-Spiritual-America Three of the four stories on this program were read at a SELECTED SHORTS evening reflecting on the Guggenheim Museum's retrospective exhibition "Richard Prince: Spiritual America" and involve aspects of the American psyche and experience: First, Beat Generation writer Neal Cassady's wry recollection of his youthful car stealing days, "Adventures in Auto-eroticism," read by Ted Marcoux. Second, "Ambush," a brief but powerful story recalling the Vietnam War by Tim O'Brien, read by John Shea. Next, Joan Didion muses on her lifelong fascination with an iconic Hollywood star in "John Wayne: A Love Song." The reader is Tony Award-winner ("Wit") Kathleen Chalfont. In the final story on this program, John Updike's "Learn a Trade," a successful sculptor contemplates with alarm the artistic tendencies of his own children. The reader is Paul Hecht. Three of the four stories on this program were read at a SELECTED SHORTS evening reflecting on the Guggenheim Museum's retrospective exhibition "Richard Prince: Spiritual America" and involve aspects of the American psyche and experience: First, Beat Generation writer Neal Cassady's wry recollection of his youthful car stealing days, "Adventures in Auto-eroticism," read by Ted Marcoux. Second, "Ambush," a brief but powerful story recalling the Vietnam War by Tim O'Brien, read by John Shea. Next, Joan Didion muses on her lifelong fascination with an iconic Hollywood star in "John Wayne: A Love Song." The reader is Tony Award-winner ("Wit") Kathleen Chalfont. In the final story on this program, John Updike's "Learn a Trade," a successful sculptor contemplates with alarm the artistic tendencies of his own children. The reader is Paul Hecht. Three of the four stories on this program were read at a SELECTED SHORTS evening reflecting on the Guggenheim Museum's retrospective exhibition "Richard Prince: Spiritual America" and involve aspects of the American psyche and experience: First, Beat Generation writer Neal Cassady's wry recollection of his youthful car stealing days, "Adventures in Auto-eroticism," read by Ted Marcoux. Second, "Ambush," a brief but powerful story recalling the Vietnam War by Tim O'Brien, read by John Shea. Next, Joan Didion muses on her lifelong fascination with an iconic Hollywood star in "John Wayne: A Love Song." The reader is Tony Award-winner ("Wit") Kathleen Chalfont. In the final story on this program, John Updike's "Learn a Trade," a successful sculptor contemplates with alarm the artistic tendencies of his own children. The reader is Paul Hecht. tag:odeo.com,2008-12-21,23790487 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 22:53:30 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/23754677-On-the-Road This program features two stories about families and road trips. First, Rebecca Curtis's "Twenty Grand," shows a marriage in crisis through the eyes of a clever child. The reader is SHORTS regular Jane Curtin (Kate and Allie; Third Rock from the Sun.) Next, Anne de Marcken's "Best Western," chronicles a bittersweet journey by a mother and daughter. The reader is Laura Esterman. This program features two stories about families and road trips. First, Rebecca Curtis's "Twenty Grand," shows a marriage in crisis through the eyes of a clever child. The reader is SHORTS regular Jane Curtin (Kate and Allie; Third Rock from the Sun.) Next, Anne de Marcken's "Best Western," chronicles a bittersweet journey by a mother and daughter. The reader is Laura Esterman. This program features two stories about families and road trips. First, Rebecca Curtis's "Twenty Grand," shows a marriage in crisis through the eyes of a clever child. The reader is SHORTS regular Jane Curtin (Kate and Allie; Third Rock from the Sun.) Next, Anne de Marcken's "Best Western," chronicles a bittersweet journey by a mother and daughter. The reader is Laura Esterman. tag:odeo.com,2008-12-15,23754677 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:12:13 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast http://www.odeo.com/episodes/23720189-Love-on-the-Rocks Why do we always fall in love with the wrong person? Incompatible couples are the theme this week. In our first story, "A Mouthful of Cut Glass," by Tessa Hadley, an awkward young couple meets each other's families—with disastrous consequences. The reader is the distinguished Broadway star Lois Smith. Our next story, Stuart Dybek's "Blowing Shades," moves from a boyhood epiphany to the dissolution of a love affair. Tony Award-winner James Naughton, a regular SHORTS leading man, is the reader. Why do we always fall in love with the wrong person? Incompatible couples are the theme this week. In our first story, "A Mouthful of Cut Glass," by Tessa Hadley, an awkward young couple meets each other's families—with disastrous consequences. The reader is the distinguished Broadway star Lois Smith. Our next story, Stuart Dybek's "Blowing Shades," moves from a boyhood epiphany to the dissolution of a love affair. Tony Award-winner James Naughton, a regular SHORTS leading man, is the reader. Why do we always fall in love with the wrong person? Incompatible couples are the theme this week. In our first story, "A Mouthful of Cut Glass," by Tessa Hadley, an awkward young couple meets each other's families—with disastrous consequences. The reader is the distinguished Broadway star Lois Smith. Our next story, Stuart Dybek's "Blowing Shades," moves from a boyhood epiphany to the dissolution of a love affair. Tony Award-winner James Naughton, a regular SHORTS leading man, is the reader. tag:odeo.com,2008-12-07,23720189 Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:53:12 -0800 no PRI: Selected Shorts Podcast