This American Life

Did you know that astronauts must fill out a travel voucher when going into space? They are government employees after all.

I learned this while listening to the radio program This American Life. Unfortunately it is not broadcast here but it is the #1 Top Podcasts on iTunes. Don’t worry if you don’t use iTunes you can also get it from the website. It has been successful enough that now there is a show version on Showtime.

The basic format of the program is that they pick a general topic and get stories about it. Generally the show is broken into an intro and four different stories. I have really grown to love the program and often tell Lorree about episodes I have just listened to.

In the latest episode, Nice Work If You Can Get It, they discuss various jobs. In the intro they talk with astronauts. In the first segment John Hodgman, the guy who plays the PC in the Apple Computer Commercials gives a very funny talk about his fame. In the second segment a guy talks about buying out lottery winners. It was interesting to hear how many were anxious to sell out. The third segment was about an explorer and the fourth about an undocumented woman getting her college degree and finding work.

I think it is a great program and really enjoy listening. Brian, thanks for reminding me about it.