This American Life
This American Life
This American Life
594: My Summer Self
59 minutes Posted Jul 6, 2025 at 10:00 pm.
0:00
59:49
Download MP3
Show notes
Summer is a time when change seems more possible than ever. But is that really how it happens? Can people actually reinvent themselves in the warmer months? This week, we present stories — and some comedy — about people and their summer selves.
Prologue: Host Ira Glass reflects on his feelings about going to the beach. (3 minutes)
Act One: Producer Dana Chivvis explores the case of a 66-year-old working lifeguard who is suing New York State for age discrimination after refusing to wear a Speedo on the job. (16 minutes)
Act Two: A troupe of comedians tells personal stories about summer experiences and improvises scenes based on them. (23 minutes)
Act Three: Producer Neil Drumming tells the story of his dad and his family’s timeshare in Orlando, Florida. (14 minutes)