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Phantom Limb Phenomena
The adventures of comedy duo Ahna Tessler and Lauren Engel, who make their way to L.A. with their Hollywood pitch. Also this week, “Phantom limbs” in history and literature; three songs on three banjos from musician Tony Trischka; a fourth song, this one from John Linnell of They Might Be Giants; and one-minute vacations from around the world.
Down and Out (and Up and Down) in Hollywood
New York comedians Ahna Tessler and Lauren Engel knew that they had a film idea worthy of a lucrative Hollywood deal. Now all they needed was some money, a place to crash in L.A., and meetings with studios. Not to mention a script. Produced by Amanda Aronczyk.
Three Banjos
Dean visits this week’s musical guest, banjoist Tony Trischka, at his home in suburban New Jersey. Trischka is known as one of the world’s most versatile banjo players, and he’s played with everyone from John Denver to Ornette Coleman. For today’s show, he’s set for himself the task of composing three new songs for three individual banjos. Produced by Matt Lieber.
Use It or Lose It, Part II
Activist lexicographer Erin McKean checks up on John Linnell of the band "They Might Be Giants," to see if he’s delivered on his promise to promote three under-appreciated words. Produced by Julie Subrin.
Phantom Limbs
Earlier this year in London, Goldsmith’s College hosted a conference titled “Phantom Limb Phenomena.” The term “phantom limb” was coined here in the United States during the Civil War, but the concept dates back much further. Host Dean Olsher speaks with two conference attendees who have very different relationships to phantom limbs - Professor of Visual Psychology Nicholas Wade and writer Janet Sternburg. Produced by Emily Botein.
» More on Janet Sternbur
» More on the conference
Vicarious Vacation
Audio postcards from places as disparate as Angkor Wat, in the Cambodian jungle, to La Farge, in southwest Wisconsin – brought to us by sound artist Aaron Ximm, creator of the “One-Minute Vacations” project. Produced by Pejk Malinovski.
» Hear more one-minute vacations