Public Radio Rock Star

Last night, I met the NPR (actually PRI, but I digress) equivalent of a rock star. It's true he's never had a hit single or opened for U2, but he oozes coolness, charisma and charm in a nerdy, intelligent kind of way.

Ira Glass (although he was blissfully unaware until last night) is an important part of my life. He's my running partner, a source of interesting insights, and largely to blame for my annoying habit of starting every other sentence with "I heard this piece on NPR about...". Ira makes me both laugh out loud and cry like a baby which causes many a puzzled glance to be sent my way by those I pass on the running path.

Ira Glass is the host and producer of the public radio show This American Life. The show chooses a weekly theme and presents different stories on the theme. The themes range from the obscure ("Kid Logic") to the profound ("Heretics"). I stumbled upon the free podcast last year while desperately seeking something to distract me from the painful long runs of marathon training. Since the first episode, I've been hooked.

As the victim of the majority of my public radio obsession (which extends far beyond This American Life, don't get me started on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Fresh Air), Ben treated me to an incredible early Christmas gift...tickets to see Ira Glass in Phoenix last night. As amazing as the performance was, the highlight came after the show when Ira held a book signing. My heart was pounding wildly as we waited for a brief audience with the Innovator of Radio. When our turn finally arrived, Mr. Glass was gracious and charming as I nervously explained my love of the show while trying desperately not to come across as the obsessed fan that I am (I'm pretty sure I failed).

After this amazing night of culture, I'll bet we are the only two people who proceeded directly from the presence of Ira Glass to the In 'n Out drive thru window.