This American Life

Ira talks with Jessica Pressler, who writes the Daily Intel blog for NewYork Magazine, about a phenomenon she noticed in the wedding notices in The New York Times. Couples were cheerfully telling—as part of their "meet cute" stories—how their relationships began with one of them cheating on a spouse or long-time partner. (4 minutes)

Act One. Let Me Kiss Your Stiff Upper Lip.

From England, Ruby Wright has a story of an affair where—even years after it ended—it wasn't much discussed. Ruby Wright's radio show Ruby's Chicky Boil-Ups airs every other Sunday on Radionowhere. (13 minutes)

Act Two. The Italian Job.

Ira reviews some infidelity stats from his mother's book on the subject, Not Just Friends. And author James Braly tells a story of temptation at The Moth. Braly is touring the country with his one-man show, "Life In a Marital Institution."


Act Three. How Did I Get Here?

Act two showed us a moment before infidelity occurs. In this act, Dani Shapiro has a story about the confusing mess things can be during an affair. The story is from her memoir, Slow Motion. (16 minutes )

Act Four. The Man Who Knew What I Was About To Say.

Etgar Keret describes the moment in the immediate aftermath of an affair. Actor Matt Malloy reads. Keret’s most recent book is The Girl On The Fridge. (4 minutes)