This American Life 878: New Lore Drop
7 snips
Jan 11, 2026 
Aviva DeKornfeld, a producer and storyteller, joins comedian Jake Cornell, who shares a hilarious yet poignant tale about his long-distance book club with his grandmother that uncovers her secret romance novel tastes. Reporter Ben Austen reflects on reconnecting with a childhood classmate, navigating surprising memories and a painful past, while Pete reveals the life-altering secret of his parents' undercover work for the CIA, reshaping his childhood perceptions. Each guest highlights how unexpected revelations can redefine our understanding of family and friendship.
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Hidden CIA Parents Revealed
- Pete discovered his parents were undercover CIA officers during a single car drive when his dad handed him a CIA resume from the glove box.
- The revelation reframed his mundane childhood into a life lived around covert operations and secrecy.
The Impact Of A Lore Drop
- A "lore drop" can instantly rewrite your understanding of someone by revealing hidden backstory.
- Rapid revelations compress years of gradual re-evaluation into a single disorienting moment.
Inherited Taste For Romance
- Jake now watches gay romance shows and recognizes his grandmother's reading tastes in his own preferences.
- He feels a familial continuity rather than shame about his sexuality tied to their shared love of romantic stories.
