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What Makes A Story Fit This American Life
- This American Life favors stories that are surprising or feel high-stakes to the narrator.
- Low external stakes can still work if the narrator experiences them as urgent or meaningful.
Make Low Stakes Feel Big
- When stakes are low, make the narrator feel them intensely to keep listeners engaged.
- Build surprise and forward momentum with specific details and a clear question of what will happen.
The Fireworks In The Rest Stop Toilet
- At 19 Mike saw blood in his urine and described it as a ‘‘fireworks display’’ in the toilet.
- He feared the worst and immediately pursued medical help the next day.