This American Life 484: Doppelgängers
Jun 8, 2025
Dive into the quirky world of doppelgängers, where identities twist and turn unexpectedly. Discover the shocking truth about 'artificial calamari' that might leave you cringing at your dinner choices. Join a culinary adventure as chefs transform hog rectum into a surprisingly tasty dish. Explore the chilling parallels between urban youths' trauma and combat veterans' experiences, all while unraveling the complexities of identity and community. It's a humorous yet poignant journey through food, self-discovery, and the human condition.
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Seafood Fraud Is Common
- Seafood substitution is widespread in U.S. restaurants, with up to 55% mislabeling in some cities.
- Regulations focus mostly on safety, making it likely that bung could be passed as calamari without detection.
Quiet Triggers PTSD Distress
- For both men, the toughest times were not during violence but quiet moments alone with their thoughts.
- The silence activated fears, how they might die or relive violent events, worsening their mental health.
Injury and Self-Medication Stories
- Both Curtis and Brandon sustained serious injuries and self-medicated with substances to cope with pain and trauma.
- Their PTSD led to strained family relationships and episodes of violence, but both are now receiving support.
