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    WWDTM: Sam Sanders & Zach Stafford

    enJuly 13, 2024
    What is the title of NPR's new collection of podcasts?
    Who called for Joe Biden to step down from his nomination?
    What unusual method are Barcelona residents using against tourists?
    What topic does NPR's Planet Money Summer School cover?
    What is micro-cheating in the context of relationships?

    Podcast Summary

    • NPR podcastsNPR introduces 'Black Stories, Black Truths', a collection of Black-led podcasts, while dealing with calls for Joe Biden to step down and Barcelona's tourist overcrowding issue.

      NPR is highlighting Black stories and perspectives through their new collection of Black-led podcasts, titled "Black Stories, Black Truths." This comes as George Clooney and others have called for Joe Biden to step down from the Democratic nomination for president. Meanwhile, in Barcelona, residents are urging tourists to go home due to overcrowding, with some even using water pistols to enforce the message. Despite the challenges, NPR continues to bring important stories to light and amplify underrepresented voices. Listen to NPR's "Black Stories, Black Truths" for a collection of Black-led stories from NPR and WBEZ Chicago.

    • Pretending to be experts, societal trendsPeople may falsely present themselves as knowledgeable in different settings, and societal trends can bring unexpected connections, such as younger people frequenting senior living centers.

      People often find themselves pretending to be experts or tour guides, even when they lack knowledge. This can be seen in various settings, from tourist destinations to social media. In the discussion, the topic of micro-cheating, or small infidelities, was brought up, highlighting the importance of trust and communication in relationships. Another intriguing point was the idea of senior living centers becoming popular hangout spots for younger people, offering opportunities for intergenerational connections. Overall, the conversation touched upon various aspects of life, relationships, and societal trends.

    • Unexpected celebrity encountersFamous people can have unusual experiences in everyday life, from being discovered in grocery stores to breaking records in bathrooms of shoe stores.

      Famous people can be found in unexpected places, from produce sections to shoe stores. Paula Poundstone shared the story of Jane Fonda being discovered under a bed of ice in a grocery store in Norway, while Amy Blotnik revealed Elton John's unconventional bathroom break in a shoe store in Nice. Tom Papa added to the list with Joe Pesci's record-breaking chicken parmesan sandwich eating at a pizzeria in Bayonne, New Jersey. These stories show that even the most famous individuals can have unusual experiences in everyday life. The real plaque-worthy story was confirmed to be Elton John's bathroom incident, as reported by Danielle Chiloski from Stereogum. Overall, these stories remind us that the unexpected can happen anywhere, even with the most recognizable celebrities.

    • Embracing messiness and unique perspectiveThe success of '3 Black Kids' podcast comes from its hosts' unique perspective, vulnerability, and willingness to discuss disagreements and failures publicly, making for relatable and engaging conversations.

      The success of the podcast "3 Black Kids" can be attributed to the trio's unique perspective and willingness to discuss their disagreements and failures publicly, despite their journalistic backgrounds that trained them to always be on and perfect. Sam played a pivotal role in bringing the idea to life, and their conversations, which often involve high-profile guests, are relatable and accessible to a wide audience. The show's bait and switch approach, where the initial perception of the podcast being from a black queer perspective, only to reveal that the three hosts don't always agree, adds to its appeal. The hosts' vulnerability and willingness to share personal experiences, such as Jenna Wortham's experience at a nude beach, make for engaging and expansive conversations. Overall, "3 Black Kids" stands out by embracing the messiness of human interactions and providing a fresh perspective on current events.

    • Unexpected encounters at librariesLibrarians face various challenges including damaged books, uncooperative patrons, and unexpected situations like animals and crying children.

      Librarians deal with various challenges, from damaged books to uncooperative patrons. A common complaint is people returning books in less than ideal conditions. One librarian received a book with bite marks, water damage, and crayon drawings. Another time, a man walked into the library carrying a dead raccoon while requesting a book about taxidermy. A woman once asked a librarian to watch her crying children while she went to a yoga class. These incidents, along with celebrities like Kid Rock returning damaged books and Tom Cruise requesting an unusually thick book, demonstrate the unexpected situations librarians encounter daily. Despite these challenges, they remain dedicated to their work and the love of books.

    • American bamboo survival, lawyer suspensionPandas struggle to adapt to American bamboo while a lawyer faced an unusual suspension for defecating in a Pringles can multiple times, yet both managed to bounce back with different outcomes

      Pandas face the challenge of adapting to American bamboo for their survival, while a lawyer in question faced a unique suspension for pooping in a Pringles can multiple times. Meanwhile, cities hire entertainers like jugglers to make empty districts feel less depressing, hippos can fly briefly during high-speed runs, and wooden satellites are being developed to reduce toxic waste upon reentry. The lawyer, despite his unusual mistake, was reinstated after only six months, while Giuliani's reputation continues to fall. In the game, listeners had to fill in missing words in limericks related to these news stories.

    • Space quakes and power desiresTom and Paula competed in a quiz game, with Tom leading and Paula behind. NASA plans to use a SpaceX rocket to rescue astronauts, and there's a human case of plague in Colorado. Controversies over dog at communal table and Alec Baldwin's trial were also discussed.

      Space has its own natural disasters, known as space quakes, and the discussion touched upon various topics including a quiz, the desire for more power by Christian nationalists, and challenges faced by female athletes. Tom and Paula were tied in a quiz game, with Tom taking the lead, while Paula was behind with eight points. Tom Papa got 12 points, and Emmy needed four to tie and five to win. Other notable mentions included the controversy over a couple bringing their dog to a communal table in a restaurant, and the involuntary manslaughter trial of actor Alec Baldwin. The discussion also touched upon various news stories, including NASA's plans to use a SpaceX rocket to rescue astronauts, and the confirmation of a human case of plague in Colorado.

    • Unexpected heroesOrdinary people can make a difference in unexpected situations, as shown by a man stopping a street attack with the help of two nudists and Emi Botnik's quiz show win.

      Unexpected heroes can emerge in the most unexpected situations. From a man interrupting a street attack in San Francisco with the help of two nudists, to Emi Botnik's surprising win on a quiz show, the week was filled with moments where ordinary people stepped up to make a difference. Additionally, Apple warned users about new spyware attacks targeting iPhones, and George Clooney's next topic of discussion remains to be seen. In the world of economics, this summer NPR's Planet Money is bringing listeners the entire history of the world's economy through the Planet Money Summer School podcast. And finally, the Brockley City Festival in DC is set to be a big event with notable hip hop artists and interactive experiences.

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