Pole Vaulting, Comedy, and the Congo - Richard Matthew

“I had never, in my life, experienced a group of people so angry at me.”

Photo by Jason Falchook

Pole Vaulting, Comedy, and the Congo

A mother struggles with her son's choice to have a religious wedding, a high schooler with a funny name becomes a pole vaulter, a social scientist commutes to war torn countries for work, and a comedian confronts a heckler.

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Stories in this Episode

12:20
The Too-Jewish Wedding

by Annie Korzen

A mother struggles with her son's choice to have a religious wedding.

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06:37
The Pole Vaulter

by Matthew Dicks

A high schooler with a funny name becomes a pole vaulter.

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10:41
Risk In Perspective

by Richard Matthew

A social scientist commutes to war torn countries for work. This story was produced in collaboration with the World Science Festival.

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13:24
Not TOO Sensitive, Just Sensitive

by Hari Kondabolu

A comedian confronts a heckler after years of hearing jerks in the front row.

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Extras From This Episode

Pole Vaulting, Comedy, and the Congo

Annie Korzen

Annie Korzen

Annie at her son's wedding.

Annie Korzen2

Family portrait.

Richard Matthew

Richard Matthew

Richard Matthew and his family.

Hari Kondabolu at John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show

The music in this story

  • The Drift - Uncanny Valley
    Find it on: Spotify
  • Kroke - Usual Happiness
    Find it on: Spotify
  • Aramis - Champion of Champions
  • Ibrahmin Aba Dicko - Baba
  • Felix LaBand - Take Brake Make