We as a nation declared our independence based on, among other things, the right to pursue our happiness. But what does it mean, over two centuries later, to grow up in a country with an inalienable right to pursue happiness? Stories of people pursuing happiness, and sometimes, achieving it.
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Prologue
Ira talks with producer Blue Chevigny about how a prank caller taught her that when it comes to pursuing happiness, Carole King, the world of independent cinema and the New York City Police Department have a lot more in common than she ever imagined. He also talks with MIT Professor Pauline Maier, author of the book American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. (10 minutes)
Act One
One Man's Treasure Is Another Man's Trash
David Rakoff tells a story about an actual pursuit—a scavenger hunt—that takes hundreds of hours to create ... done for the sheer pleasure of it. (18 minutes)
Act Two
When Happiness Hurtles Downward Like Rain From Heaven
Thomas Beller tells the story of how we go from innocently amusing ourselves, to less innocent activities—all in the pursuit of happiness. It's an excerpt from his novel The Sleep-over Artist. (7 minutes)
Act Three
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Every year, the Emerald Society, an association of Irish Chicago police officers, flies in policemen from New York City for Chicago's two big St. Patrick's Day Parades. Every year they're met by a group of Chicago South Side women, who are big big fans of the NYPD. This American Life producer Julie Snyder tells the story. (11 minutes)
Act Four
How To Be Happy, One Man's Guide
Finding happiness is serious business. At least, for most us, it requires an act of will. Nancy Updike tells the story of a boxing coach named Marcus Johnson, and how he decided to turn something that made him unhappy...into the opposite. (18 minutes)
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