27 Oct 2024
58m

660: Hoaxing Yourself

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This American Life

In this podcast episode, we explore the deep theme of self-deception through the intertwined stories of Sean Cole and Joel Lovell, who adopt false identities in their search for connection and self-improvement. Their experiences highlight the absurdity and challenges of maintaining these facades, revealing how we often create parts of ourselves as a way to cope. As investigators confront con artists and a young boy seeks relief from his troubled family life, the episode dives into the emotional intricacies and moral dilemmas of deception. It ultimately prompts listeners to reflect on the significant implications of identity and integrity in our own lives.

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