Starlee

If you listen with any regularity to the wonderful This American Life, you’ve surely heard of the darling and irresistible Starlee Kine.

And if you haven’t, your life is about to get at least 20-30% better.

I was first introduced to Starlee a few summers ago when living in Germantown with a couple of gals.  I had TAL on in my car – coming back from grocery shopping or running or something I typically did on Saturday mornings.  It was an episode on break-ups, and having been a pretty pathetic break-up victim before,  I turned the volume up high for this one.  And then the back-of-the-throat  mousy-in-a- cute-rather-than-annoying-way voice of Starlee came on and suddenly, I had a new best friend.

I almost didn’t make it out of my car in fear of missing some part of the story, but considering it was wickedly hot, i made a mad dash inside where – of course- my girls had it on-loudly carrying through the entire house.  The story involved writing a break-up song with a guest appearance by Phil Collins.  I laughed, I cried, I truly discovered the genius of Phil.

After that day, up until now – about 2 years later- I began getting the question from everywhere – “Oh so you listen to This American Life? Have you heard that break-up episode? It’s awesome!”  And it remains my favorite to this day.

Since then I’ve heard two other hilarious stories from this little lady and they are no less truth-baring, vulnerable, and hilarious.

Starlee is a natural BFF for any guy or gal finding themselves often on the broken-up-with side.  She’s a fearless leader and coach for anyone ashamed of the self-help books hidden under their bed.  And she’s the perfect lens-crafter for those who take themselves and life far too seriously.

In fact, I think i’m going to listen to her right now.  You should do the same.

The Infamous Break-up Episode

Starlee on Wiretap (scroll down to one entitled “Radical Honest”)

Talking about her almost-adventures of childhood

Listen to This American Life Saturday and Sunday on your local public radio station (Times vary by station).  Or just listen online here.

An anti-star(lee) in the making  (Header photo is from a viewing of This American Life LIVE last April)