Too Hot For Radio: Rachel B. Glaser "Ira and the Whale"

·35 min·3 clips

Discover why this short story is deemed 'too hot for radio' with its perverted and provocative themes.

This episode of Selected Shorts presents Rachel B. Glaser's short story "Ira and the W," read by the show's host. The story is described as a provocative tale deemed "Too Hot for Radio" for its perverted or provocative content. The host frames it as a nautical-themed narrative blending several genres. The story is a great sea journey combining elements of a Fire Island fantasia, a melancholy romantic comedy, and a biblical epic. The host introduces the author, Rachel B. Glaser, a poet and novelist known for works like *Pee on Water* and *Paulina and Fran*. Her writing is noted for being clear and clever with a playful, poetic touch. The narrative tone is established as fun, funny, sad, and playfully apocalyptic. The host extensively uses a maritime motif to set the scene, referencing boatswains and their loud whistles. A recurring character named Dave is mentioned as a trivia expert who knows about nautical miles and President Truman. The host admits to not knowing what a boatswain is, assuming the audience doesn't either except for the fictional Dave. The story is presented without further touting, letting it stand on its own. A surprising claim is that fusty public radio listeners might have their eyes opened by this voyage on the "SS Smudderati." The host's self-aware humor is highlighted by the admission that the nautical references may sound like an overbearing boatswain's whistle. The playful apocalyptic label suggests the story deals with grand or catastrophic themes in a light manner. The blend of a Fire Island setting with a biblical epic structure is an unusual and memorable combination. The host’s casual aside about Dave’s knowledge of President Truman adds a layer of quirky, specific detail. The description of Glaser's stories always having a poetic touch promises a literary style within the entertaining framework. The tone is highly conversational, humorous, and self-deprecating, with the host directly addressing the listener. The style is performative and descriptive, using extended metaphors and asides to create an engaging introduction. Listeners who enjoy clever, genre-bending literary fiction with a humorous and slightly risqué edge would love this episode. Those who prefer straightforward narratives or are averse to playful, meta-commentary from a host might consider skipping it.

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