This American Life – Episode 484: Doppelgängers

Release Date: June 8, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 484 titled "Doppelgängers," This American Life explores the intriguing concept of doubles and look-alikes, both among people and unexpected subjects. Hosted by Ira Glass, with a special appearance by comedian Fred Armisen, the episode delves into stories that challenge our perceptions of identity and similarity.

Act One: Dead Ringer – The Pork Bung Calamari Conundrum

Timestamp: 06:16 – 32:33

Ben Calhoun, one of the producers, investigates a startling claim about the food industry: the possibility that hog bung (pork rectum) is being labeled and sold as imitation calamari. The story began when Calhoun received an email from Emily Rancer, a listener who works in the food industry. Emily relayed a farmer's account of discovering boxes labeled "artificial calamari" at a pork processing plant in Oklahoma. Upon inquiry, the plant manager, Ron Meek, admitted that the "imitation calamari" was indeed hog bung, prepared by slicing, deep-frying, and selling it at a lower cost than actual squid.

Calhoun reached out to various experts, including the USDA and food industry associations, but found no concrete evidence supporting the claim that pork bung is being widely used as a fraudulently labeled seafood product. Despite the lack of official reports, the prevalence of seafood mislabeling in the U.S. raised concerns about the possibility of such practices slipping under regulatory radars.

To further investigate, Calhoun and his sister Lauren, a trained chef, conducted a blind taste test at a Chinatown restaurant. Participants were asked to distinguish between genuine calamari and fried hog bung. The results were surprising:

NPR Host (Brian Reed) [26:16]: "I haven't had it since we got this tip about the possible... I eat calamari pretty regular."

Ben Calhoun [30:01]: "Game, set, match. Bung."

The tasters struggled to differentiate between the two, with some even mistaking bung for calamari. Despite the visual similarities after frying, the distinct pork flavor of bung ultimately gave it away to those familiar with the taste.

Calhoun concludes that while there is no definitive proof of bung being passed off as calamari, the potential for such deception exists, highlighting broader issues within food labeling and consumer awareness.

Act Two: Country and City – Echoes of Trauma in Philadelphia and Afghanistan

Timestamp: 34:28 – 57:22

Alex Kotlowitz, renowned for his work on inner-city struggles, examines the parallels between the traumas experienced by individuals in Philadelphia's violent neighborhoods and those faced by soldiers in Afghanistan. Through the stories of Brandon Caro, a Navy corpsman who served in Afghanistan, and Curtis Jefferson, a Philadelphia resident entrenched in the drug trade, Kotlowitz uncovers striking similarities in their psychological scars.

Brandon Caro's Story: Brandon served a year in Afghanistan, where the constant threat of violence and distrust towards Afghan soldiers took a heavy toll on his mental health. He witnessed peers being killed and was involved in intense combat situations that left him with physical injuries and persistent nightmares.

Brandon Caro [37:10]: "It felt like a piano could fall on you at any time... that's what it felt like to be on patrol."

Curtis Jefferson's Story: Growing up in North Philadelphia, Curtis was exposed to drug dealing from a young age. Experiencing the loss of his mother to gun violence and enduring constant fear within his community, Curtis developed a hardened exterior, masking his deep-seated trauma.

Curtis Jefferson [37:48]: "I saw my mom getting caught up in a shootout... I still think about her every day."

Shared Experiences: Both men struggled to process their traumas, leading to self-medication through alcohol and drugs. Their anger manifested in destructive behaviors towards friends and family, further isolating them from support systems.

Curtis Jefferson [46:47]: "I tried counseling but didn't like it. So I sought out other veterans who understand what I've been through."

Diverging Paths: While Brandon sought help through Alcoholics Anonymous and writing programs, Curtis remained entrenched in his environment, unable to escape the ongoing violence of his neighborhood.

Brandon Caro [55:23]: "I've continued writing my novel... telling the story of a medic in the Afghan war."

Tragically, Curtis Jefferson passed away after continued struggles, underscoring the devastating impact of unaddressed trauma.

Conclusion

Episode 484 of This American Life masterfully intertwines stories of identity, deception, and trauma. Through the examination of pork bung masquerading as calamari and the profound psychological parallels between a veteran and a Philadelphia resident, the episode challenges listeners to consider the deeper implications of appearance versus reality and the pervasive effects of trauma across different facets of life.

Notable Quotes:

• Ira Glass [00:20]: "Sometimes things aren't what you think they are, and people aren't who you think they are. That's what we're talking about today."

• Ben Calhoun [29:56]: "And Damien, who manages the restaurant, he also thought it was passable... it's like just eating sympathy for the bung."

• Curtis Jefferson [51:05]: "I shot my sister's boyfriend... I didn't even give him a chance to put his hands up."

• Brandon Caro [40:08]: "I would watch the way they looked at me, you know, if they would stare back at me, if they would smile at me."

Production Notes:

• Produced by: Mickey Meek and Ben Calhoun with Alex Blumberg.

• Special Thanks: Aurora and Brooklyn restaurants for the bung tasting, Healing Hurt People program at Drexel University, and various individuals who contributed to the stories.

• Additional Resources: Watch the dress rehearsal video on thisamericanlife.org, and explore merchandise inspired by the bung calamari story.

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 484, providing an engaging overview while highlighting key moments and quotes that underscore the themes of deception and shared trauma.