As it Happened: The Archive Edition - The Extraordinary Encounters Episode
A grab-bag of conversations with curious characters - from 50 years of AIH archives
In the introduction to her memoir, The As it Happens Files: Radio that May Contain Nuts, former As it Happens host Mary Lou Finlay writes: "Sometimes the people make the story, and sometimes it's the story that brings forth the people."
And in some cases, it's both — as it is in each of the stories in this episode of As it Happened: The Archive Edition.
From the strongmen-seeking strongman Walter Cornelius breathlessly running to the phone to explain his upcoming catapult stunt, to Julie Ostrow recounting how she won the American Laughing Championships while boarding a plane, the interviews capture extraordinary characters in the middle of equally extraordinary circumstances.
Click on 'Listen' above to hear the broadcast version of the episode as it aired on the radio. Full-length versions of each of the interviews as they originally aired, as well as archival images, appear below.
She nailed him pretty good in the chest — I think, like, twice. They've got some girth on 'em.-'Amy', an employee of an adult novelty store in San Bernardino, Calif., on her co-worker hurling sex toys at an armed would-be robber
Chapter 1: Where guilty meets pleasure
The employee of a California shop specializing in adult accessories fends off a would-be burglar, with a little 'hello' from her little friend.
Click here for more on this story.
Chapter 2: Stretched arm-strong
For his latest stunt, Walter Cornelius — a.k.a. the world's strongest man — seeks fellow heavyweights to catapult him across a river using rubber bands.
Chapter 3: I am woman, hear me roar
Sally Goodall explains how she won the 1974 Michigan State Fair Husband Calling contest.
Chapter 4: An unparalleled hue and cry
Paul (Bear) Vasquez's euphoric reaction to witnessing a double rainbow blew up the internet in 2010.
Chapter 5: The extra ordinary gentleman of Leeds
A University of Leeds professor prattles on — and on, and on — upon being named Britain's most boring lecturer.
Chapter 6: The smile high club
Julie Ostrow's mirth proves infectious as she boards a plane after winning the American Laughing Championships.
Listen to the full episode audio at the top of this post.
Written and produced by Kevin Ball.