Ira Glass is the creator of the public-radio show This American Life, but he used to have a really cool job. As a tweenager he performed at kids’ birthday parties as the “Magical Mystifier” (true story), doing magic tricks and making balloon animals. Here, he shares some of his children’s-entertainment skills with you, while answering your questions about haircuts and blow jobs.
The book he recommended for aspiring balloon-animalists is Roger’s Rubber Ark: One Balloon Zoo, Volume Two.
(He asked us to tell you that you don’t have to be afraid of the balloon popping. The only reason that one popped, he said, was that it was old.) (Suuuuuuure.)
how could I even survive without weekend content?! This video is so adorable and awesome!
http://birdiewearsatie.blogspot.com/
Log in to replyMTE!
I can’t believe I used to have to spend the weekends Rookieless.
How did I even survive? How was I not depressed, crawled up in a cave and weeping violently!?
The Lovelorn
Log in to replyDo I dare put off my homework for another 17 minutes?? YES I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MY WHOLE LIFE.
Log in to replyBAHAHAHAHA when I want to give a guy a blowjob, I’m going to be like, “BLOW JOB WANT TO HAVE DO YOU???”
Also, if the guy was actually blind, writing it in braille and guiding his fingers over it would be really sexy… ha.
Log in to replyMessage for the unsure-about-blowjobs girl – don’t go down on a boy who isn’t gonna reciprocate!
Log in to replyI wholeheartedly agree!
Log in to replyyes! agree
Log in to replyThis is the best ask a grown person segment EVER! I have so much respect for this man. Thank you Ira.
Log in to replyThis is SO AWESOME!!
Log in to replyLoved it.
Ira Glass + Buffy OMG OMG
Log in to replyMY THOUGHTS EXACTY
Log in to replyAh! I love This American Life so much!
Log in to replyi love you ira. omg omg omg
Log in to replyBefore even watching the video, I went to grab my little brother’s balloon bag.
Log in to replyLoved it!
WAIT THERES NO SUCH THING AS MAGIC?
Log in to replyDemonstrating how to make balloon animals and answering questions from teenage girls is the best (somewhat freudian…..) combination of topics ever. My only complaint is: this is too long a video to have on a Sunday afternoon (ie PRIME homework time that is now being left partially completed)
Log in to replyWow. That at the end sort of makes me feel like I’m part of this army of children, sitting in front of a computer and learning how to make a balloon Snoopy while simultaneously listing to Ira Glass talk to us about the male gender. It’s slightly demoralizing. However, from Ira Glass? I’ll take it.
Log in to replyi like how its like “condom” and then “and here’s how we make the snoopy balloon animal” in the same breath. Good stuff. Thank you Ira!
Log in to replyIra speaks truth and it radiates a good warmth. thanks Ira for the honesty. you’re beautiful.
Log in to replyThis really made me smile :) Ira is adorable!
Log in to replyFantastic! I was entertained and informed.
And this is off topic sort of, but there is a convention for Game of Thrones! I only know this because I was trying to save up money to attend it in the UK. Here’s the link: http://www.seanharry.com/throne/index.htm
(Someone should totally start a Throne Con in the US!)
Log in to replythis is so comforting. Something about balloon animals + Ira Glass makes sex ed so casual.
Log in to replylol
Log in to replyThat Yoda bit came out of no where, you’re hilarious!
Log in to replyYES. I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR IRA TO DO ASK A GROWN MAN SINCE FOREVER. and it was not disappointing. this american life and rookie together, two of my absolute favorite things.
Log in to replySo I feel like in that first answer Ira straight up made all the problems in my life so simple ?
Log in to replyOk, basically, this video just made it really clear what I need to look for in a partner: Ira Glass.
Log in to replyit’s like you read my mind
Log in to replyI just pulled my roommate into my room, showed her this video and said, “This right here? This is EXACTLY what I am looking for.” Sweet Jesus. Perfection in glasses.
Log in to replyI can’t wait to give BJ’s now!
Log in to replythis is such a very fun video!!! “one of the weirdest experiences of my life”,, i definitely agree :)
czarina♥
Log in to reply*_* I need to buy some balloons!!
Log in to replylove this, even if the balloon squeaking kills my ears <3_<3
Log in to replyOh please oh please can we make this a monthly Balloon-Twisting Ask Ira Glass segment? You could call it…SHATTERING GLASS. No jk that is a really bad name idea. Or THROUGH THE TWISTING GLASS. Equally bad. ORGLASSM. god just ignore me please
ANYWAY Thank you, Mr. Glass…this was wonderful!!
Log in to replyEHRMAGERD ORGLASSM
^O^
Log in to replyjoin the club and be a snob :)
I’ve wanted to learn this FOREVAH. Thanks, Ira; thanks, Rookie!
Log in to replyHe mentioned Buffy and my heart exploded. I love this man.
Log in to replySrsly, biggest crush ever. Is anyone else obsessed?
Log in to replyOMG. IT’LL BE A NEW TREND. Talking like yoda in bed. Want to sex do you have?
Log in to replySWOONS
ira glass is a wonderful human, so glad he did this for rookie!
Log in to replyhe is not necessarily rejecting you! i told my crush i liked her and a month later she told me she liked me back. and then we dated!
Log in to replyThank you so much Ira! I wish that you had a web series where you answered questions and also taught us a new balloon animal each time:) Your advice was so on point and i love This American Life!!
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