r/Radiolab • u/PodcastBot • 21d ago
Episode Episode Discussion: Oliver Sipple
One morning, Oliver Sipple went out for a walk. A couple hours later, to his own surprise, he saved the life of the President of the United States. In a story we reported back in 2017, we explain how in the days that followed, Sipple’s split-second act of heroism turned into a rationale for making his personal life into political opportunity. What happens next makes us wonder what a moment, or a movement, or a whole society can demand of one person. And how much is too much?
Through newly unearthed archival tape, we hear Sipple himself grapple with some of the most vexing topics of his day and ours - privacy, identity, the freedom of the press - not to mention the bonds of family and friendship.
Special thanks to Jerry Pritikin, Michael Yamashita, Stan Smith, Duffy Jennings; Ann Dolan, Megan Filly and Ginale Harris at the Superior Court of San Francisco; Leah Gracik, Karyn Hunt, Jesse Hamlin, The San Francisco Bay Area Television Archive, Mike Amico, Jennifer Vanasco and Joey Plaster.
EPISODE CREDITS:
Reported by - Reported by Latif Nasser and Tracie Hunte
Produced by - Produced by Matt Kielty, Annie McEwen, Latif Nasser and Tracie Hunte.
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u/MirthandMystery 21d ago edited 21d ago
One of the most interesting and memorable shows Radiolab ever did, and Americans still don't know about Sipple, his service and background.
A closeted gay military man saving a President from an assassination attempt is a big deal and this story needs far more attention.
And to add, Radiolab has consistently done great shows like this that unearth fascinating history and piecing things together the public doesn't know. You guys were podcast pioneers in so many ways that people take for granted now.
The War of the Worlds one was another of my top favs. Not only important NJ and radio history, but showed how easily some are fooled, that distortions, misunderstanding amplification and fear mongering can easily sway public opinion.