# Reality Checks

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/selected-shorts-2124093/reality-checks
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/selected-shorts-2124093/reality-checks.md
Podcast: [Selected Shorts](https://stenobird.com/podcast/selected-shorts-2124093)
Published: 2026-03-05T18:00:36+00:00
Episode link: https://soundcloud.com/selectedshorts/reality-checks-3
Audio file: http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/2277339506-selectedshorts-reality-checks-3.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/selected-shorts-2124093/episodes/reality-checks
Duration seconds: 3545

## Resource

Host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories in which reality contrasts with the dreams, perceptions, and actions of the characters. In “The Leap,” by Louise Erdrich, a mother’s unusual skill set changes the outcome of events. The reader is Elizabeth Reaser. In “Death and the Lady,” by Ben Loory, even the Grim Reaper harbors illusions. And his parents’ damaged marriage haunts an adult child in Delmore Schwartz’s “In Dreams Begin Responsibilities.” Both the Loory and the Schwartz are read by multi-talented actor Denis O’Hare, and Wolitzer talks to him about his craft.

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## Transcript

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