Afghan Elvis. Last story. One day in Afghanistan I played my mom's favorite folk song, "Those Were The Days" on my accordion. My translator was shocked. He said, "How do you know Afghan music?" Afghan music? So I stumbled on the tale of Ahmad Zahir, A.K.A. "Afghan Elvis," the 70s pop sensation, fusion master, and unlikeliest of Afghan heroes. VIDEO BONUS: I perform Johnny Cash on accordion in Afghanistan.

Faith Healing. Last story. Preachers perform miracles under the tent, and what happens six months later. A story about the relationship between pain and doubt.

Stories on This American Life.

Poultry Slam. (web audio available Nov 29). An Afghan ex-smuggler wants to spring his best friend out of prison. So he buys him a magic amulet which will protect his friend from bullets. First he has to test the amulet, on a chicken.

Matchmakers. First story. Sabir, a young man in Afghanistan, thought he'd found true love but he couldn't afford a wedding. So two foreign aid workers, friends of his, decide to come to his rescue. They soon find out that matchmaking isn't as simple as writing a check.

Special Treatment. Second story. A program solves a problem that's plagued prisons for years... the problem of inmate self-mutilation. But prison guards hate it because it gives inmates special treatment.

Stories on Marketplace.

Fidele (Working Series). Profile of a miner in DR Congo. 

Mohmen (Working Series). Profile of a tannery worker in Karachi.

Pyramid Dreams. A pyramid scheme preys on young Afghans.

Stories on Weekend America.

Wild Kabul Nights. Private security contractors in Afghanistan party with midgets and get tattoos.

Audience of Experts. The actor Kevin Bacon researched pedophiles to play one in The Woodsman. Now convicted sex offenders are watching the film as therapy.

The End of the Pipe. The awesome history and uncertain future of water in Chicago. A collaborative half-hour documentary produced with Laura Starecheski for WBEZ's Chicago Matters.