There are some things we recognize on a deeper level, even an instinctual level. Whether they come from vying over the same girl or simply after drawing a line in the sand we know a rival when we see one. And though in the heat of the moment we can name all the reasons why we're justified in having this arch enemy, when we really get to know them our false perceptions can dissipate leaving us with a sense of amelioration. Stories, poems, and songs included in this episode:

High School Nemesis (1:12)

Rick had an experience with a high school enemy that taught him what it really means to be a man. Learn more about Rick Huddle by visiting www.rickhuddle.com

The Rivals (6:05)

Mitch Capel recites a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar about the classic fight over a girl. Mitch Capel, who is also known as Gran'daddy Junebug, is an expert in Paul Laurence Dunbar's work and has memorized over 70% of his work. Learn more about Mitch Capel by visiting www.gjbug.com

The Shallows of the Ford (12:05)

A poem about two cowboys who used to be friends but now stand on opposite sides of the law. Jerry Brooks lives in Sevier, Utah and you can learn more about her by visiting www.cowboypoetry.com/brooksie.htm

Western Civilization (16:43)

When Dolores Hydock and her friend encounter a teacher of Western Civilization, Mrs. Thomas, who manages to one-up everyone around her. What Dolores discovers though, is that sometimes rivals deserve the titles they proclaim. Dolores Hydock has served as the Teller-in-Residence at the International Storytelling Center and you can find out more about her by visiting www.storypower.org

Mom and the Radio (42:50)

A story and a song about potentially one of the most fought over commodities - the car radio. Bill Harley has won the Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award and you can discover more about him and his work by visiting www.billharley.com

A Field of Two Brothers (51:21)

Two brothers who once shared a field, get into an argument that causes them to stop speaking to each other and build an arbitrary dividing wall. However, their love for each other eventually overcomes that silly dispute. Learn more about Joel Ben Izzy, who often draws on his Jewish heritage when storytelling, by visiting www.storypage.com