A Very Offensive Rom-Com

This episode of Invisibilia explores the complexities of truth, fiction, and the stories we tell, centering on Yo-Wei Shaw's experience teaching youth radio. The story focuses on Aaliyah, a 14-year-old student whose dramatic personal narratives captivated Shaw but were later revealed to be largely fabricated. The episode delves into why Aaliyah constructed these stories, revealing her use of "hood novels" as inspiration and a desire for attention. Aaliyah's creation of an imaginary daughter, Zania, who she used as a source of comfort, is explored. Ultimately, the podcast questions the role of the storyteller and the audience in shaping narratives, and the sometimes blurry line between reality and fantasy.