May 9, 2008, This American Life broadcasts the "Giant Pool of Money" show: http://www.thisameri....aspx?episode=355 . This show describes the financial fallout -- yes, before the shit really hit the fan in September/October 2008 -- in lay terms.

September 25, 2009, This American Life broadcasts "Return to the Giant Pool of Money" show: http://www.thisameri...e.aspx?sched=1318 . Recaps the first show and follows up with the people covered in the first show to see how they're doing these days.

Amazing stories. If you're a little behind-the-times on what a CDO is or how they came to be, listen to these. Amazing radio from the best radio show on radio.