Each week we choose a theme. Then anything can happen. This American Life is true stories that unfold like little movies for radio. Personal stories with funny moments, big feelings, and surprising plot twists. Newsy stories that try to capture what it’s like to be alive right now. It’s the most popular weekly podcast in the world, and winner of the first ever Pulitzer Prize for a radio show or podcast. Hosted by Ira Glass and produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago.
Power often carries an unintended burden, forcing individuals to navigate the ethical consequences of their influence over others. Carla Dimkoff’s life was irrevocably altered when she realized her silence regarding her father’s potential involvement in a 1979 murder led to the wrongful imprisonment of Larry Souter for...
State-imposed internet blackouts in Iran during wartime function as a wholesale redaction of civilian life, isolating citizens from the global community and each other. By cutting off access to international platforms, the regime forces reliance on a restricted national intranet that facilitates surveillance and limits...
Graduation speeches frequently succumb to a "doomed form" characterized by predictable gratitude, repetitive school anecdotes, and empty platitudes about the future. Crafting an engaging address requires moving beyond these stock elements to offer surprising stories and genuine insights, a task often only achieved by t...
Blackjack offers a mathematical edge over casinos, yet the pursuit of this advantage often leads to moral and psychological dilemmas. Card counting transforms the game from a gamble into a calculated business, as demonstrated by the MIT blackjack team and a group of Christians who used their winnings to fund church mis...
Infidelity frequently occurs even within happy relationships, challenging the common assumption that affairs are merely symptoms of marital dysfunction. Research indicates that approximately 50% of people will cheat during their lifetime, with many individuals reporting satisfaction in their marriages despite their tra...
Historical erasure and the reclamation of Black narratives drive this exploration of the lives of Paul and Eslanda Robeson. Once global icons of intellect, activism, and art, the Robesons were systematically scrubbed from public memory due to their outspoken support for communism and civil rights. Their story reveals t...
This episode of "This American Life" explores the theme of how outsiders disrupt established dynamics within families and communities. The first act recounts a childhood experience where Robert Redford's presence upended a young girl's family dynamic, causing jealousy and behavioral changes. The second act delves into ...
The podcast explores a true crime story within M. Gessen's family, focusing on her cousin Allen, who was convicted of hiring someone to murder his ex-wife, Priscilla. Gessen recounts Allen's initial kidnapping of his son, O, from Russia, and the subsequent legal battles. The narrative highlights Priscilla's ordeal, inc...
Ira Glass reflects on how his radio show, This American Life, profoundly improved his relationship with his parents. By including them on the show, Glass created a shared project that fostered connection and provided a public affirmation of their roles as parents. He shares excerpts from early episodes featuring his mo...
The podcast investigates alleged systemic issues within ICE, featuring two distinct narratives. First, ICE lawyer Ryan Schwank recounts his experience at a DHS training academy, detailing how he witnessed the implementation of policies that potentially violate the Fourth Amendment, the cutting of critical training elem...
Office politics and workplace dynamics are explored through three distinct acts. The first act examines the extreme politics within a small startup, detailing power struggles, romantic entanglements, and the use of a psychic to navigate the toxic environment. The second act delves into the coping mechanisms of assistan...
This episode of "This American Life" explores the theme of individuals making unconventional choices, contrasting them with societal norms. The first act features a filmmaker discussing a documentary about a beekeeping family, highlighting the differing personalities of two brothers and their father's approach to teach...
The podcast explores the theme of "kid logic," highlighting instances where children's reasoning, though logical, leads to incorrect conclusions due to limited experience. It presents anecdotes such as a child believing white people are ghosts and another thinking Martin Luther King was killed for preaching the same me...
This episode of "This American Life," a rerun from the 1990s, explores the theme of kindness, particularly the kindness of strangers, through stories set in New York City. The first act recounts an encounter on a subway platform where a man randomly decides who can stay and who must leave, highlighting the human desire...
The episode examines the impact of increased ICE activity in American cities, focusing on 911 calls that reveal the confusion and fear experienced by both citizens and immigrants. It highlights instances of ICE agents misrepresenting themselves, interfering with daily life, and the limited assistance local police can p...
This This American Life episode explores the theme of "Try a Little Tenderness," showcasing stories where individuals choose kindness over aggression. The episode features a segment about two sisters resolving a conflict through an unexpected method, a story of a man's attempts to reconcile with vengeful crows, a come...
Syrian comedians embark on a nationwide tour following the fall of the Assad regime, navigating newfound freedoms and unexpected challenges. Despite initial optimism, government interference threatens their performances, particularly in conservative cities like Hama, where jokes about family values are deemed offensive...
The podcast explores the reactions of Venezuelans to the United States' capture of President Maduro, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of ordinary citizens. It highlights the story of Teresa, a Venezuelan woman involved in the opposition movement, who recounts her initial joy and hope following the intervent...
The podcast explores the theme of "new lore drops," or significant revelations that change one's understanding of their own life and relationships. One segment features Pete, who discovers his parents were undercover CIA agents, reframing his perception of their seemingly mundane life. Another story revolves around Jak...
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