Podcast · 63 episodes
This American Life, page 2
by This American Life · English
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.
All episodes, page 2
885: Bless This MessNicole Hill and guest Jason Reynolds explore “messy” Black history—how Paul and Essie Robeson’s lives, activism, and marriage were shaped by racism, communism, and later erasure from public memory.12 Apr 2026 · 1 h 2 min · 30 chapters
212: The Other ManThree “outsider” intrusions that disrupt a family’s normal orbit: (1) a mother channels an ancient Buddhist monk no one else can see; (2) a politician’s life is shadowed by a second man with the same…5 Apr 2026 · 1 h 3 min · 18 chapters
884: The IdiotA family’s escalating custody conflict between cousin Alan and his ex-wife Priscilla, culminating in Alan’s arrest and conviction for murder-for-hire after he allegedly tried to have Priscilla killed.29 Mar 2026 · 1 h · 21 chapters
883: Call Your ParentsIra Glass revisits conversations with his parents from the early days of his radio career, revealing how these interactions transformed his relationships with them.22 Mar 2026 · 1 h · 25 chapters
628: In the Shadow of the CityStories that take place on the edge of civilization, just out of sight.15 Mar 2026 · 57 min · 16 chapters
882: Give a Little WhistleInside ICE’s immigration system during a surge—how training and legal compliance break down, plus courts ordering releases that the government delays.8 Mar 2026 · 1 h 2 min · 27 chapters
208: Office PoliticsStories of high drama from America's workplaces — surprising, emotional places full of the greed, jealousy, and ambition of real politics.1 Mar 2026 · 1 h 1 min · 20 chapters
881: I Want What I WantIn Episode 881 of "This American Life," titled "I Want What I Want," host Ira Glass explores stories of individuals who make unconventional choices that challenge societal norms.22 Feb 2026 · 1 h 1 min · 18 chapters
605: Kid LogicExploration of how children use logical reasoning but often arrive at incorrect conclusions.15 Feb 2026 · 1 h 1 min · 17 chapters
75: Kindness of StrangersThis episode explores stories about kindness from strangers, highlighting the contrasting outcomes of such interactions and their impact on individuals' lives.8 Feb 2026 · 1 h 1 min · 19 chapters
880: What Is Your Emergency?“What Is Your Emergency?” follows 911 calls and community responses during ICE/Border Patrol operations across U.S.1 Feb 2026 · 59 min · 27 chapters
851: Try a Little TendernessThis episode of *This American Life* explores the theme of tenderness and alternative approaches to conflict resolution in various situations.25 Jan 2026 · 1 h 1 min · 23 chapters
879: A Christian and a Muslim Walk Into a BarSyrian comedians from Styria tour multiple regions after the Assad regime fell, testing what jokes and public speech are now allowed.18 Jan 2026 · 1 h · 25 chapters
The Americans Outside My WindowA bonus interview about how Venezuelans who helped oppose Nicolás Maduro view the U.S.-led capture of Maduro and the aftermath, focusing on one organizer’s “dual feelings” during the attack and her…12 Jan 2026 · 19 min · 10 chapters
New Lore Drop“New Lore Drop” explores how new information or reinterpretations rewrite people’s understanding of their own lives—through CIA-family secrets, a childhood book-bonding “translation” that hid…11 Jan 2026 · 59 min · 18 chapters
850: If You Want to Destroy My Sweater, Hold This Thread as I Walk AwayThe tiny things that can unravel one's world.4 Jan 2026 · 1 h 6 min · 22 chapters
801: Must Be Rats on the BrainIn this episode of *This American Life*, titled "Must Be Rats on the Brain," hosted by Ira Glass, the focus is on the complex and often humorous relationship between humans and rats.28 Dec 2025 · 1 h 12 min · 23 chapters
Christmas and CommerceThis episode explores the intersection of Christmas and retail, featuring timeless stories including David Sedaris's "Santaland Diaries," documenting his experiences working as an elf at Macy's.24 Dec 2025 · 1 h 2 min
877: The Making OfA “making-of” investigation into how right-wing streamers and TV coverage portray Portland, Oregon, as “war-ravaged” and controlled by Antifa—fueling a national law-enforcement crackdown.21 Dec 2025 · 1 h 1 min · 33 chapters
255: Our Holiday Gift-Giving GuideIn this episode of *This American Life*, hosted by Ira Glass, the complexities and challenges of holiday gift-giving are explored through three unique narratives.14 Dec 2025 · 1 h 1 min
876: Bigger Than MeThe episode explores the theme of individuals confronting historic moments and the choices they must make when faced with moral dilemmas.7 Dec 2025 · 1 h
513: 129 CarsIn this episode, This American Life takes an in-depth look at the operations of Town and Country Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram, a car dealership in Levittown, NY.30 Nov 2025 · 1 h 16 min
875: I Hate MysteriesIn this episode, titled "I Hate Mysteries," the theme revolves around the discomfort that comes with not knowing or understanding mysteries in life.23 Nov 2025 · 1 h 3 min
874: Under One RoofIn this episode titled "Under One Roof," host Ira Glass explores the complex dynamics of family life, emphasizing the unique perspectives that each family member brings to shared experiences.16 Nov 2025 · 1 h 6 min