This American Life An Update from Ira
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Oct 16, 2025 Ira Glass shares an update on funding and the success of the Life Partners initiative, which now covers a quarter of the show's budget. He explains the need to boost listener support to ensure its future. Discover the behind-the-scenes challenges of story pitching and how many interviews fall flat. Ira highlights the meticulous revision and fact-checking process that sets this production apart. With declining public funding, he emphasizes the importance of listener contributions and the perks of becoming a Life Partner.
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Listener Funding Is Critical
- This American Life's paid Life Partners now fund nearly 25% of the show's budget after one year.
- Ira Glass says they need that listener-funded share to reach 50% to protect the show's future.
The Hidden Cost Of Story Selection
- Producing one polished story requires pitching many ideas and discarding most of them.
- Ira Glass describes how eight pitches can become two finished stories after heavy work and selection.
Revision And Fact-Checking Rituals
- Many interviews fail to produce revealing material, but the team keeps trying and revising.
- Ira Glass describes repeated drafts, fact-checking, and audio remixing as part of the process.