This American Life 851: Try a Little Tenderness
66 snips
Jan 25, 2026 
Josh Johnson, a comedian, dives into the thorny topic of spanking, reflecting on his own childhood and its implications. Etgar Keret, a celebrated writer, shares a whimsical yet thought-provoking tale about a bus driver who won't open the doors for late passengers, exploring themes of fairness and human connection. John Mulaney, a renowned actor and comedian, brings his storytelling flair, leaving listeners chuckling while tackling the intricacies of everyday life with humor and heart.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Punching Solution
- Mae, six, wanted to wear long sleeves, but Johanna, eight, told her to wear short sleeves.
- Mae, frustrated, said she needed to punch Johanna to calm down, but their mom refused.
Turning the Other Cheek (or Butt)
- Instead of escalating, Johanna offered to let Mae punch her butt.
- Mae punched her hard, releasing her anger, and the situation was resolved.
The Power of Niceness
- Johanna's niceness and willingness to accommodate Mae's anger de-escalated the conflict.
- Both girls contributed to the peaceful resolution by communicating and finding a compromise.