Josh Johnson, a comedian, dives into the controversial topic of spanking and its long-lasting effects on discipline, prompting laughter and reflection. Writer Etgar Keret shares an intriguing tale about a bus driver who strictly enforces rules, leaving late passengers to ponder their choices. John Mulaney, currently starring on Broadway, shares his flair for storytelling, combining humor with poignant moments. Amidst these narratives, themes of kindness in a harsh world and the delicate dance of human emotions resonate throughout their discussions.

Join humorist David Sedaris as he shares a childhood misadventure in navigating social dynamics, revealing the often comical struggle for popularity. Luke Burbank brings an entertaining tale of a man dressed as Superman that lightens a tense moment on a plane. Jonathan Goldstein adds a humorous twist with his story about dating Lois Lane—filled with relatable charm and awkwardness. This conversation dives deep into the complexities of friendship, the art of connection, and finding joy in the ordinary.

We leave the normal realm of human error and enter the territory of huge breakdowns. Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.Prologue: Jack Hitt tells the story of a small-town production of Peter Pan in which all the usual boundaries between the audience and actors dissolve entirely. (6 minutes)Act One: Jack Hitt's Peter Pan story continues. (18 minutes)Act Two: The first day on the job inevitably means mistakes, mishaps, and sometimes, fiascos. A true story, told by a former rookie cop. (13 minutes)Act Three: Comedian Mike Birbiglia talks about the time he ruined a cancer charity event by giving the worst performance of his life. Here's a hint: He improvised. About cancer. (10 minutes)Act Four: Journalist Margy Rochlin on her first big assignment to do a celebrity interview: Moon Unit Zappa in 1982. Midway through the interview: fiasco! (7 minutes)Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.orgThis American Life privacy policy.Learn more about sponsor message choices.

Lilly Sullivan, a producer for the show, shares a poignant personal story about her family, uncovering surprising truths that challenge her long-held beliefs. Musician Mike Comite takes listeners on a nostalgic journey, revisiting a pivotal Bonnaroo experience with Weezer that left him questioning missed opportunities. The discussions unravel the threads of personal history and memory, showcasing how tiny moments can shape our perceptions and relationships throughout life.

Banias is an 8-year-old kid living in Gaza. And she has a story to tell — many stories, in fact. Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.Prologue: While on the phone with reporter Maram Hamaid in Gaza, producer Chana Joffe-Walt gets interrupted by Maram’s daughter––Banias, eight, who grabs the phone from her mother and starts telling us about her life. The narrator arrives. (8 minutes)Part One: Banias, an 8-year-old in Gaza, tells us about her life––her friends, the games she plays, the things she cares about. Everything but the war going on around her. (25 minutes)Part Two: Banias talks about the war. (20 minutes)Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.orgThis American Life privacy policy.Learn more about sponsor message choices.

Nancy Updike shares her insights as a producer on the remarkable grassroots efforts in Venezuela to ensure a fair election. She details how hundreds of thousands of citizens worked tirelessly to create an independent, verifiable record of votes amid political turmoil. The episode also contrasts Venezuela's election challenges with the experiences of American poll challengers. Uncovering tales of determination and resilience, it paints a vivid picture of the struggle for democracy and the lengths individuals go to uphold electoral integrity.

Daniel Alarcón, a novelist and journalist, recounts the captivating journey of Keiko the killer whale, who was taken from the wild and became a beloved attraction. Environmental activist Dave Phillips shares insights into the grassroots campaign aimed at rescuing and rehabilitating Keiko after 'Free Willy' tugged at public hearts. The podcast dives into the emotional connections formed during Keiko's captivity and the ethical dilemmas faced by his caretakers, highlighting the broader implications for wildlife conservation.

Danny Hodges, a police officer who defended the Capitol on January 6th, shares his harrowing experiences and reflections on a divided nation. Nadia Reiman investigates the daunting logistical challenges of potential mass deportations. Producers Ike Sriskandarajah and Sam Negron discuss the surprising Latino support for Trump, revealing personal narratives behind political allegiance. Rachel Vindman expresses concerns about retaliation from a Trump administration, highlighting the personal stakes many face in today's charged political climate.

Brian Reed and Robin Simeon, both from the podcast Question Everything, delve into the challenges of political polarization in relationships. They explore how couples like Dick and Emily navigate their conflicting beliefs while celebrating their anniversary. Isaac Saul discusses his newsletter, Tangle, which offers balanced news, aiding understanding between differing viewpoints. Frank Filicomo shares his humorous take on how politics affects dating in New York, revealing the absurdities and tensions that arise in love amidst today’s divisive climate.

Ben Austen, a seasoned reporter, shares insights from his year-long investigation into Illinois parole board hearings. Virginia Martinez, a board member, gives a unique perspective on Henry Dee's case, highlighting the delicate balance of justice and rehabilitation. The discussion reveals the intense deliberations the board faces when considering a man’s release after nearly 50 years in prison. They navigate complex emotions, the impact of past crimes, and the formidable challenge of assessing true remorse and change over decades.