This American Life

Harold Washington, the groundbreaking former mayor of Chicago, and David Axelrod, a key political advisor, dive into the legacy of Washington's impactful tenure. They discuss his struggle against the city's political machine and how his candidacy changed the landscape for Black politicians. Axelrod reflects on racial dynamics and Washington's community-driven approach to governance, emphasizing equity in city services. Listeners learn about the dramatic shifts in political attitudes and how Washington's pioneering vision paved the way for future leaders like Barack Obama.

This podcast dives into intriguing mind games where intentions often unravel. One story features Lori Gottlieb's tangled correspondence filled with white lies that leads to unexpected complications. Another tale follows Improv Everywhere as they orchestrate a ploy to boost a band's morale, only for both the band and the audience to misinterpret their heartfelt intentions. The chilling account of Elizabeth Smart's kidnapping juxtaposes these lighter anecdotes, showcasing how normalcy can hide darker truths. Complex emotions and surprises abound!

Nadia Raymond, a talented producer and reporter, joins immigration judge Kira Lillian to discuss the significant changes in the immigration court system. They dive into how recent policy shifts have made judges feel pressured and skeptical about asylum claims. Kira shares personal stories that highlight the emotional toll on judges and migrants alike. The episode lifts the veil on ICE operations in courthouses, the impact of new guidance, and the chilling effect of mass firings among immigration judges, revealing the complexities of justice in these turbulent times.

Nevaeh Parker, a dynamic leader from the University of Utah's Black Student Union, discusses her fight to preserve representation amidst restrictive anti-DEI laws. She shares the challenges of advocating for her community while managing personal and academic pressures. Meanwhile, Ike Sreesh Kandaraja dives into the contentious effects of the IRA definition of antisemitism at Columbia University, exploring how it shapes professors' teaching strategies and academic freedom. Together, they navigate the turbulent waters of identity and advocacy in today's higher education landscape.

Kieran Morris shares a hilarious tale from his youth about pulling off an elaborate soccer rumor that caught the attention of Sky Sports News. Pablo Torre, known for his investigative sports journalism, dives into the absurdity of misinformation in sports, exemplified by the enigmatic rise of a fabricated player. Together, they unravel the chaotic journey of ambition, the thrill of youthful pranks, and the unexpected consequences of how a single story can spiral into widespread fascination.

Yael Even-Or, an Israeli journalist and producer, interviews Ali Awad, a 27-year-old protector of his village Tuba in the West Bank. They discuss the escalating settler violence since October 7, revealing the daily struggles of Palestinians amid tightening Israeli restrictions. Ali shares his efforts to support his community while navigating a hostile environment. The podcast highlights personal stories that illustrate the emotional and psychological toll of conflict, underscoring the resilience and determination of those living in a volatile region.

Susan Burton, a seasoned producer and editor known for her work on The Retrievals, joins labor and delivery nurses Mindy Figueroa and Clara Hochhauser from UI Health, along with Heather Nixon, head of obstetric anesthesia. They dive into the emotional and painful realities of cesarean sections, highlighting Clara's traumatic experience of feeling surgery despite anesthesia failures. Heather challenges the medical community to address pain management inadequacies during childbirth, stressing the need for systemic change in healthcare to improve women's experiences.

Ira Glass talks with longtime producer Nancy Updike about the most personal stories they have put on the radio. This is a sample of the bonus episodes we regularly release to our This American Life Partners. To gain access to all the bonus episodes AND help us keep making This American Life, join at thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners.

Join Connie Wang, a writer who opens up about her journey through postpartum confinement and how it reshaped her views on traditional recovery. She reflects on missed moments and the importance of recognizing critical opportunities in life. Meanwhile, David Kestenbaum shares a heartwarming tale of two college baseball teams, both struggling with lengthy losing streaks, as they finally face off. The blend of personal storytelling and sports drama reveals the universal quest for hope and connection during life's pivotal moments.

Naven Salem, founder of Edesia, discusses the dire challenges of delivering nutritious food to malnourished children amidst bureaucratic disruptions from USAID's sudden freeze. Diane Wu shares harrowing stories from Eswatini, where a clinic’s survival hinges on U.S. funding, prompting reflections on their impact. David Kestenbaum explores USAID’s mixed legacy since 1961, analyzing its successes and failures. Together, they highlight urgent themes of aid dependency and the real human stakes when funding frameworks collapse.