This American Life

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.

Molly FitzSimons shares her father's whimsical journey of launching a unique cable channel dedicated entirely to puppies—no people, no plots, just endless cuteness. Dan Fitzsimmons dives into the challenges and joys of this venture, illuminating the healing power of puppies. Mary Beth Kirchner sheds light on a hustler named Joe, who wakes up broke each day, hustles hard, and loses it all by nightfall. Meanwhile, Jonathan Goldstein offers a playful retelling of Adam and Eve, revealing the complexities of starting from scratch in their own profound tale.

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.

In this insightful discussion, reporter Mohammed Mhawish, who left Gaza a year ago, shares gripping stories of survival and resilience amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He highlights the dire conditions faced by families grappling with hunger due to blockades and war. Engaging with a young woman from Gaza, Mhawish reveals the emotional toll of separation from loved ones and the profound connections maintained through technology. Listeners witness the intersection of hope and despair as personal narratives illuminate the human spirit's tenacity during conflict.

In this engaging discussion, comedian Mike Birbiglia shares humorous yet profound insights sparked by his daughter's innocent questions. He navigates how these inquiries serve as mirrors, revealing unexpected facets of his identity as a father and individual. The conversation reveals the struggles of providing simple answers while reflecting on personal truths and growth. Tune in for a delightful exploration of parenting, self-discovery, and the hilarity that often accompanies serious introspection.