This American Life

Dana Chivvis, a producer at This American Life, discusses the humorous and poignant case of a 66-year-old lifeguard fighting age discrimination over a required Speedo. Neil Drumming shares nostalgic tales about his family's timeshare in Orlando, revealing deep family dynamics and the complexities of childhood memories. The podcast blends laughter and introspection, with comedians weaving in personal summer stories that highlight the joy and challenges of seasonal reinvention.

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.

Lenny Davis, a distinguished professor emeritus, shares a startling family secret about his parentage, revealing a possible connection to his uncle via artificial insemination. Meanwhile, Paul Tough, a contributing editor, recounts his father’s eccentric journey to connect with extraterrestrial life, posing deep questions about their relationship. Each narrative explores the complexities of father-son dynamics, identity, and the longing for understanding, revealing that the answers we seek may lead to unexpected discoveries.

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.

People immersed in chaos try to solve for what it all adds up to. Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.Prologue: A scientist who is used to organizing data starts tracking scientific meetings that seem to exist only on paper—meetings that might decide the fate of years of research. The NIH website shows one reality; the empty conference rooms tell another story. She graphs the chaos. (9 minutes)Act One: American doctors returning from Gaza compare notes and start to see a pattern. (28 minutes)Act Two: A woman watches her partner get taken in handcuffs with no explanation. Days later, she spots him in the most unexpected place. The coordinates of her life suddenly don't make sense as she navigates the bewildering map of the US immigration system. (23 minutes)Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.orgThis American Life privacy policy.Learn more about sponsor message choices.

A couple devises a strategy to get their daughter's killer prosecuted and to get attention for other Native families.  Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.Prologue: Mika Westwolf was killed in a hit-and-run on a Montana highway. Her parents thought the driver might get away with it. The driver was white. Mika was a citizen of the Blackfeet Nation. (1 minute)Act One: Mika’s parents, Carissa Heavy Runner and Kevin Howard, share recordings of their interactions with law enforcement. (8 minutes)Act Two: Carissa and Kevin take matters into their own hands. (20 minutes)Act Three: The county prosecutor explains why he let Mika’s killer out of jail. Will Carissa and Kevin's efforts pay off? Sierra follows them to court. (33 minutes)Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.orgThis American Life privacy policy.Learn more about sponsor message choices.

Emmanuel Dzotsi, a producer at This American Life, vividly shares his experiences around the dismantling of the Black Lives Matter mural in D.C. Ranjani Srinivasan, a Columbia graduate student, recounts a harrowing five-day ordeal after her visa was revoked, navigating the complexities of ICE. Laura Starecheski provides a gripping account of a court hearing about the Trump administration’s transgender military ban, highlighting the emotional and legal tensions surrounding identity and justice. Together, they paint a compelling picture of our turbulent times.

Kwaneta Harris, a former nurse in Texas, sheds light on her unique experience providing medical advice to fellow inmates. She discusses the challenges and stigma of healthcare in prison, emphasizing the need for dignity and understanding in desperate situations. The conversation dives into the emotional complexities of life behind bars, revealing the connections formed through shared struggles. Kwaneta’s story highlights how even in confinement, compassion and expertise can foster a sense of community and support among women.