This American Life

Lou Palmer, a community organizer instrumental in Harold Washington's mayoral campaign, shares insights into the groundbreaking politician's legacy. They discuss Washington's ability to connect with voters through clear, powerful speech and confront the biases of Chicago's political machine. Palmer highlights Washington's commitment to equitable service distribution and his struggle against systemic racism, portraying the fierce backlash he faced from white voters. The conversation draws parallels between Washington's era and contemporary political movements, emphasizing lessons in leadership and coalition-building.

Explore the curious world of mind games, from a letter full of white lies that complicates a relationship to a prank where a group pretends to be fans of a yet unknown band, leading to unexpected reactions. Discover the unsettling story of a family living in the same neighborhood as a notorious kidnapping case, revealing eerie encounters in their community. Each tale dives deep into the unexpected consequences of our playful motivations.

Nadia Raymond, a producer and reporter, dives deep into the secretive world of immigration judges while Kira Lillian, a former immigration judge, shares firsthand experiences from the courtroom. The two discuss alarming changes in immigration court practices following new policies from the Trump administration. They explore how these shifts pressure judges into tough legal dilemmas and impact morale, along with the harrowing story of a man rapidly pushed through the system, highlighting the real human cost of these changes.

Nevaeh Parker, president of the Black Student Union at the University of Utah, discusses her fight to preserve the BSU amid anti-DEI legislation. She shares the challenges of creating community for Black students in a predominantly white environment. Ike Sreesh Kandaraja highlights the impact of new definitions of antisemitism on Columbia University, revealing how these changes affect academic freedom and classroom dynamics. Together, they shed light on current tensions in higher education and the resilience of student initiatives.

Pablo Torre, host of the investigative sports podcast *Pablo Torre Finds Out*, joins to discuss the unpredictability of life's plans. He shares a hilarious tale of a meticulous accountant whose family trip goes awry, emphasizing the clash of planning versus nature. Torre also dives into a wild prank by teens that unexpectedly launches a soccer player into fame, exploring the ramifications of media influence on sports and identity. His insights uncover the balance between youthful imagination and the serious reality of professional athletics.

Yael Even-Or, an Israeli journalist focusing on Palestinian communities, joins Ali Awad, a dedicated villager from Tuba, to explore recent tensions in the West Bank. They highlight the increasing settler violence and the impact of military checkpoints on daily life. Ali shares his experiences delivering essential services and protecting his community amidst escalating threats. The discussion paints a gripping picture of resilience and the harsh realities faced by Palestinians under occupation, revealing both hope and despair in a fraught environment.

This week features Susan Burton, a longtime producer and editor, alongside labor and delivery nurses Mindy Figueroa and Clara Hochhauser, who’s also a patient delivering twins. They discuss the emotional journey of childbirth, navigating unexpected complications like Clara's emergency C-section, where anesthesia fails. Heather Nixon, head of obstetric anesthesia, confronts the harsh reality of pain management in surgeries, advocating for systemic changes to improve patient care. Their stories blend heartbreak and hope, revealing the intimate challenges in the world of childbirth.

Nancy Updike, a longtime producer and the first hire of Ira Glass, shares her insights on creating compelling radio stories. They discuss the power of vulnerability, reflecting on how a eulogy sparked personal revelations. Through anecdotes, they explore the depths of friendship, loss, and the challenges of storytelling. The conversation also touches on the evolution of radio identity, striking a balance between privacy and public life. As they reminisce about family and childhood, listeners are invited to engage with the intimate narratives that shape our identities.

Connie Wang, a writer, shares her candid experiences with postpartum confinement, revealing its unexpected effects on her back pain and mental health. She reflects on the realization of being in a 'championship window' for growth and healing that she didn’t fully appreciate at the time. The conversation also touches on the humorous yet challenging aspects of motherhood and societal expectations. Through her story, listeners are encouraged to recognize and seize pivotal moments in their own lives.

Naven Salem, the founder of Edesia, a non-profit producing therapeutic food for malnourished children, discusses the shocking reality of life-saving resources sitting unused in warehouses due to bureaucratic setbacks. He reveals how changes in U.S. foreign aid policy have left many organizations scrambling for support. The conversation also dives into the complexities of nonprofit work amid funding cuts and the profound impact of U.S. aid on healthcare in regions like Eswatini, emphasizing resilience in the face of crisis.