This American Life

Aviva DeKornfeld, a skilled reporter, shares the intriguing story of Ted, who believes his theft of a piece of petrified wood cursed his life for nearly five decades. Jonathan Goldstein, host of Heavyweight, narrates the emotional struggle of a family dealing with a hoarding situation, focusing on Etta’s deep attachment to her extensive bottle collection. The stories explore how objects hold meaning and impact our lives, leading to redemption, separation, and ultimately connections to cherished memories.

Ben Austen, a dedicated reporter, shares insights from a year spent at Illinois parole board hearings, focusing on the complex case of Henry Dee, a man imprisoned for nearly 50 years. Virginia Martinez, a parole board member, provides unique perspectives on the moral dilemmas faced during deliberations. They discuss the intricate balance of justice and rehabilitation, the emotional toll of these decisions, and how societal perceptions impact inmates seeking a second chance. The episode reveals the harsh realities of life after prison, including the challenges of reintegration and maintaining hope.

Ira Glass shares an update on funding and the success of the Life Partners initiative, which now covers a quarter of the show's budget. He explains the need to boost listener support to ensure its future. Discover the behind-the-scenes challenges of story pitching and how many interviews fall flat. Ira highlights the meticulous revision and fact-checking process that sets this production apart. With declining public funding, he emphasizes the importance of listener contributions and the perks of becoming a Life Partner.

Evan Ratliff, a journalist and storyteller, shares his fascinating experience of creating an AI clone of himself and unleashing it into the world. He delves into the challenges of voice cloning, tests on telemarketers, and even sends his AI to handle legal inquiries. Ratliff discusses the existential moments when people realize they're conversing with AI and explores the implications of technology on personal relationships. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Dzotsi reflects on the small lies we tell on dates, sharing a humorous story about his father's attempts to impress his mother.

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.

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.