This American Life

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.

David Wallechinsky, Author of The Book of Lists, talks about organizing chaos with lists. Brothers interpret a list left by a deceased sibling. Bobby keeps a dog list to remember names. Russians discuss government lists' impact on their lives and families.

Nicole Piasecki shares a poignant letter she wrote to her father's killer's wife, exploring the complex emotions tied to trauma and understanding. David Kestenbaum recounts his nerve-wracking wait for a reply from the legendary physicist Peter Higgs after reaching out as a rookie reporter. Zoe Chase reflects on the letters from her father, highlighting the contrast between the messages received and the ones longed for, revealing deep insights about connection and loss. Together, they underscore the power of handwritten words in bridging emotional distances.

In this episode, Jamie Adkins, co-owner of Biscuit Bar, shares her journey as a newcomer vendor at the Iowa State Fair. She recounts the excitement and challenges of launching her food stand amidst the bustling fair atmosphere. From mechanical mishaps to ingredient shortages, Jamie gives insights into the highs and lows of fair entrepreneurship. She reflects on the emotional stakes of running a food venture while navigating the quirks of fair life. Listeners get a taste of the camaraderie and chaos that makes the fair a unique experience.

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.

Mohammed Mhawish, a reporter who left Gaza a year ago, shares poignant insights from his ongoing connection to friends and family still trapped in the conflict. He discusses the emotional toll on individuals separated by borders, especially how WhatsApp chats serve as lifelines for families. Highlights include a heart-wrenching conversation about managing hunger due to food blockades and the challenges faced by pregnant women in war zones. Mhawish's stories underscore the resilience of the human spirit amid dire circumstances.

Tobin Lowe, an editor known for his captivating storytelling, delves into how split-second decisions shape our identities, provoking thoughts on guilt and personal growth. David Kestenbaum shares the quirky tale of Ruby and her missing shoes, leading to a whimsical investigation that reveals deeper emotional truths. Highlights include humorous and poignant moments reflecting on crisis responses and the unpredictability of life, intertwined with heartwarming discoveries about self and community.