This American Life

Heather Gay, a former Mormon and reality TV star, shares her experience of hiding her rebellious lifestyle from her daughters as they reveal surprising insights about their family dynamics. Valerie Kipnis narrates the Rivera family's harrowing immigration struggles, focusing on Fidel's decision to self-deport after years of undocumented status. The daughters, Mackenzie and Bella, candidly express their fears and emotions, showcasing how their perspectives on family decisions differ. The complex interplay of love, fear, and sacrifice unfolds behind closed doors.

Shalom Auslander, a writer known for his witty memoirs, shares a comically tense vacation tale about suspecting his chatty neighbor, Marvin, of being an imposter. As Shalom’s assumptions spiral, he grapples with his own biases and the impact on his family dynamics. Richard Price, acclaimed novelist and screenwriter, takes listeners on a gripping ride with his dramatized account of a police misunderstanding, illustrating the dangers of snap judgments. Together, they explore how our perceptions can lead to unexpected—and often humorous—outcomes.

Sam Busa, a South African organizer, established the AmeriConners group to help white South Africans navigate U.S. refugee policies after one of Trump's executive orders. She discusses her rollercoaster journey from shock to mobilizing a movement, addressing complex questions of identity and persecution. Sam explains how she built a supportive network, tackled logistical challenges, and became an official partner with the State Department. Through her efforts, she exemplifies the power of grassroots organization in navigating immigration while reflecting on the intricacies of modern refugee dynamics.

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.

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.

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.