This American Life

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.

Jonathan Goldstein, host of the podcast 'Heavyweight', dives into the complex world of mean friends and their unsettling allure. He confronts former bullies from his past, revealing how their intimidating presence lingers long after childhood. The discussion shifts to an intriguing experiment with waitresses to assess whether friendliness translates to better tips, uncovering surprising truths about human behavior. Additionally, personal anecdotes highlight the emotional weight of friendships shaped by fear and power dynamics.

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.

Ira Glass talks with longtime producer Nancy Updike about the most personal stories they have put on the radio. This is a sample of the bonus episodes we regularly release to our This American Life Partners. To gain access to all the bonus episodes AND help us keep making This American Life, join at thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners.

Jill Viles, a courageous muscular dystrophy patient, dives into her journey of believing she shares a genetic mutation with Olympic sprinter Priscilla Lopes-Schliep. Joined by journalist David Epstein, they explore the complexities of genetics and athleticism, and Jill's emotional quest for recognition. Meanwhile, Carol Ashton, comedian Tig Notaro’s mother-in-law, shares the joy of her unique joke that only she finds funny, leading to unexpected popularity. Together, these stories highlight the beauty of personal connection and the complexities of humor.

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.

Nadia Raymond, an editor from This American Life, shares the poignant story of Mari and Mikael, whose love is tested by the chaos of the immigration system. They navigate the emotional turbulence of Mikael's unexpected detention and the looming threat of deportation. The conversation highlights their struggles with fear, love, and the bewildering complexities of legal processes. As their personal narrative unfolds, it reflects on the broader implications of immigration enforcement in America, showcasing the human cost of such policies.