This American Life

This American Life

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1 hr

There's what happened, and there's the story that gets told about what happened. Sometimes the two things don't match up very well. Learn more at This American Life.

All Episodes

This week, stories about people trying their best to turn themselves into something else—like a badger.

Even the best laid plans can go catastrophically wrong when humans get involved.

In hour two from Albertville, Alabama, we head into town, where a wave of immigrants has transformed the place.

The man whose views on immigration are the cornerstone of Trump administration policy — Attorney General Jeff Sessions — apparently came to his opinions on the issue from seeing what…

Spider-Man and other people with talents that cause them pain and suffering.

The story of Harold Washington, the greatest politician you've probably never heard of, and the political race war he set off when he became Chicago's first black mayor.

Stories of people who decide to rethink the way they've been doing things ... or try to get others to do that.

This week, blurring the line between animal and human.

More from KCRW

COVID-cautious Angelenos continue to take proactive steps to prevent infection, as they watch many others seem to care less about the virus.

from KCRW Features

Good Food earned a nod for our episode, "The life and times of Lalo García." Several recent Good Food guests also received nominations.

from Good Food

The CDC estimates 17 million Americans experience long COVID. What have patients and doctors learned about the mysterious illness?

from KCRW Features

The Latest

Brian Eno pioneered “ambient music” and helped create the sounds of U2, David Bowie, and other rock stars. Multiple versions of a new documentary show his life and work.

New Brian Eno film comes in ‘a couple billion potential versions’

Brian Eno pioneered “ambient music” and helped create the sounds of U2, David Bowie, and other rock stars. Multiple versions of a new documentary show his life and work.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

This week, Scott Galloway NYU professor, podcaster and author of “ The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security,” reflects on life’s blessings.

Midweek Reset: Scott Galloway on Blessings

This week, Scott Galloway NYU professor, podcaster and author of “ The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security,” reflects on life’s blessings.

from Life Examined

This is an episode of Outrage + Optimism we think you’ll enjoy, a podcast that explore the stories behind the headlines on climate change, talking to the change-makers turning…

Impatient for Change (from “Outrage + Optimism”) - Bonus episode

This is an episode of Outrage + Optimism we think you’ll enjoy, a podcast that explore the stories behind the headlines on climate change, talking to the change-makers turning…

from The Anti-Dread Climate Podcast

Author and USC professor Viet Thanh Nguyen won a Pulitzer Prize for his 2015 novel “The Sympathizer.” It’s just been adapted into a new limited series from HBO.

Encore: ‘The Sympathizer’ offers fresh look at Vietnam War

Author and USC professor Viet Thanh Nguyen won a Pulitzer Prize for his 2015 novel “The Sympathizer.” It’s just been adapted into a new limited series from HBO.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

After the Denver Nuggets eliminated the Lakers from the NBA playoffs on Monday night, Lebron James refused to say whether or not he’ll be wearing purple and yellow next season.

Was last night Lebron James’ final game as a Laker?

After the Denver Nuggets eliminated the Lakers from the NBA playoffs on Monday night, Lebron James refused to say whether or not he’ll be wearing purple and yellow next season.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Basketball star Cailin Clark signed with the Indiana Fever, but she’s elevating the entire WNBA. Will a rising interest in women’s basketball boost the LA Sparks?

Will the ‘Caitlin Clark effect’ boost LA Sparks ticket sales?

Basketball star Cailin Clark signed with the Indiana Fever, but she’s elevating the entire WNBA. Will a rising interest in women’s basketball boost the LA Sparks?

from KCRW Features

Authors Lauren Markham and Alexjandra Oliva share their own experiences with immigration and the history, ethics, and moral complexities of border crossings.

Border Crossings: Navigating identity, language, and belonging

Authors Lauren Markham and Alexjandra Oliva share their own experiences with immigration and the history, ethics, and moral complexities of border crossings.

from Life Examined

Research findings are not etched in stone.

Confirmation Bias

Research findings are not etched in stone.

from Second Opinion