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

Critics review the latest film releases: “Joker: Folie a Deux,” “Salem's Lot,” “It's What's Inside,” and “The Outrun.”

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Climate change and increased moisture have altered the habitat for mosquitos.

from Second Opinion

Brian Jordan Alvarez, star and co-creator of FX’s acclaimed, breakout sitcom ‘English Teacher,’ joins to tell us how it all came together.

from The Treatment

The Latest

Actress Elisabeth Moss discusses her connection to composer Max Richter, and how his "On the Nature of Daylight" influenced her perception of music.

Hear the Max Richter piece that changed how Elisabeth Moss experiences music

Actress Elisabeth Moss discusses her connection to composer Max Richter, and how his "On the Nature of Daylight" influenced her perception of music.

from The Treatment

Josh Greenbaum speaks on his new film “Will & Harper,” a profile of actor Will Ferrell on a road trip with longtime friend Harper Steele following her gender transition.

Josh Greenbaum hopes ‘Will & Harper’ will teach folks to navigate discomfort

Josh Greenbaum speaks on his new film “Will & Harper,” a profile of actor Will Ferrell on a road trip with longtime friend Harper Steele following her gender transition.

from The Treatment

Brian Jordan Alvarez speaks on his zeitgeisty series “English Teacher,” Josh Greenbaum hopes his film “Will & Harper” sparks conversations, Elisabeth Moss has The Treat.

Brian Jordan Alvarez, Josh Greenbaum, and Elisabeth Moss on The Treat

Brian Jordan Alvarez speaks on his zeitgeisty series “English Teacher,” Josh Greenbaum hopes his film “Will & Harper” sparks conversations, Elisabeth Moss has The Treat.

from The Treatment

Oscar-winner Kate Winslet gets candid about working through producorial challenges to bring her new film “Lee” — which she also stars in — to the big screen.

Kate Winslet on challenges + triumphs producing and starring in ‘Lee’

Oscar-winner Kate Winslet gets candid about working through producorial challenges to bring her new film “Lee” — which she also stars in — to the big screen.

from The Business

As Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra prepares to step down from his post in 2025, Kim Masters and Matt Belloni take a look at the company’s succession plans.

Sony Pictures enjoys a smooth succession; Kate Winslet gets candid about creating her new film ‘Lee’

As Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra prepares to step down from his post in 2025, Kim Masters and Matt Belloni take a look at the company’s succession plans.

from The Business

For Kim-Joy, one of The Great British Bake Off's most memorable contestants, baking isn't just about flavor or cuteness — it's also about mental health.

How baking helps Kim-Joy reduce stress, unlock creativity, and stay sane

For Kim-Joy, one of The Great British Bake Off's most memorable contestants, baking isn't just about flavor or cuteness — it's also about mental health.

from Good Food

To tell the stories of Syrians living in the world's largest refugee camp, Karen Fisher collected their recipes.

Syrian refugee cookbook, baking for happiness, the future of food

To tell the stories of Syrians living in the world's largest refugee camp, Karen Fisher collected their recipes.

from Good Food

Alvaro Bautista recovers more than half of his date harvest, which perished in last year's rain, while Companion, a new restaurant in Venice, opens with a Quarter Sheets alum.

Dates, still recovering from last year's rainfall, return to farmers markets

Alvaro Bautista recovers more than half of his date harvest, which perished in last year's rain, while Companion, a new restaurant in Venice, opens with a Quarter Sheets alum.

from Good Food