America loves winners—now more than ever. But how do you get to a win in 2025 America? We get up close and follow someone trying to build a big win for herself and thousands of others like her.

Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.

Prologue: Ira talks to producer Diane Wu about an informal survey she’s done with the staff of This American Life about a phrase Ira says a lot that includes the word “winners.” (8 minutes)Act One: Two people see one of President Trump’s first executive orders and get excited, and then get to work. (30 minutes)Act Two: We follow the progress of one woman as she builds up, from scratch, a whole movement based on one of Trump’s executive orders. (19 minutes)

Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org

This American Life privacy policy.Learn more about sponsor message choices.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents two stories in which characters are faced with unexpected revelations that alter their lives. In “A Fable with Slips of White Paper Spilling from the Pockets,” by Kevin Brockmeier, performed by Geoffrey Arend, a thrift purchase comes with unusual fringe benefits.  In “Lady Tigers,” by Nick White, performed by Michael Urie, the bus driver of a girls’ softball team encounters a storm, and a secret.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three stories about the strange power inanimate objects can hold over us.

Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.

Prologue: Nunzio gets caught in a kind of servile relationship…with a scooter. (8 minutes)Act One: Ted was six when he first picked up a rock from the Petrified Forest National Park. Nearly 50 years later, he really wishes he hadn’t. Aviva DeKornfeld talked to him. (15 minutes)Act Two: Heavyweight host Jonathan Goldstein leaps in to help a family, who are not entirely sure they want or need his help, get rid of their stuff. (31 minutes)

Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org

This American Life privacy policy.Learn more about sponsor message choices.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories about self-deception.  In “Participation Trophy,” by Simon Rich, the author is taken to task by a discarded relic of childhood triumphs.  The reader is Colton Dunn.  Japanese playwright and novelist Betsuyaku Minoru creates an Industrial Age fable in “Factory Town.”  The story was translated by Royall Tyler and is read by Suzy Nakamura.  And a college student falls in love with the idea of love in Lauren Pruneski’s “Mama, Mama,” read by Kirsten Vangsness.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this SELECTED SHORTS, host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories that cross generations.  In Justin Torres’ “Trash Kites,” performed by Coleman Domingo, teens find beauty in scarcity.A daughter’s aging parent links her past and present in “The World with My Mother Still in It,” by Kathryn Chetkovich, performed by Phillipa Soo.  And a tutor tries to create a bond with her privileged student in “Ancient Rome,” by Kyle McCarthy, performed by Tavi Gevinson.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.