This American Life

By This American LifeSociety & Culture News Arts

Ranking
1st
on Arts
Favorites
95,293
Followers
Typical duration
61 min
per episode
If it hooks
55%
finish an episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

This American Life episodes

April 25, 2021 736: The Herd
What happens when your own community suddenly turns on you?
1 hr 1 min
April 18, 2021 691: Gardens of Branching Paths
Other universes that are just like our own, but with one small difference.
1 hr 7 min
April 11, 2021 735: Bloody Feelings
Stories about the power of blood.
1 hr 3 min
April 04, 2021 549: Amateur Hour
People put in positions they’re completely unqualified to handle, but who try to make it work anyway. Including one story of a tough group of soldiers who attempt to save lives through the power of show tunes.
1 hr 1 min
March 21, 2021 734: The Campus Tour Has Been Cancelled
How the pandemic has thrown college admissions process into a kind of slow-motion chaos. One of the biggest changes: most colleges have stopped requiring the SAT. For decades, there’s been a debate over whether schools should drop the test. What’s it mean that it finally happened?
1 hr 2 min
March 14, 2021 695: Everyone's a Critic
People squirming in a world where everything is rated and reviewed.
1 hr 1 min
March 07, 2021 733: Warriors in the Garden
This week, three men who came together to protest the murder of George Floyd. They were unified, loud, and impressive, but over time these three friends end up in three very different places.
1 hr 7 min
February 28, 2021 635: Chip in My Brain
A boy who can’t dribble gets a coach, a new best friend, and something to believe in.
1 hr 9 min
February 21, 2021 732: Secrets
Why we tell them, and what happens after we do.
1 hr 1 min
February 14, 2021 731: What Lies Beneath
Stories of people summoning up stuff that’s usually hidden down deep.
1 hr 2 min

About This American Life

From the publisher's feed

Each week we choose a theme. Then anything can happen. This American Life is true stories that unfold like little movies for radio. Personal stories with funny moments, big feelings, and surprising…

Best of This American Life

Ranked by our users in the last 21 days

Number 1: 899: Reaching Out
Oct 51 hr 3 min
Number 2: 427: Original Recipe
Oct 121 hr 4 min
Number 3: 898: An Argument
Sep 281 hr 3 min
Number 4: 897: Intergenerational Space Travel
Sep 211 hr 7 min
Number 5: 646: The Secret of My Death
Sep 141 hr 8 min

FAQ about This American Life

What's this show about?
This American Life presents true stories that unfold like little movies for radio. Each week the show chooses a theme and then features personal stories with funny moments, big feelings, and surprising plot twists.
What's it like to listen to?
Expect a highly produced, narrative-driven experience. The show delivers a blend of journalism, storytelling, and humor, often with unexpected turns. Ira Glass's distinctive voice and editing style are integral to the listening experience.
What are recent episodes about?
Recent episodes have explored themes of city life, including stories set on the edge of civilization and in the workplace, and featured stories about immigration.
Who's behind the mic?
Ira Glass is the host and a producer of This American Life. The show is produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago. Glass is known for his unique storytelling approach and his work in public radio.
How long is each episode?
Episodes are typically around 30 to 60 minutes.
When do new episodes drop?
New episodes release regularly.
What are the main topics?
Society & Culture, news, arts, storytelling, personal narratives, journalism
Who should listen to this?
Listeners interested in in-depth storytelling, news, and cultural explorations will enjoy this show. It appeals to those who appreciate narrative-driven content and a mix of humor and serious topics.