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: “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” “La Chimera,” “The Shadowless Tower” and “Wicked Little Letters.”

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

When vegetables begin to flower, they’re reaching the end of their life cycles. But you can still eat the plants, which have an added sweetness or a bitterness.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The latest film releases are Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, La Chimera, The Shadowless Tower, and Wicked Little Letters.

from Weekend Film Reviews

The Latest

The Dodgers' home opener is today as a cloud hangs over star player Shohei Ohtani due to allegations that his now-former interpreter stole millions from Ohtani to cover gambling debts.

Dodgers to play home opener while Ohtani investigation continues

The Dodgers' home opener is today as a cloud hangs over star player Shohei Ohtani due to allegations that his now-former interpreter stole millions from Ohtani to cover gambling debts.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

It’s opening day for the LA Dodgers, who are feeling the pressure amid an ongoing investigation into star Shohei Ohtani and costly acquisitions during the off-season.

Dodgers kick off home opener amid Ohtani investigation

It’s opening day for the LA Dodgers, who are feeling the pressure amid an ongoing investigation into star Shohei Ohtani and costly acquisitions during the off-season.

from KCRW Features

The Japanese American community in LA’s South Bay is taking pride in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ star Japanese players this season.

Japanese American Dodgers fans have a little more to root for

The Japanese American community in LA’s South Bay is taking pride in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ star Japanese players this season.

from KCRW Features

Decades ago, Silas White dreamed of setting up a beach club for African Americans at a Santa Monica property he bought.

Ebony Beach Club: Will Silas White’s descendants get restitution?

Decades ago, Silas White dreamed of setting up a beach club for African Americans at a Santa Monica property he bought.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

This excerpt from KCRW’s Life Examined is a discussion on building community despite our isolated lifestyles. Plus, hear practical tips for forging meaningful connections.

How to build meaningful connections in an age of isolation

This excerpt from KCRW’s Life Examined is a discussion on building community despite our isolated lifestyles. Plus, hear practical tips for forging meaningful connections.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

What’s the best way to offset the planetary damage of your air travel?

Do carbon offsets help with airplane emissions?

What’s the best way to offset the planetary damage of your air travel?

from The Anti-Dread Climate Podcast

This week, Denis McManus, professor of philosophy at the University of Southampton reflects on authenticity and the allure of being true to ourselves and suggests that while…

Midweek Reset: Authenticity trap

This week, Denis McManus, professor of philosophy at the University of Southampton reflects on authenticity and the allure of being true to ourselves and suggests that while…

from Life Examined

How to deal with trust issues? Am I terrible for thinking my partner isn’t hot anymore? How do I tell someone I hooked up with that I just want to be friends?

Trust issues with Zakiya Gibbons

How to deal with trust issues? Am I terrible for thinking my partner isn’t hot anymore? How do I tell someone I hooked up with that I just want to be friends?

from How’s Your Sex Life?