This American Life

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 plot twists. Newsy stories that try to capture what it’s like to be alive right now. It’s the most popular weekly podcast in the world, and winner of the first ever Pulitzer Prize for a radio show or podcast. Hosted by Ira Glass and produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago.

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15 episodes
Updated July 26

Episodes15

Newest first

July 26 · 1 hr 2 min
893: Testosterone
Everyone at This American Life tests their testosterone and compares results.
July 19 · 1 hr 2 min
892: Trapped on a Bus
People on journeys they did not intend — or agree to.
July 12 · 1 hr 12 min
891: The Test Case
The government sets out to prove that Antifa is real.
July 5 · 56 min
890: Maximal Americanness
The people, places, objects, and social norms that make this country what it is.
June 21 · 1 hr 6 min
889: There’s Something About Hail Mary
We spend an hour in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter, behind and desperate, with people trying any damn thing they can think of.
June 7 · 59 min
888: Not Today, Hades!
Regular people trapped inside Greek myths.
May 17 · 59 min
887: Two Is One, One Is None!
One family faces the Trump administration’s ban on trans people serving in the military.
May 3 · 54 min
886: Blackout
Iran has been under a total internet blackout since the war began. We found a way to get voice memos out.
May 1 · 8 min
Ira (Reluctantly) Gives a Graduation Speech
Ira always hated commencement speeches. Then he felt like he had to give this one.
April 12 · 1 hr 1 min
885: Bless This Mess
The untold, messy story of Paul and Essie Robeson.
March 29 · 59 min
884: The Idiot
M. Gessen returns to our show with a true crime story that all takes place in their own family.
January 9 · 58 min
New Lore Drop
People discovering information about their own lives that they did not know and suddenly everything looks very different.
Oct 16, 2025 · 5 min
An Update from Ira
Ira Glass shares some news about This American Life
Jul 17, 2025 · 26 min
Bonus: Nancy's Deep Cuts
Ira Glass talks with Nancy Updike about the most personal stories they have put on the radio.
Oct 16, 2024 · 4 min
A Big Announcement
Ira Glass has news to share about some things happening here at This American Life.

This American Life

893: Testosterone

892: Trapped on a Bus

891: The Test Case

890: Maximal Americanness

889: There’s Something About Hail Mary

888: Not Today, Hades!

887: Two Is One, One Is None!

886: Blackout

Ira (Reluctantly) Gives a Graduation Speech

885: Bless This Mess

884: The Idiot

New Lore Drop

An Update from Ira

Bonus: Nancy's Deep Cuts

A Big Announcement