This American Life 393: Infidelity
Apr 19, 2026
James Brawley, storyteller who performs live at The Moth, shares a tale of temptation in Rome. Dani Shapiro, memoirist and novelist, recounts the messy realities of an affair and its hidden comforts. They explore temptation, long-term fallout, deceit, denial, and the moment decisions are made.
Chapters
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Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Intro
00:00 • 5min
Ruby Wright on a Family Affair
05:22 • 14min
Distant Consequences of Leaving
19:45 • 2min
Ad break
21:17 • 2min
Ira Glass: Infidelity Research Overview
23:08 • 11sec
James Brawley: Temptation in Rome
23:19 • 14min
Transition to Affair Confusion
37:46 • 45sec
Dani Shapiro: Lies and Belief
38:31 • 5min
Life Inside the Affair
43:18 • 6min
Confrontation and Continuing Cycle
48:52 • 5min
Ending the Affair to Care for Family
54:20 • 24sec
Edgar Keret: Aftermath Moment
54:44 • 4min
Outro
58:30 • 2min
