This American Life

M. Gessen, journalist and author who investigates a true-crime family saga, recounts a personal story of kidnapping, undercover recordings, and a shocking turn toward murder-for-hire. Short scenes cover a charismatic cousin’s schemes, secret reporting to help a mother find her son, the FBI sting, trial recordings, and complex family reckonings.

Shirley Glass, psychologist and therapist known for her work on parent–child relationships, appears throughout the conversation offering reflections and advice. Short interviews revisit parental expectations, giving advice vs. walking on eggshells, and uneasy moments about sex and career choices. Intimate radio exchanges reveal how public conversations rewrote private family dynamics.

Alex Zharov, a musician and former teenage castaway, recounts a harrowing Jamaica Bay boat trip that leaves him stranded and rescued. Mike Paterniti, a reporter, tells the story of Chen Sah, who spends weekends patrolling a Nanjing bridge to prevent suicides. They discuss survival, solitude, unexpected heroism, and the strange edges of cities where ordinary life and extraordinary moments meet.

Ryan Schwenk, a former ICE attorney who blew the whistle on training and constitutional lapses, tells a firsthand account of chaotic academy practices. He describes controversial memos authorizing warrantless entries, rushed cadet training with skipped background checks, and his decision to take concerns to Congress. The conversation spotlights institutional shortcuts and personal cost.

Nehemiah Ray, a Georgia beekeeper and dad who lets his son face a bee sting for curiosity's sake. Zoe Chace, a courtroom reporter who narrates a surprising mistrial in a heated Texas Antifa trial. John Tothill, a British comedian who spins a comic tale about Edward Dando and defends joyful excess. Short, quirky stories about bold choices, awkward reconnections, and courtroom drama.

Meeky Meek, a producer who documented daily raids and archiving efforts. Anianci Diaz-Cortez, a reporter who tracked repeated Home Depot parking-lot raids and day laborer responses. Hannah Jaffe-Walt, a reporter who compiled 911 calls capturing immigration enforcement and public panic. They discuss 911 recordings, recurring parking-lot sweeps, community defenses, and a grassroots project archiving raids.

Eamon Ogana, a reporter who traveled with the Syrian comedy troupe Styria, joins stand-up comedian Sharief Homsi and co-founder Maliki Mardonali. They explore the thrill and risk of performing comedy in post-Assad Syria, discussing the challenges of testing boundaries in conservative cities like Hama. Sharief shares his journey from a past in prison to comedy. The troupe faces cancellations, government pressure, and public outcry as they strive for artistic freedom, finding laughter amid a fragile new reality.

In this special mini-episode, we hear from someone in Venezuela with a very specific take on last week's U.S. attack.

Aviva DeKornfeld, a producer and storyteller, shares Jake Cornell's surprising discovery about his grandmother's passion for romance novels, reshaping their connection. Ben Austen, a reporter, recounts his emotional reconnection with a childhood classmate, Eddie, which uncovers painful memories and misunderstandings. Their stories reveal how unexpected truths can dramatically alter perceptions of family and past relationships, showcasing the complexities of memory and personal growth.

Zoe Chase and Suzanne Gabber are on the ground in Portland, exploring the surreal intersection of protest, streaming, and media dynamics. They detail how a single block became a chaotic spectacle with right-wing influencers searching for Antifa. Insights into streamers' motivations reveal a blend of profit and passion, showcasing the tension between authenticity and performance. They challenge the narrative of Antifa leadership and probe the relationship between live streaming and escalating confrontations, ultimately debunking the myth of a war zone in Portland.