This American Life
Weekly radio show and podcast featuring true stories told by everyday people and journalists
| What is it | Weekly radio show and podcast featuring true stories told by everyday people and journalists |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Unknown |
| Platform | Web Application |
| Works with | IFTTT |
| Best for | listening during commutes or workouts, discovering new true stories and journalism |
| Domain registered | 1999 |
Data updated Aug. 1, 2026
What does This American Life do?
This American Life is a weekly radio show and podcast that has been telling compelling true stories since 1995. Each episode revolves around a theme, explored through multiple acts that mix interviews, first-person narratives, and archival audio. Host Ira Glass guides listeners through surprising, funny, and often deeply human stories—from a Hail Mary pass in football to a woman trapped inside a Greek myth. The show is produced by WBEZ Chicago and distributed by PRX.
Episodes are built around a central idea, and each act offers a different angle on that theme. You can stream any episode for free on the website, where you'll find full transcripts, show notes, and related videos. The site also offers a curated archive sorted by recommendation lists (like “New to This American Life?”) and a video section with animations and live performances. A paid subscription tier called Life Partners gives ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a hand-picked collection of 250 greatest hits.
This American Life is ideal for anyone who loves narrative journalism, long-form storytelling, or just a good story to listen to on a commute. It's also a fantastic resource for writers, teachers, and podcasters who want to study the craft of audio storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time listener, the website makes it easy to dive into thousands of stories spanning three decades.
Key features
What makes it stand outWho is This American Life for?
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