
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 po... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 513 | Founded | 20 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CultureArts | |||

Moments when it seems obvious what to do for someone else, so of course you jump in and try to help — and what happens after that.
Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.
(00:00:00) Prologue: Devon Taylor t... more
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has been in the news thanks to an extra-long deployment that's taken a toll on its crew. What's life on an aircraft carrier at war really like? Back in 2002, we spent a few days on the USS John C. Stennis, whi... more
Labels are powerful. They can distill you down to a single word. They can get stuck on you without your permission. And sometimes, when they get taken away, they can upend your entire life. On this episode: labels and the havoc they wreak.
Visit th... more
We head to some of the happiest places on earth: amusement parks! Ira Glass takes us behind the scenes at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, where the young staff – coached by a funny, fun-loving boss just a little older than they are – truly seem to love... more
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I used to love this show and listening to the stories and sometimes got a chuckle and it was about every day American life. But lately every episode is a political message and I listen to podcast get away from this very thing.
For a podcast called “The American Life”, there’s waaaay too many international stories. Surely there’s a better podcast for these. Some entire episodes are just international stories. You can’t find anything interesting in the US right now? Seriously?
This was probably the most harrowing show I’ve ever listened to on This American Life. Every episode is interesting and entertaining…but this specific episode was absolutely phenomenal. Thank you to the producers.
Very good!
Just love this. It changed what it meant to do a 'show' when if first came on the air.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #15 | |
Apple Podcasts | #1 | |
Apple Podcasts | #21 | |
Apple Podcasts | #126 | |
Apple Podcasts | #2 | |
Apple Podcasts | #16 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with This American Life:
1. Radiolab
2. The Moth
3. Fresh Air
4. The Daily
5. Hidden Brain
This American Life launched 20 years ago and published 513 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on This American Life include:
1. Barbara Mendoza
2. Janet McNamara
3. Rick Cole
4. Katie Gowell
5. Rose Fuchs
6. Monica Shearheart
7. Pasha Tolankin
8. Sarah Vowell
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.