This American Life

This American Life is storytelling (and podcasting) at its truest and purest form. The overarching concept of the long-running show is “life in America”-- whatever that may mean. It takes a journalistic approach of telling one story about life and society in American per episode.

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There is little to say about this podcast that isn’t widely known. It’s consistently ranked the top or one of the top podcasts of all time. It represents the gold standard or storytelling, research, production quality, editing, sound design and more. The topics and stories are consistently surprising and interesting-- not necessarily an easy feat after this many years running. It’s well-researched, well-produced, captivating and shockingly humble for all of its popularity and longevity. 

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It’s one of those podcasts that makes you more interesting at dinner parties, makes you feel more well red without ever picking up a book and makes you re-examine everyday life in thoughtful, introspective yet still lighthearted and entertaining ways. The stories provide you with a chance to take a step outside your own life and your comfort zone, and see the world through someone else’s perspective. It is produced in collaboration with Chicago Public Media and hosted by Ira Glass. In addition to being published as a podcast, it is broadcast on numerous free radio stations throughout America.