I’ve listened to this show for many many years and always been a fan. However now, in the very tragic Trump era, it’s impossible to listen to the very thinly veiled liberal complaining episode after episode. Peace, it’s been real This Libtarded Life.

Very funny and interesting

I’ve always loved the show. They still do a great job with storytelling and Ira really crafts wonderful episodes. But there is clearly no diversity of thought among the staff and unfortunately, they are yet again caught in the cycle of every single episode being focused on whining about everything related to Trump and conservatives. I wish that they could put their Trump derangement syndrome to the side and focus on the great storytelling that has made this show as popular as it is has been over the years. Maybe I’ve missed that they’re now a sore about politics, but I really wish they knew how ridiculous sounds when they try to disguise their liberal propaganda as innocent storytelling.

Someone check the host’s testosterone level. This show is struggling and begging for membership money because they’ve lost touch with the majority of their audience.

it’s the best podcast there ever was and best there will ever be. ira is a legend. his voice soothes me. the stories are incredible and so thoughtfully put together by the producers. so entertaining and thought provoking. steering clear of opinions to leave it up to you. keep it going - forever. please.

Each episode has the same structure. It is the equivalent of listening to the same song with slightly different lyrics.

Allow minimal to zero access to the show library without subscriber status is a shame, especially with how low effort and political stories have been in recent years. I’d like to see this series regress into its full potential.

This pod tends to stay into political matters almost every episode. I wish it was more laud back like the podcast really very good.

This podcast used to be better. Kinda boring now.

This show could be great if only the speakers wouldn’t stray into politics.

Miles is wise beyond his years; the cutest observations

First off, the many years of listening to this podcast of really interesting, meaningful, investigative journalism, and the emotions of story telling brought to life really is one of a kind. BUT..... the advertising is full of greedy corperate takers of us the people who listen to this podcast. Why don't you all get advertising from organizations, businesses, and the like who are not for profit over people, green washers of planet earth. These advertisers of products and service should show value of the community of listeners. Truly caring about who listens by up rooting these who harm and get those who do no harm. The advertising dollars are needed, however, should be from personally picked by your team. Do your fact checking as much as you do for the stories for advertising. Much love! Want to give this podcast a 5 stars after changes. One love!

Love the podcast overall, but Aviva's vocal fry makes her episodes un-listenable for me. I truly cannot get past it. I know, it's MY problem, and I address it by choosing to not listen to any of her episodes. I'm sure I'm missing out on some great topics, but...🤷‍♀️

I’ve been a fan since before podcasts existed. Great team of storytellers bringing out the humanity that we need so desperately in these confusing times. Real people, brief glimpses into mundane and relatable and often very funny moments. Listen!!

This podcast is compelling, relevant and moving. The quality never ceases to impress not matter the subject whether it’s addressing a heavy topic some one that’s light

Incredible podcast. One of the best . But now, as far as past shows, they’re basically only for subscribers. The problem is , the fee is so high. Can the price possibly be lowered?

This show has stopped censoring profanity. A recent episode contains the “seven words you can’t say on the radio.” But they’ve not adopted the “Explicit” label. Don’t listen within earshot of your kids.

I actually really enjoy half of these stories. I used to absolutely love the podcast and couldn’t wait for the next episode. I have grown soo incredibly tired of the so far left bias that infiltrates nearly every episode. I just want to listen to an episode without politics and especially super biased politics woven in. They forget that their program is called This AMERICAN Life yet the majority of Americans obviously feel differently than they do. You are losing audience because you can’t just tell stories. I roll my eyes and turn it off the moment it starts anymore because I know where it’s going. If I want to listen to politics, I’ll listen to a political podcast. There’s absolutely no way I’ll give you my money to join.

I love this show in general, but in the more recent episodes, Ira Glass does an absurd amount of lip/tongue smacking and it’s sadly unlistenable for this misophonia sufferer!

Wow, I was worried about the direction of the show and its ability to pull us in as listeners until I heard the 10 things episode by Zach Mack. Please hire him permanently or have him contribute regularly bc he made me laugh cry hold my breath and even sympathize with his father due to the power of belief no matter how crazy. Zack you are a real gem amongst the tarnished silver-plated jewelry; I’m in awe at your storytelling prowess and your willingness to share your life with us . I am so grateful for the segment you wrote produced and narrated. We’re all rooting for you!!!!

The episodes I had listened to were liberal. Too bad… The story telling wasn’t bad but I can’t stand resources that are one-sided with politics because they miss out on so much.

This is usually a great podcast. Definitely left leaning but usually not offensive and always has interesting takes on ideas. Episode 855 is so biased against Trump it aims to make you feel stupid for believing anything president Trump says.

Maybe this show will be able to dig its way back, but currently so partisan it’s comical.

One of changes TAL has made is disappointing. Since introducing the subscription service I noticed that the episodes are no longer numbered. As a long time listener, the number would alert me to a rerun. For sure, many episodes are worthy of a second listen, but I would like the advantage of making that decision. I love the program and will continue to do so.

This is my favorite podcast overall, except when I stopped listening for a couple years when it got too political and too preachy after COVID. Then they seemed to go back to their original premise, and I started loving it again. I didn’t listen to the Talking While Black episode because of the way it opened- so sarcastic, and the recent episode on NPR was all about how Trump lies. I already know that… I hear it all the time. I don’t want sarcasm, I don’t want to be preached at. This American Life can be the calm in the storm. I enjoyed every single episode in the last several months until the last 2 mentioned. If there’s another, I will stop listening to This American Life until they get it out of their system.

Why do you guys do this to me!? Crying like little baby. Thank you.

I love most of the shows. The last episode by Zack Mack (10 Things I don’t want to hate about you) and the story about his father and family saddened me. My heart breaks for his mother and sadness for his sister. Prayers for everyone especially Zack’s dad. Good story line. Thanks for sharing your pain with us. This episode really touched me.

I think this story will hit close to home for many of us.

There are so many thing to listen to but “American Life “ stands at the top. Can’t say enough.

The February 23, 2025 story by Zach Mack (about his father, the conspiracy theorist) made me feel despondent about the worsening political divide in this country. Because it’s not about legit substantive differences in political ideology. It’s rooted in brainwashed people who are dug into crazy beliefs and “values”. I don’t know how Mack maintains patience with his father. I feel for his mother and sister. I even feel for his father, who is so far gone. May this country withstand its current existential challenges…

They are so deeply woke - they work in propaganda when you least expect it - it’s a good quality show but be aware that you are being manipulated as opposed to simply being presented with a story where you are allowed to make up your own mind.

Since most content today is interwoven with politics, it would be nice if a publicly funded organization like this could be apolitical. Informative yet irksome if you’re hoping to avoid the jabs at a particular political viewpoint.

No other podcast can compare.

Hmmm! Still hating America interviews.

One of if not the best. Thanks for sharing. PS. Love to Phil Collins.

Listening to this podcast helps remind me what an “American” life truly is. It calms my inner Chicken Little and reassures me that being “American” is and will continue to be a good thing. Don’t let fear win.

I’ll try to keep this as concise as I can (as someone with a tendency to ramble). Ira Glass and his team manage to take you on an emotional journey that often leads with laughing out loud. It then follows up with some heartwarming excerpt that gives you the fuzzy feelings inside. Inevitably you will be sobbing in the most cathartic way. Every episode ends with a hopeful note that even if they just shared the most tragic story you’ve heard in months, you’re left with a feeling that there is still some hope and redemption for humanity. As someone raised Christian and still practicing in a somewhat unconventional way, I can only compare this storytelling to the most lifegiving, inspiring sermons I’ve heard and this show never misses. It has no religious bent or anything of that sort, but it hits in a similar way that challenges and inspires the way that you will live your life. TLDR: This podcast will make your top 5 all time if you keep an open mind and appreciate excellent storytelling from people with decades of experience sharing stories.

This is a great show that really does show Americans back to themselves. I’m going to become of a member because of your stories on Palestinian struggle over the years and the recent one on the Jewish hostage. How do you manage to get it right when most of media get it so wrong? Thank you.

In the first 10 minutes, I’m hearing a gay man get offended because his family wants to know who the man in the family is. And then black women playing tricks on their dates, looking for ways to get offended Ope. And then a rip on Ron DeSantis. Y’all are miserable.

Saw all the Trumpers crying for truth and all that nonsense. Such snowflakes. Keep up the great reporting. You can tell you are hitting towards truth by how mad Trumpers are.

A top experience of content, time & time again. These ppl are born to make this content. Thank you for your hard work - you challenge and remind m e of important things in life. This podcast makes me a better person.

Long time IG listener but I’m disappointed by how precious the show has become and had lost its focus on good storytelling.

I love to listen to it I’m young and it does have quite a few cuss words but they do warn you before you listen so no complaints here!

This podcast is great and funny and you can’t help LOVING it. It’s also funny, interesting and has a new episode weekly. It’s the ultimate podcast because I ya just amazing. It totally deserves its awards. I LOVE SO MUCH.

I hope they went back for the turtle I couldn’t listen after hearing the pet turtle may have been abandoned

latest episode demonstrates the downfall since profits became the focus……..

It’s a very interesting show that talks about things that most shows don’t, it’s unique. But almost all of the episodes are subscriber only.

Glass is a world-class storyteller that is the very best thing about NPR.

Put all the good episodes behind a $9.99 behind a paywall because that worked so well for the newspaper industry dummies

I could not survive these years without it. It’s entertaining, informative, makes me laugh , makes me cry, puts me to sleep but glad to wake up. The previous review pretty much says it all. Thank you Ira & all. Please stick around to help us through the hard times so we can celebrate the return of something approaching normal—or at least something that isn’t so weird & scary & wears way too much make up.