This American Life
By Diana Baron-Moore,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Real impactful stories; maturity levels of content vary.
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What’s It About?
The classic format of THIS AMERICAN LIFE involves diving deep into a single idea through a series of 15- to 20-minute-long acts that engage with the theme from different angles. Over the 25-plus years the show has been running, creators have played with the structure -- producing multi-episode investigative reporting, live shows, and recording experiments like the time producers camped out in a diner for 24 hours just to see what they could capture. Episodes vary widely in tone, from serious fact-based exposés to lighthearted and personal narratives. The podcast has become increasingly ambitious over the years, to the point that it has spawned multiple spin-off podcasts, including the smash hit Serial. Despite this evolution, listeners can expect to find compelling, first-person storytelling regardless of whether they pick an episode from 2003 or 2023.
Is It Any Good?
There's a reason that this show has been on air for over 25 years. Widely considered to be the gold standard of storytelling podcasting, This American Life created a blueprint for the genre that remains influential even as the show itself has grown and changed over the years. The team has garnered an impressive slate of accolades, including multiple Peabody awards and the first-ever Pulitzer Prize for audio reporting.
While the show boasts high-caliber production and diligent reporting, what makes it so consistently compelling is the bedrock of personal stories and intimate interviews at the heart of its style. The hosts' compassionate and generous connections with their interviewees lead to deeply moving exchanges that will leave listeners with lots to talk about. For teens interested in learning about history and current events, these features make This American Life an accessible and engaging media choice.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how This American Life gives perspective to the many different experiences and backgrounds of people in the United States. How does a show like this help give perspective?
This podcast brings up feelings of compassion and empathy as you listen to the different stories and experiences of so many people in the country. Why are these important character strengths to have when listening to others tell their stories?
How does this podcast inspire curiosity about the world we live in? Were there any stories that impacted you more than others? Why?
Podcast Details
- Release date: November 17, 1995
- Genre: Language & Culture
- Average Run Time: 60 minutes
- Website: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/
- Host: Ira Glass
- Production Companies and Networks: This American Life , WBEZ Chicago
- Pricing structure: Free
- Topics: History
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Empathy , Perseverance
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: October 3, 2023
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