The Magic Show

#619 - 30 June 2017

Just a few years before he got the internship at NPR that started him in radio, our host Ira Glass had another career. He performed magic at children's birthday parties. A powerful sense of embarrassment has prevented him from ever doing an episode on the subject, but when he learned that producer David Kestenbaum was also a kid conjurer, they decided to dive in together. Photo: David P. Abbott demonstrates his floating ball routine.

Mr. Lie Detector

#618 - 9 June 2017

A polygraph operator and his strange journey. And other stories.

Fermi’s Paradox

#617 - 19 May 2017

Three people grapple with the question, “Are we alone?”

I Am Not A Pirate

#616 - 5 May 2017

To be, or not to be a pirate? This week, that is the question. Hold fast, mateys! We have stories about both historical and modern-day swashbucklers who loot, pillage, and question their choices.

The Beginning of Now

#615 - 28 April 2017

Before Donald Trump started his presidential campaign in 2015, there was a congressional race that redefined what was possible in American politics. Steve Bannon and Breitbart News got involved in that race early, just like they later got deeply involved in Donald Trump's race. On this week’s show: What happened in that campaign, what it made it work, and how we got to now.

The Other Mr. President

#614 - 14 April 2017

Since Russia meddled in our election, there's been concern that the fake news and disinformation that's so prevalent there could be taking hold in this country. But is that hyperbole? This week we look at what it's actually like to live in the confusing information landscape that is Putin's Russia.

OK, I’ll Do It

#613 - 31 March 2017

Stories of people who decide that they are the best person for the job, no matter how dangerous. Including a story about a stay-at-home mom with a history of gun running for a guerilla organization, and a surgeon who does surgery...on himself.

Ask a Grown-Up

#612 - 17 March 2017

Stories from people who need a grown-up. Featuring teenage girls asking for advice about their love lives and Ira's tribute to his very grown-up friend Mary.

Vague and Confused

#611 - 3 March 2017

A show about rules and what happens when they’re vague and randomly enforced.

Grand Gesture

#610 - 17 February 2017

This week we have stories of people going to very extreme measures to demonstrate their feelings. Elna Baker makes a questionable trip to Africa, while a man in Florida commits a series of disturbing acts in the name of love. Ira also goes to a high school to talk to kids before a dance.