A Better Mousetrap

#311 - 14 April 2006

Stories about people trying to find new solutions to age-old problems—solutions that sometimes cause problems of their own.

Habeas Schmabeas

#310 - 10 March 2006

Winner of a 2006 Peabody Award. We've also broadcast an updated version of this episode, "Habeas Schmabeas 2007."Listen to a special, uncut version.Download a transcript.

Cat and Mouse

#309 - 24 February 2006

Stories about the kinds of chase games that just never end. From the high California desert to a high-end furniture showroom.

Star-Crossed Love

#308 - 10 February 2006

In honor of Valentine's Day, This American Life brings you stories of how love blossoms, even when (perhaps) it shouldn't.

In the Shadow of the City

#307 - 3 February 2006

Stories that take place on the edge of civilization, just out of sight.

Seemed Like A Good Idea at the Time

#306 - 13 January 2006

A girl signs up for a class. A couple hires an accountant. A group of co-workers decides to pool their money and buy a couple of lottery tickets. In the beginning, they're full of hope and optimism...and then something turns. Stories of good ideas gone bad.

The This American Life Holiday Spectacular

#305 - 23 December 2005

A full-throttle, show-stopping, no-holds-barred Christmas Spectacular! Shedding the crusty old Christmas stories of yore, we bring you new holiday classics. With special musical guest Marah!

Heretics

#304 - 16 December 2005

The story of Reverend Carlton Pearson. He was a rising star in the evangelical movement when he cast aside the idea of hell and, with it, everything he'd worked for over his entire life.

David and Goliath

#303 - 2 December 2005

Variations on an old tale, with very modern consequences. Cambodia is competing with other nations for the business of big clothing companies all over the world...but they've vowed to follow fair labor practices. Other countries end up with the contracts, and the profits.

Strangers in a Strange Land

#302 - 18 November 2005

Someone once said, "If you're not willing to be changed by a place, there's no point in going." This week, stories about what happens when you land in a whole new world.