22 Feb 2026
1h 1m

881: I Want What I Want

Podcast cover

This American Life

This episode of "This American Life" explores the theme of individuals making unconventional choices, contrasting them with societal norms. The first act features a filmmaker discussing a documentary about a beekeeping family, highlighting the differing personalities of two brothers and their father's approach to teaching them about nature through experiences like bee stings. The second act presents a comedian's reflection on gluttony as a virtue, drawing parallels with a 19th-century oyster enthusiast and recounting his own near-death experience with appendicitis after indulging in cheesy chips. Finally, the show examines a man's quest to reconcile with an ex-boyfriend, revealing past miscommunications and the complexities of maintaining connections after a breakup.

Outlines

Part 1: Family, Curiosity, and Gluttony

Part 2: Personal Trials and Health Crises

Part 3: Legal Conflict and Political Bias

Part 4: Conclusion

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