Built around the innovative personal vision of host Ira Glass, This American Life, quite literally, pioneered a new kind of radio storytelling. The weekly program explores a theme — fiascos, conventions, the job that takes over your life — through a playful mix of radio monologues, mini-documentaries, "found tape," short fiction and unusual music.

Ira Glass started working in public radio in 1978 as an intern at NPR. He moved to Chicago in 1989 and put This American Life on the air in 1995.