Tillie Olsen reads from her short story "I Stand Here Ironing," from her collection Tell Me A Riddle. In the story, a mother reviews all that's gone wrong in the raising of her oldest daughter ... and makes a few conclusions about what she should think about her mistakes as a mother. And Host Ira Glass interviews his own mother, who insists — several times — that mothers are always taken for granted. (7 minutes)

Act One. She Said, She Said.

Producer Alex Blumberg conducts an investigation, perhaps the first ever, into this American subspecies: people who compulsively imitate their mother's voices in everyday conversation, well into adulthood. (18 minutes)


Song: "Your Mother's Here to Stay," Allan Sherman


Act Two. Are You My Mommy?

When Jessica Robinson was sent to adult prison at the age of 14, the state did such a terrible job taking care of her that several women — an embezzler, a convicted murderer, and some thieves — stepped in to mother her. Alex Kotlowitz reports. Seven thousand young people like Jessica are now in adult prisons nationwide. (21 minutes)


Song: "It's Mom," Sarah Seligman


Act Three. Mom Music.

Beau O'Reilly and his mother Winifred, who had 14 children, discuss her secret feelings about Johnny Cash and other matters on Mother's Day. (9 minutes)

Song: "Five Feet High and Rising and Send A Picture of Mother," Johnny Cash


Act Three. Mom Music.

Beau O'Reilly and his mother Winifred, who had 14 children, discuss her secret feelings about Johnny Cash and other matters on Mother's Day. (9 minutes)

Song: " Five Feet High and Rising and Send A Picture of Mother," Johnny Cash