We use cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. If you continue to use our site, you agree to the use of such cookies. For more info, see our privacy policy.
Skip to main content

Hi. We love you. Be our Life Partner.

Support the show to get ad-free listening, bonus content, and our new Greatest Hits Archive.

Learn more
This American Life Partners logo
00:00
00:00
  • Transcript
  • Share
This American Life
  • Life Partners
  • How to Listen
  • Episodes
  • Recommended
  • About
    • Overview
    • Staff
    • Announcements
    • Fellowships
    • Jobs
    • Music
    • Make Radio
    • On The Road
    • FAQ
    • Submissions
    • Merch
    • Contact Us
    • Our Other Shows
  • Merch
  • Follow Us
  • Life Partners
184
May 11, 2001

Neighbors

Stories of people trying to love their neighbors, and failing.

  • Download
    Control-click (or right-click) Tap and hold to download
  • Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Subscribe
  • Transcript
Artotem

Prologue

Host Ira Glass talks to the Arnold Abbott, the founder of "Love Thy Neighbor," a Florida charity that's being sued by "Love Your Neighbor," a Michigan ministry and business. "Love Your Neighbor" owns the trademark on the phrases "Love Your Neighbor" and "Love Thy Neighbor;" the attorney for the Michigan business Julie Greenberg, contemplates whether suing a neighbor can fall within the category of loving them as yourself. (5 minutes)

By

Ira Glass
Act One

Mr. Rothbart's Neighborhood

When he was just a kid, Davy Rothbart and his family visited the most famous neighbor in America—Mr. Rogers—at his summer cottage on Nantucket. Two decades later, as an adult, Davy went back for another visit with Mr. Rogers. This time he brought stories from his own neighborhood, stories of neighborly conflict and distrust—to see what kind of advice Mr. Rogers could give him. (20 minutes)

By

Davy Rothbart

Song:

“Dear Hearts and Gentle People” by Bing Crosby
Act Two

The Girl Next Door

What happens when the kid next door wants to be your new friend...and comes over, tries to talk to you, befriends your dog. Are you a bad person if you don't want to accept the tiny hand of friendship? Cheryl Wagner tells the story of her young, persistent next-door neighbor. A version of this story first appeared at Open Letters. (11 minutes)

By

Cheryl Wagner
Act Three

The Ratman Cometh

What happens when a good neighbor goes bad. Katie Davis lives on a block where everyone wants to get along, and they're trying, even though one of their favorite neighbors has dozens of rats infesting her yard and attacking other houses. (20 minutes)

By

Katie Davis

Related

If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these
421: Last Man Standing
Dec. 3, 2010

Act Three: My Own Private U.F.O.

A story about God and extraterrestrials, told by Elna Baker.
697: Alone Together
Mar. 20, 2020

Act One: Hey Dad. Dad!

Stephanie Foo talks to a father trying to go about his day while his daughter comes to him over and over, with some things on her mind.
7: Quitting
Dec. 29, 1995

Act Two

Ira explores the question of when it's time to quit a relationship through rare recordings of bickering between roommates—recorded by the next-door neighbors.

Staff Recommendations

View all
589
June 17, 2016

Tell Me I’m Fat

Maybe it’s time to rethink the way we see being fat.

206
Mar. 1, 2002

Somewhere in the Arabian Sea

Life aboard an aircraft carrier stationed in the Arabian Sea supporting bombing missions over Afghanistan.

This American Life

This American Life is produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago and delivered to stations by PRX The Public Radio Exchange.

  • How to Listen
  • Episodes
  • Recommended
  • About
    • Overview
    • Staff
    • Announcements
    • Fellowships
    • Jobs
    • Music
    • Make Radio
    • On The Road
    • FAQ
    • Submissions
    • Merch
    • Contact Us
    • Our Other Shows
  • Merch
  • Contact
  • Life Partners
  • Serial
  • S-Town
© 1995 - 2025 This American Life Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Subscribe

  • on Spotify
  • in Apple Podcasts

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email