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
Full episode
420: Neighborhood Watch
Act One

Wary Home Companions

  • Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
  • Transcript

Reporter Ruth Padawer tells the story of a woman goes to her neighbors with an incredible request—to help care for her son after she dies—and is shocked by their response. Ruth Padawer writes for the New York Times Magazine and teaches at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. (16 minutes)

By

Ruth Padawer

Song:

“You're Out Walking the Streets Tonight” by Sir Douglas Quintet

More in Fathers

View all
854: Ten Things I Don't Want to Hate About You
Feb. 21, 2025

Part One

Zach and his father enter into an agreement that could change their entire relationship. (9 minutes)
838: Letters! Actual Letters!
Aug. 16, 2024

Act One: Dear Alice

Writing a letter decades after an event that shaped her life was the only way that Nicole Piasecki could make some sense of it.
838: Letters! Actual Letters!
Aug. 16, 2024

Act Five: Dear Zoe

Producer Zoe Chace compares the letters a person gets and the letters they wish they got.

Staff Recommendations

View all
550
Mar. 13, 2015

Three Miles

What happens when of a group of public school students in the Bronx goes to visit an elite private school three miles away.

192
Aug. 31, 2001

Meet the Pros

The story of one man's journey from obscurity to international professional celebrity.

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