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
463: Mortal Vs. Venial
Act Three

The Geeks Come Out at Night

  • Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
  • Transcript

Because the line between a mortal and venial sin can be hazy, sometimes the only way to tell is to test it. And that's particularly true when you're a kid, trying to figure out if you agree with where your parents draw that line. Producer Jonathan Menjivar tells this story about a time when he tested that line. (8 minutes)

By

Jonathan Menjivar

More in Childhood

View all
851: Try a Little Tenderness
Jan. 10, 2025

Act Three: You’ll Spank Me Later For This

Comedian Josh Johnson wonders if some people should’ve been spanked as kids.
828: Minor Crimes Division
Apr. 5, 2024

Act One: Harriot Vs Harriot

Writer Michael Harriot reexamines the DIY criminal justice system his mom invented to deal with his bad behavior as a child. (20 minutes)
827: All the King's Horses
Mar. 22, 2024

Act One: Toy R Us

A teenage whiz kid invents a new toy for Milton Bradley.

More by Jonathan Menjivar

View all
720: The Moment After This Moment
Oct. 16, 2020

Act Four: Potus Operandi

Ten years ago Jonathan Menjivar was on the cusp of something big: the birth of his daughter.
636: I Thought It Would Be Easier
Jan. 19, 2018

Act One: Send in the Gowns

Marshall Project reporter Julia Preston and producer Jonathan Menjivar visit an immigration court in Laredo, Texas to find out how one of Trump’s mandates—to quickly expel immigrants from the US—is going.
602: The Sun Comes Up
Nov. 11, 2016

Act Four: Los Angeles

Producer Jonathan Menjivar listens in on parent-teacher conferences the day after the election at a bilingual school in Los Angeles.
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