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
528: The Radio Drama Episode
Act Three

How Do You Slow This Thing Down

  • Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
  • Transcript

Joshuah Bearman tells a story that’s a sequel to his memorable episode about his mother and half-brother David. It’s done onstage as a play that’s structured like a radio documentary, with Josh Hamilton playing Joshuah, and James Ransone playing his brother. (17 minutes)

By

Josh Bearman

Song:

“How Do You Slow This Thing Down” by Stephin Merritt

More in Family

View all
861: Group Chat
May 30, 2025

Act One: I’m Fine, Don’t Worry

When Yousef Hammash left Gaza a year ago, his sisters decided to stay behind.
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)
850: If You Want to Destroy My Sweater, Hold This Thread as I Walk Away
Dec. 20, 2024

Act One: The World Has Turned and Left Me Here

For Producer Lilly Sullivan, there’s one story about her parents that defines how she sees them, their family, and their history.

More by Josh Bearman

View all
500: 500!
July 12, 2013

Act One

Julie Snyder talks about a favorite passage from Sarah Vowell's story in episode 107: Trail of Tears.
447: The Incredible Case of the P.I. Moms
Sept. 23, 2011

Act One: A Pretty Dame Walks In

Joshuah Bearman tells the story of Pete's ridealong with the PI Moms, and how strange things started to happen.
447: The Incredible Case of the P.I. Moms
Sept. 23, 2011

Act Two: His Partner Drops a Dime

Joshuah Bearman's story continues.
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