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
776
July 29, 2022

I Work Better on Deadline

Stories of people racing against time to solve a problem. Will they make it? 

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

Keith Negley

Note: The internet version of this episode contains un-beeped curse words. BEEPED VERSION.

Prologue

Prologue

Mike McFarland tells Ira about trying to get a message to someone under the most critical deadline imaginable—emphasis on the “imagine.” (8  minutes)

By Ira Glass
Act One

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Quorum

Reporter Sarah Gibson tells the story of a huge political divide in the tiny town of Croydon, NH –  population 800. She follows local activists as they try to rally everyone to their side in time for a crucial town meeting. (31 minutes)

By Sarah Gibson; Produced by Chris Benderev
Act Two

Snail in the Coffin

Senior Editor David Kestenbaum talks with a different kind of advocacy group: animal scientists doing their best to save a particular species before it winks out of existence. (16 minutes)

By David Kestenbaum

Song:

“Buzzer Beater” by Adam Melchor

Related

If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these
859: Chaos Graph
Apr. 25, 2025

Act Two: Solving For Where

A woman watches her partner get taken in handcuffs with no explanation.
770: My Lying Eyes
May 6, 2022

Act Three: We Did Start the Fire

Sometimes even when you live through something, it can be hard to see it for what it is.
343: Poultry Slam 2007
Nov. 23, 2007

Act Four: The Meaning Of A Bird

Writer David Rakoff explains how his life was changed—in a single evening—in a room of 5000 chickens.

Staff Recommendations

View all
706
May 29, 2020

A Mess to Be Reckoned With

Lissa Yellow Bird searches for missing people. She's great at it. But then, her niece goes missing.

560
July 3, 2015

Abdi and the Golden Ticket

A story about someone who's desperately trying – against long odds – to make it to the United States and become an American.

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