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828
April 5, 2024

Minor Crimes Division

People taking it upon themselves to solve the tiny, overlooked crimes of the world.

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Three kids on a couch and their mom sitting across from them in an armchair

Ping Zhu

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

Prologue

Prologue

Host Ira Glass bikes around Manhattan with Gersh Kuntzman, in search of illegal license plates. (11 minutes)

By Ira Glass
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)

By Michael Harriot; Produced by Emmanuel Dzotsi
Act Two

Alternate Side

Producer Aviva DeKornfeld talks to Caveh Zahedi about a crime he may or may not have committed, depending on who you ask. (7 minutes)

Caveh Zahedi first told this story on his podcast, 365 Stories I Want to Tell You Before We Both Die. 

By Aviva DeKornfeld
Act Three

Jewel Intentions

Micaela Blei accidentally solves a crime that had been going on for a long time, right under her nose, and has to decide what to do next. She told this story onstage at The Moth. (7 minutes)

By Micaela Blei
Act Four

Occam’s Toilet

Editor Bethel Habte examines video evidence of two parents trying to get to the bottom of a minor crime committed in their own home. (7 minutes)

By Bethel Habte

Song:

“Criminal Mischief (For Adam White)” by Jimmy and the Jaywalkers

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

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