Try a Little Tenderness

January 26, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The Format: Narrative radio/podcast episode blending real-life interviews, performed comedy sketches, stand-up bits, and read short stories.
The Key Players:
- Host: Ira Glass, signature wry storytelling style tying themes together.
- Kids May (6) & Johanna (8) Mujensky & mom Megan: Charming sibling interview on tantrum resolution.
- Performers: John Mulaney, Chloe Fineman, Richard Kind, Fred Armisen voicing Simon Rich's hilarious toddler noir.
- Alan Martin*: Nature-loving victim of crow vendetta.
- Josh Johnson: Comedian riffing on parenting/spanking.
- Etgar Keret: Reader of philosophical short story.
The Vibe: Fun, whimsical, and insightful—mix of kid absurdity, dark comedy, animal antics, and tender humanism.

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1 (00:25) **Sisters Resolve Tantrum with "Butt Punch" Compromise**
2 (09:07) **Act One: "The Big Nap" – Toddler Noir Detective Story**
3 (29:48) **Act Two: Crow Vendetta After Tree Removal**
4 (38:32) **Comedian Josh Johnson on Spanking Debates**
5 (49:38) **Act Four: "The Bus Driver Who Wanted to Be God"**

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

In the new year, stories of people trying a radical approach to solving their problems.

Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.

Prologue: Ira meets two sisters who got into a fight, and then learned a lesson in turning the other cheek. (8 minutes)
Act One: A hardened PI works the toughest case of his very young life. (18 minutes)
Act Two: Producer Aviva DeKornfeld talks to a man who finds himself the target of vengeful crows. (8 minutes)
Act Three: Comedian Josh Johnson wonders if some people should’ve been spanked as kids. (10 minutes)
Act Four: Writer Etgar Keret reads his story about a bus driver who refuses to open the doors for late passengers. (9 minutes)

Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org