This American Life – Episode 212: The Other Man

Date: April 5, 2026
Host: Ira Glass

Episode Overview

This episode explores what happens when an outsider—“the other man”—arrives in a closed system, forever changing its dynamics. Through three distinct acts, the show presents stories about disruption and adaptation: from a movie star upending family roles, to a spiritual presence transforming a household, to a political doppelganger complicating a congressional race, and finally, to an eccentric suitor entering a mother-daughter duo. Each story unfolds with humor, honesty, and the signature warmth and wryness typical of This American Life.

Act One: Psychic Buddha. Kesca Se

Story by Davey Rothbart
Segment Start: [07:15]

Main Points & Insights

• The Arrival of “Aaron”

  • Davey’s mom, Erin, begins “channeling” a spirit called Aaron, an ancient Buddhist monk, after becoming deaf at 29.
  • Aaron becomes a constant presence, dispensing wisdom, coaching Erin in Buddhism, and supporting her through adversity.
  • What starts as a private spiritual journey soon turns the family home into a hub for meditation, New Age seekers, and healing.

• Family Dynamics and Skepticism

  • As Erin’s son, Davey, reports, her spiritual role revitalizes her after isolation and despair, reshaping family connections.
  • The family, including brothers Mike and Peter, reflect on Aaron with varying degrees of belief and skepticism.
  • Mike leaned into Aaron's teachings to heal from trauma; Peter remains agnostic.

• Exploring “Realness”

  • Davey interviews Aaron through Erin, questioning the origins of Aaron: is he real or her invention in response to pain?
  • Aaron (via Erin) admits he can’t prove his existence but says:

    “Are the ideas that I offer useful to you? Forget me. Are the ideas useful to you?” — Aaron (Erin Rothbart) [21:33]

  • The story highlights the pragmatic role of belief: whether real or imagined, Aaron brought comfort and direction.

• Healing the Family

  • Aaron’s teachings help Erin and her husband reframe their marriage and emotional struggles.
  • Davey concludes:

    “Believing in Aaron is a lot like believing in God…I have a hard time having an unswerving faith in something you can't see or prove exists. But I do have that kind of faith in my mom. That's why I believe in Aaron.” — Davey Rothbart [31:37]

• Memorable Family Moments

  • Hilarity ensues when Davey’s dad attempts to channel his own spirit guide, “Monga,” proving less convincing than Erin.
  • The family reminisces about meditation classes, skepticism, and finding unity in their odd arrangement.

Notable Quotes

• “I feel his presence there constantly. But it's like sitting in a room with somebody…if it's somebody you really love, there's a comfort in that presence.” — Erin Rothbart [08:46]
• “Basically, when I would call, I'd explain how I was doing, and Aaron would just really help me to see things from a more universal perspective…that my problems were temporary.” — Mike Rothbart [14:07–14:19]
• “Aaron came in peace, and that's what he brought us.” — Davey Rothbart [31:00]

Act Two: The Jackson 2

Segment Start: [35:04]

Main Points & Insights

• Political Intrigue & Double Identity

  • Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. is stunned to learn that another man, also named Jesse L. Jackson, has entered the Congressional race in his district.
  • Initial confusion arises over the challenger’s existence; he turns out to be a retired truck driver recruited for the purpose.
  • The move is traced to the Shaw brothers—local political operatives—who seek to dilute Jackson’s political clout.

• Name Games in Politics

  • The tactic: put another candidate with the same name on the ballot to confuse voters, a practice not uncommon in local politics.
  • Mark Brown (Chicago Sun-Times) provides commentary on the farcical, almost slapstick, nature of the situation.
  • Congressman Jackson investigates, uncovering fraudulent petition practices, but the shadow of nepotism and the power his father’s name casts never recedes.

• Reflection on Political Reputation

  • Congressman Jackson laments:

    “I want it to be about issues of concern to my constituents. …Rather than running a race on a third airport or discussing O’ Hare expansion or how to get more jobs, I'm caught in a fight with people who aren't even running for Congress in my race.” — Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. [39:57]

  • The episode contextualizes this practice, showing it as both a dirty trick and political theatre.

• Resolution

  • After legal wrangling and the exposure of petition shenanigans, the “other” Jesse Jackson drops out, but not before highlighting the ways identity, legacy, and subterfuge intermingle in democratic contests.
  • Ironically, after years in Congress, Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. faces his own fall from grace, ending with a prison sentence.

Memorable Moment

• “Rabbit hunting is fun until the rabbit gets the gun.” — Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. [44:01]
• “It's funny to everybody but the Congressman.” — William Shaw (paraphrased by Ira Glass) [43:07]

Act Three: Mr. Fun

By: Heather O’Neill & Jonathan Goldstein
Segment Start: [45:56]

Main Points & Insights

• Disruption: Domestic Edition

  • The story shifts to the intimate world of Heather and her daughter Arizona, a self-sufficient pair until Heather falls for Johnny, a hapless magician and teacher.
  • Johnny’s attempts to ingratiate himself as “the other man” in a duo unwelcoming of third wheels drive the narrative.

• Comic Culture Clash

  • Johnny’s earnestness and clumsiness contrast with Arizona’s childlike cunning and skepticism.
  • Their first encounters fizz: he ranks “number 19” on her list of favorite people, behind neighbors and even the plumber.

    “He actually ranked below the neighbor’s dog and the plumber who drank two gallon bottles of Pepsi while he worked and let Arizona hand him wrenches.” — Heather O’Neill [53:35]

• Battle of Wills

  • Johnny’s gifts (mood rings, pop-up books), attempts at discipline, and efforts at bonding mostly flop, leading to comic exasperation.

    “She was like the Muppet Baby, Joe Pesci.” — Jonathan Goldstein [49:42]

  • Arizona, wise beyond her years, declares:

    “This isn't what you do to have a good time.” — Arizona [56:44]

  • She and Johnny invent a vaudeville act, encapsulating their fraught, funny relationship as stage antagonists—frenemies under one roof.

Notable Quotes

• “Children need discipline. They like it was a favorite banner of Project Goldstein.” — Jonathan Goldstein [52:17]
• “My mom’s shadow is longer than yours. That means you’re short.” — Arizona [53:03]
• “Tell me why! He's my friend, I said, and you have to pretend to like him.” — Heather O’Neill [55:04]

Memorable Scene

At Burger King, Arizona has a meltdown over pickles, punctuating Johnny’s outsider status and highlighting how even small changes can disrupt a delicate familial balance.
And yet, by the end, their invented vaudeville routine shows a grudging tacit acceptance and the possibility, even in awkwardness, of forming new kinds of family.

Selected Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:30] – Sarah’s Robert Redford story, introduction of “the other man” theme in a family setting.
• [07:15] – Start of "Psychic Buddha" (Davey Rothbart’s segment).
• [20:13] – Channeled message from “Aaron.”
• [35:04] – “The Jackson 2” and the political doppelganger story begins.
• [45:56] – “Mr. Fun” – Johnny enters Heather and Arizona’s lives.

Tone and Style

The episode balances humor, emotional candor, and cultural commentary—from the comedic to the poignant. Stories are told in the personal, confessional tones of the subjects, featuring witty observations, introspective asides, and deft narrative structure.

Conclusion

Through stories of “the other man” in myriad forms—movie stars, mystical spirits, political name games, and awkward new stepdads—This American Life episode 212 explores the subtle and seismic ways outsiders disrupt, challenge, and sometimes enrich the systems they enter. The episode’s warmth, honesty, and sharp wit invite listeners to reflect on family, faith, power, and belonging.