• 858: How to Tell a Dumb American Story

  • Apr 13 2025
  • Length: 1 hr and 7 mins
  • Podcast

858: How to Tell a Dumb American Story

  • Summary

  • A couple devises a strategy to get their daughter's killer prosecuted and to get attention for other Native families.

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

    • Prologue: Mika Westwolf was killed in a hit-and-run on a Montana highway. Her parents thought the driver might get away with it. The driver was white. Mika was a citizen of the Blackfeet Nation. (1 minute)
    • Act One: Mika’s parents, Carissa Heavy Runner and Kevin Howard, share recordings of their interactions with law enforcement. (8 minutes)
    • Act Two: Carissa and Kevin take matters into their own hands. (20 minutes)
    • Act Three: The county prosecutor explains why he let Mika’s killer out of jail. Will Carissa and Kevin's efforts pay off? Sierra follows them to court. (33 minutes)

    Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org

    This American Life privacy policy.
    Learn more about sponsor message choices.

    Show more Show less
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup

What listeners say about 858: How to Tell a Dumb American Story

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.