podcast

858: How to Tell a Dumb American Story

13.04.2025
Listen to the episode on your favorite platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Youtube
  • Spotify
  • Castbox
  • Pocket Casts
  • Stitcher
  • iHeart
  • PlayerFM
  • SoundStream
  • Overcast
  • Castro
  • RadioPublic

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.

email
Auto light/dark, in dark modeAuto light/dark, in light modeDark modeLight mode

© 2020–2025 PC.ST

Developed by — Pavel Kozlov

Design by — Bonkers!

858: How to Tell a Dumb American Story
01:07:27