The Story Collider
Episodes
Imposter Syndrome: Stories about not feeling good enough
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Almost everyone has at one time or another felt inadequate despite their achievements. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers share their ...
Facing Death: Stories about confronting one's mortality
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Confronting death can lead to personal growth, newfound appreciation for life, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. In this week’...
Full Circle: Stories about going back to the start
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers share tales that illuminate the transformative power of returning to their roots.Part 1: Gregor Pos...
This Is Why We Play: Stories about motivation
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers give us behind the scenes glimpses into why they do what they do.Part 1: While constantly staring a...
Disgust: Stories about feeling revulsion
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Disgust, often seen as a primal and universal emotion, can reveal a lot about our values, boundaries, and cultural norms. In this week’s episode, bo...
Taking You With Me: Stories about precious memories
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Memories are the threads that weave together the tapestry of our lives, each one a cherished treasure that shapes who we are and where we've been. In ...
Checking On You: Stories about concern for others
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are many ways you can ask someone “Are you okay?” In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers navigate the complexities of human conn...
Pi vs. Pie: Stories about Pi Day
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Pi Day! In honor of upcoming Pi Day on March 14, this week’s episode features two stories about the nerdy celebration. Both of our storyteller...
Temperature Rising: Stories about forest fires
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Wildfires can impact so many things, from ecosystems to the air quality, to even the economy. But in this week’s episode, both of our storytellers t...
Am I The Problem?: Stories from CZI's Rare As One Project
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI)'s Rare As One Network brings together rare disease patients and advocates in their quest for cures. Both of thi...
Love Story: Stories with a happily ever after
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of Valentine’s Day, this week’s episode features two stories where love finds a way.Part 1: Scientist Bruce Hungate yearns to find someon...
Peer Review: Stories about other people's opinions
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In science, peer review plays a critical role in figuring out if research is good enough, robust enough. In this week’s episode, both of our storyte...
Postpartum: Stories about postpartum depression
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
CDC research shows about 1 in 8 women with a recent live birth experience symptoms of postpartum depression. In this week’s episode, our storyteller...
Faith: Stories about religion and science
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Throughout history, the relationship between faith and science has been complex – a delicate interplay between the spiritual and the empirical, wher...
Failure: Stories about failing in science
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In science, failure is as important as success. In this week’s episode, our storytellers share times when they failed at science or science failed t...
Hallucinogenics: Stories about tripping
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, our storytellers delve into their personal encounters with psychedelics—moments where reality became a blur, perceptions b...
Life and Death: Stories about our relationship with death
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year! In this week’s episode, our storytellers ponder the big questions about life and death.Part 1: When Shannon Turner’s high school f...
Fresh Start: Stories about new beginnings
29 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we say goodbye to 2023 and ring in the New Year, this week’s classic episode is all about the novel.Part 1: Feeling isolated in her new job as a ...
A Child Is Born: Stories about labor and delivery
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Holidays! In this week’s classic episode, both stories explore the miracle of life.Part 1: An expert in oxytocin, the hormone released during ...
DIY: Stories about doing science oneself
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Science doesn’t always have to be in fancy labs with million dollar equipment and shiny beakers. Sometimes, science can be a bit more DIY. In this w...
Bringing My Whole Self: Stories about being yourself in science
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers strive to be their authentic selves in academia.Part 1: Raul Fernandez dreamed of going to universi...
Active Participant: Stories about being a research subject
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Research participants are sometimes the most important part of science. Without participants there is no data, and without data there are no findings....
Reality: Stories about one's perception of real life
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone thinks they know the difference between fantasy and reality. But do we? In this week’s episode, our storytellers struggle to keep a firm gr...
Career Path: Stories about career journeys
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While some people have straight forward career paths, in this week’s episode, both of our storyteller’s career paths are a little more complex.Par...
Shame: Stories about things we hide
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers confront their secret shames and learn to accept themselves, warts and all.Part 1: Comedian Amy Vel...
Politics: Stories about the political side of science
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While many people believe science and politics should be kept separate, politics is deeply ingrained in science. Be it through funding agendas, cultur...
Paradoxical: Stories about thoughts we shouldn't have
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all have thoughts that can be seemingly absurd or self-contradictory. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers reckon with their conflict...
Anxious Mind: Stories about troublesome worries
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Anyone can feel anxious, but when anxiety starts impacting your life, it can be problematic. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers confro...
Helping Hand: Stories about the kindness of strangers
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it’s a completing a lab, writing up a grant proposal, or just getting through everyday life, everyone needs a little help. In this week’s ...
New Normal: Stories about finding a new way of being
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In science, we’re constantly learning, adapting and evolving. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers need to reckon with a new normal.Pa...
Reclamation: Stories about setting something right
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all know life isn’t perfect, but sometimes we get a do-over. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers get a chance to redeem a part of ...
Mortified: Stories about embarrassing situations
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers experience the most humbling of human experiences: being embarrassed.Part 1: Emma Yarbrough feels i...
Searching: Stories about trying to find something
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you think about it, science is one big act of searching. There's always something to look for, whether it's the answer to a hypothesis or the next ...
Food Science: Stories about things we eat
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As famed Iron Chef Alton Brown once said: “Everything in food is science”. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers discover something a...
Break Ups: Stories about the end of a relationship
01 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matters of the heart aren’t usually associated with science, but in this week’s episode, both of our storytellers turn to science to cope with hea...
Uncharted: Stories about disability in STEM
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
People with disabilities are underrepresented in STEM fields, and all too often, they face isolation and ableism in academia. In this week’s episode...
Job Search: Stories about finding employment
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Searching for a job in science or in another field is often a daunting task with plenty of challenges, both expected and unexpected. In this week’s ...
Burn Out: Stories about mental exhaustion
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology, burnout is defined as “physical, emotional or mental exhaustion, accompanied by decreased motivation,...
Overthinking: Stories about repetitive thoughts
04 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking about a problem or a situation over and over again, you might be an over-thinker like our storytellers. In th...
Fish Out of Water: Stories about feeling out of one's element
28 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When life throws you into unusual or unfamiliar situations, it’s hard to feel comfortable or confident in your skills. In this week’s episode, bot...
Standing Your Ground: Stories about sticking up for yourself
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Confrontation can be scary and speaking up for yourself takes courage. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers find their confidence to fig...
POV: Stories about others' point of view
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
July is Disability Pride month, which is all about empowerment and visibility for those with disabilities. In honor of Disability Pride month, this we...
Resurfacing: Stories about coming back to oneself
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re in the lab or the field, not feeling like yourself sucks. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers find a way to feel like ...
Extracurricular Activities: Stories about life outside of science
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Extracurricular activities aren’t just to look good on college applications. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers explore their passio...
Rich Tackenberg: A psychic in West Hollywood
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, we take a look at the mysterious and deceptive world of psychics.Part 1: Rich Tackenberg is skeptical when a psychic tells h...
Fatherhood: Stories about dads
16 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of Father’s Day, this week’s episode is an ode to all the dads out there who are doing their best.Part 1: Pediatrician Ken Haller goes of...
Unpleasant Sensations: Stories about being uncomfortable
09 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Science and the natural world offer us opportunities to experience a range of sensations -- some of them deeply unpleasant. In this week’s episode, ...
Systematic Errors: Stories about failed experiments
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many factors can lead to a failed experiment -- human errors, errors in measurement, and sometimes just random errors. In this week’s episode, both ...
Initiations: Stories about proving oneself
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it’s a new school or new job, there’s often some sort of “try out” to see if you cut the mustard. In this week’s episode, both of ou...
Learning: Stories from our workshops
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, we are highlighting two storytellers from The Story Collider's Education Program and the stories they crafted as a result of...
Motherhood: Stories about becoming a mom
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of Mother’s Day, this week we’re sharing stories about the journey to becoming a mom.Part 1: Discouraged by the medical approach to pregn...
Expertise: Stories about knowledge
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Experts are a dime a dozen, but true expertise is hard to come by. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers – who shared their stories at ...
Skin Deep: Stories about racial disparities
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers share stories about the problems of finding representation of diverse skin tones in science and med...
Against the Odds: Stories from CZI's Rare As One Project
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both of our stories are from CZI's Rare As One Project. CZI’s Rare As One Project brings together rare disease patients a...
Fear in the Lab: Stories about confronting danger
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You can tell a lot about a person by how they react in the face of danger. In this week’s classic episode, both of our storytellers must find the co...
Observations: Stories about noticing the details
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Making insightful observations is a key component of being a good scientist, or journalist, or filmmaker. Come to think of it, many careers rely on th...
Mariah Wilson: Anything To See A Forest Elephant
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, we get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to film a wildlife conservation documentary.Part 1: Documentary producer Ma...
Road Not Taken: Stories about what could have been
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In science it’s completely normal to wonder what would happen if you altered one variable or another – that’s what you do when you test a hypoth...
Lies: Stories about playing along
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a ton of reasons to lie, but experts have found that lies are most beneficial when they’re not selfish. In this week’s episode, both our...
Community: Stories about finding a place to belong
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Finding community within science can be a challenge. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers struggle with feeling out of place in science....
Dogs: Stories about our furry friends
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers share tales of man’s best friend, more scientifically known as canines.Part 1: Dog trainer Chris ...
Katie Moriarty: The Mystical Wolverine
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, we learn all about the largest land-dwelling species of the family Mustelidae, the wolverine, and why they’re so special.P...
Discovery: Stories about uncovering something new
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s classic Story Collider episode, both our stories are about the thrill of exploration and discovering something new.Part 1: Ecologist ...
In the Name of Love: Stories about the romantic side of science
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While it might not have been until the 1940s that social scientists came up with tools to measure love, it is a lot more scientific than you might thi...
Extra Mile: Stories about going over and above
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you've thought that you've ever gone above what is expected in your life, you haven't heard this week's stories. In this week’s episode, both our...
Volunteered: Stories about unwanted jobs
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers share times where they got stuck with jobs they never signed up for.Part 1: Ted Olds finds himself ...
Evolution: Stories about our changing relationship with science
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers explore their ever changing relationships with science over the course of their lives.Part 1: All t...
Misinterpretation: Stories about misreading the situation
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To err is human, even if you’re a scientist. In this week’s episode, both storytellers share moments about a time when they got things a bit wrong...
Trial and Error: Stories about problem solving
06 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The new year is the time to try something new and in this week’s episode, both our storytellers approach their scientific problems in the most scien...
Sport Science: Stories about the athletic side of science
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both our storytellers share stories about the science-y side of sports and physical recreation.Part 1: Daniel Engber risks d...
The Road to Science: Stories about winding paths to science
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The journey to science is rarely straightforward and clear cut. In this week’s episode, both our storytellers share their tales of how they came to ...
Flora: Stories from the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Without plants, we wouldn’t have air to breathe, and we also wouldn’t have these great stories inspired by the leafy green vegetation. This week’...
Body Image: Stories about physical appearance
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both our stories are about how we see our bodies and the often complex relationship we have with them.Part 1: With the loomi...
All-Star: Stories from our All-Star Slam challengers
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the lead up to our special Story Collider All-Star Slam on December 6, 2022, we’re featuring two past stories from our challengers on this week’...
Unlikely Paths: Stories from the Institute for Genomic Biology
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There’s rarely an expected path in science. This week’s episode, produced in partnership with The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, fea...
Borders: Stories about divisions
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both our storytellers explore the divisions and limits that influence how we understand and operate in the world and in scie...
Pain: Stories about unpleasant physical sensations
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pain is really weird, scientifically speaking. It’s not just a message from injured tissues to be accepted at face value, but a complex experience t...
Gross Science: Stories about the yucky parts of science
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Science isn’t always pretty. In fact, more often than not it’s kinda disgusting. In this week’s episode, both our storytellers share stories of ...
Expect the Unexpected: Stories about unforeseen circumstances
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Often, the hypotheses scientists make at the start of an experiment turn out to be correct. But sometimes, the results end up as something completely ...
Childhood Dreams: Stories about youthful aspirations
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you’re a kid, anything seems possible, whether it’s becoming an astronaut or a princess, or even convincing your parents to get you that pupp...
Calling: Stories about one's vocation
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes a job is just a way to make a living, but for our storytellers it is much more than that. In this week’s episode, our stories are about th...
Blending In: Stories about trying to belong
07 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers are scientists struggling to feel like they belong -- in and out of science.Part 1: Neuroscientist ...
Healing Power of Nature: Stories about finding peace outside
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Being in nature can have a powerful effect on our body and mind. It’s like a tonic for our well-being. Research has found that it reduces blood pres...
Overachieving: Stories about going above and beyond
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we’re being the opposite of overachievers and re-running some classic Story Collider stories. In this week’s episode, both our storytell...
Unconventional Friendships: Stories about unlikely pairs
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Science is filled with weird and wonderful bonds, like Bubbles the African Elephant and Bella the Black Labrador or potassium and argon. In this week’...
Strength in Numbers: Stories from Latasha Wright
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, we have not one, but two stories from Story Collider’s board member Latasha Wright. This is her fourth story featured on o...
Phobias: Stories about fears
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If someone tells you they’re not afraid of anything, they’re a liar. As the wise Nelson Mandela once said: "The brave man is not he who does not f...
Out of Place: Stories about feeling like an outsider
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Not to get too emo and Simple Plan lyrics on you, but have you ever felt out of place? Like somehow you just don't belong and no one understands you? ...
Anomaly: Stories about rare diseases
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's almost unbelievable that a change in something as small as a cell or a gene can lead to such big consequences. In this week’s episode, our stor...
Taken Seriously: Stories about wanting respect
12 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While some people can fake it 'til they make it, others find that being taken seriously is a challenge, no matter what they do. In this week’s episo...
Story Collider En Español: Historias científicas en español
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
En el episodio de esta semana, nuestros dos narradores comparten historias reales y personales sobre la ciencia en español.Parte 1: Ro Moran nos cuen...
Anxiety: Stories about feelings of worry
29 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As the great Greek philosopher Epictetus said: “Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems”. It’...
Good Intentions: Stories about meaning well
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both our storytellers set out to do the right thing, but you know what they say about good intentions.Part 1: During the pan...
Anticipation: Stories about expectations
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both our storytellers will have you on the edge of your seat, shivering with anti…….ci……….PATION as they share sto...
Healing: Stories about getting better
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, both our storytellers share tales of getting back on their feet, both literally and figuratively.Part 1: After Natalia Reaga...
Bodies: Stories about anatomy
01 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The human body is fascinating and sometimes kinda gross. In this week’s episode both our storytellers are sharing tales of their blood, flesh, and b...
Tenacity: Stories about perseverance
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As the great Rocky Balboa once said about life: “it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.” But in this week’...
Father's Day: Stories about dads
17 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of Father’s Day, this week’s episode features stories about dads. Also in honor of Father’s Day, here’s one of our favorite science D...
Prom Night: Stories from Proton Prom
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode we’re sharing some of the stories from our second annual fundraiser Proton Prom.Part 1: Comedian Josh Gondelman is terrifie...
Mysteries: Stories about enigmas
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Usually mysteries are reserved for true crime podcasts and cop shows, but in this week’s episode, both our storytellers delve deep into a scientific...