The Story Collider

Becoming: Stories about growing into yourself

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, both our storytellers strive to realize their full, authentic selves in science.Part 1: After being bullied for his sexualit...

Obsession: Stories about scientific fixations

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Science has a way of inspiring obsession. In this week’s episode, both our storytellers spiral deep into a personal all-consuming preoccupation.Part...

Proton Prom: Stories from our Proton Prom storytellers

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In anticipation of our upcoming Proton Prom, this week we’re re-airing the first Story Collider stories from two of the storytellers who will be per...

DNA: Stories about genetics

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s almost magical how a combination of just A, C, T, and G entirely determine who we are. In this week’s episode both our storytellers look at h...

Fitting In: Stories about belonging

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode both our storytellers struggle to find their place.Part 1: Heather Galindo studies her lab mates in hopes of understanding wh...

Near Death Experiences: Stories about close calls

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not often people have a brush with death, but in this week’s episode both our storytellers are sharing stories about their near misses.Part 1...

Passing the Test: Stories about making the grade

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, both our storytellers are assessed and evaluated in ways they never expected.Part 1: During a visit to her doctor, comedian ...

Grief: Stories about dealing with loss

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, our storytellers' lives and careers in science are shaped by a great loss in their lives.Part 1: When neuroscientist Macayla's...

On the Spectrum: Stories about being neurodivergent

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, both our storytellers share their experience with the autism spectrum. This episode is in honor of World Autism Awareness Da...

Science of Gender: Stories outside the binary

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of International Transgender Visibility Day on March 31 this week’s episode celebrates storytellers who are transgender and gender nonconfo...

Diabetes Awareness: Stories about dealing with diabetes

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode both our storytellers are sharing their experience with diabetes. More than 34.2 million Americans have diabetes, however, ma...

Pi Day: Stories about a very specific number

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of Pi Day on March 14, this week’s episode features two stories about how a particular number has impacted the live’s of the storytellers...

The Miracle of Life: Stories about birth

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode both our storytellers share their experience of that beautiful and magical moment when new life is brought into this world.Pa...

Work: Stories about science as a job

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode both our storytellers give us a glimpse into how they make a living in science.Part 1: After a gruelling residency shift, Nat...

Unconventional Methods: Stories about finding a different way

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wasn’t it Einstein who said: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”? In this week’...

In & Out of Love With Science: Stories about relationships with STEM

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you’re in love with science, it can be as messy and complex as any type of romantic relationship. In this week’s episode both our storyteller...

Representation: Stories about diversity in STEM

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, both our storytellers examine the importance of diversity and representation in science – and not just in their research s...

Validity: Stories about finding validation

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, both our storytellers are seeking what all scientists are looking for: validity. If you want to check the reliability of thi...

Paradigm Shift: Stories about the moment when everything changes

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, both our storytellers experience something that irrevocably alters their lives. Part 1: Carl Zimmer learns he has a lot in c...

BUGS: Stories about creepy crawlies

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers had to deal with some minibeasts, AKA insects, and surprisingly neither of them moved or burned the...

Going Out: Stories about what makes the world scary

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, both of our storytellers are sharing stories about something that is pretty relatable at the moment — the challenges of leaving the house...

A Magical Night: Stories about moments when science was magic

31 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers experience a magical night that changes everything. Here’s hoping that we all have a similarly ma...

A Little Help: Stories about needing support

24 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers are looking for a little help.Part 1: Jitesh Jaggi keeps his struggle with trichotillomania a secre...

Respect: Stories about demanding to be seen

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we present two stories about respect in science — how we get it and how we keep it.Part 1: Meisa Salaita’s brand-new PhD in chemistry i...

Human Reproduction: Stories about how we learn about sex

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, we share two stories about adventures in sex education.Part 1: Kate Willet is frustrated by the gaps of information in her a...

Looking the Part: Stories about what a scientist looks like

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories of people who struggled fitting in.Part 1: After switching majors to anthropology, Edith Gonzalez struggles to dress ...

Becoming a Scientist: Stories about what it means to be a scientist

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we present two stories about the path to becoming a scientist and what makes a scientist a scientist.Part 1: Andrea Jones-Rooy quits her jo...

Not Alone: Stories from CZI's Rare As One Project

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, both of our storytellers are navigating rare disease diagnoses and the feelings of fear, uncertainty, and loneliness that can often come al...

Inspiring: Stories about telling #MyScienceStory

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Please note: this episode’s stories contain discussion of suicide and mental illness.This week, we present two stories about the people in our lives...

Apprentices: Stories about mentors who shaped us

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's stories, both of our storytellers are apprentices to mentors who have profound impacts on how they see the world, though in very differ...

What Now?: Stories about coping after loss

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories of people who had to figure out how to continue life after loss.Part 1: Lawrence Green wakes up in a hospital room to...

Hazards: Stories about encountering danger in the field

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1: In his early twenties, Jonathan Feakins goes above and beyond for his job as a West Nile virus mosquito technicianPart 2: While working as a c...

Beauty of Science: Stories from Grow by Ginkgo

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Beauty is often considered a superficial quality, but it has tremendous power over us. This week’s episode, produced in partnership with Grow by Gin...

Stories of COVID-19: Uncertain Future

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we conclude our final Stories of COVID-19 series with two stories about the lasting impacts of the pandemic. Both of these stories ask: Whe...

Stories of COVID-19: Balance

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we bring you two stories about the struggle to find balance during the COVID-19 pandemic, whether it’s as a scientist, a mother, or all o...

Stories of COVID-19: Pandemic Love Stories

24 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our fourth installment of this series, love conquers all, even the obstacles presented by COVID-19.Part 1: Having planned to tie the knot in April ...

Stories of COVID-19: Under the Same Roof

17 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we bring you two stories about negotiating life under the same roof during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part 1: When Gail Thomas moves in with h...

Stories of COVID-19: Fear

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, in our final Stories of COVID-19 series, we bring you stories about managing the fear the pandemic introduced into our lives.Part 1: A disa...

Stories of COVID-19: Before and After

03 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we introduce our third and final Stories of COVID-19 series, which will be airing for six weeks. We’ve decided to begin this series in th...

Human Nature: Roots

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For the final episode of our Human Nature series, we, appropriately, go back to our roots.Part 1: After a dangerous incident, Kalā Holiday begins to ...

Human Nature: Stories about Humility

20 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s installment of Human Nature, our storytellers find humility in the natural world.Part 1: After working in the Everglades, ecologist S...

Human Nature: Stories of Resilience

13 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s installment of our Human Nature series, two storytellers find resilience on the high seas.Part 1: Tragedy strikes suddenly while Lind...

Human Nature: Stories about Hope

06 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, our Human Nature series continues with stories of hope — something that can sometimes be hard to find when it comes to our relationship w...

Human Nature: Stories about Perspective

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, as our Human Nature series continues, we’re sharing two stories from scientists whose experiences in the field changed their perspectives...

Human Nature: Courage

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s installation of our Human Nature series, we’re sharing stories about times the natural world forces us to draw on our courage.Part ...

Human Nature: Stories About Confidence

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we present two more stories in our Human Nature series, this time about the nature of earning our stripes.Part 1: An opportunity to chase a...

Human Nature: Coming of Age Stories

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our new series, “Human Nature,” begins today! Over the next seven weeks, we’ll share stories centered around our relationship with the natural w...

Incarceration: Stories about science and prison

02 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re presenting two stories about incarceration, and its intersections with science.Part 1: Looking to make an impact with science, Beve...

Women in Science: Stories from women's scientific careers

25 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re sharing two stories that were recorded before the pandemic, but that we’ve actually never shared on the podcast before. Both are ...

Trapped: Stories about being stuck

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re bring you two stories about feeling trapped -- whether it’s at the border, or in the aftermath of an acid spill. Both of these storie...

Celebrating 11 Years: Our Founder's Favorites

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Story Collider co-founder Ben Lillie joins us on the podcast today to discuss some of his favorite stories from the past 11 years, and also share one ...

Celebrating 11 Years: The Proton Prom

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, in anticipation of our first annual Proton Prom on Thursday, June 3, we’re sharing stories from two of our featured storytellers! Champio...

Celebrating 11 Years: Highlights from Our Online Shows

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, our host, Erin Barker, is joined on the podcast by the hosts of our online live shows, Gastor Almonte and Paula Croxson, to introduce two f...

Celebrating 11 Years: Our Favorite Stories from Years Past

14 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In celebration of The Story Collider's 11th birthday, we’re sharing two of our most loved stories from years past. Next week, tune in for two more s...

Stories of COVID-19: Neighbors

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the final installment of this new five-part series of Stories of COVID-19, we present two stories that explore what it means to be a neighbor, or p...

Stories of COVID-19: Masks

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode is all about masks -- the many varied reasons we have for wearing them, the uncertainty many of us felt around them in the early...

Stories of COVID-19: Separation

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

During the past year, we’ve all been separated from our normal lives, from our workplaces and colleagues, and worst of all, from the people we love....

Stories of COVID-19: Teachers

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Few professions outside of medicine and research have played as pivotal of a role in the events of the past year as teachers have. In today’s episod...

Stories of COVID-19: On the Job

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we begin sharing Stories of COVID-19 once again, starting with stories about the ways COVID-19 has impacted our working lives.Part 1: When ...

Two Sides Mini-Series, Part 3: On Time

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this last installment of our “Two Sides” series, we’ll hear stories from a brother and sister, Susan Kay Maller and Dan Boyd. Despite being b...

Two Sides Mini-Series, Part 2: My Heroes

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is part two of a special three-part mini-series centered around stories about mental health, told from two different perspectives....

Two Sides Mini-Series, Part 1: Two Apartments

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week is the start of a very special three-part mini-series centered around stories about mental health, told from two different perspectives. Thi...

BONUS: Migration

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s bonus episode, we bring you two stories on the theme of migration.Part 1: Ornithologist Dai Shizuka finds himself relating to an unusual ...

BONUS: Champions

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re sharing a very special bonus episode while we’re between series! This episode is titled “Champions,” because our storytellers...

Stories of COVID-19: Love, Part 2

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Part 2 of this episode, we’re sharing two more stories about the powerful love that has sustained us throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As always,...

Stories of COVID-19: Love, Part 1

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Throughout the tragic events of the past few months -- and despite the tragic events still to come -- love still perseveres and flourishes. From an un...

Stories of COVID-19: Clarity, Part 2

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of Clarity, we’re sharing two more stories about the ways the pandemic has brought our lives into sharper focus.In our first story, comedi...

Stories of COVID-19: Clarity, Part 1

22 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The starkness and suddenness of the pandemic has forced many of us to stop and reconsider our lifestyles. In this episode, our storytellers will share...

Stories of COVID-19: Community, Part 2

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Part 2 of this episode, we have THREE more stories about how our storytellers are finding community during the pandemic. Don't forget, you can find...

Stories of COVID-19: Community, Part 1

15 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Right now, while we can’t safely gather together, it can be difficult to feel part of a community. When most of our interactions are through a compu...

Stories of COVID-19: Home, Part 2

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Part 2 of “Home,” we’ll share two more stories about how storytellers are adapting their home lives during social distancing. Our first story...

Stories of COVID-19: Home, Part 1

08 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past few months, our homes have become workplaces, schools, and the backdrop for the majority of our lives. In this episode, our storytellers...

BONUS: "Except Me" by Sam Long

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re taking a break from our Stories of COVID-19 series until Jan. 8. But in the meantime, we have a fan-favorite story from one of our online live...

Stories of COVID-19: Generations, Part 2

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In Part 2 of this episode, we’ll share two more stories about the impact of COVID-19 across generations. Our first story is from two storytellers —...

Stories of COVID-19: Generations, Part 1

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Each generation is experiencing the pandemic differently. For some, the trauma of the 1918 pandemic still echoes. Others worry about how to balance th...

Stories of COVID-19: Connection, Part 2

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In Part 2 of Connections, we share two more stories about finding new ways to connect during the pandemic. Our first story is from psychologist Shreya...

Stories of COVID-19: Connections, Part 1

12 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Note: Apologies for the glitch yesterday! This is an updated version.By necessity, the pandemic is changing the way that we communicate with each othe...

Stories of COVID-19: Decisions, Part 2

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In Part 2 of Decisions, we’re sharing two more stories of difficult choices, one from a physician and another from the director of a public health l...

Stories of COVID-19: Decisions, Part 1

04 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the midst of a pandemic, almost every decision feels high stakes, and impossibly complicated. This episode will explore the difficult decisions our...

Stories of COVID-19: Adaptation, Part 2

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of this episode, we’ll hear two more stories about adapting to a new normal. Our first story is from bestselling author and champion sto...

Stories of COVID-19: Adaptation, Part 1

27 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The pandemic has forced us all to adapt in various ways, for the sake of our physical or mental health. The stories in this week’s episode will focu...

Stories of COVID-19: Cooperation, Part 2

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of this episode, we’ll explore the theme of cooperation further with two more stories, from a volunteer and an organizer.Our first story i...

Stories of COVID-19: Cooperation, Part 1

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the ways in which we’re working together to help one another and get things done, despite the significant obstacles and ...

Stories of COVID-19: Contact, Part 2

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of our first episode, we share two more stories on the theme of Contact.In our first story, Tracey Segarra is laid off from her corporate jo...

Stories of COVID-19: Contact, Part 1

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our series begins in New York City, the center of the early days of the pandemic, with a story from Harvey Katz, one of the hosts and creators of Take...

TRAILER: Stories of COVID-19

06 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Introducing our brand-new upcoming series, Stories of COVID-19! Stay tuned for our first episode on Nov. 13, and find out more here: https://www.story...

A Special Announcement

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A quick announcement from the Story Collider team about changes coming to our podcast! On Friday, November 13th, we will launch our new series, The St...

Epidemic Response Part 2: Stories about past epidemics

23 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two more stories from our back catalog about people who experienced epidemics of the past.Part 1: Journalist Erika Check Hayden t...

Epidemic Response Part 1: Stories about past epidemics

16 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories from our back catalog of people having to handle previous epidemics.Part 1: As a pediatrician in the 1980s, Ken Halle...

Spiraling: Stories of losing control

09 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories of people who spiraled out of control in their minds.Part 1: Computer vision researcher Virginie Uhlmann struggles to...

Ocean Discovery: Stories about what we discover at sea

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories from people who had encounters with ocean animals.Part 1: Stuck in the lab with buckets of jellyfish, Shreya Yadav...

Strangers: Stories about the people we don't know

25 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories from people who had experiences with strangers.Part 1: Even though he's an excellent student, and later a doctor, Dal...

A Little Luck: Stories about needing luck to get by

18 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories from people who needed a little luck to get by.Part 1: Studying Marine Biology in Florida, Philadelphian Kory Evans f...

Childhood Experiments: Stories about being scientists before we were ready

11 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories from people who decided to experiment with science when they were still teenagers.Part 1: In high school, Saad Sarwan...

Family: Stories about the people we hold dearest

04 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories from people who were confronted with what it means to lose family.Part 1: After leaving class early, Sonia Zárate ge...

Research: Stories about becoming a part of the process

28 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present stories from people who found themselves in sticky situations in the midst of doing research.Part 1: Erik Vance's first job repor...

Coincidences: Stories about looking for a chance encounter

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories from people who found the improbable.Part 1:Part 2:As a national park ranger, native South Floridian Gary Bremen has ...

Animal Rescue: Stories about animals who need our help

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories from people who got called into action to save an animal they didn’t know they’d be called to save.Part 1: While ...

Challenges: Stories about challenges we didn't know we needed to face

07 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories from people who experienced challenges in their travels.Part 1: Transporting virginal fruit flies from Houston to Hon...

Scientists in Love: Stories about the fantasies

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present two stories from people for whom science and love were interconnected.Part 1: When Saurin Choksi starts dating a neuroscientist, ...