The Story Collider
Episodes
Following Directions: Stories about improvising
14 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting stories about the difficulties of following instructions -- whether it's medical advice or a recipe. Part 1: Science writ...
Expectations: Stories about surprising discoveries
07 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting stories about what happens when our expectations don't match up with reality.Part 1: Married neuroscientists Susana Martin...
Trials by Fire: Stories about difficult paths to science
31 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting stories from scientists who faced unusually difficult paths to science. We all know it's hard work to become a scientist. ...
Abortion: Stories from doctors and patients - Part 2
29 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting a special two-part bonus episode featuring the stories from our June 2018 show at Caveat in New York City, as part of the ...
Abortion: Stories from doctors and patients - Part 1
28 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting a special two-part bonus episode featuring the stories from our June 2018 show in New York City, "Abortion: Stories from...
Leaving Home: Stories about the places we're from
24 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting stories about leaving home in pursuit of science.Part 1: After being raised as a creationist, Jennifer Colbourne falls in ...
Help: Stories about desperate situations
17 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re presenting stories about times when we’re overwhelmed and feeling alone. Sometimes, in science, we need help. Sometimes that help...
Bright Ideas: Stories about inspiration
08 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting stories about unconventional solutions and things that seemed like a great idea at the time!Part 1: Author Kate Greathead ...
Me vs. My Brain: Stories about losing your self
03 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting stories about what happens when our own brains keep us from being fully ourselves. Part 1: When storyteller Sandi Marx beg...
Loneliness: Stories about finding friends
26 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
his week, we're presenting stories about the struggle to find friends. Science can be a lonely job -- but it can also connect us to others in ways we'...
Surprises: Stories about the unexpected
20 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting stories about surprising revelations or events in science.Part 1: When he receives a call from the vet, writer Matthew Dic...
Mortality: Stories about confronting death
13 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week at The Story Collider, we're presenting two stories about confronting death.Part 1: Science communicator Anthony Morgan receives an invitati...
The Science of Dating: Stories about sex and romance
06 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting two stories about the science behind dating, ranging from a neuroscientist's attempts to use brain scans and personality t...
Responsibility: Stories about leadership
29 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting two stories about responsibility in science. Whether we're working in a classroom or the White House, we all have some lev...
Pride: Stories about coming out in science
27 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
To close out Pride Month this week, we're sharing a special bonus episode featuring stories about coming out in science! Part 1: Science educator Ch...
Unfamiliar Territory: Stories about journeys to new places
22 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we're presenting stories about venturing into unfamiliar territory, whether it's an isolated community in Alaska or the Costa ...
In Honor of Father's Day: Stories about complicated dads
15 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're celebrating Father's Day by sharing stories about complicated relationships with dads.Part 1: After her father, a well-known intellec...
Forever: Stories about unbreakable bonds
08 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're sharing stories about love that stands the test of time, transcending illness, differences, and even death. In other words -- break ou...
Coming of Age: Stories about growing up
01 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting stories about coming of age. Bildungsroman, if you will. (Thank you, eleventh-grade Honors English!) These storytellers wi...
Science Fiction: Stories about aliens and zombies
25 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we take a journey into science-fiction to find out if aliens can master the science of empathy and zombies can bring a couple closer togeth...
Different: Stories about standing out in a crowd
18 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about being different, and the ways our differences can become our strengths.Part 1: Growing up, Amanda Gorman is d...
In Honor of Mother's Day: Stories about moms
11 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, in honor of Mother's Day, we present two stories about science and moms! Part 1: Marine biologist Jessica Hoey tries to keep her daughter...
Identity: Stories about figuring out who we are
04 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re presenting stories about identity, whether its an external sense of cultural identity or an internal sense of self.Part 1: Mathema...
Challenges: Stories about overcoming obstacles
27 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re presenting stories about overcoming obstacles and breaking down barriers -- whether those barriers are institutional or written int...
Dreams: Stories about ambition
20 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting stories about scientific ambitions and dreams -- and the ways in which they meet reality. Part 1: Planetary geologist Sa...
Fight or Flight: Stories about confronting threats
13 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about confronting threats -- whether it’s actual physical danger or a threat to your career. Part 1: Climate scie...
Science Communication: Stories about spreading the word
06 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about communicating science, whether it's through journalism or over a fragile Skype connection. Part 1: Science jou...
New Beginnings: Stories about starting over
30 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present a story about fresh starts and new beginnings in science.Part 1: Three years into a great faculty position, psychologist Amber ...
Women in Science: Stories about defying expectations
23 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, in honor of Women's History Month, we're presenting two stories about women in science and the unique challenges they face. Follow us on T...
Generations: Stories about passing science down
16 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about science and wisdom passed down through generations. Part 1: Ted Olds fears he’ll fail to graduate after his...
In Honor of Pi Day: Stories about math
09 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, in honor of Pi Day on March 14, we're presenting two stories from mathematicians. Part 1: After a reluctant start, mathematician Ken Ono m...
Innovation: Stories about creative ideas
02 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about original ideas and creative solutions in science -- from a Rube Goldberg machine to using hookworms to treat a...
Double Lives: Stories about loving both science and art
22 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about being torn between love of science and a love of art. Part 1: Saad Sarwana tries to juggle careers in physics...
Black Holes: Stories about dark times
16 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about dark moments in science. Part 1: Astrophysicist Jesse Shanahan tries to uncover the mysteries behind both the...
Heartbreak: Stories about times science breaks our hearts
09 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, in honor of Valentine's Day, we're presenting two stories about heartbreak in science. Part 1: Rattled by a recent heartbreak, neuroscient...
Recovery: Stories about responding to crises
02 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting stories about the ways we respond and recover to dire situations in science, whether it's cancer or sexual assault....
Good and Evil: Stories about the science of gray areas
26 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we bring you two stories about the science of morality. Or morality in science. Either way you want to look at it. Part 1: Political scient...
Bad Days in the Field: Stories about fieldwork frustrations
19 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we bring you two stories about frustrations in the field, whether it's a failure to find dinosaur fossils or a struggle with a painful medi...
Origin Stories: Stories about paths to becoming a scientist
12 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week we present two stories about the inspiration behind scientists' careers. Part 1: Kate Marvel's dream of being a genius takes her to Cambridg...
Math Problems: Stories about struggles with math
05 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about the struggles "math people" face. Part 1: Lew Lefton tries to succeed as both a math professor and a math com...
Home: Stories about science and community
08 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about finding community with science. Part 1: Keoni Mahelona leaves his home in Hawaii in pursuit of science. Part ...
The Science of Growing Up: Stories about coming of age
08 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two science stories about becoming the people we're meant to be. Part 1: Research technician Jean Ansolabehere finds herself ...
Life and Death: Stories of loss and resilience
08 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're presenting two stories about loss and resilience in science. Please note: Our first story this week contains graphic depictions of vi...
Doubt: Stories about moments of uncertainty in science
08 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories of doubt in science, from a mysterious illness to imposter syndrome. Part 1: A sudden illness casts doubt on whet...
Psychotropic Substances: Stories about altered states
01 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about psychotropic substances, from a study on the impacts of magic mushrooms on cancer surivors to a comedian's spi...
The Bats and the Bees: Stories about winged wildlife
24 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about the challenges of studying winged wildlife, from bats to honey bees. Part 1: Cylita Guy finds unexpected adven...
Reflection: Stories about our sense of self
17 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about the things that make up our sense of self, from our appearance to our memories. Part 1: On the verge of losin...
DNA: Stories about family
10 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we bring you two stories about science and family, from a biochemist and a neuroscientist. Part 1: Biochemist Katie Wu is lactose intoleran...
Maternal Bond: Stories about moms and their kids
03 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about the mother-child relationship intersecting with science, from a daughter and a mother. Part 1: Actor and wri...
Pressure: Stories about stressful situations
27 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories of scientists under professional and academic pressure, both in the field and in the lab. Part 1: In China, ornithol...
Adaptation: Stories about survival
20 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories of adapting to survive, from a cancer survivor's creative solution to the after-effects of his treatment to an Iraqi...
Invisibility: Stories about hiding in plain sight
13 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we bring you two stories of invisibility, from a man looking to escape his identity to a marine biologist who feels invisible to her col...
Perception: Stories about tricks of the mind
05 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories from science journalists about the ways the ways we perceive -- or misperceive -- the world around us. Part 1: Whe...
Migration: Stories about journeys home
28 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we bring you two stories about long journeys home, from an Iranian-American biologist and a psychologist who survived Chernobyl. Part 1: Bi...
Attachment: Stories of powerful bonds
22 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, two chemists try to balance their love and their science, and a mother must choose her newborn daughter's surgeon. Part 1: Hea...
Identification: Stories about who we are
15 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about identity, from a neuroscientist's encounters with racism to an OB-GYN's struggle with her feelings about mothe...
Chemistry: Stories about falling in love
08 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about science intersecting with love -- in both fortunate and unfortunate ways. Part 1: Nothing can come between Li...
Metamorphosis: Stories of radical change
01 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we bring you two stories of scientists experiencing radical change, whether at home or in 1980s Berlin. Part 1: Nadia Singh d...
Exploration: Stories about facing new challenges
25 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories of exploring new territory, from communicating with chimpanzees to swimming in the Red Sea. Part 1: While working a...
Boiling Point: Stories of reaching points of crisis
18 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we bring you two stories of scientists reaching points of crisis. Part 1: Rashawn Ray’s trajectory as a sociologist is forever changed by...
Zoology: Stories about wild animals
11 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories of encounters with wild animals, from a seal named Crystal in Antarctica to a flatulent rhino in South Africa. Part ...
Epidemic: Stories about medical crises
04 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories of medical crises, from New York in the 1980s to the present-day opioid epidemic.Part 1: During his residency traini...
Magnetism: Stories about attraction
28 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we bring you two stories about attraction, from the neuroscience of prairie voles to a physics love story. Part 1: Neuroscientist ...
Death: Stories about untimely ends
21 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about death in science, from a university lab to a crime lab. Part 1: To make ends meet as a student, Cris Gray tak...
Evolution: Stories about evolving as people
14 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Adam Andis was raised as a creationist, but grows up to become an evolutionary biologist. Part 2: In grade school, Angel Yau excels at scie...
Friction: Stories of difficult relationships in science
07 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we bring you two stories of difficult professional relationships in science, whether in the field or in the lab. Part 1: As a young biology...
Independent Research: Stories of setting off on our own
30 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about young scientists setting off on their own. Part 1: As an undergrad, Frank Stabile lands an exciting summer res...
Oil: Stories from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
23 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we bring you two stories from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, one from a native Louisianian scientist and the other from a fourth-...
Paternal Bonds: Stories about dads
16 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present stories of science and fatherhood. Part 1: As a teenager, comedian Gastor Almonte seeks answers about some of the scientific ter...
Symbiosis: Stories about teamwork
09 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories about working together, whether it's to accomplish a scientific mission or save a life. Part 1: Yael Fitzpatrick an...
Early Childhood Development: Stories about growth
02 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories of learning experiences connected to early childhood, from an expert in maternal and infant health discovering the ...
Working Memory: Stories about how memory shapes us
26 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we present two stories of how memory impacts our lives, our families, and the way we see ourselves. Part 1: When Jirard Khalil is twelve ye...
Standard Deviation: Stories about unusual encounters
19 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Late one night in the ER, doctor Bess Stillman treats a patient with an interesting dilemma. Part 2: As a teenager, science writer Brendan B...
Maternal Instinct: Stories about moms
12 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we present two stories of science and motherhood, just in time for Mother's Day. Part 1: Developmental biologist Pam Felician...
Hard Science: Stories about journeys into physics
05 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: When Sarah Demers gets a work-study job working on a particle detector, she has no idea what she's in for. Part 2: After being discouraged f...
Syzygy: Stories of celestial alignment
28 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Bryony Tilsley and her husband are planning a local astronomy event when their family undergoes a big change. Part 2: Eclipse chaser David Bar...
Resistance: Stories about fighting oppression
21 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Environmental engineer Siddhartha Roy is baffled when the state of Michigan insists the water in Flint is safe to drink despite his scientific...
Transformation: Stories about changing states
14 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Geneticist Sebastian Alvarado reconnects with his love of comic books by attempting to shrink ants. Part 2: Inspired by his favorite novel, th...
Technological Advancements: Stories about the ways technology impacts our lives
07 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Blind athlete Simon Wheatcroft finds a way to run marathons by himself. Part 2: Worried she won't ever be able to commit to one field of study...
Observational Error: Stories about the overlooked
31 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Neuroscientist Qi Lin struggles to connect with friends and colleagues when she can’t escape her scientific mindset. Part 2: When defense at...
Isolation: Stories about loneliness
24 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: On an expedition to Antarctica, journalist Alok Jha ends up trapped on the ice for days. Part 2: Neuroscientist Rita Tavares attempts to anal...
Habitat Loss: Stories of changing environments
17 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Ecologist Evon Hekkala travels to Madagascar to help protect a village from a man-eating croc. Part 2: Criminologist Stan Stojkovic receives a...
In the Field: Stories about venturing into the wild
10 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: As a grad student, Liz Neeley falls in love with the order of science, but when she heads into the field, she’s forced to confront messy rea...
Natural Habitats: Stories of finding where we belong
03 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Born and raised in Brooklyn, naturalist Helen Cheng leaves the comfort of the city to venture out into the field. Part 2: Ecologist Thom Yo...
Predators: Stories about confronting danger
24 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Drew Prochaska decides to confront his fear of sharks -- by going swimming with them. Part 2: Attorney Heather Cucolo must navigate the compli...
Fear Response: Stories about conquering fear
17 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Mark Pagán combats his phobia of flying in an unusual way. Part 2: Military surgeon Rob Lim must perform surgery in the middle of a sandstorm...
Oxytocin: Stories of love gone wrong
10 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: MIT Museum education coordinator Faith Dukes wonders if there’s something wrong with her when she fails to couple up. Part 2: Cara Gael O'Re...
Research: Stories about the places studies take us
03 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: As a teenager, Bri Riggio struggles to understand her eating disorder and connect with her psychologist father. Part 2: Seth Baum, an expert i...
Outliers: Stories of unusual outcomes
27 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: A series of unfortunate events reveals something off about molecular biologist Maryam Zaringhalam’s sense of smell. Part 2: Hillary Savoie’...
Baseline: Stories about starting points
20 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Bioethicist Elizabeth Yuko tries to use her science training while reporting her sexual assault. Part 2: Engineering student Selam Gano return...
Excited State: Stories about exhilerating experiences
14 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Mackenwells tries to smuggle something onto the vomit comet, and Jess Thom learns the best way to explain her Tourette's to someone new. Brian M...
Exposure: Stories about new experiences
06 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Journalist Erika Check Hayden travels to Sierra Leone and sees ebola up close and personal for the first time. Part 2: As a child, psychologis...
Adam Becker: The Solar System
30 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Though Adam Becker loved science as a kid, he struggled in school -- until he met first-grade teacher Mrs. Brown. Adam Becker is a writer, astrophysic...
Mary Ann Allen: My Friend Lovey
23 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
When biologist Mary Ann Allen gets a chance to study Down syndrome, the disorder her dear childhood friend had, she jumps at the chance, but the resul...
Rebecca Brachman: Deadly Mistake
16 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Neuroscientist Rebecca Brachman is working late one night alone in the lab when she accidentally sticks herself with a needle full of deadly toxin. Re...
Emily Grossman: Crying in Science
09 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
When geneticist and science communicator Emily Grossman is invited to discuss women in science on TV, she doesn't know she'll be debating a legendary ...
Amanda Buch: My Father's Brain
02 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
When Amanda Buch's beloved father is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, it sparks a passion in her for neuroscience. Amanda Buch is a budding neurosc...
Matt Hartings: My Bacon Number
25 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Chemist Matt Hartings is excited -- and a little frantic -- when he receives an unexpected invitation to talk about the science of bacon on The Today ...
Chiara Mariottini: Lost in Translation
18 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Italian neuroscientist Chiara Mariottini struggles to fit in when she moves to New York City. Chiara Mariottini has a PhD in Neurophysiology from the ...
Wes Hazard: Everything Is Wrong
11 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Standup comedian Wes Hazard's dangerous chronic illness rears its head while he's on stage one night. Wes Hazard is a Boston-based comic & storyte...