The Pulse

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Listen to full episodes of WHYY’s health, science and innovation program, The Pulse.

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    • May 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 48m AVG DURATION
    • 306 EPISODES

    4.6 from 261 ratings Listeners of The Pulse that love the show mention: health and science, vocal fry, never boring, reporters, philly, animals, interesting stories, medical, really interesting, reporting, theme, accessible, storytelling, essential, difficult, recent, human, issues, thoughtful, well done.


    Ivy Insights

    The Pulse podcast is an incredible show that has enriched my life in so many ways. I have learned a tremendous amount from the various episodes, covering a wide range of topics including experiments, animals, movements, and physical phenomena that I never knew existed before. The format of the show, with each episode broken into mini-stories created by different reporters but all connected by a theme, is brilliant and keeps me engaged throughout. The host is excellent, with a bright and engaging presentation style that makes the show even more enjoyable to listen to. The topics covered are always interesting and innovative, and I love how each episode combines elements such as strong hosts with good rapport, interesting guests, and ideal episode lengths. Overall, this podcast is a perfect combination of elements that make it an absolute must-listen for anyone interested in science and health journalism.

    One of the best aspects of The Pulse podcast is the wide variety of topics covered. From experiments to animals to physical phenomena, there is something for everyone to learn about and explore. The show's ability to take complex scientific concepts and present them in an accessible way is truly impressive. Additionally, the format of having different reporters contribute mini-stories allows for a diverse range of perspectives and storytelling styles that keep the show fresh and engaging.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is the host's natural talent for presenting information in an entertaining and informative way. Their bright personality shines through in each episode, making it enjoyable to listen to even when tackling complex subjects. The rapport between the hosts and their guests adds another layer of enjoyment to the show.

    On the downside, there really isn't much negative to say about The Pulse podcast. Some listeners may find certain episodes or topics less interesting than others based on personal preferences, but overall there are no significant drawbacks.

    In conclusion, The Pulse podcast is an informative, interesting, and well-produced show that covers a wide range of scientific and health-related topics. With its talented host, diverse range of topics, and engaging format, it is a must-listen for anyone interested in science and health journalism. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just someone looking to learn something new, this podcast is sure to enrich your life.



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    Latest episodes from The Pulse

    Sharks — From Fear to Fascination

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 48:54


    Before dinosaurs, before trees — even before Saturn had its rings – there were sharks. The fierce predators have been swimming in our oceans for hundreds of millions of years, standing the test of time as they survived all five of Earth's mass extinction events.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What It Takes to Prove the Truth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 49:14


    We all want the truth — but how exactly do we know when something's true? Often, the answer relates to evidence or proof, something capable of convincing us and easing our doubts. But whether or not different kinds of proof are accepted can vary widely by person and situation. On this episode, we explore proof and evidence, and how it affects our perception of what is true.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Cybercrime and How Hackers Prey on Human Nature

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 54:26


    Cybercrime has been around for as long as computers have — but over the past 20 years, it's exploded into a global threat, with staggering financial, political, and even personal consequences. We hear about the virus that ushered in the age of social engineering attacks, the history of cybercrime, and what led one man to become a hacker.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Lightening the Load of Motherhood

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 48:52


    We often hear about the joys of motherhood — the incomparable sense of love, the magic of watching your kids discover the world, and the fulfillment of seeing them grow. But motherhood can also be a grind. On this encore episode, we take a look at the experience of modern motherhood — the challenges, the sometimes impossible standards, and the strategies that help moms thrive.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The Life-Changing Power of Lifting Weights

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 51:39


    For a long time, weightlifting was relegated to the realm of muscle heads — but today, it's popular among people of all ages and fitness levels. On this episode, we explore the history of weightlifting, some of its unexpected health and cognitive benefits, and why one woman says it changed her relationship with her body.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    50 Years Later: The Lasting Impact of the Vietnam War

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 49:03


    The Vietnam War changed the world — and the lives of millions of people, who remain scarred by the traumas they experienced. On this episode, we mark the 50th anniversary of the war's end with stories that explore its lasting impact, from veterans struggling to reconcile the role they played in the deadly conflict, to Vietnamese refugees who are still working to put the pieces back together.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Finding Strength and Beauty in Muscles

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 34:57


    As the doors of the Vatican were opening, Bonnie Tsui sprinted through the galleries to the Sistine Chapel. She wanted to experience Michelangelo's frescoes alone for 10 minutes. She laid on the floor, looked up and cried. It's just one of many stories she weaves through her new book, "On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why it Matters." On this episode, Tsui joins host Maiken Scott for a conversation about the importance of strength, muscles and being comfortable in one's own body, especially as we age.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Loneliness and How to Rekindle Social Connection

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 50:00


    Over the past few years, public health experts have been sounding the alarm over a growing and potentially deadly epidemic: loneliness. On this episode, we explore how and why loneliness is so detrimental to our health, who is most affected, and novel solutions, ranging from cuddle parties to robot buddies.- Short Feed Episode Description: Why researchers say we're facing a "loneliness epidemic ," and novel solutions to fostering social connectionLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The Rise of YouTube and How It's Changed Our Lives

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 48:34


    On this episode, we mark the 20th anniversary of YouTube with an exploration of how the video-streaming platform has transformed everything from global pop culture, to social movements, to how we seek out and consume information. We hear about new research on how short-form videos affect our brains, how algorithms dictate culture, and what makes YouTube so helpful — and addictive.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    In Search of Work-Life Balance

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 48:43


    Our jobs can provide us with a sense of identity, connection, and meaning — but they can also feel like a never-ending to-do list that gets in the way of actually living. On this episode, we explore work-life balance: When do we find meaning in our careers, and when do we not? And how do we set healthy boundaries between our jobs and our personal lives?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Biomimicry: What Nature Can Teach us about Engineering and Design

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 48:51


    How does nature make durable materials like corals and seashells without a heat or a kiln? How do peacock feathers get their beautiful colors? Scientists are trying to understand these processes and to replicate them for sustainable human products and design. The field of biomimicry is growing. We'll explore its origins and hear about some of the latest innovations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The Mystery of Consciousness

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 48:55


    This month marks the 20th anniversary of Terri Schiavo's death. She was diagnosed as being in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, but family members argued fiercely over her level of awareness, and whether to continue life support. We explore how the case shaped our views of consciousness, and what researchers are learning about hopes of recovery after brain damage.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Why the Internet Knows You Better Than You Know Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 48:06


    We all have digital footprints — unique trails of data based on our online activities that corporations use to predict our behavior and influence our choices. Sometimes, it can be helpful; other times, it can feel creepy and intrusive. On this episode, we talk with computational scientist Sandra Matz about what makes up our digital footprints, what they reveal about us, and how they're being used.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How the Way We Look Affects the Way We Feel

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 48:59


    When we don't like how we look, or are hypercritical about our appearance, it can really do a number on our mental health. On this episode, we explore the connection between how we look and how we feel, from the unexpected emotional consequences of cosmetic surgery, to why dermatologists and psychologists have joined forces to form a new field.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    (Mis)Diagnosis: Bipolar Disorder

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 48:41


    For more than 15 years, bipolar disorder defined Abigail Kafka's life. Abigail was heavily medicated, unable to work, or have a social life. Then a therapy session introduced a startling question: What if this diagnosis was wrong? On this episode, we'll discuss what contributed to an explosion of bipolar diagnoses, and why experts disagree whether this disorder is over-or underdiagnosed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Ripple Effects

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 55:43


    We trace the ripple effects of both scientific breakthroughs and public health disasters — understanding the long-term consequences of decisions and events — ranging from peanut allergies, to the invention of a life-changing new drug, to the lasting impact of intergenerational trauma.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Pushing for Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 48:52


    Whether we're talking about something as small as our work habits, or as big as public health policy, change can be tough. It requires energy, courage and persistence, that, a lot of the time, can feel impossible to muster. On this episode, we explore what it is that motivates individuals to change — both themselves and the world around them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Meeting Your Match: Navigating the World of Modern Dating

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 54:43


    Ahead of Valentine's Day, we explore the modern world of dating — and why so many people are frustrated with it. We talk with a behavioral scientist and dating coach Logan Ury about best practices for online dating, learn about researchers building a new dating app, and hear stories about successful and not-so-successful efforts to find love.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Exposure

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 48:37


    Every day, our bodies come in contact with all kinds of potentially harmful things that we can't always see or smell — but which can have real consequences for our environment and health. On this episode, we explore exposure from sunlight to black plastic to hazardous chemicals from the East Palestine train derailment, and ask how we can protect ourselves.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Finding your 'Sleep Groove'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 38:57


    In college, Olivia Walch was a self-described "sleep deprivation cowboy." She would go days with only 3 to 4 hours of sleep and then binge sleep at other times. But soon, it all caught up with her. Now, she's a sleep researcher at the University of Michigan with a simple message: Sleep regularity is key — as is darkness. She joins host Maiken Scott to discuss her new book "Sleep Groove: Why Your Body's Clock Is So Messed Up And What to Do About It."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The DIY Medicine Movement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 48:44


    DIY culture is all about teaching yourself new skills to do things on your own. But what happens when the DIY approach extends to something as complicated as medicine?We hear about a man who developed a cure for his persistent infection in his garage, find out why so many people are flocking to DIY medicine, and learn how one researcher carefully evaluates his patients' DIY approaches.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Beyond Human Conversation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 52:09


    Humans have long dreamed of communicating with other species, from plants and animals to extraterrestrials. On this episode, we explore different efforts to break down the communication barrier with other forms of life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What It Takes To Build The Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 49:07


    We often think of the future as some unknowable horizon, fueled by sudden discoveries and inventions — but in reality, the future is constantly being created, pushed forward little by little by an army of innovators and tinkerers. On this episode, we explore what it takes to create the future, and how we can shape our own destiny.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Origin Stories and How We Become Who We Are

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 49:05


    Great origin stories aren't only for superheroes or villains in movies and comic books, lots of fascinating tales shed light on how places or people got their start. Origin stories connect us to the past, and speak to what makes us unique, or shaped us. On this episode, we'll listen back to our favorite origin stories; everything from the beginnings of the ICU to Facebook and a famous conman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The science behind the healing power of music

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 50:50


    You've heard that music is the language of the soul — but could it also be a treatment for the body? On this reissued episode, we explore the latest science on the healing power of our favorite tunes, how they affect our brains, to why they improve our workouts, to the promise they show in treating illnesses like epilepsy and Parkinson's.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    First Responders and the Toll on Their Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 48:54


    We turn to first responders for help during emergencies. We expect them to stay calm and cool, and to know exactly what to do. In scary, dangerous, or life-threatening situations, they're the ones tasked with saving us. But their work can have a major, negative impact on their mental and physical health. So who's looking out for them? On this episode: First responders, the toll the job takes — and what helps them cope.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Why We're All So Outraged

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 48:54


    When we're feeling morally outraged — over politics, global conflicts, or violence, like the recent murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson — what's at the root of this feeling? Psychologist Kurt Gray argues that moral outrage is tied to fear and perceived harm. He joins us to discuss his forthcoming book "Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Parrot or Prophet: How AI is Shaping Language

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 48:39


    For thousands of years, we've thought of language as one of the key features that makes humans unique. But with the rapid evolution of large language models, the line between human communication and AI is starting to blur. On this episode, we explore the possibilities and limits of AI-generated language, how it's changing the way we communicate, and the implications for what it means to be human.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    When Being 'Gifted' No Longer Feels Like a Gift

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 48:44


    What does it mean to be 'gifted'? Who qualifies and how should we teach and treat gifted children? And, where do the limits of their talents lie? On this encore episode, we hear stories about the challenges of growing up gifted, how musical prodigies are made — and identified, and what a chess wunderkind has to teach us about the value of raw talent vs. experience.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Thanksgiving Disasters — And How to Avoid Them

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 56:56


    Thanksgiving is a lovely holiday — a time for food, family, and counting our blessings. But let's face it: The festivities don't always go as planned. On this episode, we explore the full range of holiday catastrophes, from travel hiccups to cooking disasters, and offer expert advice on how to avoid them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The Threats Facing Trees — and How to Save Them

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 48:49


    We not only love trees for their beauty — we need them for our survival. But around the world, some trees, and even entire forests, are facing numerous existential threats. On this episode, we explore why we need trees, the dangers they face, and new efforts to help them survive and thrive.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Biomimicry: What Nature Can Teach us about Engineering and Design

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 48:51


    How does nature make durable materials like corals and seashells without a heat or a kiln? How do peacock feathers get their beautiful colors? Scientists are trying to understand these processes and to replicate them for sustainable human products and design. The field of biomimicry is growing. We'll explore its origins and hear about some of the latest innovations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What Makes Our Circadian Clocks Tick

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 48:58


    Circadian rhythms affect more than our sleep — they can shape all aspects of our health, and are in turn shaped by the rhythms of our lives. We explore the intricate mechanics of our internal clocks, and how they affect our health.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How Politics Are Changing Health and Science

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 50:44


    With a contested presidential election looming, we explore what's at stake for health and science, from fertility medicine to cyber security with voting machines, and efforts by scientists to protect themselves from political influence.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Thrills & Chills: The Psychology of Fear

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 48:00


    It's that time of year when we celebrate something we usually hate: fear. We visit haunted houses and corn mazes or binge-watch the scariest horror movies. In its most primitive form, fear is about survival — so we can face or escape serious threats. In other settings — where there's no danger — fear can feel exhilarating or fun. On this episode, we explore our complicated relationship with fear.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    All the Rage

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 48:59


    Your face flushes hot, maybe your fists clench, your heartbeat speeds up and your blood pressure rises. It's rage and it can go from zero to red-hot in seconds. It's normal to feel angry when you or somebody else has been wronged, mistreated, or hurt. But even justified rage can become destructive. How do we handle these fiery emotions when they erupt?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    When Law Enforcement and Health Care Meet

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 49:04


    Police generally aren't trained to deal with mental health crises — and yet they constantly find themselves called to intervene in these challenging situations, sometimes leading to disastrous results. On this episode, we explore efforts to change how law enforcement and health care work together.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    When Every Second Counts: Advances in Cardiac Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 48:49


    Every second counts when it comes to treating patients in cardiac arrest — which is why researchers and health care professionals are working constantly to find faster and better ways of delivering care. We hear about some of the latest advancements, from a new generation of networked AEDs to high- and low-tech innovations in treating heart disease.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Navigating Autism in School

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 48:54


    What's the best educational setting for my child to learn and grow? It's a question many parents contemplate, but it's an especially difficult question for parents of autistic kids. We explore the often unseen challenges these kids face at school, the battles parents face advocating for change, and what experts say could actually make a difference.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What It Takes to Treat Serious Mental Illness

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 48:44


    We explore what it takes to recover from serious mental illness, with stories about how a patient's decades-long relationship with his psychiatrist helped him overcome severe depression, how a new crisis response program balances safety with providing help to those experiencing mental health emergencies, and how Patrick Kennedy went from politician to mental health advocate.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The Healing Power of Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 50:19


    You've heard that music is the language of the soul — but could it also be a treatment for the body? On this episode, we explore some of the latest science on the healing power of our favorite tunes, from how they affect our brains, to why they improve our workouts, to the promise they show in treating illnesses like epilepsy and Parkinson's.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What Teeth Tell us About Survival on Earth

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 30:20


    Zoologist Bill Schutt argues that teeth were pivotal to the success of vertebrate animals, they're power tools for survival. His latest book is "Bite: An Incisive History of Teeth, from Hagfish to Humans." On this podcast extra, Schutt explains why teeth are key to understanding evolution; the controversy over fluoride in water; and why people once thought decay was caused by tooth worms.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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