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A Way with Words is an upbeat and lively show about language examined through culture, history, and family. Language debates, variations, and evolution, as well as new words, old sayings, slang, family expressions, word histories, etymology, linguistics, regional dialects, word games, grammar, books, literature, writing, and more.

A Way with Words

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A one-hour edition of the popular afternoon radio newsmagazine delivering breaking news mixed with compelling analysis, insightful commentaries, interviews and special features, and transforming the way listeners understand current events and view the world.
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Weekend All Things Considered

A one-hour edition of the popular afternoon radio newsmagazine delivering breaking news mixed with compelling analysis, insightful commentaries, interviews and special features, and transforming the way listeners understand current events and view the world.

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The Pulse

The Pulse Archive

After entering college in the late 90s, Abigail Kafka received a serious diagnosis of bipolar disorder. But after one therapy session during the pandemic, she realized that diagnosis had been wrong all along. (Courtesy of Abigail Kafka)
The Pulse
Health

‘Did I waste 15 years of my life?’ Investigating my bipolar diagnosis

It's estimated that 5 to 10 million Americans have bipolar disorder. But what do we really know about the condition?

1 year ago

Listen 34:30
Researchers often use the forced swim test on mice to measure the effectiveness of antidepressants. (Bigstock/Kovalvs)
The Pulse
Science

For decades, scientists have used the mouse forced swim test to study depression. Now some are reconsidering it

Some scientists and government agencies are concerned over the test’s impact on animals, and whether it is still useful for research.

1 year ago

Listen 11:50
Metaphor bipolar disorder mind mental. Double face. Split personality. Concept mood disorder. 2 Head silhouette.Psychology. Mental health. Dual personality concept. Tangle and untangle
The Pulse
Health

(Mis)Diagnosis: Bipolar Disorder

On this episode, we’ll discuss what contributed to an explosion of bipolar diagnoses, and why experts disagree about whether this disorder is over-or underdiagnosed.

Air Date: February 28, 2025

Listen 48:41
An elderly patient lying on hospital bed. (Bigstock/Rido81)
The Pulse
Health

Patients without family or health care proxies face overtreatment or limbo in hospitals

A program matches unrepresented patients with volunteers who can make care decisions for them during health care crises.

2 years ago

Listen 7:16
The Gila monster is a venomous lizard found in the Southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico’s Sonora. (Bigstock/Jay Pierstorff)
The Pulse
Science

How experiments with gila monster venom led to blockbuster weight loss drugs like Ozempic

Elon Musk wants to cut funding for scientific research, but the weight loss drugs he promoted also came from government funded basic science.

2 years ago

Listen 8:48
The Pulse
Health

Ripple Effects

How single discoveries, public health guidelines, and tragic events can trigger ripple effects in people’s lives.

Air Date: February 21, 2025

Listen 55:43
A bored businessman sitting at a laptop, procrastinating at work. (Photo Courtesy/Bigstock)
The Pulse
Science

How to overcome your procrastination habit, advice from a psychologist

Psychologist David Maloney, author of "Procrastination Decoded," shares his personal journey and methods for breaking the procrastination habit.

2 years ago

Listen 10:30
Blood cancer patient Jenny Ahlstrom and her husband Paul wait together in the hospital as Jenny prepares for a stem cell transplant treatment. (Courtesy of Jenny Ahlstrom)
The Pulse
Health

Empowering blood cancer patients to share their data for research

Started by a patient, HealthTree lets blood cancer patients look for clinical trials and treatment options, as well as share their data with researchers.

2 years ago

Listen 7:33
Filling glass of water from stainless steel kitchen faucet. (Bigstock/elanathewise)
The Pulse
Health

Scientists and dentists’ tug-of-war over water fluoridation as public health practice comes under scrutiny

Anti-fluoridation activists gain powerful allies in Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a court win against the EPA, to the dismay of public health leaders.

2 years ago

Listen 15:20
The Pulse
Science

Pushing for Change

A look at what motivates everyday people to effect change, both in their own lives and the wider world.

Air Date: February 14, 2025

Listen 48:52
Young couple enjoying an online romance. (Bigstock/Rumka_vodki)
The Pulse
Science

Destiny or delusion? How two strangers handled their instant spark

Two strangers connect on a video chat website and instantly feel an undeniable bond, but there is one huge problem: Neither of them is single.

2 years ago

Listen 11:45
A man is looking at photo of a woman on dating app. (Bigstock/TeroVesalainen)
The Pulse
Science

Dating apps collect a lot of data, but it’s hard for researchers to access. So two scientists made their own app

Experts say the app could lead to new insights on relationships, as well as help students cope with the anxiety of dating.

2 years ago

Listen 10:26
A Hinge logo appears on the screen of smartphone. (Bigstock/Vladimka)
The Pulse
Science

Is it possible to find love using dating apps? 5 tips from dating coach Logan Ury

Logan Ury discusses the science behind dating, how to make meaningful connections online, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

2 years ago

Listen 21:15
Finding love has always been tough — and recently, it's gotten even more complicated thanks to online dating, and how it's transformed the way we interact. (WHYY/Emma Lee)
The Pulse
Science

Meeting Your Match: Navigating the World of Modern Dating

We explore the complicated world of modern dating, and what science has to say about how to find love.

Air Date: February 7, 2025

Listen 54:43
This Sept. 21, 2017 file photo shows The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Building in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)
The Pulse
Science

Before Trump took office, government science agencies adopted policies to protect their research

Scientists found their work under threat during the first Trump administration. This time, they have contracts to protect them.

2 years ago

Listen 8:45
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The Pulse

The Pulse airs Fridays at 9am and Saturdays at Noon

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