
The Pulse Episode Archive
We explore what comes next after surviving something extraordinary.
Air Date: August 1, 2025
Listen 44:31When Organ Donation Goes Wrong
More than a hundred thousand people in the U.S. are on the national transplant list waiting for a life-sa ...
Air Date: July 30, 2025
Listen 35:48Untangling Shame and Its Effects On Our Health
A look at the roots of shame, and how it affects our behavior, our choices, and our health.
Air Date: July 25, 2025
Listen 50:03The Inner Workings of the Oceans
Oceans are Earth’s defining feature, its largest ecosystem, and the engine that powers our planet.
Air Date: July 18, 2025
Listen 50:43Finding Your Body’s Sleep Rhythm
How finding and listening to your body’s sleep rhythm can lead to better rest.
Air Date: July 11, 2025
Listen 50:43The Big Chill and the Future of Refrigeration
Amid the summer heat, we explore the history and future of cold technology, from innovations in freezing to the next generation of air conditioners.
Air Date: July 4, 2025
Listen 50:38Inside the Dramatic Race to Decode the Human Genome
A look back at the cut-throat competition that led to the historic unveiling of the decoded human genome.
Air Date: June 26, 2025
Listen 49:34Why Friends Are Good for Your Brain
Our brains are wired for connection, and researchers are learning friendships play a vital role in keeping us healthy.
Air Date: June 20, 2025
Listen 49:34Why We’re Hardwired for Revenge
We talk with lawyer-turned-researcher James Kimmel about his new book, "The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World's Deadliest Addiction — and How to Overcome It."
Air Date: June 13, 2025
Listen 49:34Exploring the Secrets of Human Creativity
We explore what creativity is, how it works, and how we can use it in unexpected ways.
Air Date: June 6, 2025
Listen 49:10Sharks — From Fear to Fascination
On this rebroadcast of The Pulse: Before dinosaurs, before trees — even before Saturn had its rings – there were sharks. The fierce p ...
Air Date: May 30, 2025
Listen 48:54What It Takes to Prove the Truth
In the “post-truth era,” we explore standards of proof, evidence, and how we know what we think we know.
Air Date: May 23, 2025
Listen 49:14Cybercrime and How Hackers Prey on Human Nature
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.
Air Date: May 16, 2025
Listen 54:26Lightening the Load of Motherhood
From juggling kids and work — motherhood can feel impossible. We look at how to lighten the load of being a mom.
Air Date: May 9, 2025
Listen 48:52The Life-Changing Power of Lifting Weights
We explore the proven and emerging benefits of pumping iron, and why so many people say it’s changing their lives.
Air Date: May 2, 2025
Listen 51:39Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.