
The Pulse Episode Archive
Why It’s Time to Rethink Productivity
It’s something we’ve all said to ourselves at some time or other: “I just have to get through this week” — as if next week will ...
Air Date: August 29, 2025
Listen 50:03Back to School in a Rapidly Changing World
How the AI revolution and the long shadow of COVID are transforming education.
Air Date: August 22, 2025
Listen 50:00How Scientists Discovered Legionnaires’ Disease
In the summer of 1976, when 2,000 people came to Philadelphia for a national convention of the American Legion, a strange illness gripped ...
Air Date: August 18, 2025
Listen 26:32Protecting the People Who Grow Our Food
A look at the growing health challenges affecting farmers and people who produce our food.
Air Date: August 15, 2025
Listen 50:03We explore what researchers are learning about the connections between noise, hearing loss, and our well-being.
Air Date: August 8, 2025
Listen 50:03We 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 49:10Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.