The Pulse Episode Archive
What Greenland Can Teach Us About the Earth’s Past and Future
Politicians see Greenland as an asset. Researchers say the island can teach us about the Earth’s past and future.
Air Date: April 10, 2026
Listen 49:34Inside the Boom of Urgent Care: How It’s Changing American Medicine
We take a look at the rapid rise of urgent care, what’s fueling it, and how it’s affecting patients
Air Date: April 3, 2026
Listen 47:56Why We Need to Talk About Poop
Neurogastroenterologist Trisha Pasricha tells us what’s shaping our bowel movements, and what that means for our health.
Air Date: April 1, 2026
Listen 44:17The Problem with Being Perfect: How Unrealistic Standards Hurt Our Minds and Bodies
A look at what causes perfectionism, how it affects our lives and health, and how we can escape its grip.
Air Date: March 27, 2026
Listen 49:54Unearthing the Hidden Stories of Women Scientists
A look at several great women in science — and why so many of them, and their contributions, have been forgotten.
Air Date: March 20, 2026
Listen 49:341 in 4 American Adults Is a Caregiver. So Why Does It Feel So Lonely?
A look at the challenges of caregiving,, from changing relationships, to dealing with loneliness and burnout.
Air Date: March 13, 2026
Listen 49:51Already Forgotten About Your New Year’s Resolution? Here’s Why
We talk with productivity expert Chris Bailey about achieving goals, who says aligning them with our values is key.
Air Date: March 10, 2026
Listen 31:52Hello? From Bell’s First Call to Gen Z’s Telephobia: 150 Years of the Telephone
On the 150th anniversary of the world’s first call, we look back at how the telephone changed the world.
Air Date: March 6, 2026
Listen 49:39Beyond Anthropomorphism: The Science of Animal Emotions
We explore the inner lives of animals, from pain in lobsters to odd-couple friendships to empathy in baboons.
Air Date: February 27, 2026
Listen 49:34Revenge Feels Great — But the Cost is High
We talk with lawyer-turned-researcher James Kimmel about his book, "The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World's Deadliest Addiction — and How to Overcome It."
Air Date: February 20, 2026
Listen 49:18Will My Doctor Be a Bot? AI and the Future of Medicine
Physician and author Robert Wachter joins us to discuss what AI-powered health care will look like in the near future.
Air Date: February 18, 2026
Listen 37:33Finding Your Match: The Science of Love and Attraction
We take a look at the science of love — from what fuels attraction, to the “secret sauce” of compatibility.
Air Date: February 13, 2026
Listen 49:34Closing the Gap: Improving Health Outcomes for Black Americans
Why Black Americans suffer worse health outcomes, and past and present efforts to fight those disparities.
Air Date: February 6, 2026
Listen 49:34From Buzz to Burnout: How Alcohol Affects the Brain and Body
We explore our relationship with alcohol — why we consume it, how it affects us, and when it’s time to quit.
Air Date: January 30, 2026
Listen 49:34Challenger at 40: How the Disaster Shaped the Future of NASA
We remember NASA's Challenger disaster: What led up to the mission, what went wrong, and its lasting impact.
Air Date: January 27, 2026
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