The Pulse Episode Archive

We talk with journalist Maggie Jackson about her book “Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure,” and how we go about navigating life while living in a state of doubt.

Virtual worlds allow us to reinvent ourselves and build new lives. But some of our troubles follow us there. A look at navigating community, love, and work in digital realms.

We look at the science of fitness, the evolution of cultural messages surrounding exercise, and how we can overcome inertia to start fitting it into our lives.

We talk with Keltner about his new book “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life.”

On this episode, we explore the space between life and death — changing views on where the line is between the two, terminal lucidity, and what happens after we die.

We explore some of the biggest barriers America’s vulnerable populations face to accessing health care, and how — and whether — they can be overcome.

We take a deep dive into the secrets of the ocean with physicist and oceanographer Helen Czerski, and stories about research at the bottom of the sea.

We look at the future of gene therapy — from stunning breakthroughs to obstacles that still stand in its way.

Lima beans are getting a makeover, seed oil is getting a bad rep, and a weed that covers ponds might soon be a hot health food. We’ll explore the forces that shape what we eat

Physician Chris van Tulleken says ultra-processed foods — like cereals or protein bars — package sugar, salt, and fat into massive doses of calories making us sick.

What millions of emails to Russian citizens and ballroom dancing taught one researcher about having better arguments and resolving conflict.

We explore the experience of rejection — what it feels like, how it functions, and the lessons we can draw from it.

Is there a right way to face the end of life? On this show, we explore how we talk about death (or not) and how we can best support our loved ones in their final moments.

How did UFOs go from sci-fi fantasy to the object of Congressional hearings and NASA research projects? We look at the past, present, and future of our relationship with UFOs.

We explore stigmatized health conditions — how they earn their reputations, affect the lives of patients, and complicate efforts to treat them.