The Pulse Episode Archive
Searching for a lost self after traumatic brain injury
Carlie Ostrom thought she had her life planned out until she suffered a traumatic brain injury and lost her sense of self.
10 months ago
Listen 13:51We talk to social psychologist Brian Lowery about his new book “Selfless: The Social Creation of ‘You.’”
Air Date: June 9, 2023
Listen 49:07‘Pacing’ for long COVID can help people cope, but there’s a tradeoff
Chronic fatigue associated with long COVID forces many people to rest and disengage from activities they used to do — but limiting your life can feel powerless.
11 months ago
Listen 8:44A Hitchhiker's Guide to Quitting
Julius BaDour lost his job, quit his relationship, and left his hometown to live a life on the road. He learned some lessons about quitting along the way.
11 months ago
Listen 11:35The Benefits of Knowing When to Quit
We explore those questions with writer Julia Keller, who examines the science — and potential benefits — of throwing in the towel in her new book.
Air Date: June 2, 2023
Listen 49:24How K-Beauty Revolutionized Skincare — And Became Obsessed with Perfection
After years in South Korea, NPR host Elise Hu reflects on Korean beauty culture and what it says about how we’ll look at ourselves and each other.
Air Date: May 30, 2023
Listen 27:49Air Date: May 26, 2023
Listen 49:11Life after a shock: Why heart patients need access to mental health care
An implantable defibrillator can save patients who have unusual heart rhythms. But some of them also need help to deal with painful and anxiety inducing shocks.
11 months ago
Listen 12:32A cardiologist wanted to prevent long COVID. He turned to meditation.
A recent review of research suggests meditation may be effective for some in treating long COVID and other post-viral conditions.
11 months ago
Listen 10:53When Healing Happens But We Don’t Know Why
We step outside the boundaries of Western medicine to explore those questions!
Air Date: May 12, 2023
Listen 49:12Unraveling the mystery of a childhood illness and a treatment rooted in Vodou
Chris Lundy has always wanted to figure out why his family took him to see a Vodou priest and how this treatment made him better.
11 months ago
Listen 24:31Should there be standards for acupuncture in the U.S.?
If you get acupuncture in the U.S., chances are you will pay for it out of pocket. Some acupuncturists say having standards for the industry gives more people access.
11 months ago
Listen 11:40Managing the Challenges of Motherhood
Moms are under constant pressure to do it all — and it takes a toll on their well-being. We explore the myth of the perfect mom.
Air Date: May 5, 2023
Listen 49:35How the pulse oximeter became infamous on TikTok
Med student Joel Bervell found an unlikely place to educate both health care providers and patients about racial biases that are affecting care.
12 months ago
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