The Pulse

05/14/2025

In the year 2000, the ILOVEYOU virus swept the globe and cost the world economy billions of dollars.

But was this a brilliantly coded virus, or did human nature take over when people saw a love letter 💌 in their inbox?

Grant Hill reports ⬇️

Twenty-five years ago, Onel de Guzman tricked millions of people and cost the world economy billions by unleashing a computer worm disguised as a love letter.

05/02/2025

In 1975, Jan Todd set a Guinness World Record with a 394.5-pound two-handed deadlift 🏅

But the road to this accomplishment was tough, she recalls training in a world that didn't expect women to lift heavy.

Sara Willa Ernst reports ⬇️

In 1975, Jan Todd set a Guinness World Record with a 394.5-pound two-handed deadlift — but training was tough at a time when women weren’t expected to lift heavy.

05/02/2025

Weightlifting isn’t just for muscleheads anymore 🏋️‍♀️. Once seen as macho, strength training is now one of the smartest things you can do for your mind and body.

On this episode, we break down the history, myths, and surprising cognitive benefits of weightlifting.

We explore the proven and emerging benefits of pumping iron, and why so many people say it’s changing their lives.

04/29/2025

The CIA and military carried out a secret bombing campaign in Laos during the Vietnam War, killing hundreds and thousands of civilians.

One veteran recounts how he got pulled into the campaign, was forced to stay, and why, 50 years later, he does everything he can to help the people in Laos. Nichole Currie reports.

Don Super joined the military in hopes of helping the Lao people during the Vietnam War — instead, he found himself a part of a secret carpet bombing campaign.

04/28/2025

It's been 50 years since the Vietnam War ended, yet the people of Southeast Asia are still dealing with dangerous and unexploded bombs across their landscape.

Hundreds of thousands of tons of them

Could declassified historic satellite images help find them? Reporter Alan Yu looks into it.

The U.S. dropped millions of tons of bombs on Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Some remain, and could still explode.

04/25/2025

It's been 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War — a conflict that forever changed the lives of veterans, refugees, and those still in Southeast Asia

On this episode, the war's legacy and the quiet, ongoing efforts toward reconciliation.

On this episode, we mark the 50th anniversary of the war’s end with stories that explore its lasting impact.

04/24/2025

Hey listeners! We want to hear from you. We're working on a show about scamming. Scams are getting sneakier than ever — fake job opportunities, impersonated relatives, and shady links.

So tell us, what's your embarrassing scam story? 👀

04/23/2025

Muscles aren't just for flexing. They carry stories of beauty, strength, and health.

On this podcast extra, Bonnie Tsui talks about her new book, On Muscle, exploring how muscles shape culture, identity, and well-being.

Best-selling author Bonnie Tsui joins us for a conversation about strength, muscles, art and being comfortable in one’s own body, especially as we age.

04/21/2025

Cuddling with strangers sounds odd...until you realize it’s good for your mental health. 'Cuddle parties' are one of the latest solutions for loneliness and a lack of touch.

Charlie Garcia reports ⬇️

Touch is a human need, but many people report they are not getting enough touch in their lives. ‘Cuddle parties’ aim to provide a safe space for touch and connection.

04/18/2025

You’ve probably heard about the loneliness epidemic, and who is most vulnerable. But do you actually understand how this feeling can trigger serious health issues in the body?

On this episode, we explore social connection and why our lives depend on it.

On this episode, we look to understand why so many people are so lonely, and find out how we can stay better connected.

04/14/2025

Before algorithms ruled the internet, we found new music, movies, and online videos by talking to real people.

And that human touch is what some people say algorithms will never be able to compete with. Alan Yu reports ⬇️

Have we reached peak algorithm-driven culture? Finding the balance between human and machine curation.

04/11/2025

You can find just about anything on YouTube. Millions of channels are dedicated to home repairs, podcasts, and influencers. We love to absorb this content, but do we actually know how it’s affecting us?

On this episode, we mark the 20th anniversary of YouTube and dig into its impact — from attention spans to political movements. ⬇️

On this episode, we mark the 20th anniversary of YouTube with an exploration of the platform’s rise, evolution, and impact on our lives.