The Pulse

11/14/2025

Touched by a bot? Chatbots don't have real emotions, yet somehow, they can so easily provoke ours.

On this episode, the psychological effects of artificial intelligence.

An exploration of how AI is changing the way we feel — about ourselves and everything else.

11/07/2025

For many veterans, the toughest battles start after the uniform comes off.

Ahead of Veterans Day, we explore healing after war on our new episode — from a psychedelic treatment in Mexico to molding ceramic mugs.

On this Veterans Day episode, we explore healing after combat — from a psychedelic treatment in Mexico to making ceramic mugs.

11/03/2025

Americans have lost more than $16.6 billion to cybercrime, and it's still more challenging than ever to sniff out an online scam.

That's why it's never a bad time to check out our episode on cybercrime and how scammers prey on the rest of us.

We hear about the virus that ushered in the age of social engineering attacks, the history of cybercrime, and what led one man to become a hacker.

10/31/2025

It's Halloween — a time when we celebrate the unknown. But what about the scientists who once studied it?

Reporter Nichole Currie tells the story of an old research lab at UCLA that studied ghosts, psychics, and auras.

In the 1970s, UCLA housed The Parapsychology Lab, which became a haven for those with psychic abilities and the researchers who studied them.

10/30/2025

In Boyertown, PA, artist Charlee Heinz turns bones from forest finds into meaningful artwork that explores death and beauty.

Lise Peet reports ⬇️

In Boyertown, PA, artist Charlee Heinz turns bones from forest finds into meaningful artwork that explores death and beauty.

10/29/2025

Coca-Cola rolled out a cane sugar version of its classic soda after President Donald Trump urged the corporation to do so — but debates around the sweetening ingredient in Coke are decades old.

On this podcast extra, we talk with journalist Murray Carpenter, author of Sweet and Deadly: How Coca-Cola Spreads Disinformation and Makes Us Sick.

Coca-Cola’s rise to global brand domination, and how the company influenced our habits and perceptions along the way.

10/29/2025

Do you believe in ghosts 👻? It's okay if the answer is yes. Almost 40 percent of people believe ghosts are real — but some go as far as to prove or disprove the existence of paranormal phenomena.

In time for Halloween, our latest episode explores efforts to study paranormal activity and the people who dedicate their time to it.

From ghosts to ESP, a look at paranormal phenomena and the investigators who chase them.

10/22/2025

Last night we gathered for an insightful evening around the topic of Menopause!

A transition that affects so many of us, and yet it can be a challenge to get good, clear information to help us navigate symptoms and feel our best. Maiken Scott of WHYY's The Pulse hosted a valuable discussion on the latest menopause science, and our lobby was filled with resource tables and good conversation!

For more great events like this one, visit whyy.org/events

10/20/2025

The number of urgent care centers in the U.S. have doubled, from more than 7,000 to more than 14,000 over the last decade or so.

Alan Yu reports why ⬇️

The number of urgent care centers in the U.S. have doubled, from more than 7,000 to more than 14,000 over the last decade or so.

10/17/2025

If it feels like urgent care centers are everywhere these days — that’s because they are.

On this episode, we explore the rapid rise of urgent care, what’s fueling it, and how it’s affecting care.

We take a look at the rapid rise of urgent care, what’s fueling it, and how it’s affecting patients

10/16/2025

Explore the newest science on menopause - symptom management, treatment options, and practical insights from the region's leading experts in conversation with The Pulse's Maiken Scott.

Enjoy light refreshments, visit resource tables, and bring your questions for our panel!

Tickets are free: https://support.whyy.org/page/87880/event/1

10/15/2025

What if cures for rare diseases already exist — just waiting to be found?

In this podcast extra, meet Dr. David Fajgenbaum, who not only discovered his own treatment for Castleman Disease but is now using AI to repurpose existing drugs to help others.

What if treatments or even cures for devastating rare diseases already existed — and were just waiting to be discovered? On this podcast extra, we dive into the extraordinary journey of physician and researcher David Fajgenbaum, cofounder of Every Cure. After facing death five times due to a rare ...