The Pulse

The Pulse The Pulse brings you stories about the people and places at the heart of health and science. The Pulse features in-depth reports on health and science issues.

You can download our podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pulse/id772127662?mt=2

You can tune into The Pulse at these stations:-WHYY 90.9 FM Philadelphia region, PAFriday at 9AM and Sunday at 10AM-WITF 89.5 FM Harrisburg, PAFriday at 7PM -KCUR 89.3 FM Kansas City, MOSunday at 7PM

Find all of our stories at whyy.org/thepulse

Our staff:
Maiken Scott, host
Lindsay Lazarski, pro

ducer
Xavier Lopez, associate producer
Jad Sleiman, reporter
Liz Tung, reporter
Alan Yu, reporter
Sojourner Ahébée – Health Equity Fellow

Have a story idea? Send it to: [email protected]

ICYMI 🚨:When was the last time you felt truly happy, and how can you recreate that moment? This week, we look back at on...
05/29/2026

ICYMI 🚨:When was the last time you felt truly happy, and how can you recreate that moment?

This week, we look back at one of our favorite episodes. We explore the science of designing a happier life — from reverse-engineering joy to moments of serendipity.

Podcast Episode · The Pulse · May 28 · 50m

Color is never just color. Sure, that blouse is red, and yellow and blue make green — but in reality, color is far more ...
05/26/2026

Color is never just color. Sure, that blouse is red, and yellow and blue make green — but in reality, color is far more complex and fascinating.

On this episode, we explore the world of color — from how we perceive it, to efforts to describe and differentiate its many shades.

Podcast Episode · The Pulse · May 21 · 49m

Juliane Koepcke, the sole survivor of a plane crash that had dumped her in the Peruvian Amazon, survived the wilderness ...
05/15/2026

Juliane Koepcke, the sole survivor of a plane crash that had dumped her in the Peruvian Amazon, survived the wilderness for 11 days. How did she do it?

On this episode, we explore what it takes to survive in extreme circumstances.

Podcast Episode · The Pulse · May 14 · 50m

Any mother will tell you that having children changes everything, but what does that transition look like?On this episod...
05/07/2026

Any mother will tell you that having children changes everything, but what does that transition look like?

On this episode, a look at the transformations brought by motherhood, from how it rewires the brain to changing our sense of self.

A look at the transformations brought by motherhood, from how it rewires the brain to changing our sense of self.

Last month, Trump signed an order to accelerate research and review of psychedelic treatments for mental health issues l...
05/01/2026

Last month, Trump signed an order to accelerate research and review of psychedelic treatments for mental health issues like depression and PTSD.

But what do we know about these treatments? On this episode, the healing effects of psychedelics. Listen now ⬇️

Podcast Episode · The Pulse · April 30 · 50m

Perfectionism is often seen as a virtue, but it can be paralyzing—undermining our goals and harming our health.On this e...
03/27/2026

Perfectionism is often seen as a virtue, but it can be paralyzing—undermining our goals and harming our health.

On this episode, we explore what causes perfectionism, why researchers say it can be dangerous, and how we can escape its grip.

Podcast Episode · The Pulse · March 26 · 50m

From Kevlar to dark matter, women scientists have shaped our world — yet many remain forgotten, ignored, and overlooked....
03/20/2026

From Kevlar to dark matter, women scientists have shaped our world — yet many remain forgotten, ignored, and overlooked.

For Women's History Month, we unearth their stories and bring their legacies to light.

Podcast Episode · The Pulse · March 19 · 50m

60 million Americans are family caregivers, yet the experience can feel incredibly isolating.On this episode, we dive in...
03/13/2026

60 million Americans are family caregivers, yet the experience can feel incredibly isolating.

On this episode, we dive into the unspoken reality of caregiving with sociologist Laura Mauldin — from whirlwind romances to navigating strong-willed parents.

A look at the challenges of caregiving,, from changing relationships, to dealing with loneliness and burnout.

The invention of the telephone completely changed our lives, but the question of the mastermind behind the device is sti...
03/06/2026

The invention of the telephone completely changed our lives, but the question of the mastermind behind the device is still being disputed today.

On this episode, we celebrate 150 years of the telephone — from Alexander Graham Bell to Gen Z's telephobia.

Podcast Episode · The Pulse · March 5 · 50m

We're often told not to anthropomorphize animals — to avoid projecting our own feelings onto them. Yet, emerging science...
02/27/2026

We're often told not to anthropomorphize animals — to avoid projecting our own feelings onto them. Yet, emerging science complicates this advice.

On this episode, we explore the inner lives of animals, from pain in lobsters to empathy in baboons.

Podcast Episode · The Pulse · February 26 · 50m

Address

150 N 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA
19106

Telephone

+12153512073

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Pulse posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category