Armando Ianucci, the British comedy maestro behind hits like Veep, dives into dark humor's role in navigating existential dread, reflecting on how laughter can provide fresh perspectives at turbulent times. Susan Burton, an editor, opens up about her journey through perimenopause, giving voice to the emotional upheavals many face during this transition. Valerie Kipnis engages with Ukrainian soldiers, sharing their vulnerabilities and hopes amidst ongoing conflict, highlighting the personal impact of war in the face of political uncertainty.

The patients in this story came to the Yale Fertility Center to pursue pregnancy. They began their I.V.F. cycles full of expectation and hope. Then a surgical procedure called egg retrieval caused them excruciating pain.Some of the patients screamed out in the procedure room. Others called the clinic from home to report pain in the hours that followed. But most of the staff members who fielded the patients’ reports did not know the real reason for the pain — a nurse at the clinic was stealing fentanyl and replacing it with saline.Today, we’re sharing the first episode of “The Retrievals,” a five-part narrative series from Serial Productions and The New York Times, reported by Susan Burton, a veteran staff member at “This American Life” and author of the memoir “Empty.” Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The patients in this story came to the Yale Fertility Center to pursue pregnancy. They began their I.V.F. cycles full of expectation and hope. Then a surgical procedure called egg retrieval caused them excruciating pain.Some of the patients screamed out in the procedure room. Others called the clinic from home to report pain in the hours that followed. But most of the staff members who fielded the patients’ reports did not know the real reason for the pain, which was that a nurse at the clinic was stealing fentanyl, and replacing it with saline.From Serial Productions and The New York Times, The Retrievals is a five-part narrative series reported by Susan Burton, a veteran staff member at “This American Life” and author of the memoir “Empty.”Susan details the events that unfolded at the clinic, and examines how the patients’ distinct identities informed the way they made sense of what happened to them in the procedure room. The nurse, too, has her own story, about her own pain, that she tells to the court. And then there is the story of how this all could have happened at the Yale clinic in the first place.Throughout, Burton explores the stories we tell about women’s pain. How do we tolerate, interpret and account for it? What happens when pain is minimized or dismissed?Episode 1 of The Retrievals arrives Thursday, June 29th. To get full access to this show, and to other Serial Productions and New York Times podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, subscribe at nytimes.com/podcasts.To find out about new shows from Serial Productions, and get a look behind the scenes, sign up for our newsletter at nytimes.com/serialnewsletter.Have a story pitch, a tip, or feedback on our shows? Email us at serialshows@nytimes.com 

Armando Ianucci, the brilliant British comedy writer behind hits like Veep, shares insights on the intersection of humor and societal issues, particularly in light of current events. Susan Burton, editor and reflective voice, explores the tumultuous transition into menopause, discussing the fears and newfound self-awareness that can arise. Together, they navigate the complexities of change—whether in politics or personal life—illuminating how humor and introspection can help us cope during pivotal moments.

Susan Burton, a powerful advocate for formerly incarcerated women, shares her incredible journey from addiction and incarceration to empowerment. She discusses her traumatic childhood and the struggles of young motherhood, revealing the systemic failures that affect women in the justice system. Burton highlights the importance of community support for reintegration and the transformative power of shared experiences. Her commitment to activism shines through as she emphasizes the need for shelters and programs that cater specifically to the challenges women face post-incarceration.