The Audio Long Read

Dive into the emotional journey of parents grappling with the birth of extremely premature infants. Explore the ethical dilemmas faced by doctors in resuscitating babies born at just 22 weeks. Hear poignant stories of grief, relief, and the societal impacts of misinformation on families. Experience the highs and lows of parenting through touching anecdotes that highlight both the bittersweet challenges and everyday joys. It's a compelling exploration of hope, survival, and the fragility of life.

Linda Kinstler, an insightful author, delves into the Vatican's secretive sainthood process. She shares the compelling story of Carlo Acutis, a young boy whose miraculous life has captured the Church's attention. The discussion reveals how candidates are assessed, the evolving definition of miracles, and the balance between faith and ecclesiastical authority. Kinstler also highlights the impact of individual beliefs amid institutional scrutiny, offering a fascinating look into canonization's cultural significance today.

Discover the surprising truth about wildfires worldwide, as recent data reveals fewer burning lands despite more intense megafires. Historical attitudes and climate change intertwine, reshaping perceptions of fire's role in ecosystems. The podcast examines the socio-economic impacts and the intricate human relationship with fire, highlighting alarming health effects from smoke exposure. It urges a reevaluation of fire management practices to adapt to our changing environment, providing a nuanced perspective on this fiery crisis.

In this engaging discussion, Simon Parkin, an accomplished author and journalist, shares the extraordinary story of botanists who safeguarded the world’s first seed bank during the harrowing Leningrad siege. He highlights their relentless efforts to preserve vital genetic diversity amidst chaos and hunger. Parkin details the intense evacuation challenges faced by the staff and the moral dilemmas they encountered while balancing survival with their commitment to preservation. It's a fascinating tale of resilience and dedication in the face of war's brutality.

In this engaging discussion, Lee Alan Dugatkin, an author and expert on animal behavior, delves into the groundbreaking yet overlooked work of John Calhoun. They explore Calhoun's 'mouse utopia' experiment, revealing how overcrowding transformed rodent behavior and what that means for human society. Dugatkin highlights the fading influence of Calhoun's research in modern discourse and discusses intriguing parallels between rodent and human societal challenges, including overpopulation and technological integration.

Discover the transformative power of cold water swimming through a poignant personal journey of healing. The speaker shares how icy dips in Brittany helped mend a broken heart after loss. Explore the therapeutic benefits of this rising trend, emphasizing connection to nature and community. Delve into the emotional landscape of vulnerability and resilience, finding joy amidst grief. Encounter insights on the physiological effects of cold exposure and the camaraderie among adventurers facing discomfort for personal growth.

In this engaging discussion, Jacob Mikanowski, author and history enthusiast, delves into the life of his grandmother Zosia, a dentist navigating postwar Warsaw. He unveils the eerie secrets she encountered while treating prisoners and spies. Listeners are taken on a journey through the intertwined lives of Eastern Europeans during the Soviet era. The episodes touch on the significance of teeth as symbols of personal identity and history, and even explore a quirky dental mishap that connects to Mikanowski's Lithuanian roots.

Alexandra Morton-Hayward, a unique blend of mortician and molecular paleontologist, shares her extraordinary journey of collecting ancient brains. She discusses the emotional and scientific significance of her work, which bridges life and death. Listeners learn about her discoveries from archaeological digs, including well-preserved brains and the secrets they hold. Morton-Hayward also dives into the cellular processes that prevent decay, revealing her determination to unravel the mysteries of ancient brain preservation despite personal health challenges.

Explore the intricate relationship between caffeine and daily life, uncovering its powerful effects on health and energy. Dive into personal stories of caffeine withdrawal, highlighting the challenges of quitting. Discover caffeine's rich cultural history, from aiding concentration in spiritual practices to shaping political discourse in coffeehouses. Learn how caffeine affects sleep and health, while reflecting on the joy of mindful consumption. This journey prompts a deeper understanding of our dependence on this invisible addiction.

Discover the remarkable journey of John Burton, who defied his childhood fears to design the UK's fastest roller coaster, Hyperia. Learn about the intricate process of roller coaster design that blends art, technology, and collaboration. Uncover the whimsical challenges of naming rides while navigating trademarks and branding. Experience the emotional roller coaster of constructing Hyperia, from the technical hurdles of assembly to the thrilling moments of its launch. Join the adventure of transforming a vision into an exhilarating reality!