Serial
Serial Productions & The New York Times
Our newest podcast, “The Retrievals, Season 2” is out now. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts, or follow it here: lnk.to/retrievals2
Serial Productions makes narrative podcasts that have transformed the medium. Sign up for our newsletter at nytimes.com/serialnewsletter to find out about new shows, get behind the scenes stories, and see photos and videos you can’t see on a podcast.
To get full access to Serial Productions shows, and to other New York Times podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, subscribe at nytimes.com/podcasts.
Have a story pitch, a tip, or feedback on our shows? Email us at serialshows@nytimes.com
"Serial" began in 2014 as a spinoff of the public radio show "This American Life." In 2017, we formed Serial Productions when we launched the podcast “S-Town.” Since then, Serial Productions has produced every season of “Serial” along with shows like “Nice White Parents,” “The Trojan Horse Affair,” “The Coldest Case in Laramie,” “The Retrievals” and more. In 2020, we joined the New York Times Company. Our shows have reached many millions of listeners and have won nearly every major journalism award for audio, including the first-ever Peabody Award given to a podcast.
Serial Productions makes narrative podcasts that have transformed the medium. Sign up for our newsletter at nytimes.com/serialnewsletter to find out about new shows, get behind the scenes stories, and see photos and videos you can’t see on a podcast.
To get full access to Serial Productions shows, and to other New York Times podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, subscribe at nytimes.com/podcasts.
Have a story pitch, a tip, or feedback on our shows? Email us at serialshows@nytimes.com
"Serial" began in 2014 as a spinoff of the public radio show "This American Life." In 2017, we formed Serial Productions when we launched the podcast “S-Town.” Since then, Serial Productions has produced every season of “Serial” along with shows like “Nice White Parents,” “The Trojan Horse Affair,” “The Coldest Case in Laramie,” “The Retrievals” and more. In 2020, we joined the New York Times Company. Our shows have reached many millions of listeners and have won nearly every major journalism award for audio, including the first-ever Peabody Award given to a podcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books
13 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 46min
The Retrievals S02 Episode 4: The Solutions
In this engaging conversation, anesthesiologist Corey DeBergrave, known for his close ties with the nursing staff, shares insights from the labor and delivery unit. He emphasizes the crucial role of communication in patient care during cesarean sections, highlighting the need to address patient fears. Corey reflects on transforming patient experiences and advocates for improved pain management practices. The discussion also touches on the shifting dynamics of medical teamwork and the importance of understanding complex patient needs, especially in challenging scenarios.
8 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 55min
The Retrievals S02 Episode 3: The Guidelines
Susanna Stanford, a courageous advocate for improved anesthesia practices, shares her harrowing experience of severe pain during her cesarean section. She discusses the urgent need for better pain management and communication in healthcare, challenging the outdated norms surrounding childbirth. Susanna reflects on her journey from trauma to advocacy, emphasizing the importance of patient voices in medical practices. Her dedication culminated in presenting new guidelines aimed at transforming anesthetic practices for future patients, ensuring their experiences are prioritized.
16 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 45min
The Retrievals S02 Episode 2: The Speech
Heather Nixon, the Head of Obstetric Anesthesia, dives deep into the pain management challenges during cesarean sections. She shares a powerful reflection on medical norms that sometimes lead to unnecessary suffering for patients. The discussion reveals the emotional turmoil women face post-surgery, contrasting serious healthcare conversations with lighter moments, like gaming. Nixon boldly addresses the need for doctors to confront these traumatic experiences openly, aiming to spark a critical dialogue for change in medical practices.
23 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 47min
The Retrievals S02 Episode 1: The Case
Mindy Figueroa, a dedicated labor and delivery nurse with a flair for photography, shares her passion for healthcare and the unique challenges of her profession. Clara Hochhauser, also a labor and delivery nurse, recounts her emotional journey through childbirth, culminating in a C-section amid severe pain. Together, they explore the intricacies of maternal care, the struggles within the medical system, and the powerful stories that emerge from the delivery room, revealing the resilient spirit of both healthcare workers and mothers.
Jul 10, 2025 • 4min
The Retrievals, Season 2 - Trailer
C-sections are the most frequently performed major surgeries in the world. So why do so many patients feel severe pain during them? Season 2 of the award-winning podcast “The Retrievals” is an investigation into this underreported problem — and the new effort to solve it.Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Our newest podcast, “The Retrievals, Season 2” is out now. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts, or follow it here: lnk.to/retrievals2 To get full access to this and 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
52 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 37min
The Good Whale - Ep. 2
Keiko, the orca, arrives at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, bringing hope and concern. The team faces emotional dilemmas while rehabilitating this troubled whale. As Keiko transforms, his popularity surges, impacting the local economy. Tensions rise over his readiness for wild release, revealing divides between trainers and advocates. The captivating world of killer whales is explored, showcasing their beauty and complexity. Join the journey of this unique and beloved orca as he strives for a better life.
51 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 47min
The Good Whale - Ep. 1
The podcast dives deep into the life of Keiko, the famous orca from 'Free Willy.' It navigates his traumatic separation from his mother, exploring the emotional bonds formed with his caretakers. Heartwarming yet heartbreaking, it contrasts his joyful moments with the harsh realities of captivity. The discussion raises ethical questions about wildlife conservation, leading to Keiko's ambitious journey towards freedom. Finally, it captures the poignant farewell as the community rallies around him, blending sorrow with hope.
Nov 7, 2024 • 3min
The Good Whale - Trailer
Daniel Alarcón, a standout New Yorker writer and novelist, dives into the heartwarming yet controversial story of Keiko, the orca from 'Free Willy.' He sheds light on the ambitious efforts to return Keiko to the ocean after years in captivity. The conversation highlights the emotional journey and ethical dilemmas faced by those involved in his rehabilitation. Alarcón paints a vivid picture of the challenges Keiko encountered, sparking a debate that continues to resonate: were these well-intentioned actions ultimately beneficial?
49 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 49min
Serial S04 - Ep. 2: The Special Project
Julian Barnes, an intelligence reporter at The New York Times, dives deep into the shadowy world of government secrecy and the high-stakes environment of Guantanamo Bay. He reveals the formation and tactics of a Special Projects team aimed at extracting information from detainees like Mohamedou Slahi through unconventional and often brutal interrogation methods. The conversation touches on the psychological manipulation involved, the moral dilemmas faced by operatives, and the profound impacts of trauma on detainees, inviting listeners to ponder the ethics of intelligence operations.
33 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 42min
Serial S04 - Ep. 1: Poor Baby Raul
Raul Sanchez, a former Army Specialist and public affairs escort at Guantanamo Bay, shares gripping insights from his time at the infamous prison. He reveals the complex realities of life there, contrasting the vibrant social scene with the grim experiences of detainees. Raul delves into the emotional toll of military operations and the moral struggles faced during force-feeding practices. Personal anecdotes highlight the chaotic dynamics between guards and inmates, emphasizing the humanity often overlooked in this controversial setting.
