Serial
Serial Productions & The New York Times
Our newest podcast, “The Preventionist” is out now. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts.
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
51 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 58min
The Preventionist - Ep. 3
In this compelling discussion, Amanda Surinowski, a dedicated mother and legal plaintiff, recounts her family's harrowing experience with child welfare intervention. She shares the painful story of her children's unexpected removal after an ambiguous abuse allegation. Topics include the emotional toll of separation, the traumatic foster care system, and Amanda's determination to regain custody. Her reflections on the nuances of child protection laws highlight the need for reform and a deeper understanding of family dynamics in potentially harmful situations.
63 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 50min
The Preventionist - Ep. 2
Explore the rise of Dr. Deborah Jensen and her controversial role in child medicine. Discover how her findings ignited debates and led to family separations. Delve into the impact of the Elisa Isquierdo case on child welfare practices. Hear about the critical lawsuits against Jensen and the formation of child abuse pediatrics as a subspecialty. Listen to caseworkers challenge her diagnoses, revealing a power imbalance in child welfare. Uncover the evolving uncertainties in diagnosing child abuse amidst a backdrop of intense scrutiny and ethical dilemmas.
58 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 40min
The Preventionist - Ep. 1
Mark Pinsley, the elected controller of Lehigh County, dives deep into a shocking investigation of alleged wrongful child abuse accusations stemming from local hospitals. He shares how he stumbled upon disturbing patterns and rallied families to speak out about their trauma. The discussion highlights the complex role of Child Abuse Pediatricians and the dire consequences of misdiagnoses. Mark's pressure on government officials evokes resistance, yet he perseveres to unveil systemic failures, shedding light on the urgent need for reform.
Oct 16, 2025 • 3min
The Preventionist - Trailer
In 2023, a reporter uncovered alarming claims against a pediatrician in Pennsylvania, accused of wrongfully labeling families as abusive. Shocking stories reveal parents facing devastating separations from their children due to a single doctor’s unchallenged diagnoses. Families recount the trauma of losing custody without proper investigations, as multiple victims surface under a troubling pattern. The rise of 'child abuse pediatricians' raises critical questions about accountability and the impact of their controversial practices.
52 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 46min
The Retrievals S02 - Ep. 2
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.
32 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 48min
The Retrievals S02 - Ep. 1
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 S02 - 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 Preventionist” is out now. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts.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
56 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.
4 snips
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?
