Radiolab

Cat Jaffee, a radio producer and ultra-endurance mountain biker, shares her profound journey through cancer and isolation during the pandemic. Lael Wilcox, a record-breaking bikepacker, discusses her controversial race experiences and the challenges of gender and support in competitive sports. Together, they explore how bikepacking became a transformative outlet for solitude and resilience. Their candid conversations reveal the mental and emotional dynamics of endurance, highlighting the struggle and beauty of truly embracing self-reliance on the road.

Leilani Schweitzer, a mother affected by a medical error that led to her son's death, shares her heartfelt journey and reflections on the power of apologies. She discusses receiving an apology from Stanford Hospital and how it impacted her healing process. The conversation explores the often complicated nature of apologies in our society, questioning their authenticity and significance. Through Leilani's experience, listeners confront the struggle of reconciling loss, forgiveness, and the essential human need for genuine connections.

Dive into the quirky world of buttons, where they symbolize power, freedom, and even destruction. Discover the psychological tricks of non-functional elevator buttons and the intriguing story of Button Gwinnett, a lesser-known signer of the Declaration of Independence. Explore the chilling implications of the nuclear launch button, reflecting on authority and accountability. The hosts wrap up with a lighthearted look at the rivalry between buttons and zippers, adding a whimsical note to this multifaceted journey.

Join producer Rachael Cusick, renowned for her storytelling prowess, as she dives into the unexpected world of crabs. Discover a touching cross-species love story between an artist and her hermit crabs, exploring themes of responsibility and resilience. Delve into intriguing research about crab evolution, revealing their remarkable adaptability and survival strategies. From chaotic environments to their surprising family tree, this conversation invites you to ponder the profound connections between these crustaceans and the nature of existence.

Explore the fascinating world of social media and its emotional consequences. Discover how language nuances can shift online interactions for the better. Delve into Facebook's secret experiments and the ethics of manipulating emotions. Learn how massive data collection is changing social science while raising privacy concerns. Uncover the challenges of forming genuine connections in digital dialogue and the impact on political discourse. This thought-provoking discussion leaves us questioning the morality of social engineering in our online lives.

Dive into a whimsical journey through the Golden Goose Awards, celebrating scientific breakthroughs that once seemed laughable. From the intriguing evolution of bladeless LASIK to the deadly yet fascinating cone snails, the narrative uncovers medical innovations hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly trivial childhood memory. Meet Toto, a lonely Filipino boy whose innocent discovery set off a chain reaction leading to life-changing medical advances. It's a vibrant blend of storytelling and science that redefines how we perceive research.

Tim Howard, a Radiolab producer, shares the remarkable story of Charles Bliss, who sought to create a universal language to prevent war through clearer communication. Bliss's innovative symbols transformed interactions, especially for children with cerebral palsy, igniting both hope and emotional struggles over time. The podcast also features an adrenaline-fueled adventure of Aleksander Gamme's surprise moment of joy during his Antarctic journey, highlighting the elusive nature of bliss and the profound connections shaped by language.

In this episode, reporter Katz Laszlo shares his on-the-ground experiences in Ukraine, focusing on the dangerous covert operations to supply abortion pills amidst the chaos of war. He highlights personal stories from women like Evgenia, navigating life-threatening situations to secure essential healthcare. Laszlo also explores the emotional struggles of four pregnant women and the ethical dilemmas surrounding abortion rights in a conflict zone. With resilience shining through, the episode reveals the grim realities and profound choices faced daily in Ukraine.

This fascinating exploration of modern parenthood dives into the emotional and ethical complexities of surrogacy. Follow the journey of a gay couple navigating international surrogacy while facing legal hurdles and ethical dilemmas. The narrative shifts focus to the surrogate mothers, revealing their personal stories of empowerment and hardship. Amidst cultural challenges and societal pressures, the podcast highlights the intense emotions surrounding the quest for family, all set against the backdrop of global surrogacy debates.

Katz Laszlo, a reporter dedicated to European current affairs and reproductive health, shares a gripping story about a young doctor in Germany determined to deliver abortion pills to war-torn Ukraine. As she navigates Poland's strict abortion laws, a high-stakes covert operation unfolds, highlighting the emotional struggles and ethical dilemmas faced by those involved. Personal anecdotes reveal the chaotic realities at the Polish-Ukrainian border, while the urgent need for medical supplies amplifies the risks and complexities of humanitarian aid during a crisis.