The Story Collider

Best of Story Collider: Code of Ethics

This week we present two classic stories of people struggling with what the “right” thing to do is. Part 1: Catherine Macdonald always wanted to study sharks, but her fi

Do-over: Stories from Boise State University

This week’s episode — produced in partnership with Boise State University’s “AWESOME” Center — features two stories from The AWESOME Center’s research team. Part 1: Ph

Chasing Perfect: Stories about the pursuit of perfection

While many believe striving for perfection is a fool's errand, in this week's episode both of our storytellers chase it anyway. Part 1: Weiji Ma grapples with the pressu

Taking Back Power: Stories about reclaiming control

In this week's episode, two storytellers reclaim their power—one by challenging a broken system, the other by confronting the ways trauma continues to shape her life. Pa

Best of Story Collider: Revelations

This week we present two stories from our archive of people who learned something about their childhood later in life. Part 1: Growing up in the fifties and sixties, Jen

On the Edge: Stories about not having control

While we often like to think we're in control of our own lives, both of our storytellers learn that some things remain beyond our grasp, no matter how hard we try to stee

Knowledge Gap: Stories about broken education systems

In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers uncover cracks in the education system that prove harder to ignore than they expected. Part 1: While teaching a summer s

A Long Way From Home: Stories about being an immigrant scientist

In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers explore the challenges, opportunities, and unexpected lessons they encountered as immigrant scientists in the United Stat

Best of Story Collider: Loneliness

This week, we're re-airing two classic stories about finding friends. Science can be a lonely job -- but it can also connect us to others in ways we'd never imagine. Par

Not a Straight Line: Stories about becoming a science journalist

In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers share the unconventional paths that led them into science journalism. Part 1: Keren Landman always wanted to be a writer

Manhood: Stories about masculinity

What does it actually mean to “be a man”? In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers grapple with masculinity and are forced to confront what manhood means to them.

Speak Up: Stories about self-advocacy

In a perfect world, getting the health care you need wouldn’t require fighting for it. But in this week’s episode, both of our storytellers discover just how hard they ha

Thalassophobia: Stories about fear of the ocean

In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers come face to face with one of their deepest fears: the ocean. Part 1: When the children’s TV show host Carly Ciarrocchi

Best of Story Collider: Love and Technology

In this week’s Best Of episode, we present stories from people who navigated our changing relationship to technology. Part 1: As a kid, Samy Kamkar discovers his superp

Above and Beyond: Stories about the lengths we go to for loved ones

In this week’s episode, both storytellers discover just how far people will go for the ones they love. Part 1: When Bailey Swilley’s dad goes into cardiac arrest, she wa

Gluten: Stories about the love of bread

In this week’s episode, storytellers share stories about carbs, control, and the unexpected ways bread shapes our lives. Part 1: When everyone in Rich Tackenberg’s famil

Trying: Stories about fertility

In this week’s episode, we’re bringing you two stories about navigating the uncertainty, hope, and heartbreak of trying to have a baby. Part 1: After a pregnancy loss, A

Best of Story Collider: Leaving Home

In this week’s Best Of episode, we present two stories of people who had to leave home to find a new home. Part 1: When Ph.D student Ali Mattu's girlfriend tells him she

In Memory Of: Stories about honoring loved ones

In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers reflect on the ways we try to hold onto the people we love. Part 1: Gwendolyn Napier is left heartbroken when harsh Atla

Balaena: Stories about whales

In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers share tales about whales. Part 1: As a child, Brittany Munson dreams of growing up to be a whale trainer. Part 2: As