The Pulse

ICYMI 🚨:When was the last time you felt truly happy, and how can you recreate that moment?

This week, we look back at one of our favorite episodes. We explore the science of designing a happier life — from reverse-engineering joy to moments of serendipity.

Engineering Happiness into Our Daily Lives Podcast Episode · The Pulse · May 28 · 50m

Color is never just color. Sure, that blouse is red, and yellow and blue make green — but in reality, color is far more complex and fascinating.

On this episode, we explore the world of color — from how we perceive it, to efforts to describe and differentiate its many shades.

The Strange Science of Color — And Our Quest to Understand It Podcast Episode · The Pulse · May 21 · 49m

Juliane Koepcke, the sole survivor of a plane crash that had dumped her in the Peruvian Amazon, survived the wilderness for 11 days. How did she do it?

On this episode, we explore what it takes to survive in extreme circumstances.

What It Takes to Survive a Disaster Podcast Episode · The Pulse · May 14 · 50m

Any mother will tell you that having children changes everything, but what does that transition look like?

On this episode, a look at the transformations brought by motherhood, from how it rewires the brain to changing our sense of self.

The Complexity of Motherhood A look at the transformations brought by motherhood, from how it rewires the brain to changing our sense of self.

Last month, Trump signed an order to accelerate research and review of psychedelic treatments for mental health issues like depression and PTSD.

But what do we know about these treatments? On this episode, the healing effects of psychedelics. Listen now ⬇️

Healing with Psychedelics: Veterans, PTSD, and the Science of Mind-Altering Drugs Podcast Episode · The Pulse · April 30 · 50m

Perfectionism is often seen as a virtue, but it can be paralyzing—undermining our goals and harming our health.

On this episode, we explore what causes perfectionism, why researchers say it can be dangerous, and how we can escape its grip.

The Problem with Being Perfect: How Unrealistic Standards Hurt Our Minds and Bodies Podcast Episode · The Pulse · March 26 · 50m

From Kevlar to dark matter, women scientists have shaped our world — yet many remain forgotten, ignored, and overlooked.

For Women's History Month, we unearth their stories and bring their legacies to light.

Unearthing the Hidden Stories of Women Scientists Podcast Episode · The Pulse · March 19 · 50m

60 million Americans are family caregivers, yet the experience can feel incredibly isolating.

On this episode, we dive into the unspoken reality of caregiving with sociologist Laura Mauldin — from whirlwind romances to navigating strong-willed parents.

1 in 4 American Adults Is a Caregiver. So Why Does It Feel So Lonely? A look at the challenges of caregiving,, from changing relationships, to dealing with loneliness and burnout.

The invention of the telephone completely changed our lives, but the question of the mastermind behind the device is still being disputed today.

On this episode, we celebrate 150 years of the telephone — from Alexander Graham Bell to Gen Z's telephobia.

Hello? From Bell’s First Call to Gen Z’s Telephobia: 150 Years of the Telephone Podcast Episode · The Pulse · March 5 · 50m

We're often told not to anthropomorphize animals — to avoid projecting our own feelings onto them. Yet, emerging science complicates this advice.

On this episode, we explore the inner lives of animals, from pain in lobsters to empathy in baboons.

Beyond Anthropomorphism: The Science of Animal Emotions Podcast Episode · The Pulse · February 26 · 50m