The Story Collider

Latest Episodes:

Lawrence David: An extreme self-study Dec 09, 2012

Show notes

Having lost his ambition to be a scientist, Lawrence David embarks on one more research project -- to collect and study his poop. Every day. For a year. "I wake up, I dread pooping. I'm gagging, and I hear my wife screaming from the bedroom, 'Serves you right for putting feces in our fridge!'"

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Abby Pond: A quiet moment Dec 02, 2012

Show notes

When her dad is diagnosed with cancer, Abby Pond is sent on a journey home, across the world, and into a new science. "He said, 'Why are you sitting here waiting for me to die. This is dumb.' So he kicked me out."

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Arran Frood: A therapeutic trip Nov 25, 2012

Show notes

Arran Frood is a science writer who specializes in writing about studies of psychedelic drugs, but a routine story turns personal when he finds himself in a study of MDMA and therapy.

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Adam Wade: Volcanic chemistry Nov 18, 2012

Show notes

In high school, Adam Wade falls for his lab partner, but is led astray by dreams of golf team greatness.

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Heather Swain: The last hours of a rabid woman Nov 11, 2012

Show notes

When Heather Swain is told she has rabies, that turns out to be the least strange part of her experience. "Who wants to grow up saying their mother died of rabies, like I was a raccoon?"

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Steve Mirsky: Why would you have a masters in chemistry? Nov 05, 2012

Show notes

Questions arise when Steve Mirsky is introduced to his friend's new girlfriend, and he relies on his past experience to help -- specifically his degree in chemistry. "It's almost like you're army buddies.... It's midnight, it's just the two of you, and you're going through this labyrinth of dusty medical records."

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Ari Daniel Shapiro: Narwhal tagging in the arctic Oct 28, 2012

Show notes

As a grad student, Ari Daniel Shapiro has to tag some narwhals to collect data. The problem: it's in the arctic, the devices have never been tested, and if he fails he'll never be able to do research again. "The thing is, you have to get the tag back to get the data."

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Brooke Borel: My dog's heart Oct 21, 2012

Show notes

A science writer is challenged when her dog comes down with a case of heartworm -- and then the medication goes wrong. "As I'm leaving, the vet says, 'Oh, by the way: Don't go on the internet. It'll only freak you out.'"

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Rory Scholl: What I want is to smile again Oct 14, 2012

Show notes

Rory Scholl has to show up on day one to a new job -- with a severe case of Bell's Palsy. "When I said this to one of my co-workers I slurred my words, which was nothing new: I had a lot of three martini lunches."

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Christine Gentry: Four lessons from my dad Oct 07, 2012

Show notes

Christine Gentry's rural, Vietnam vet father rarely talked about important issues, but a series of remarkable moments with animals and nature teach her four lessons she'll never forget. "Lesson number 2: Aint no use crying about things you can't do nothin' about."

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