In 2023, we aired more than 1,200 minutes of true, personal stories about science on our podcast! That’s wild! Most of them recorded at our live events across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and some recorded in the privacy of our storytellers’ homes. But as we bid adieu to 2023, it’s time to reminisce about the narratives that left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds—the ones that made us laugh uproariously, shed tears unreservedly, and altered our perspectives permanently.
So without further ado here are some of our favorite stories from 2023.
“Ryan and I will always have the cystoscopy” by Carlos Kotkin from “Mortified”
“Carlos is one of the funniest people I've ever met. He had so much fun telling his story, and I don't think I've ever seen a crowd that responsive.”
– Bryan Kent, Los Angeles Senior Producer
“PELVIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT” by Amy Veltman From “Shame”
“Honestly, it's so hard to pick a favourite, but Amy's story is really a beautiful blend of science and storytelling. Her honesty about her embarrassing body, her shame, and her worries are so relatable, and what she finds out and reveals not only liberates her - it has the potential to help so many of us!”
— Paula Croxson, New York Senior Producer
“This story made me laugh out loud (alone!) soooo many times.”
— Anonymous
“just your local mad scientist” by Zeke Kossover, From “Systematic Errors”
“Everything about Zeke’s story is perfect. The stakes, the delivery, the science – it’s all SO GOOD. And Zeke himself was a delight. I’ve also never laughed so hard at someone almost blowing themselves up.”
– Misha Gajewski, Managing Producer
“Toni Braxton brand of lupus” by Ayanna Dookie From “New Normal”
“Ayanna had good energy. And their humor around Lupus something that has significantly changed their life lightened my spirit.”
— Christine Williams, New York Producer
“Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy” by JulieAnn Villa from “Learning”
“JulieAnn was such a force. Her generosity in sharing her world with us, even when she was dealing with the hardest parts of her cancer, her honesty and her joy, despite all the odds, are just incredible, and this story is no exception. I was lucky enough to work with her one more than one occasion. The world lost an incredible storyteller and wonderful person this year.”
— Paula Croxson, New York Senior Producer
“Spider, spider, spider.” by Devon Kodzis From “Anxious Minds”
“I picked this story because despite not having the issues described they did a great job of bringing me into the scene. I felt like I was the character described.”
— Anonymous
“not going anywhere” by Barbara Todd from “Reclamation”
“Barbara spoke of not being there the moment her dad passed away. My parent passed away during covid- so we were not able to be in the room with them. What made it even worse is I was a whole state away focused on trying to make enough money to so I can make our next visit special. Since I was a kid she always spoke of wanting to be surrounded by family when she would pass. And it didn't happen. Hearing Barbara speak of how important it was that she and the other nurses was with a patient when they passed holding her hands made me feel a bit comforted.”
— Christine Williams, New York Producer
“The pink ribbon of breast cancer” by Ophira Eisenberg from “Paradoxical”
“Funny, heartwarming, and vulnerable--the best three things a story can be.”
— A New York Story Collider Producer
“The American Dream” by Xavier Bettencourt from “Job Search”
“Hearing someone speak about their experiences about finding employment, stable housing, and finding their true identity and calling in my opinion always makes for a good story. It also was cool that Xavier happened upon the science job and really loved it. Sometimes I can be so focused on doing a certain thing that I don't allow for new opportunities to spark a new interest.”
— Christine Williams, New York Producer
“betrayed googly eyes” by Neeti Jain from “Fish out of Water”
“Love the family dynamic combined with navigating ethical issues in science.”
— Anonymous
“This was SUCH a good story”
— Katherine Wu, Boston Senior Producer
“learn to adapt to loss” by Saren Seeley from “Overthinking”
“Saren's story of dealing with her own disconnection and grief while trying to make sense of her research is a beautiful journey. What I love most about this story is how she frames her research - the way she frames grief just makes so much sense, and made me feel hopeful - which is the best kind of crying.”
— Paula Croxson, New York Senior Producer
“Searching for matsutake” by Laura Fukumoto from “Extra Mile”
“Laura Fukumoto’s story is beyond endearing and heartwarming. It’s the CUTEST STORY EVER! I just melted listening to it. I still can’t believe the lengths this incredible lady went to so her grandma could have some soup! Also, the fact that she wore a handmade mushroom hat while performing this story is just too much! I’m in love!”
— Misha Gajewski, Managing Producer
“I would absolutely die for Grandma Kay”
— Charlie Cook, Vancouver Producer
“I just LOVE LOVE LOVED Laura Fukumoto's story.”
— Eric Jankowski, president of Story Collider’s Board of Directors
“on their worst day” by Jenn Kamara from “Career Path”
“It provided me with a perspective shift. I never knew EMT's could be volunteers and now I am interested!”
— Christine Williams, New York Producer
“Sassy Clark Kent” by Mike Lambert from “Shame”
“Mike's story is filled with such awareness, humor, and poise. He finds such strength through his vulnerability, and he really highlights the idea that science impacts all of us.”
— Bryan Kett, Los Angeles Senior Producer
“There is no Julia, only ZUUL” By Julia Whitehouse from “Motherhood”
“I love how Julia shows us her whole personality in this story - she isn't afraid to show all of the messy, less beautiful parts along with the amazing ones. I found myself crying with laughter, and feeling for her, and so transported intpo her world.”
— Paula Croxson, New York Senior Producer
“hard to have empathy” by Erica Martinez from “Burn Out”
“[Erica] did a great job of making me feel their despair.”
— Anonymous
“the worst psychological torture of my life” by Hakim Walker from “Job Search”
“ ‘Changed my life’ might be hyperbolic, ha, but I had absolutely no idea that the NSA requires fellowship candidates to go through a lie detector test--unacceptable!”
— A Story Collider Producer
“Shingles on my vulva” by Emma Yarbrough from “Mortified”
“The humor to describe what was going around them was great.”
— Anonymous
“Emma has an incredible ability to balance vulnerability and humor. But also how can you not adore a shingles on your vagina story? This story had me cracking up alone in my apartment. It’s naturally HILARIOUS!”
— Misha Gajewski, Managing Producer
“LASHONDA!” by Sam Lyons from “Searching”
“I’m a sucker for a cat story but Sam’s is so good. Also, since this story came out Sam screaming ‘LASHONDA!’ lives in my head rent free.”
— Misha Gajewski, Managing Producer
