As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible stories shared on The Story Collider stages and podcast this year. There were over 100 on the podcast alone!
From tales of scientific breakthroughs to deeply personal journeys of discovery, our storytellers brought laughter, tears, and jaw-dropping moments to audiences around the world. Whether it was navigating the wild landscapes of the natural world, unraveling the mysteries of the universe, or finding humor in the unexpected, these stories reminded us why science and storytelling make such an extraordinary pairing.
Here’s a look back at some of the most unforgettable stories of 2024.
stories that made us Laugh Out Loud in 2024
“Sex sabbatical” by Jameer Pond from “Boundaries”
“I've produced stories for over a decade now, and Jameer's performance was the loudest and hardest I've ever heard a crowd laugh. It's so, so funny.”
— Christine Gentry, Senior Producer
“Jameer is an incredible force of a storyteller.”
— Erin Barker, Executive Director and Co-founder of The Story Collider
“Jameer is just one of my favorite people and tellers.”
— Bryan Kett, LA Senior Producer
“Lustful experience on the IKEA office chair” by Edith Gonzalez from “Birds & the Bees”
“Everything about this story is HILARIOUS! The stripping in skinny jeans, the chair breaking. I can never look at an IKEA office chair the same way again.”
— Misha Gajewski, Managing Producer and Toronto Senior Producer
“Maybe I should panic” by Michael Czajkowski from “Hallucinogenics”
“You can probably hear me laughing very loud on this audience recording even though I had already heard their story 5+ times.”
— Emma Yarborough, Atlanta Senior Producer
“F*ck you! I'm a scientist.” by Fola Olusanya from “Haters”
“I laughed out loud at this story about trolling internet trolls!”
— Saad Sarwana, Phoenix Producer
“I CAN’T NOT love a good online drama story that involves TikTok.”
— Misha Gajewski, Managing Producer and Toronto Senior Producer
“low‑level poison” by Ashley McKelvy from “With A Little Help”
“Ashley takes her friends on a scientific journey through the effects of caffeine- but the experiment isn’t exactly kosher! Ah to be young and in college and under the impression that I have any idea what I’m doing.”
— Sam Lyons, St. Louis Producer
“I hate to tell you.” by Laurel Bristow from “Haters”
“Laurel Bristow! Runner up to funniest story in my book :)”
— Emma Yarborough, Atlanta Senior Producer
The most sob-worthy stories of 2024
“Siwe lives” by Dionne C. Monsanto from “Checking On You”
“I am so honored that Dionne trusted us with this story. It wasn't easy to tell, and it isn't easy to listen to, but her love for her daughter comes through so clearly. No one with a heart can leave this one dry-eyed.”
— Christine Gentry, Senior Producer
“Only trim. Don't cut.” by Christine Gentry from “Outsiders”
“Christine Gentry can always make me cry but to make me care about a tree I've never seen, and then make me openly weep because of the fate that befalls this stranger tree shows just how incredible Christine is at storytelling. I still can't believe I cried over a tree.”
— Misha Gajewski, Managing Producer and Toronto Senior Producer
"You have to be smart to be a scientist" by Pamela Toh from “Prom King and Queen”
“This story brings back memories of that one teacher who changes everything.”
— Erin Barker, Executive Director and Co-founder of The Story Collider
Stories That Changed Our Perspective in 2024
“It tastes like sunshine” by Danielle Meinert from “Food Fights”
“I resonated hard with the food-wariness in this story. Though I don’t have ARFID specifically (to my knowledge), I definitely struggle with a pickiness that makes it hard to get enough nutrition. Also, yay shrooms!”
— Sam Lyons, St. Louis Producer
“I’ve probably retold this story to more people this year than any other story I’ve heard.”
— Emma Yarborough, Atlanta Senior Producer
“This is such a vulnerable and insightful glimpse into this form of disordered eating. Danielle allows us to understand what it's like to be her.”
— Erin Barker, Executive Director and Co-founder of The Story Collider
“Her story gives such an incredible insight into what it’s like to have ARFID, something I'd never heard of until she shared her story.”
— Misha Gajewski, Managing Producer and Toronto Senior Producer
“We do have happiness” by Zoe Wisnoski from “The System is Broken”
“Zoe’s story is such a perfect encapsulation of what the rare disease community goes through when it comes to struggling with —and finding —answers.”
— Bryan Kett, LA Senior Producer
“third‑floor weirdo” by Alison Spodek from “Peer Review”
“Haven’t we all, at one point or another, been concerned about whether we appear ‘smart’ enough? Alison reminds us that being *happy* is always more important.”
— Christine Gentry, Senior Producer
“I move through the world like a bear” by Alma Schrage from “Disability Pride”
“I will always be in awe of Alma and her ingenuity as she navigates the world as a deaf woman. The fact that she uses voice notes to identify bird calls is something I never would have thought of. I will forever be grateful to Alma for sharing this story with us.”
— Misha Gajewski, Managing Producer and Toronto Senior Producer
Stories That Captured Our Hearts
“that little piece of DNA” by Martha Buford Reiskind from “Genetic Mysteries”
“Heartfelt and suspenseful. I was completely immersed in this story.”
— Erin Barker, Executive Director and Co-founder of The Story Collider
“This story should honestly be an entire Netflix true crime documentary it's that good.”
— Misha Gajewski, Managing Producer and Toronto Senior Producer
“the Goldilocks Problem” by Bryon Backenson from “The System is Broken”
“It was so insightful and thrilling to hear a true insider’s view of the pandemic from the top epidemiologist most responsible for handling New York’s response. His story was so moving and frustrating while also being entertaining.”
— Tracey Segarra, New York Producer
“Inheritance” by Nick Caruso from “Cures”
“As my own father gets older and I grapple with the inevitable loss of his presence, I found Nick’s tribute to his own father profoundly moving.”
— Christine Gentry, Senior Producer
“color coding” by Kirsten Siebach from “Peer Review”
“After working as part of large experiments/ programs for over years, having somebody technical who can mange / organize large experiments is a skill, which is often under appreciated. I loved Kristen story about falling into a pivotal role without even trying!”
— Saad Sarwana, Phoenix Producer
“Racing without a driver” by Madhur Behl from “At First You Don’t Succeed”
“Watching everyone in the room literally lean forward to the edge of their seat so as not to miss a moment of Madhur's riveting story is maybe one of my proudest moments as a producer.”
— Misha Gajewski, Managing Producer and Toronto Senior Producer
“a little nudge” by Tim Lopez from “Birds”
“Tim's story is just a lovely little reminder of how we're all looking to find where we fit in.”
— Bryan Kett, LA Senior Producer
