We often hear about the joys of motherhood — the incomparable sense of love, the magic of watching your kids discover the world, and the fulfillment of seeing them grow. But motherhood can also be a grind. On this encore episode, we take a look at the experience of modern motherhood — the challenges, the sometimes impossible standards, and the strategies that help moms thrive.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
--------
48:52
The Life-Changing Power of Lifting Weights
For a long time, weightlifting was relegated to the realm of muscle heads — but today, it's popular among people of all ages and fitness levels. On this episode, we explore the history of weightlifting, some of its unexpected health and cognitive benefits, and why one woman says it changed her relationship with her body.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
--------
51:39
50 Years Later: The Lasting Impact of the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War changed the world — and the lives of millions of people, who remain scarred by the traumas they experienced. On this episode, we mark the 50th anniversary of the war's end with stories that explore its lasting impact, from veterans struggling to reconcile the role they played in the deadly conflict, to Vietnamese refugees who are still working to put the pieces back together.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
--------
49:03
Finding Strength and Beauty in Muscles
As the doors of the Vatican were opening, Bonnie Tsui sprinted through the galleries to the Sistine Chapel. She wanted to experience Michelangelo's frescoes alone for 10 minutes. She laid on the floor, looked up and cried. It's just one of many stories she weaves through her new book, "On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why it Matters." On this episode, Tsui joins host Maiken Scott for a conversation about the importance of strength, muscles and being comfortable in one's own body, especially as we age.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
--------
34:57
Loneliness and How to Rekindle Social Connection
Over the past few years, public health experts have been sounding the alarm over a growing and potentially deadly epidemic: loneliness. On this episode, we explore how and why loneliness is so detrimental to our health, who is most affected, and novel solutions, ranging from cuddle parties to robot buddies.- Short Feed Episode Description: Why researchers say we're facing a "loneliness epidemic ," and novel solutions to fostering social connectionLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Go on an adventure into unexpected corners of the health and science world each week with award-winning host Maiken Scott. The Pulse takes you behind the doors of operating rooms, into the lab with some of the world's foremost scientists, and back in time to explore life-changing innovations. The Pulse delivers stories in ways that matter to you, and answers questions you never knew you had.