Cubicles seem to inspire existential angst in many office workers. They've become a symbol for feeling boxed in, with no opportunities for growth. But - it was never meant to be this way. Hear how the cubicle was first envisioned as the "Action Office" meant to facilitate a free flow of ideas among 'knowledge workers.' [Featuring amazing sound from the archives of the Herman Miller Company]

From "Action Office" to cubicle

Alice Gorelick, August 2017

A day on the river

Keeping pollution out of the river

A fish returns home

The flooded town of Pinhook

50 years ago, Lou Farren and Brad Ward were overseas, fighting in the same war. They didn't meet then, instead, fate brought them together on a Philadelphia hospital ward.

Two vietnam vets become "lung brothers"

10-minute excerpt from The Pulse episode on disability.

For a long time disability meant one thing — limitations. Think about the word disabled: its literal meaning is broken, not functioning. In a world largely built by and for those considered typical, people with disabilities are often boxed out — from jobs they want, places they want to visit and activities they could love. But that’s changing as advances in science and technology intersect with evolving conceptions of disability. On this episode of The Pulse, we explore the idea that “disability” resides not in people, but in the systems, schools, workplaces and communities that don’t make a way for inclusion and participation.

We highlight a growing movement to change the culture in medicine which has often sidelined disabled doctors. Doctors with disabilities speak up - and say their experiences will improve patient care.
We speak with Teresa Blankmeyer Burke, she is philosophy professor who is deaf. Her work probes how we define disability – and when it’s really just difference.

The Pulse: Make (a) Way excerpt

The life of Sarah's phone case - from enchanting glitter to oily burning mess in one fast minute

Sarah's glittery phone case

For an upcoming episode of The Pulse, I had a conversation with Ian Chillag about his new podcast "Everything is Alive." 
We used to work together at WHYY back in the day.
We talked about how he comes up with ideas for the podcast, and how making it has changed how he thinks about every day objects.

Conversation with Ian Chillag, creator of "Everything is Alive"

The Pulse brings you stories at the heart of health, science and innovation. A production of WHYY in Philadelphia, hosted by Maiken Scott

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Other tracks from WHYY The Pulse