In 2022, we aired more than 100 stories on our podcast, most recorded at our live events across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and some recorded in the privacy of our storytellers’ homes. Now that we’ve reached the end of this year, The Story Collider team is reflecting on some of the stories that resonated most with them this year. Find our selections below, as well as some of our most popular episodes of the year.
“The Truth About Tiger Bones” by Curtis Chou, from “Obsession”
“Curtis managed to take the "someone is wrong on the internet" meme and turn it into a compelling story. It's a great example of a small story with stakes about as far from life or death as you can get. But when I listen, I can feel how much Curtis cares about the outcome. And so I care.”
-Josh Silberg, Vancouver producer
“Every time I hear Curtis's story, I am blown away by how they were able to take such a small moment- being miffed about a YouTube comment and reveal such a rich inner struggle that took place upon reading it. Curtis's passion for the truth draws me in and I find myself so easily siding when them. This makes the moment of realization, that a lot can be missed in the quest for facts, so startling. Especially in a world of misinformation I think this story is incredibly important.”
-Charlie Cook, Vancouver producer
“Thank You for Your Awesomeness” by Becky Feldman, from “Validity”
“Becky is a pro. And while we hardly did much at all to help her craft this, her story--eloquently told--needs to be shared as much as possible.”
-Bryan Kett, Los Angeles producer
“What the Hell is Underwater Robotics?” by Jason Raines, from “Anticipation”
“I love me a good underdog story!!!”
-Meisa Salaita, Atlanta producer
“All in the Name of Science” by Amy Segal, from “Gross Science”
“Because the subject matter was outrageous, the story well-crafted, and the delivery hilarious. Unforgettable story!”
-Tracey Segarra, New York producer
“Practice Makes Perfect” by Adam Selbst, from “Unconventional Methods”
“The vulnerability, hilarity, and heart of this story just got me. And Adam's panicked mimic of his attacker shouting ‘Stop it motherfucker. I said stop it!’ lives rent-free in my brain.”
-Eric Jankowski, president of Story Collider’s Board of Directors
“Less Than a Year to Live,” by Lauren Soares, from “Anomaly”
“I love the innocence in this story, and the humor in it all. It’s not an experience of child brain tumor I’ve really heard before and at the same time having a realization as an adult about what your parents went through parenting/protecting/caring for you is a pretty relatable!”
-Michaela Agapiou, London producer
“Invisible” by Cesar Nufio, from “Borders”
“Blending art and science to make sense of the world and ourselves is so much at the heart of what we do at Story Collider — and César's story gets at that power so beautifully. He had me laughing, crying, and feeling all the feels in between.”
-Maryam Zaringhalam, D.C. producer
“Not As Easy As Flipping Over a Few Rocks” by Melina Giakoumis, from “Anxiety”
“This story is so relatable. I could feel her anxiety building. I was completely immersed in her story.”
-Hoda Emam, Dallas producer
“As a former field biologist, this story felt so true and so vulnerable. In a short time, Melina takes us on this beautiful personal journey but also seamlessly weaves in what is clearly her scientific passion. I also love that this story gave the sea stars a voice too. Thank you!”
-Lindsay Cooper, operations manager
“Where Did You Last See It?” by Emily Darling, from “Tenacity”
“Emily Darling was one of my favorites because her small story is so impactful and reminds us all that even when everything feels hopeless, you just need to dig a little deeper to remember why you do what you do. Also she's just the sweetest, most amazing person ever to work with.”
-Misha Gajewski, managing producer and Toronto producer
“My Daughters’s Heart” by James Gordon, from “Tenacity”
“James Gordon broke me with his beyond moving story about his daughter. I sat and cried on my living room floor for 15 minutes after listening to that story for the first time. And any storyteller who can make me do that deserves a nomination.”
-Misha Gajewski, managing producer
“OH JUST THE SOBBING”
-Eric Jankowski, president of Story Collider’s Board of Directors
“Preparing for Two Minutes and Thirty-Eight Seconds of Darkness” by Nicholas St. Fleur, from “Anticipation”
“I loved so many Story Collider stories, but one that sticks with me this year is Nicholas St. Fleur’s ode to the eclipse. His enthusiasm on stage was so palpable, it was contagious!”
-Erin Barker, executive director
“Worthy of That Joy I Thought Was Luxury” by Kayla Hernandez, from “Childhood Dreams”
“Okay, one more. I’m a sucker for scientist origin stories, and Kayla Hernandez’s origin story is one to remember. I still can’t believe I wept about physics!”
-Erin Barker, executive director
