Story Collider is back in DC for five true, personal stories exploring the phenomenon of positive feedback—from the runaway loops that leave us spiraling to the unconscious connections that take root in our minds.
Hosted by Shane M Hanlon & Maryam Zaringhalam at Penn Social DC.
Doors open at 6:30pm. Show starts at 7:00pm. Please note: seating is first come, first serve.
Stories By:
Adam Ruben is a writer, comedian, and molecular biologist. He has appeared on the Science Channel, the Food Network, the History Channel, the Travel Channel, the Weather Channel, Discovery, Netflix, and NPR. Adam writes a monthly column in the journal Science and is the author of two books: Surviving Your Stupid, Stupid Decision to Go to Grad School and Pinball Wizards: Jackpots, Drains, and the Cult of the Silver Ball, with a third book, Soda Pop Science, debuting soon! He is a writer for the Emmy-nominated PBS cartoon “Elinor Wonders Why” and co-produces the DC and Baltimore chapters of the storytelling series “Mortified.” Learn more at adamruben.net.
Kaitlyn Sadtler is a scientist and bioengineer that researches how our immune system responds to injury, and how we can leverage those immune cells to help regenerate damaged tissues. She grew up in Frederick County, Maryland and studied Biology at UMBC where she became interested in the immune system. She pivoted to biomedical engineering during her PhD at Johns Hopkins before a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT. She was named a TED Fellow and appeared on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Science and the TIME 100 Next list. She was a member of the WEF Young Global Leaders and the US NASEM New Voices program. Outside of research, she enjoys hiking and traveling. She is also a fan of fantasy novels and craft beer.
Rajesh Mirchandani has been a storyteller all his life - by profession and passion. As a BBC global journalist, a nonprofit communications executive, and now as founder of Storyteller Consulting helping organizations and leaders find, shape and share stories that make human connections and drive impact. He fuels his work by performing on storytelling stages around the country; he’s a three-time Moth winner, runner-up at the 2025 National Storytelling Festival and host of the podcast Finding Our Flavor. Sometimes he sleeps.
Dr. Reyhaneh (Rey) Maktoufi is an Iranian-American National Geographic Explorer, researcher, and science communication trainer and strategist focused on storytelling and popularizing the science of SciComm. A delegate to the US-Japan Leadership Program (2025), she combines evidence-based communication principles with engaging formats, co-producing and illustrating PBS|NOVA’s Sciencing Out, co-creating the SciComm Hotline podcast, and making explainers and comics on Instagram.
For 15 years Rey has designed playful workshops on communication, trust-building, and storytelling for scientists, students, and creators, with organizations such as The Story Collider and National Geographic Society and through her HHMI and Tangled Bank Studios, and The Civic Science Misinformation Fellowships with GBH|NOVA. Her research and evaluation explores curiosity, trust, and the impact of outreach campaigns and fellowship programs, including her latest paper for the National Academies of Sciences on sustained public engagement in digital spaces. She holds a Ph.D. in Media, Technology, and Society from Northwestern University and previously, amongst her other roles, served as a visiting researcher at the Adler Planetarium and as a grief facilitator in the Fars Hospice in Iran.
Stacey Baker is a farm kid, recovering biologist, rock climber, and science communication strategist. Growing up on a dairy farm instilled in her a sense of wonder about the natural world and a belief that science can help solve real-world problems. Later, her education and experience as a researcher revealed the barriers many people face when trying to engage with science and the scientific community. For Stacey, human-centered science communication means connecting meaningfully with people and weaving relationship building, mental and emotional well-being, and social justice into every aspect of her work. Whether she's designing programs, facilitating collaboration, or shaping communication strategies, she works to create spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate. Stacey is happiest behind the scenes, asking thoughtful questions, putting on a sea turtle costume, and helping other people shine (or set things on fire). She's still a little suspicious of anyone who hands her a microphone, but if you've made it this far, you're in it with her now.
