The Golden Record

The Asteroid Hunter

Jul 1, 202634 minSummary

The Asteroid Hunter, an episode of This is Love, explores the vital work of David Rankin, a dedicated nighttime observer at the Catalina Sky Survey. Perched atop Mount Lemon in Arizona, Rankin spends his nights meticulously monitoring the skies for near-Earth objects. The episode traces his journey from a childhood fascination with the heavens in rural Utah—sparked by the arrival of the Hale-Bopp comet—to his current career as a professional asteroid hunter. The discussion highlights the significant impact of the 1993 collision between Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 and Jupiter, an event that served as a global wake-up call regarding the potential for catastrophic celestial impacts. Listeners learn about the distinction between comets and asteroids, the history of planetary defense, and the reality of the threat posed by space rocks. Rankin shares his experience of identifying a small asteroid moments before it entered Earth's atmosphere, emphasizing that while the risk of impact is a constant, humanity is now better equipped than ever to detect and potentially redirect hazardous objects. Through his story, the episode underscores the quiet, persistent vigilance required to protect the planet from the unknown.

The Photograph

Jun 3, 202649 minSummary

In this episode of This is Love, the podcast explores the lifelong quest of Bob Brigham, a history professor who spent decades searching for his roots after being adopted as an infant. Raised in a small New York town, Bob felt a profound sense of displacement as a child, which was exacerbated by his parents' divorce and his own academic struggles. The episode follows the elaborate narratives Bob created to explain his existence—most notably, a belief that his biological father died serving in the Vietnam War. This internal mythology fueled a deep interest in history and led him to conduct meticulous, often heartbreaking, searches through cemeteries and archives. Even after discovering that his biological mother had lived much longer than he was led to believe, Bob’s search continued through DNA testing later in life. The narrative highlights the complex relationship between adoptees and their history, the impact of sealed records on personal identity, and the ways we construct stories to ground ourselves. Ultimately, it is a poignant reflection on the human need to understand one’s origins and the evolving nature of truth within families.

SOS

May 6, 202657 minSummary

In this episode of This is Love titled SOS, the narrative follows the harrowing true story of Brandon and Gina, a couple who found themselves in a life-threatening situation shortly after they began seeing one another. While trekking 8,500 feet high on a mountain, they became hopelessly lost and faced the terrifying reality of being stranded in the wilderness with no immediate help in sight. The episode details their desperate struggle for survival and the chilling realization that their cries for assistance were met only with silence. Drawing from Bill Donahue’s article Lost and Found, the storytelling explores the endurance of the human spirit and the strength of a bond tested by extreme circumstances. Listeners can expect an intense, emotional account of perseverance and the profound impact that shared trauma can have on a budding relationship.

The French Fries

Apr 15, 202637 minSummary

In this intriguing episode of This is Love, listeners are invited to solve a peculiar suburban mystery that began when Cathy discovered a mysterious takeout bag on her porch. Inside was a half-eaten order of french fries labeled with the name Rodolphe. What started as a confusing one-time event quickly escalated into a daily occurrence, prompting Cathy and her neighbor Harley to investigate the strange delivery. As the deliveries continued, the pair decided it was time to get to the bottom of the fry phenomenon. Journalist Harley Rustad shares his experience covering this puzzling story for Toronto Life, detailing how an ordinary neighborhood interaction transformed into an unfolding mystery. This episode offers an engaging look at curiosity, community connection, and the surprising ways small, inexplicable events can bring people together in pursuit of a common answer.

Feeling Good

Apr 1, 202637 minSummary

In this episode of This is Love, host Phoebe Judge explores a whimsical and unexpected tale of identity and performance centered on comedian Dan Perlman. The story begins with a chance encounter when a stranger approaches Perlman and insists he bears a striking resemblance to crooner Michael Bublé. This casual observation quickly evolves into a high-stakes challenge as the woman asks him to impersonate the famous singer for a special event. With only six days to prepare for the performance, Perlman embarks on a frantic and humorous journey to master the persona of a world-famous icon. Listeners are invited to dive into this lighthearted narrative that highlights the bizarre coincidences life can present. It is a charming look at how a simple request can turn into a memorable, creative adventure for someone caught completely off guard.

You've Got Mail

Mar 18, 202645 minSummary

In this episode, the podcast explores the intriguing intersections between fiction and real life, focusing on the iconic romantic comedies written by Delia Ephron and her sister, Nora Ephron. Listeners are taken behind the scenes of beloved classics like Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, films that defined a generation of cinematic romance. The narrative takes a surprising turn when Delia Ephron shares her own deeply personal story, revealing how she unexpectedly found herself living out a digital love story remarkably similar to the one she helped write for the screen. By bridging the gap between screenplay craft and authentic human connection, this episode examines the ways love can manifest in the most modern and digital of spaces. It is a thoughtful look at how life sometimes mirrors art, proving that even a seasoned romantic comedy writer can be swept away by their own real-life fairytale.

A Needle in a Haystack

Mar 4, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of This is Love titled A Needle in a Haystack, listeners are invited into a heartwarming story centered on a community effort in Brooklyn. When a beloved dog suddenly goes missing in a local park, the stakes feel impossibly high. Rather than leaving the owners to search alone, a dedicated group of neighbors from a local Facebook community springs into action, determined to bring the pet home. The narrative explores the power of collective compassion and the unexpected ways that technology can connect strangers during moments of crisis. Through this suspenseful yet touching account, the episode highlights the profound bonds that form between people when they unite for a common, altruistic cause. It is an uplifting testament to human kindness and the lengths to which people will go to help a neighbor in distress.

Chloe and the Hare

Feb 18, 202643 minSummary

In this episode of This is Love, listeners are invited into a whimsical and deeply personal narrative as Chloe Dalton shares the story behind her memoir, Raising Hare. The conversation centers on a unique and unexpected bond formed between a human and a wild animal. Dalton reflects on the enchanting nature of this relationship, describing it as a living fairy tale that felt almost magical. She recounts the experience of welcoming a hare into her life, observing its habits, and finding companionship with a creature that remained fundamentally independent. This episode explores themes of connection, the wonder of the natural world, and the silent understanding that can develop across species. It is a gentle, immersive look at an extraordinary friendship that challenged her perspective on human-animal bonds and the quiet beauty found in simple, shared moments.

The Treasure Hunt

Feb 4, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of This is Love, the narrative explores the captivating and mysterious journey surrounding a hidden fortune. In 2010, Forrest Fenn famously concealed a bronze box filled with treasure somewhere deep within the Rocky Mountains, sparking a modern-day scavenger hunt that captivated thousands. With nothing more than a series of cryptic clues to guide them, hopeful adventurers set out into the wilderness to claim the prize. This episode delves into the motivations of those who dedicated their lives to the search, examining what drives people to chase legends and the thin line between obsession and discovery. Listeners can expect a thoughtful exploration of human nature, the allure of the unknown, and the profound impact that such a singular, daring challenge can have on those who decide to follow the trail wherever it may lead.

Into the Ice

Jan 21, 202636 minSummary

In this episode of This is Love, host Phoebe Judge explores the harrowing and awe-inspiring journey of renowned explorer and diver Jill Heinerth. The narrative follows Heinerth’s ambitious mission to document the interior of the B-15 iceberg, the largest iceberg in recorded history. Accompanied by an elite team of divers, she endures a treacherous twelve-day expedition across the unforgiving Southern Ocean to reach the massive structure. As the team attempts to navigate deep, shifting cracks within the ice, Heinerth faces multiple life-threatening situations. The story reaches a profound climax when an unexpected encounter with a tiny, transparent sea creature offers a moment of salvation. Listeners can expect a gripping, atmospheric tale that highlights the immense dangers of polar exploration and the surprising, delicate connections found in the most extreme corners of our planet.