Could one of America's favorite pastimes be a silent killer? For decades, the National Football League overlooked the effects of repeat concussions in their athletes — and some players continue to pay the cost in the form of depression, violent behavior, even suicide.
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Oct 7
Panic in the Streets: The War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast
On Halloween Eve, 1938 Orson Welles' The War of the Worlds aired on CBS radio. It detailed an alien invasion so realistic that, according to legend, it caused widespread panic among listeners. People really believed aliens were invading Earth. The mass hysteria is an important pa ... Show More
47m 40s
Sep 30
Did a Psych Experiment Turn Ted Kaczynski into the Unabomber?
On April 3, 1996, Theodore “Ted” Kaczynski – better known as the Unabomber – was arrested, ending a 17-year-long bombing spree that left 3 dead and 23 injured. He promised to end his campaign of terror only after outlets published his 35,000-word manifesto; in his view, technolog ... Show More
42m 36s
Nov 2016
What's the Deal with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy?
<p>Concussions are bad enough for football players, but research has found all of those smaller hits can add up to massive brain trauma later in life too, leading to a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition the NFL sought to cover up.</p><p> </p> Learn mor ... Show More
38m 44s
Jul 2022
The Death Cult of the NFL
The girlies unpack the NFL's controversial secret - CTE. They investigate why it happens, what is (and isn't) being done about it, and deconstruct the sports culture that perpetuates male brain damage. Digressions include Caroline Calloway's apartment updates, the ultimate #BoyMo ... Show More
1h 17m
Nov 2023
Aaron Hernandez: A Football Tragedy | The Vow | 1
The sports world was shocked in 2013 when Aaron Hernandez, star tight end for the New England Patriots, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. But dating back to his days as a heavily recruited college athlete, there had been signs of ominous changes in his behavior: ... Show More
40m 15s
Feb 2024
What’s being done to protect athletes from brain injuries?
American Football, Rugby, MMA, UFC. All these adrenaline-filled sports bring in millions of viewers each year, and athletes put their bodies and brains on the line to excel in them. But there’s increasing concern that head injuries are leading to serious mental health problems.BB ... Show More
15m 33s