PODCAST · health
The Nocturnists
by Our mission is to humanize healthcare and foster joy, wonder, and curiosity among clinicians and patients alike.
The Nocturnists is an award-winning medical storytelling podcast, hosted by physician Emily Silverman. We feature personal stories from frontline clinicians, conversations with healthcare-related authors and art-makers, and special podcast documentary series such as "Uncertainty in Medicine" , “Post-Roe America", and others. thenocturnists.substack.com
Episodes
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Choosing Home with Tiffany Chan, OD
This week’s guest on The Nocturnists is optometrist Tiffany Chan, who told a story live onstage at an event produced by Dr. Rebecca George at the Sierra Valley Health Center in Nevada City, California, in 2025. Tiffany grew up in the Gold Rush town of Grass Valley, built a career in elite…
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A Soft Place to Land with Frances Southwick, DO
What if falling in love meant literally falling down? In this week’s episode of The Nocturnists, physician and writer Frances Southwick shares a story that begins in rural Colorado with unexplained episodes of paralysis. First performed live in Nevada City, this episode is about what it’s like to...
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Medicine Beyond Medicine with Alicia Ashorn and Anthony Thigpen
This week on The Nocturnists, we hear from Alicia Ashorn and Anthony Thigpen, two community health workers with the Transitions Clinic Network who are redefining what care looks like beyond the hospital walls. Alicia and Anthony share their personal stories—Alicia’s journey through addiction and...
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Stories that Save Us with Sharon Fennix
This week, we’re joined by Sharon Fennix—a hotline coordinator with the Transitions Clinic Network (TCN), a community leader shaped by lived experience, and a storyteller whose creativity helped her survive 38 years of incarceration. Sharon’s journey has taken her from running fashion shows and...
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The Nurse and the Nun with Linda Wick, DNP, APRN
Dear friends, Nurse practitioner Linda Wick has spent more than four decades in medicine, beginning her journey as a six-year-old watching nurses care for her injured brother. In today’s story, she recalls the early lessons that shaped her career—from the strict nuns who taught her at the College...
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Birth and Poetry with Doula Sarah Auna
This week, I’m joined by Sarah Auna, a birth doula whose story we first heard live on stage at Intersections, a live storytelling event produced by the Center for the Art of Medicine in Minneapolis in 2024 through our program, The Nocturnists Satellites. In her story, she takes us into a...
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In This Body with Meghan Rothenberger, MD
This week, I’m joined by Dr. Meghan Rothenberger, an infectious disease doctor whose story we first heard live on stage at Intersections, a live storytelling event produced by the Center for the Art of Medicine in Minneapolis in 2024 through our program, The Nocturnists Satellites. Meghan grew up...
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The Chaplain and The Doctor with Chaplain Betty Clark & Jessica Zitter, MD
Today I’m joined by Chaplain Betty Clark, a hospital chaplain, community leader, and lifelong caregiver, and Dr. Jessica Zitter, a critical and palliative care physician, author of Extreme Measures, and filmmaker. Their friendship sits at the heart of the new documentary The Chaplain and the...
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Questions Without Answers with Sarah Manguso
Dear Friends, What does it mean to write about illness in fragments? How can children’s questions reveal a kind of collective philosophy? On our 70th episode of Conversations, I speak with the writer Sarah Manguso, whose work moves effortlessly between memoir, aphorism, and essay. I first...
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BONUS - Managing Uncertainty: A Path to Better Patient Care
Today, we're releasing a special bonus episode featuring Emily and our "uncertainty correspondent" Alexa Miller, in conversation with the ABIM Foundation. Together, they reflect on the key insights from creating the Uncertainty in Medicine series. Thank you to the ABIM Foundation for hosting and...
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Uncertainty in Medicine: Denial and Acceptance
In the series finale, we explore a different type of uncertainty—the uncertainty that arises around the healthcare system itself. This episode follows Ed Stratton, a stage IV cancer patient who beat his cancer, only to be denied a life-saving liver transplant by his insurance provider. His…
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Uncertainty in Medicine: The Good Life
What does it mean to live well in a world where nothing is certain — not in medicine, not in life? In this episode, we follow a high school teacher who asks his students to examine “the good life” through philosophy, Buddhism, and existential inquiry. We meet two women — a Buddhist monk and a...
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Uncertainty in Medicine: How We Die
Today, we explore the paradox of mortality: something both certain and utterly unknowable. Through a haunting parable from Ursula K. Le Guin and stories from doctors and loved ones, we hear what happens when people try to plan for death—or avoid it. A daughter processes her mother’s calm decision...
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Uncertainty in Medicine: Trusting the Process with Leila Simon Hayes
Today, we step inside the studio of visual artist Leila Simon Hayes, whose bold, shape-driven designs are born from a process rooted in imperfection, intuition, and trust. Through her story, we explore how Leila’s creative practice helped her navigate decades of chronic pain and medical…
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Uncertainty in Medicine: Off Script
Today, we explore the hidden layers of communication in medicine—what gets said, what doesn’t, and how uncertainty lives not just in the clinical data, but in the space between people. From a telemedicine encounter with a stubbornly independent patient in the Santa Cruz mountains, to a deeply...
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Uncertainty in Medicine: Precision in Motion with Chris Aiken
Today, we step into the dance studio with improvisational dance artist Chris Aiken, whose work lives at the intersection of uncertainty, movement, and presence. With insights that resonate far beyond the dance studio, Chris explores how attention, poetic instinct, and even failure are essential...
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Uncertainty in Medicine: A Matter of Time
This week, we explore how time and uncertainty are intertwined in the practice of medicine. A toxicologist faces a split-second decision in the ER that could mean life or death for a young patient. A woman with chronic ankle pain spends years searching for answers as dozens of doctors offer snap...
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Uncertainty in Medicine: Navigating Uncertainty with Admiral Mike LeFever
When a 7.6 magnitude earthquake leveled entire villages in Pakistan, retired U.S. Navy Admiral Mike LeFever was thrust into the heart of the disaster with no playbook and a simple directive: provide humanitarian aid and strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations. In this episode, LeFever recounts what it...
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Uncertainty in Medicine: Leaps of Faith
What happens when doctors have to make life-or-death decisions in an evidence-free zone — and patients are left to navigate the unknown? In episode 5 of “Uncertainty in Medicine", we bring you three gripping, real-life stories: a neurosurgeon weighing impossible risks in the operating room, a...
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Uncertainty in Medicine: Root Causes with Ronald Wyatt, MD
What does uncertainty in medicine have to do with Chernobyl? According to patient safety officer Dr. Ron Wyatt, more than we might think. In the fourth episode of our "Uncertainty in Medicine" series, he draws a chilling connection between one of history’s worst nuclear disasters and the quiet,...
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Uncertainty in Medicine: Through Thick and Thin
In episode 3 of the "Uncertainty in Medicine" series, patient Dana undergoes a routine knee replacement and expects a straightforward recovery. Instead, she’s plunged into a baffling and relentless illness—one that defies diagnosis and leaves her life in limbo. As her symptoms intensify and...
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BONUS: Behind the Scenes of The Pitt with Gemmill, Sachs, and Herbert
On this episode of Conversations, Emily sits down with the creative team behind The Pitt—a gripping new medical drama on HBO Max that’s making waves in the healthcare world and beyond. Joining her are showrunner R. Scott Gemmill (ER, NCIS: LA), physician-writer Dr. Joe Sachs (ER), and emergency...
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Uncertainty in Medicine: Looking with Uncertainty with Alexa Miller
Step inside Alexa Miller’s classroom, where paintings become portals and doctors learn to see like patients. In this episode, Alexa leads a powerful exercise called the “image circle,” where clinicians reflect on their own experiences of medical uncertainty and choose artworks that speak to those...
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Uncertainty in Medicine: The Art of Not Knowing
In the premiere of the "Uncertainty in Medicine" series, The Nocturnists explore medicine’s uneasy relationship with not knowing. From the clean resolutions of medical dramas to the structured rituals of case conferences, the culture of medicine often treats uncertainty as something to be…
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Re-Release: The Uncertain World of Chronic Lyme with Ross Douthat
Our Uncertainty in Medicine series launches next week, and to set the stage, we’re sharing one of our favorite episodes from the archives - a heartfelt conversation with New York Times columnist Ross Douthat about his journey through the healthcare system while living with chronic Lyme disease....
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Trailer: Uncertainty in Medicine
Medicine is full of uncertainty—from ambiguous diagnoses to unpredictable outcomes and the complex emotions of not knowing. Uncertainty in Medicine is a new documentary podcast series, created in collaboration with Alexa Miller of ArtsPractica, that examines how both healthcare workers and…
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Showtime with Allan Detsky, MD
Dr. Allan Detsky, a Canadian physician, health economist, and Broadway producer, examines the contrasts between Canadian and American healthcare. He then delves into his passion for musical theater, recounting his unexpected journey into Broadway production and how he integrates musical theater...
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ICU Liberation with Kali Dayton, NP and Heidi Engel, DPT
Kali Dayton, critical care nurse practitioner, ICU outcomes consultant, and host of the Walking Home from the ICU podcast, joins pioneering ICU physical therapist Heidi Engel to discuss long-standing ICU practices rooted in sedation and immobility. Together, they make a powerful case for a...
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The Art of Doctoring with Bolster, Liebowitz, and Seo
Dr. Marcy Bolster, Dr. Jason Liebowitz, and Dr. Philip Seo join us to discuss their newly published anthology, A Masterclass in Medicine: Lessons from the Experts. They created this compelling essay series to explore what it means to be a master clinician, featuring lessons from their own…
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The Gilded Age of Medicine with Dhruv Khullar, MD
Physician and New Yorker writer Dhruv Khullar argues that modern medicine is in a Gilded Age—one where groundbreaking innovations mask deep systemic issues, including misaligned incentives, escalating costs, and growing dissatisfaction. From the influence of private equity on healthcare to the...
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Unleashing Patient Innovation with Susannah Fox
Susannah Fox discusses her book Rebel Health: A Field Guide to the Patient-Led Revolution in Medical Care. Drawing from decades of research, Susannah shares stories of patients and caregivers who, when faced with challenges mainstream medicine couldn't solve, stepped up as innovators. From…
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The Age of Supertechnology with Jamie Metzl
Jamie Metzl, author of Superconvergence, explores the convergence of technologies shaping humanity’s future. From the genetics revolution to artificial intelligence, he unpacks how these technologies intersect, the ethical dilemmas they pose, and their potential to reshape life, work, and health....
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The Untold History of Nursing with Sarah DiGregorio
Journalist Sarah DiGregorio delves into the history and humanity of nursing in her book, Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World. Tracing the ancient roots of caregiving to the critical role of nurses in modern healthcare, she uncovers untold stories that illuminate…
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The Second Pass at Healing with Rana Awdish, MD
Dr. Rana Awdish, critical care physician and author of In Shock, reflects on her near-death experience and its transformative impact on her understanding of medicine and healing. Written seven years ago, In Shock marked her "first pass" at recovery. Now, as she prepares for her second book, she...
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Smile Interrupted with Sarah Ruhl
Playwright and memoirist Sarah Ruhl discusses her book Smile, which chronicles her journey with Bell’s Palsy and the emotional and spiritual challenges of chronic illness. She reflects on the idea of the “slow” or “partial” recovery, how her work as a playwright informs her perspective, the...
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Burnout and Beyond with Jessi Gold, MD
In this episode of Conversations, Dr. Jessi Gold, psychiatrist and Chief Wellness Officer at the University of Tennessee, discusses the mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers. Jessi shares insights from her new book, How Do You Feel? One Doctor’s Search for Humanity in Medicine, and...
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From Pharmacy to Fiction with Ruth Madievsky
In this episode of Conversations, Ruth Madievsky, clinical pharmacist and author of the national bestseller "All-Night Pharmacy," shares the inspiration behind her darkly poetic novel about sisterhood, addiction, and intergenerational trauma. Ruth reflects on how her Moldovan roots, her…
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Finding Strength in Medical Malpractice with Gita Pensa, MD
In this episode of Conversations, Dr. Gita Pensa opens up about her harrowing experience as a defendant in a 12-year-long malpractice lawsuit and how it spurred her to create Doctors and Litigation: The L Word, a podcast aimed at helping physicians cope with the emotional toll of litigation. Gita...
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The Origins of Life with Sara Imari Walker
In this episode of Conversations, we sit down with Dr. Sara Walker, an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist who is reshaping the way we think about life. From her work on the origins of life to her innovative assembly theory, Sara takes us on a journey through the possibilities of discovering...
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The American 31 Flavor Ice Cream with Zed Zha, MD
Family medicine physician Zed Zha persuades her reluctant parents, visiting from China, to indulge in the treat of ice cream. Zed performed this story live at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space in New York in November 2023, for an event on the theme of "Taking Care" which The...
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Fly Away with Ann Schrooten
Mother of four, writer, and attorney Ann Schrooten reflects on a pivotal moment from her fifteen year journey caring for her son Jack, who lived with congenital muscular dystrophy. Ann performed this story live at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space in New York in November 2023…
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A Taste of Home with Shaida Dusenge Kamali
Shaida Dusenge Kamali, originally from Kigali, Rwanda, reflects on her journey from earning a prestigious scholarship to study in Oklahoma, to raising her younger brother after the sudden passing of their mother. Now a second-year medical student with a passion for geriatrics, Shaida shares the...
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Healing Waters with Roshni Shah
Nurse Roshni Shah reflects on how water and ritual bathing brought serenity to a difficult life period, where she was balancing caring for her aging mom with working nights in the ICU. Roshni performed this story live at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space in New York in November...
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The Art of Being Seen with Lu Chekowsky
Emmy-winning writer and creative director Lu Chekowsky delves into her mother’s powerful lessons on resilience, navigating a high-stakes media career, and facing the biases of healthcare in a larger body. Lu performed this story live at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space in New…
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The Power of Pausing in Uncertainty with Maggie Jackson
In our 50th The Nocturnists: Conversations episode, Emily speaks with Maggie Jackson, award-winning author and journalist, about her book "Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure." Maggie describes the neuroscience of uncertainty, the benefits of curiosity and slowing down, and findings...
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Moving Toward Health Equity with Uché Blackstock, MD
Dr. Uché Blackstock, an emergency medicine physician and health equity advocate, discusses her book "Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine." She shares personal stories about her family's journey in medicine, systemic racism and her work to create a more equitable healthcare....
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Behind the Scenes of Spiritual Care with Luke Lortenzen and Mati Engel
Documentary filmmaker Luke Lorentzen and hospital chaplain Mati Engel discuss their award-winning film, "A Still Small Voice," which explores the rewards and challenges of providing spiritual care in the hospital setting. Find show notes, transcript, and more at thenocturnists.com. The…
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Magical Realism in the Pediatric ER with Rachel Kowalsky
Pediatric ER physician and author Rachel Kowalsky discusses her short story, "The Delivery Boy." Set in an ER, the story follows a young Guatemalan boy and the team of clinicians who treat him. Rachel talks about how her experiences influence her writing and teaching in health humanities. "The...
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Obituaries From My Father with Augie Lindmark, MD
When Dr. Augie Lindmark first started receiving obituaries in the mailbox, he wasn’t sure whether to be amused or afraid. But soon he discovers the identity of the sender, and enters into a rare an unexpected dialogue about aging and mortality. Augie performed this story live at the Parkway…
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Labor and Loss with Tiffany Albrecht, MD
Physician Tiffany Albrecht jumped into “doing” mode when her beloved husband died – she ran a 5K, cleaned out her closet, and went on a hike. But when her son was finally born, she was overcome by a cathartic wave of emotions. Tiffany performed this story live at the Parkway Theater in…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Nocturnists is an award-winning medical storytelling podcast, hosted by physician Emily Silverman. We feature personal stories from frontline clinicians, conversations with healthcare-related authors and art-makers, and special podcast documentary series such as "Uncertainty in Medicine" , “Post-Roe America", and others.
thenocturnists.substack.com
HOSTED BY
Our mission is to humanize healthcare and foster joy, wonder, and curiosity among clinicians and patients alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Nocturnists have?
The Nocturnists currently has 208 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Nocturnists about?
The Nocturnists is an award-winning medical storytelling podcast, hosted by physician Emily Silverman. We feature personal stories from frontline clinicians, conversations with healthcare-related authors and art-makers, and special podcast documentary series such as "Uncertainty in Medicine" ,...
How often does The Nocturnists release new episodes?
The Nocturnists publishes regularly with 208 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Nocturnists?
You can listen to The Nocturnists on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Nocturnists?
The Nocturnists is created and hosted by Our mission is to humanize healthcare and foster joy, wonder, and curiosity among clinicians and patients alike..
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