“The Leap” is an award-winning 10-part audio documentary series that profiles the scientists behind the breakthroughs — the ones willing to risk their careers, reputations, and even their lives to push the boundaries of discovery.
Hosted by Science Friday’s Flora Lichtman, the series dives deep into the personal stories of some of today’s boldest and most influential researchers. We ask them questions they don’t often get asked: What drives you? How does it feel to take big risks? What keeps you from playing it safe?
Winner of the 2025 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Gold Award for Audio, “The Leap” is recognized internationally for excellence in science reporting with one of the highest honors in the field.
You can find all the episodes below, and on Science Friday’s podcast feed. Subscribe here.
“The Leap” is a production of the Hypothesis Fund, brought to you in partnership with Science Friday.
And Then The Sub Went Silent
Oceanographer Victoria Orphan’s dream was coming true—she was onboard the Alvin submersible. But the trip was anything but smooth sailing.
Everything Else Is Boring
Karmella Haynes doesn’t need to fit in—in life or in work. So when a research space didn’t exist for her, she created it.
Mars? It Was A Miracle We Got To Florida
Geologist Steve Squyres risked his career and millions of dollars to get the Spirit and Opportunity rovers on Mars.
You Do Realize… That’s Impossible
Physicist Suchitra Sebastian may have discovered a new state of matter. But the hardest part was convincing the doubters.
Garbage In, Garbage Out
Biochemist Virginia Man-Yee Lee has spent her career unlocking the proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Her secret? Happiness.
A Scientist’s Quest To See Every Organism On Earth
Manu Prakash wants to map the whole tree of life, with the help of everyone on this planet.
Be Bold Or Just Don’t Do It
Plant biologist Joanne Chory spent her career trying to grow plants that could sequester CO2 in their roots. Her wild ideas took hold.
This Is Going To Kill Your Career
Betül Kaçar started out as a biochemist. But then she found her calling: investigating some of the hardest questions in evolutionary biology.
The Volcano Whisperer
When St. Vincent’s La Soufrière volcano threatened to erupt, geologist Richie Robertson was the scientist the islanders trusted.
I Was Considered A Nobody
Katalin Karikó was ignored, demoted, and dismissed for decades. Then she won a Nobel Prize.