When Lisa Skinner’s grandmother began telling her stories about birds living in her mattress, Lisa got her first glimpse into Alzheimer’s disease. She shares what she’s learned from decades in dementia care, and how families can better understand and support loved ones living with dementia.

Julie Melanson always knew she was adopted, but it wasn’t until she was 51 that she searched for her birth mother — eventually finding her, meeting her birth family, and building a relationship with her mother before losing her soon after.

James Porfido spent years as a prosecutor before switching sides to become a defense attorney. Now, having seen the system from both perspectives, he shares what most people misunderstand about fair trials and justice.

After 40 years at the bedside of dying people, hospice nurse JoAnne Chitwood shares the perspective gained from witnessing death as a part of life.

After 30 years of marriage, Victoria Vaughn re-entered the dating world only to discover a pool full of what she calls “frogs.” In this episode, she shares the surprising realities of dating later in life and what it takes to recognize the right person when you finally meet them.

Mitch Wu shares the moment toy photography became his career, and how he builds detailed, story-driven worlds from everyday materials.

Toni King explains how Medicare works and why a system shaped by rules, timelines, and multiple parts can be difficult to navigate without guidance.

Jahnavi Kirtane explains how cities are designed—and how decisions about walkability, cars, and infrastructure shape independence, access, and daily life.

Suzanne Smith shares what she’s learned from years working with nonprofits about what it takes to turn big ideas for change into lasting results.

Laurie Jacobson discusses how spending 22 days at a Buddhist monastery during a silent retreat gave her a new perspective on her life and the clarity to make a difficult decision.

Christina King talks about how she became a therapist specializing in tween and teen girls, and shares parenting tips for helping your child through the tough years.

Kristen Mardis details what it was like to discover she was unexpectedly pregnant at 21, and how government programs made the difference.

Carol Lin shares what it was like to report live on September 11 as the first national anchor to break the news, and the behind-the-scenes moments in her personal life that shaped who she is today.

Season 2 of Tell Me What It’s Like is out soon.

As the year comes to a close, guests from Season 1 of Tell Me What It’s Like share the holiday traditions that matter most to them. 

Sarah Teresinksi takes old and unused items and turns them into new, beautiful things for the home.

Susan Polgar changed the game of chess for all women.

Jeff Burningham wrote a book on what it means to be human in the age of AI.

Journalist Charlie Wells investigated what happened to Millennials.

Cori Burns created a new walking shoe for women’s fitness.