Robert Krulwich

Robert Krulwich is an award-winning journalist, storyteller, and broadcaster best known for his decades-long career in public radio and television. With a style that blended curiosity, humor, and intellectual depth, Krulwich became one of the most recognizable voices in science and explanatory journalism through his work on National Public Radio’s (NPR) acclaimed program "Radiolab." His ability to translate complex topics—from neuroscience and genetics to economics and philosophy—into compelling human stories earned him a devoted following and widespread respect across the media industry.

Born in New York City, Krulwich graduated from Oberlin College before initially pursuing law. He soon shifted toward journalism, launching a media career that spanned newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. Early in his career, he worked for publications including Newsweek and Rolling Stone before becoming a correspondent for PBS and CBS News. He gained national attention for his unique explanatory reporting style, often using illustrations, analogies, and unconventional storytelling techniques to make difficult subjects accessible to broad audiences.

Krulwich became particularly well known through his collaborations with journalist Jad Abumrad on "Radiolab," which debuted in the early 2000s and evolved into one of public radio’s most influential programs. As co-host, Krulwich brought warmth, wit, and a relentless sense of wonder to stories exploring science, morality, technology, and human behavior. The show’s innovative sound design and narrative structure helped redefine audio storytelling and inspired a new generation of podcasters and journalists.

Over the course of his career, Krulwich earned numerous honors, including Peabody, Emmy, and duPont awards. Beyond broadcasting, he has also taught journalism and communication, sharing his passion for storytelling with students and young reporters. Even after stepping away from "Radiolab' in 2017, Krulwich has remained an influential figure in media, celebrated for proving that deeply intellectual journalism can also be entertaining, emotional, and profoundly human.