In this episode, stories from people who, at first blush, you might judge to be rough and tough. But we learn that appearances are often deceiving.

The family of a young Texas woman who went missing in 1991 makes a shocking discovery: For 19 years, law enforcement didn't investigate.

The family of a young Texas woman who went missing in 1991 makes a shocking discovery: For 19 years, law enforcement didn't investigate. In the first episode of Buried, Carey Mae Parker’s family tries to find out what happened.

Even the most seemingly chaotic systems have some order to them. This episode, TED speakers explore the inner architecture of living systems, from ant colonies to corporations to social movements. Guests include biology professor Deborah Gordon, community organizer Morgan O'Neill, professor Zeynep Tufekci, business leader Ricardo Semler, and author Bruce Feiler. (Original broadcast date: April 24, 2015)

Being a parent is the hardest job in the world. As a young man, Thompson Williams knew this and decided he never wanted to be a parent. He ended up with two kids, though, and didn't have to look far to find a mentor — his father.

We often think that scientific research is reserved for PhDs and other experts. But now that's changing. This hour, TED speakers on how ordinary citizens are helping make groundbreaking discoveries. Guests include tech entrepreneur Joi Ito, biomedical researcher Sharon Terry, astronomer Tabetha Boyajian, and journalist Mary Ellen Hannibal.

StoryCorps archives interviews at the Library of Congress, an idea that originated while Dave Isay was producing his American Talkers stories. In this final episode of our series — voices from the past, including a fish crier, Woody Guthrie, and even a former slave.

Failure can be devastating, but it can also make us stronger and smarter. This week, TED speakers explore how failure clears the way for success, in our everyday work, and our innermost lives. Guests include entrepreneur Astro Teller, economist Tim Harford, business leader Casey Gerald, and writer Lidia Yuknavitch. (Original broadcast date: July 29, 2016)

In early 1991, a young woman named Carey Mae Parker went missing from northeast Texas. And there's something unusual about Carey’s case.

In early 1991, a young woman named Carey Mae Parker went missing from northeast Texas. And there's something unusual about Carey’s case.