Four Failing Lungs

For Beth and Brian, a lung transplant could extend their lives for years. Or, it could lead to rejection and continued suffering.

2014 / Catie Talarski / WNPR, USA

For Beth and Brian, a lung transplant could extend their lives for years. Or, it could lead to rejection and continued suffering.

Both are in their late 20s, and have end-stage cystic fibrosis. While most of us at that age are just hitting our stride, Brian and Beth are medicating, massaging, and coaxing their lungs into lasting as long as possible. Producer Catie Talarski followed both of them for an entire year as they decided whether or not to transplant.

Catie writes about working closely with Brian and Beth to tell their stories, her editing process, and...dragons, Behind the Scenes.


Learn more about Catie's radio adventures (and her interest in polar exploration!) at her tumblr.

Listen to Radio Diaries' My So-Called Lungs , one of the inspirations for this documentary.


produced by

Catie Talarski

Catie Talarski is the executive producer at WNPR, Connecticut Public Radio.


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