Summary of “The Retrievals” Season 2, Episode 1: The Case

Released on August 7, 2025 by Serial Productions & The New York Times

Introduction: Setting the Scene

The episode opens with a picturesque view of Chicago at dawn, transitioning to a brick bungalow where Mindy Figueroa (late 30s), a compassionate and dedicated registered nurse (RN), prepares for her day. Mindy is not only a nurse but also an avid photographer, capturing intimate moments of births in the labor and delivery (L&D) unit at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Health, a bustling public hospital.

Meet Clara Hochhauser

Clara Hochhauser, a fellow nurse with large, wise eyes and a unique journey into healthcare, is introduced. Clara’s path was unconventional; she was a high school dropout who later became a massage therapist, ultimately finding her calling in nursing. At 40, after divorcing her wife and marrying her husband, Clay, Clara decides to pursue motherhood through in vitro fertilization (IVF), successfully conceiving twins. Despite her professional expertise in L&D, Clara grapples with personal anxieties about childbirth, particularly the fear of surgical delivery.

Clara shares her initial reluctance about having children:

Clara Hochhauser [08:22]: "I definitely never planned on having children. I definitely always felt like, oh, emotionally, a little dysfunctional family."

Clara’s Scheduled Cesarean Section

On April 19, 2022, Clara arrives at UIC for a scheduled induction of labor (S02 Episode 1: The Case). Determined to maintain a natural birth experience, she opts to avoid a cesarean section (C-section) and the operating room. Clara expresses her desire:

Clara Hochhauser [10:25]: "I wanted so badly to have a vaginal delivery. I did not want to have surgery..."

The Epidural Procedure

As contractions intensify, Clara decides to request an epidural for pain management, administered by Heather Nixon (51), the head of obstetric anesthesia at UIC. Heather is portrayed as a charismatic and dedicated anesthesiologist who prides herself on patient interaction:

Heather Nixon [17:18]: "I think you'll find two types of anesthesiologists. ... The tribe of OB anesthesiologists..."

Heather meticulously performs the epidural procedure:

Heather Nixon [19:18]: "Not everyone's ligament feels the same. Some...some are really rubbery..."

Clara experiences initial relief but soon encounters severe pain during the surgery. Despite Heather’s confidence:

Clara Hochhauser [20:19]: "It was such a strange, unnerving feeling, that pressure in your spine or whatever."

The Crisis During Surgery

As the C-section progresses, Clara’s epidural fails, resulting in unexpected and excruciating visceral pain. Mindy, ever the supportive colleague, arrives urgently to capture the moment:

Mindy Figueroa [24:39]: "I feel like I failed her 100%."

Clara’s intense pain and hallucinations are vividly described, highlighting the critical issue of inadequate pain management during C-sections:

Clara Hochhauser [29:48]: "I don't feel good, you know?"

Aftermath and Responsibility

Corey, an anesthesiologist, arrives to assist, providing much-needed support to Clara. In the wake of the incident, Heather faces profound regret:

Heather Nixon [40:00]: "I should have just stayed until she was safely taken care of... I should have just stayed until she had delivered."

Broader Implications: A National Issue

The episode delves into the alarming statistics surrounding pain during C-sections, revealing that approximately 8% of patients experience significant pain during the procedure despite epidural administration. This revelation is backed by a recent study led by James O’. Carroll, the first of its kind to quantify patient experiences in the U.S. and Canada.

Susan Burton, the host, connects this case to broader systemic issues, emphasizing the need for cultural shifts in medical practice:

Susan Burton: "Listening to women patients and adequately treating their pain... How do they do this? What can they change?"

Personal and Professional Consequences

The story intertwines the personal struggles of the characters with their professional lives, illustrating the emotional toll on both patients and healthcare providers. Clara’s determination to advocate for herself despite her medical knowledge and Heather’s commitment to preventing such incidents in the future highlight the complexities involved in addressing this pervasive issue.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The episode concludes with a reflective view of Chicago at dusk, symbolizing the ongoing journey toward improving pain management in childbirth. The narrative sets the stage for exploring solutions through the experiences of Clara, Heather, Mindy, and others, emphasizing the importance of listening to patients and instituting meaningful changes in medical protocols.

Susan Burton: "This is a case study in solving one of medicine's most persistent problems. Listening to women patients and adequately treating their pain."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mindy Figueroa [01:31]: "I think I was just born to be in health care."

• Clara Hochhauser [08:22]: "I definitely never planned on having children."

• Heather Nixon [17:18]: "I think you'll find two types of anesthesiologists..."

• Clara Hochhauser [29:48]: "I don't feel good, you know?"

• Heather Nixon [40:00]: "I should have just stayed until she was safely taken care of..."

• Susan Burton [Final Segment]: "Listening to women patients and adequately treating their pain."

Conclusion

“The Retrievals” Season 2, Episode 1: The Case, masterfully intertwines personal narratives with systemic healthcare issues, shedding light on the critical need for improved pain management during C-sections. Through the experiences of Clara, Heather, and Mindy, the podcast not only recounts a harrowing individual case but also underscores a broader call to action for the medical community to prioritize patient pain and dignity.