Reporters Kristen Clark and David Conrad worked on a story about discrimination in 2017, which involved a visit to Venice, Italy, to meet gondolier Alex Hai. The story explored the nearly 1000-year old tradition of the Venetian Gondolier and a 20-year battle between that tradition and a supposed feminist icon. The reporters returned to Alex in 2026 to provide updates on his life, which included both heartbreaking and heartwarming developments. The episode features contributions from several individuals, including Alexis Ungerer, Summer, and many others who helped with the reporting and production. The episode was reported by David Conrad and Kristen Clark, and produced by Annie McEwen and Molly Webster, with help from Anisa Vietze. Fact-checking for the update was done by Angely Mercado, ensuring the accuracy of the information presented. The episode is part of the Radiolab series, which is supported by listeners and offers a newsletter with short essays, recommendations, and details about other ways to interact with the show. Listeners can support Radiolab by becoming a member of The Lab, and can also follow the show on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. The episode includes credits and acknowledgments for the people and organizations involved in its production, and provides information about how to sign up for the newsletter and support the show. Overall, the episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of discrimination and its effects, and offers a unique perspective on the experiences of individuals like Alex Hai.