

Jad Abumrad
Creator of Radiolab. Known for innovative sound design and exploring science, philosophy, and legal history.
Top 10 podcasts with Jad Abumrad
Ranked by the Snipd community

76 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 1h
876: Bigger Than Me
Jad Abumrad, co-creator of Radiolab, delves into the life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a pivotal figure in Nigeria's anti-colonial movement. He explores her transformation from a teacher to a leader of the Abeokuta Women's Union, highlighting how her literacy initiatives evolved into political activism. The podcast details the powerful protests led by market women, using symbolic acts like head tie removals to challenge male authority. Through Fela Kuti’s tribute to his mother, Abumrad uncovers her lasting yet often overlooked legacy.

48 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 55min
Gear: Epilogue (with Jad Abumrad)
Jad Abumrad, the influential radio producer and founder of Radiolab, engages in a captivating conversation with Avery about her series, Gear. They delve into how outdoor clothing transitioned into everyday fashion and the military's hidden ties to popular brands like Patagonia. Avery shares fascinating insights on the military's influence on design and the dual purpose of military jackets as protest symbols. She reflects on her journey as a fashion journalist and the storytelling evolution inspired by design. Their dialogue unlocks rich layers of fashion's past and future.

25 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 14min
How Dolly Parton led me to an epiphany | Jad Abumrad (re-release)
Jad Abumrad, an award-winning radio producer and host of Radiolab, explores the impact of Dolly Parton on his storytelling journey. He reflects on the challenge of resolving conflicting truths in narratives, moving beyond simple wonder to embrace complexity. Through Dolly's inclusive concerts, he discovers the power of shared experiences. Jad connects his Lebanese heritage to Dolly's music, framing it as a bridge for cultural resonance. Ultimately, he seeks to create 'third spaces' in storytelling, where diverse perspectives coalesce into something new.

21 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 45min
Fela Kuti and the music of political resistance
Jad Abumrad, public radio producer best known for Radiolab, presents a deep dive into Fela Kuti’s life and music. He explores Afrobeat’s trance grooves, how songs became political education, the risks around “Zombie,” Kalakuta Republic’s raids, and Fela’s complex relationships and legacy. Multiple vivid stories illuminate art under authoritarianism.

17 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 57min
The Fearless Fela Kuti, with Jad Abumrad
Jad Abumrad, a Peabody Award-winning podcaster known for his work on Radiolab, discusses his ambitious 12-part series on Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. He dives into the historical context and musical innovations that shaped Fela's legacy. Jad shares his journey from music composition to audio storytelling and reflects on how Fela's experiences in America influenced his sound. They explore the transformative atmosphere of Fela's Shrine in Lagos and how his music served as a political weapon, enchanting audiences while addressing pressing social issues.

10 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 51min
20th Anniversary celebration with podcast hosts Krista Tippett, Ira Glass, Hrishikesh Hirway, Kara Swisher, and Jad Abumrad.
Debbie Millman celebrates 20 years of her podcast by featuring insights from notable hosts Krista Tippett, Ira Glass, Hrishikesh Hirway, Kara Swisher, and Jad Abumrad. Krista explores her journey back to spirituality, while Ira reveals his interviewing techniques that encourage vulnerability. Hrishikesh shares the creation story of Song Exploder, driven by a desire to dive deeper into music. Kara discusses the impact of loss on her life perspective and the importance of setting boundaries. Jad reflects on his evolution in radio and the experimental roots of Radiolab.

9 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 48min
Best Of: The life and legacy of Fela Kuti / Michael Pollan on consciousness
Michael Pollan, bestselling author exploring consciousness, psychedelics, and AI. Jad Abumrad, award-winning podcast creator who produced a series on Fela Kuti and Afrobeat. They discuss Fela's music as a political force, Afrobeat's trance-building structures, Fela's autonomous cultural spaces and controversies, and big questions about consciousness, psychedelics, and whether AI can truly feel.

6 snips
Oct 14, 2022 • 50min
Finding Another Way (2020)
Original Broadcast Date: September 4, 2020. Conflict is a part of life. But in a polarized world, reaching a resolution is harder than ever. This hour, TED speakers explore creative and extraordinary ways of approaching conflict. Guests on the show include authors Shaka Senghor and Ebony Roberts, zoologist Lucy King, and radio journalist Jad Abumrad.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

5 snips
Oct 9, 2023 • 42min
Jad Abumrad
Jad Abumrad, MacArthur Fellow and creator of Radiolab, discusses the early days of editing, the meaning of 'OG', the best techno song, growing up in Nashville, the success of Radio Lab, the state of podcasting, and his personal identity.

Jan 29, 2015 • 59min
Live Wire 223: Monsters of Public Radio Special - Ira Glass, Jad Abumrad, Robert Krulwich, Garrison Keillor, Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside
Join public radio giants Ira Glass, Jad Abumrad, Robert Krulwich, and Garrison Keillor as they share personal stories. Explore challenges and humor of men's experience with breast cancer risks. Laugh at gourmet meals for a dog and quirky encounters at a fundraiser event. Delve into authenticity in radio, creativity with Garrison Keillor, and upcoming Live Wire Radio episode.


