Sing for Science

This episode originally aired on Feb 2, 2022.Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, co-founders of Blondie speak with climatologist Dr. Michael Mann about ancient climate history, the relationship between agriculture and climate, preventing climate catastrophe and much more.

Star stuff! And lots of it. In this episode we chat with Rahim Redcar from Christine and the Queens and physicist, Matteo Cantiello about plasma - the most abundant form of matter in our universe: what is it, what’s it do and where is it found. We also cover extraterrestrial intelligence, the origins of life on earth, panspermia, Spirituality with a capital “S” and more.

Join Simpsons favorite, Moe The Bartender and his human counterpart Hank Azaria for a lively conversation with Social Neuroscientist, Dr. Kevin Ochsner. We talk about the legendary “Flaming Moe’s” Simpsons episode from both Moe’s and Hank’s perspectives, how and why our brains are wired to thrive in social contexts like Moe’s Tavern, Hank’s experience recovering from alcoholism, the neural underpinnings of practicing acceptance and more! Recorded live at the Forum Theater/Columbia University on October 8, 2024.

Recorded Live at the Museum of Science in Boston on October 8, 2024 as part of the Reno Family Foundation Symposium Series. #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Patricia Cornwell and Harvard astrophysicist Dr. Avi Loeb discuss the uncanny resemblance between Dr. Loeb and the primary murder victim in Patricia’s latest book “Identity Unknown”, the likelihood of alien life beyond our solar system, the connections between science research and detective work, playing nice with AI and more.

Recorded Live at the Emory Ideas Fest at Emory University’s Oxford Campus on September 22, 2024. Global dance music stars SOFI TUKKER celebrate the release of their bread themed album Bread with a conversation about the science that makes bread so delicious and universal. Joining us is food scientist Dr. Maria Ortiz who runs the popular Instagram page “All You Knead Is Bread”. We talk bread chemistry, bread culture, pandemic sourdough, carb free bread, the redeeming qualities of white flour and then some! Dr. Maria Ortiz is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Functional Food Lab of North Carolina A&T State University, specializing in the development of healthy, high-fiber bakery products.

Live at WSA in New York City on September 24, 2024. Academy Award‒winning filmmaker, drummer, DJ, producer, director, culinary entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson talks with Williams College pioneering developmental psychologist, Dr. Susan Engel about his debut children’s picture book The Idea in You. The book was written to inspire kids to find and follow their own creative voice. We talk about Questlove’s childhood, his creative roadblocks, his current relationship to supporting his inner child, Susan’s pioneering work researching curiosity in children and what we know about how children come up with ideas. This podcast was produced in collaboration with Water Street Projects, NEW INC and the New Museum.

Recorded Live at the Emory Ideas Fest at Emory University’s Oxford Campus on September 20, 2024. Join Atlanta Music Icon Jermaine Dupri and Georgia Tech ethnographer Dr. Joycelyn Wilson for a conversation about how Atlanta grew to become a cultural phenomenon. We go into detail about Jermaine’s start in the music business through school talent shows, Joycelyn’s theory about how one superintendent during the 1970s-80s helped elevate Atlanta’s post-civil rights creative class, cultural appropriation, Drake and more.

Recorded Live at the Museum of Natural History in Oxford, England on August 8th, 2024. Folk icon Peggy Seeger talks with Oxford University Biology Professor Tim Coulson about her experience as feminist, ecologist, activist, mother, musician, Seeger and more. Eco Feminism can be defined as a branch of feminism and political ecology that explores the connections between women and nature. The theory argues that the oppression of women and the degradation of our natural environment are linked and caused by patriarchal, capitalist systems. Further, ecofeminist theory calls for an egalitarian, collaborative society in which there is no one dominant group. Professor Coulson provides compelling context from scholarship to further amplify these ideas including description of pre-patriarchal societies, the importance of educating women in developing countries and more.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an NYU professor and expert on authoritarianism, joins Living Colour’s Vernon Reid and Corey Glover. They dive deep into the history and psychology of fascism, including Mussolini's propaganda tactics. Vernon reveals the origins of their iconic song 'Cult of Personality,' discussing its powerful lyrics and samples of influential leaders. The conversation draws parallels between today’s political climate and past regimes, highlighting how crises can expose authoritarian tendencies and the importance of civic engagement in resisting them.

Recorded Live at the Anime Station store in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles on July 13, 2024, rapper Denzel Curry talks with UC Irvine cultural anthropologist Dr. Mimi Ito about his relationship to anime and anime culture in Japan and abroad. We discuss Mimi’s research that tracked how manga and anime grew from just a Japanese export to a global phenomenon. Fascinatingly, anime spread through the promotion of fan groups of American ex-pats that would trade anime and create subtitles for the American audience. After decades of promo provided by this “fan subbing” and AMV (anime music video) conventions, the media industry caught on and now distributes anime across multiple platforms. Denzel does a deep dive into his favorite anime programs and traces how he was first introduced as a child in Florida and was later inspired to incorporate it into his music and fashion. Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel!