A Song Called Life

In Episode #173, Hyeseung Song joins Osi to discuss her memoir, Docile: Memoirs of a Not-So-Perfect Asian Girl . They explore the challenges of balancing cultural identity with the pressure to assimilate into American society, the complexities of relationships within immigrant families—especially between ambitious parents and their children—and how the model minority stereotype affects Asian Ameri...

Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph. D. is a licensed psychologist and therapeutic humor-ist. As a professional speaker, he has presented his unique perspective on therapeutic humor to national, state, and local conferences, as well as, to numerous organizations and corporations. His programs are a blend of valuable information presented through cartoons, jokes, anecdotes, props, quotes, and experiences which...

In Episode #171, Samhita joins Osi to explore her new book, The Myth of Making It: A Workplace Reckoning . Together, they dive into the concept of "success," unpack the toxic elements of hustle culture, and discuss how we can redefine what it truly means to "make it." Samhita Mukhopadhyay is the former executive editor of Teen Vogue and Feministing and the current editorial dir...

In Episode #170, Jess joins Osi to discuss her debut book, The Quiet Damage: QAnon and the Destruction of the American Family. They examine how the QAnon movement/conspiracy theory gained a foothold in the lives of many Americans, its far-reaching and devastating effects on families across the nation, and much more. Jesselyn Cook is an award-winning reporter, author and journalism lecturer, as wel...

In Episode #169, Maureen Callahan joins Osi for an in-depth discussion of her latest book, Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed . Together, they explore how the Kennedy family's public image of integrity and glamour starkly contrasts with the darker truths unveiled in Ask Not . The conversation delves into recurring themes of physical and psychological abuse within the Kennedy fa...

Dr. Michael Goran is Professor of Pediatrics and Vice Chair for Pediatric Research in the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Dr. Goran’s research has focused on the causes and consequences of childhood obesity for 30 years. His work is focused on understanding the metabolic factors linking obesity to increased disease risk during growth and development and using this...

In Episode #167, Steven Brill joins Osi to delve into his new book, The Death of Truth . They explore how social media platforms facilitate the spread of misinformation, the crucial role of shared truths in society, and the ways misinformation has undermined trust in our institutions, among other topics. Steven Brill is a renowned journalist and author, recognized for his pioneering work in media...

Dr. Theresa Haskins is the host of the Think Differently podcast, a podcast dedicated to exploring the power of neurodiversity and sharing practical strategies for creating more inclusive opportunities in work and life. She is an organizational development and disability-inclusion leader with decades of experience working with corporations, nonprofits, and educational institutions to develop leade...

In Episode #165, Jean-Martin Bauer joins Osi to discuss the global struggle against hunger. In his latest book, The New Breadline , Jean-Martin investigates the troubling rise of hunger, despite worldwide efforts to eradicate it by 2030. He delves into the political complexities of hunger, the stark reality of food insecurity even in affluent nations like the United States, and more. Jean-Martin B...

In Episode #164, A.J. Jacobs joins Osi to discuss his book The Year of Living Constitutionally . In this witty and thought-provoking read, A.J. humorously embarks on a quest to follow the original meaning of the Constitution, all while tackling one of the most pressing questions of our time: How should we interpret America’s foundational document? A.J. Jacobs is an author, journalist, lecturer and...

Daniel Nation is a Professor of Gerontology and Medicine, holding the Merle H. Bensinger Professorship in Gerontology at USC Leonard Davis. His research focuses on vascular risk factors and biomarkers of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, including markers of cerebrovascular dysfunction, blood-brain barrier breakdown, and endothelial progenitor cell depletion.

Kevin Heisinger is a comedian and writer based in Los Angeles. He hosts a weekly open mic night at The Roost in Atwater Village and has graced the stages of top comedy venues, including the Comedy Store and Laugh Factory.

Cassie Mogilner Holmes is a chaired professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, an award-winning teacher and researcher on time and happiness, and bestselling author of Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most . Cassie’s research examines such questions as how focusing on time (rather than money) increases happiness, how the meaning of happines...

Kyle Kondik analyzes American campaigns and elections and is frequently cited by national and international media outlets. He is based in Washington D.C. and is the managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, the University of Virginia Center for Politics’ authoritative, nonpartisan newsletter on American campaigns and elections. He is the author of "The Long Red Thread," a history of the...

In Episode #159, political scientist Dr. Bruce Cain joins Osi to discuss the latest developments in the upcoming presidential election. They delve into the behind-the-scenes strategy that led to Biden's decision to end his run for President, the importance of the Democratic Party unifying behind Kamala Harris as the nominee, and what it will take for Harris to have a chance against Trump. Bruc...

In Episode #158, Dr. Benny Forer joins Osi to provide an in-depth analysis of criminal prosecution. They discuss the distinctions between white-collar crimes, organized crime, and street crime, while also exploring the unique challenges posed by cybercrime. Benny Forer is a veteran criminal prosecutor specializing in complex cyber and sex crimes, including child pornography and solicitations of mi...

Mason LeCompte is a multi-talented stand-up comedian, actress, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California, originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is best known for her work in "Childrens Hospital" (2008), "Minotaur" (2013), and "Comedy Parlour Live: Quarantine Edition" (2020). Catch her upcoming stand-up shows in Los Angeles: Kinks of Comedy at Legacy Studi...

In Episode #156, post-disaster expert and former lead Homeland Security advisor Dr. Stephen Flynn joins Osi to analyze the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. They break down the incident, examine the failures, explore the demanding nature of a Secret Service agent's role, and more. Dr. Stephen Flynn is the Founding Director of the Global Resilience Institute at Northeastern University and...

In Episode #155, Dr. Lynn Vavreck joins Osi to discuss the latest developments in the upcoming presidential election. They explore the likelihood of Joe Biden stepping aside and opting not to run in the 2024 election, potential candidates to replace Biden, and address circulating rumors about Biden's health, among other critical topics. Lynn Vavreck is an American political scientist, a contri...

In Episode #154, Dr. Melissa Durham joins Osi to discuss the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States. They explore the history of opioid use in the U.S., the role pharmaceutical companies have played in the crisis, the unique aspects of opioid addiction compared to other addictions, and much more. Dr. Durham is a clinical pharmacist at the USC Pain Center, where she established and runs a pharm...

In Episode #153, propaganda expert Dr. Nick Cull joins Osi to explore the history and current use of propaganda by various regimes to influence public opinion and behavior. They also delve into the impact of social media on propaganda and discuss methods to identify it. Nicholas J. Cull (born 1964) is a historian and professor in the Master's in Public Diplomacy program at the Annenberg School...

In Episode #152, Egyptologist Kara Cooney provides insights into contemporary society through the lens of Egyptian history and culture. The discussion explores how history often repeats itself and highlights the few aspects of today's world that are genuinely unique. Kathlyn M. (Kara) Cooney is an Egyptologist, archaeologist, professor of Egyptian Art and Architecture at UCLA and chair of the...

Professor Richard L. Hasen is an internationally recognized expert in election law, writing as well in the areas of legislation and statutory interpretation, remedies, and torts. He is co-author of leading casebooks in election law and remedies. Hasen served in 2020 as a CNN Election Law Analyst and as an NBC News/MSNBC Election Law Analyst in 2022. He directs UCLA Law’s Safeguarding Democracy Pro...

Wändi Bruine de Bruin is Provost Professor of Public Policy, Psychology, and Behavioral Science at the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California (USC), and director of the  USC Behavioral Science and Well-Being Policy  initiative. Her research aims to understand and inform how people make decisions about their personal health, their carbon footprint, and their hous...

Davidson Boswell is a comedian, political commentator, and activist based in New York City. As the host of "The Davidson Boswell Show" on YouTube, Boswell combines humor with keen political insights, addressing current events and societal issues with a blend of satire and serious analysis.