A Song Called Life

In this episode, Osi is accompanied by Dr. Hengchen Dai as they explore the intricate science behind goal setting and motivation. They discuss effctive strategies for setting long term goals, the "Fresh Start" effect, how others’ behaviors and judgments shape people’s motivation, and more. Dr. Hengchen Dai is a distinguished scholar in the field of judgment and decision-making with a spe...

In Episode #147, Jess and Osi discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, examining the allegations of genocide leveled against Israel in its actions toward the Palestinian population. They also cover the nationwide protests unfolding on college campuses like Columbia and NYU, the implications of this conflict on the upcoming presidential election, and various other related topics. Jess Peake is the Ass...

Dr. Daniel Swain is a climate scientist focused on the dynamics and impacts of extreme events—including droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires—on a warming planet. Daniel holds joint appointments as a research scientist within UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, a research fellow in the Capacity Center for Climate and Weather Extremes at the National Center for Atmospheric Res...

Dr. Helen Lavretsky is a Professor In-Residence in the Department of Psychiatry at UCLA and a geriatric integrative psychiatrist with federally funded research program in geriatric depression and integrative mental health (NIMH, PCORI, and NCCIH) using mind-body interventions. She is a recipient of the Career Development award from NIMH and the NCCIH, and other prestigious research awards. Her cur...

In Episode #144, Dr. Marcus Hunter engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Osi on the contentious topic of reparations for African-Americans. They explore the compelling arguments supporting reparations and encourage a reevaluation of our perspectives on this matter. Additionally, they analyze recent polling data indicating a notable shift among black voters, traditionally aligned with the...

Diana Winston, hailed as one of the nation's most prominent mindfulness teachers, joins Osi in Episode #143. They explore possible reasons behind why practices such as meditation and mindfulness haven't resonated as deeply with the Western world compared to other regions, common misconceptions surrounding mindfulness, Diana's firsthand experiences living as a Buddhist nun for a year, a...

In Episode #142, Osi welcomes Deepfake and AI expert, Dr. Wael AbdAlmageed, to cover the growing concerns surrounding deepfake technology. The discussion encompasses the formidable challenges posed by deepfakes, their potential impact on societal dynamics, especially in critical events such as elections, and the profound consequences of a future where visual trust becomes increasingly uncertain. D...

In Episode #141, musician Jake Ward joins the podcast to discuss all things music. Together with Osi, they challenge the notion of exclusively favoring one genre and explore the intriguing phenomenon of individuals limiting their music choices based on personal identity. Furthermore, they delve in the origins of music and ponder the hypothetical scenario of a world without this art form. Jake Ward...

In this week's podcast episode, futurist and musician Chad Gerber joins Osi to delve into the recent advancements in AI technology and their potential impact on film, music, and various industries. Additionally, they contemplate whether lawmakers and educators will be able to adeptly keep pace with the swiftly advancing field of AI. Chad Gerber is a dynamic figure at the forefront of music, te...

This week, Osi is joined by criminal justice expert Brad Rowe in a compelling episode centered around cannabis reform. Together, they explore the intricate history of cannabis in the United States, tackle the contemporary challenges confronting the cannabis industry, and delve into broader aspects of this complex issue. Brad Rowe has designed, researched, run and delivered a dozen public policy re...

Carrie E. Bearden, Ph. D., is an esteemed Professor with a multifaceted presence in the academic landscape. Holding positions in the Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Psychology, and the Brain Research Institute at UCLA, Dr. Bearden stands at the forefront of cutting-edge research. Her work is dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of serious mental illnesses, with a primary e...

Author Geena Russo joins Osi in this week's episode to to explore her debut book, "Sydney's Adventure in New Mexico." They dive into the challenges that accompany the process of writing and publishing your first book, why writing for children is harder than you'd think, and more. Visit https://bit.ly/48GxZV6 to get yourself or a child near you a copy of Sydney's Adventure...

PIXIEPUNK represents more than just a musical ensemble; it stands as a dynamic cultural movement propelled by the collaborative synergy of TJ, emanating from the vibrant pulse of New York City, and LYNZI, hailing from the serene landscapes of a rural Texan town. The serendipity of their musical convergence unfolded amidst the captivating backdrop of Costa Rica in 2019 during a songwriters workshop...

In this podcast episode, Osi explores the major events and stories that defined 2023, emphasizing their impact as they transition into the new year. Additionally, he shares his personal highlights, including favorite movies, funny moments, and more from the past year.

Kayla Esmond is a Los Angeles-based comedian and actress, originally from Hawaii and raised in Texas. She holds a B.A. in Musical Theater from Ouachita Baptist University (2014). In Little Rock, Arkansas, Kayla excelled in various roles on stage and screen, co-founding the comedy sketch troupe Tyrannosaurus Sketch. As a stand-up comedian, Kayla earned recognition at Loony Bin Comedy Clubs and was...

Andy Van, a versatile entertainer, excels as a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. With years of experience, he has masterfully hosted and MCed various large events nationwide, from captivating fashion shows to enchanting weddings. Recently relocating from the Bay Area via San Diego to LA, Andy has been leaving his mark on the local comedy scene, gracing iconic venues such as the Comedy Store, T...

Akinola Pedro, also formerly known as AkinG Kalld Pedro is an American musician, songwriter, rapper, and record producer. Akinola is best known for his breakout single Traffic.jam, which was featured on NBA 2K 2020 and co-signed by Steve Stoute’s UnitedMasters & Kevin Durant. In 2020, his single "INTERNACIONAL!” Which earned him a placement on NBA 2K21 gave Pedro back-to-back placements with 2k sp...

EmanuelDaProphet, the rising star originally hailing from Michigan, now calls Columbus, Ohio home. His journey began in 2020, marked by doubt and limited support, but he has since undergone a remarkable transformation, making a complete 180-degree turn in his career. EmanuelDaProphet is more than just an artist; he's a captivating Gospel musician who seamlessly fuses elements from various genres,...

David N. Myers, a distinguished professor and accomplished author, holds the Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History at UCLA. Since fall 2017, he has also served as the director of the Luskin Center for History and Policy and leads the UCLA Initiative to Study Hate. With a background in graduate studies at Tel-Aviv, Harvard, and Columbia Universities, Myers is renowned for his significant con...

Corey Kang, a Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, brings his unique comedic style to the stage. Hailing from the vibrant streets of Miami, Corey offers fresh perspectives on life with an unapologetically genuine approach that resonates with audiences.

Myka Miller holds the position of Executive Director at the Guitar Center Music Foundation and concurrently works as a freelance oboist in Los Angeles, CA. In her previous role as the Executive Director of Harmony Project, she successfully managed significant growth in both student enrollment and the program's budget. Initially serving 250 students with a budget of $300,000, she transformed it...

Tim Chonacas is the CEO of Gold Tree Studios as well as the founder and CEO of Untouchable, a well known Independent Feature film Production Company. Untouchable are primarily known for Executive Producing titles such as Kilimanjaro (2013), Some Velvet Morning (2013), All Eyes on Me "2Pac" (2017) and Inconceivable (2017), and more. Chonacas now in 2022 has founded and formed Gold Tree Studios’ fir...

Steve reunites with Osi for his fourth appearance on the podcast, shedding light on the latest global events. They navigate the evolving tensions between Ukraine and Russia, revisiting pivotal moments since Steve's February discussion. Additionally, they discuss the limited media attention given to the Armenia/Azerbaijan conflict, among other pressing issues. Steve Swerdlow is an  Associate Pr...

In Episode #125, we are thrilled to welcome back Michael Mollo, one of the first guests to appear on the podcast back in Episode 5. Michael and Osi discuss their experiences while collaborating on Michael's upcoming debut album, Blue Door Records. They discuss themes such as self-discovery through music, the significance of crafting your own definition of success, and more. Michael Mollo is a...

Hana Katana is a musician, author, action actress, & content creator from Austin, Texas. Hana is back on the podcast, joining Osi in this week's episode. The two reconnect and discuss a diverse array of subjects, spanning from their experiences living with insane roommates to their thoughts about the forthcoming 2024 election and its potential candidates, and more.