A Conversation With Carl

Join me as I welcome authior Michael J. Tucker to the conversation. Among other works, Michael wrote the book Padre, which details his experiences losing his parents and how that event reshaped his life and place in the world. Michael shares his experiences with grief, the impact of his parents on his identity, and the cathartic process of writing Padre. He discusses the unique challenges faced by...

A Conversation with Carl, continues to celebrate 250 Years of America as we delve into the rich history of Christmas in America and its ever-evolving traditions with @UTAustin History Professor Emerita Penne Restad, author of Christmas in America: A History. Carl and Penne discuss how Christmas has transformed from a religious holiday to a cultural and commercial phenomenon, the role of Santa Clau...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Sandor Katz, the renowned fermentation revivalist. Discover the transformative power of microorganisms and how fermentation plays a crucial role in our culinary traditions. From sour pickles to chestnut miso, Sandor shares his passion and insights into the art and science of fermentation. Tune in to explore the flavors and health benefits that fermenta...

In this conversation, I speak with New York Times Best Selling Author, Jeffrey Selingo. Jeffrey has written about colleges and universities for more than 25 years. His latest book, Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You (September 2025), draws on more than two years of research and a survey of some 3,000 parents to give families permission to think more broadly about what signals a...

In this conversation, I chat with Alexander Batthyany PhD, a leading expert on what is called "terminal lucidity" as well as near-death experiences. During the conversation, we explore the phenomenon of paradoxical lucidity, where patients with severe cognitive impairments suddenly regain clarity right before death. The discussion delves into the emotional impact of these experiences on families....

In this conversation with Joe Buchanan we explores Joe's journey as a musician and his unique path to Judaism. Joe shares his experiences of visiting Israel, performing sold-out shows, and the profound impact of his conversion on his life and music. He discusses his upbringing, the influence of his wife and family, and how his music, deeply rooted in Jewish values and stories, resonates with diver...

In this conversation, I speak with the incredible Pastor @JesseBradleyChannel about finding hope and being thankful this holiday season. He shares his profound struggles with identity and hope following a health tragedy in Africa. He discusses the impact of losing his career and health, leading to feelings of hopelessness and depression. Jesse introduces the concept of 'the power of the second tho...

In today's conversation, we continue our series 250 years of America. Presidential Historian Douglas Brinkley joins me to discuss his passion for history, particularly focusing on the Roosevelts, the evolution of the automobile, and the current state of America as it approaches its 250th anniversary. He emphasizes the importance of history in education, the lessons from environmental activism, and...

In this conversation I speak with Dr John Hagen about his book The Science of Near-Death Experiences which brings together science, philosophical, psychological, and neuroscientific aspects of “near death experiences” or NDEs. The discusssion delves into the various perspectives on the afterlife, as it relates to specific experiences of people who have an NDE. The discussion highlights the role of...

In this conversation I spoke to author Barbara Stark-Nemon. We spoke about reinventing yourself after retiring. Barbara told me about how she become a novelist. We also spoke about self-doubt, storytelling, resilience, #authenticity and self-discovery. Barbara emphasizes the importance of overcoming internal barriers, embracing personal narratives, and navigating life's challenges with adaptabilit...

As we begin to delve into our series 250 Years of America, University of Chicago Law School Professor Alison LaCroix joins the conversation speaking to the profound lessons that history teaches us about living in the moment, especially during times of impending crisis. LaCroix is the author of the book The Interbellum Constitution: Union, Commerce, and Slavery in the Age of Federalisms. She answer...

In this conversation I speak with forensic psychologist Brian Laythe. He is the director of the Institute for the Study of Religious and Anomalous Experience and managing director of Scientific Exploration. He is also the co-author of the book Ghosted! Exploring the Haunting Reality of Paranormal Encounters. We talk about how he gathers scientific evidence to determine the probability of a real-li...

In this conversation, I speak to Julia Belluz about the new book she co-authored with Kevin Hall called Food Intelligence. We delve deep into the myths about metabolism, and the impact of food environments on health. We explore the science behind weight loss, the role of ultra-processed foods, and the myths surrounding food and eating behavior. Julia emphasizes the importance of understanding the...

In today's conversation I spoke with Dan Burmawi about his new book Islam, Israel and the West. We also spoke about his conversation to Christianity, growing up in Jordan, moving to Lebanon and arriving in the United States. The conversation delves into the complexities of the territorial dispute in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the historical context surrounding Israel, the West Bank,...

In this conversation, I spoke to climate scientist and Evangelical Christian @kathhayhoe⁩ about the current state of climate change and its human causes. We also discuss what we can do to fix the crisis and the important intersection between religion and science. She emphasizes the importance of individual actions and having conversations about climate change. Hayhoe concludes with a hopeful visio...

In this conversation, filmmaker Sascha Just discusses her new film, 'What We Can Know About Edmund and Bazille,' which explores the lives of 19th-century New Orleans composers, Bazille Bares and Edmund Dede. The film highlights the historical context of racial discrimination in music, the contributions of Black musicians to classical music, and the personal journeys of the composers. Sascha shares...

In this engaging conversation Anthony Scaramucci discusses the current political landscape, healthcare policies, generational issues in leadership, the impact of social media on division, and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party. He reflects on his brief tenure in the White House, shares insights on economic outlooks, and emphasizes the importance of open dialogue in politics. Scaramucci's...

In A Conversation with the musical duo @DauzatStMarie , they share their journey through music, Heather's fiercely brave battle and comeback from breast cancer, and the impact of social media on their music. They discuss their songwriting process, the importance of live performances, and how they connect with fans. The duo reflects on their experiences touring with legendary artists such as Pat Be...

On Making Sense with Carl we welcome Jeremy Berke, journalist, and writer at the intersection of business and policy. Jeremy is the founder of Cultivated Media, the leading voice of the cannabis industry. To our listeners: This episode of Making Sense with Carl is informational only and in no way is recommending the use of cannabis. Please consult your doctor before trying anything new including a...

Today Carl Makes Sense with Jonathan Spyer and discusses the danger and exhilaration of reporting from various war zones, how you know who to trust and the seismic cultural shift in many Western countries. #syria #gaza #united kingdom #saudi arabia #islam #christianity #judaism #middleast #israel #IDF #comedy #culturewars #war #news #media #interview #history #oscars #hannaheinbinder #palestine #u...