A Song Called Life

In Episode #188, sociologist Dr. Dinur Blum joins Osi to delve into the social causes behind mass shootings. They discuss the complex role of mental health in these incidents and examine the difficulties in identifying and providing treatment for potential perpetrators. Dr. Blum also sheds light on how America’s distinctive gun culture and the ease of access to firearms contribute to the frequency...

In Episode #187, philosopher Dr. Holly Lawford-Smith joins Osi to discuss her book Is It Wrong to Buy Sex? (Little Debates about Big Questions) . They explore whether purchasing sex is inherently wrong, examining the ethical frameworks that shape differing views on the subject. The discussion also addresses the societal impact of legalizing or prohibiting sex work, weighing how each approach influ...

In Episode #186, geologist Dr. Paul Bierman joins Osi to discuss his groundbreaking research on Greenland's ice sheet, featured in his new book, When the Ice Is Gone: What a Greenland Ice Core Reveals about Earth's Tumultuous History and Perilous Future . They explore the historical significance of Greenland’s ice sheet melting naturally in the distant past, challenging long-held beliefs about its...

In Episode #185, sociologist Dr. Joanna Kempner joins Osi to discuss her groundbreaking book Psychedelic Outlaws: The Movement Revolutionizing Modern Medicine . They explore the use of psilocybin mushrooms as a treatment for severe headaches, examining what this breakthrough means for the future of psychedelic medicine. The conversation covers the regulatory challenges that drive patients to creat...

In Episode #184, philosopher Dr. Nick Bostrom joins Osi to explore his latest book Deep Utopia: Life and Meaning in a Solved World . Together, they delve into thought-provoking questions about the future of humanity. What new sources of meaning and fulfillment could arise in a world where human labor is no longer necessary? How might superintelligence reshape our self-perception and sense of ident...

In Episode #183, psychologist Dr. Wendy Grolnick, author of Motivation Myth Busters , joins Osi to discuss the psychology of motivation. They explore common but inaccurate beliefs about motivation, why these myths persist, and how motivation is shaped by interests and environment—not just personality. Wendy also dispels the misconception that competition always enhances motivation, offering insigh...

In Episode #182, historian Dr. Richard Overy sits down with Osi to explore why war has been such a consistent presence throughout human history. They discuss the role of innate psychological drives in fueling conflict, the influence of power struggles among leaders on major wars, and the evolution of warfare from ancient times to today's global conflicts, including the ongoing situations in Ukrain...

In Episode #181, science writer Amorina Kingdon joins Osi to discuss the crucial role of sound in underwater animal communication, highlighting how marine species use it for survival and interaction. They also explore the disruptive effects of human activities, such as shipping and sonar, on marine soundscapes and their impact on ocean life. The conversation draws on insights from Kingdon's book,...

In Episode #180, author Michael Finkel joins Osi to discuss his captivating book, The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession. They explore the extraordinary life of Stéphane Bréitwieser, the most prolific art thief in history, who executed more than 200 daring heists. Michael Finkel is a journalist and memoirist, who has written the books  True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea...

In Episode #179, author and podcast host Nicola Twilley joins Osi to explore her book Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves . They discuss how refrigeration revolutionized global food systems and reshaped dietary habits, the pivotal role it plays in international trade and culinary traditions, and its complex contribution to climate change and sustainability chal...

In Episode #178, author Andrea Freeman joins Osi to discuss her book Ruin Their Crops on the Ground: The Politics of Food in the United States, from the Trail of Tears to School Lunch . They examine how U.S. food laws and policies have perpetuated racial and social inequalities from the colonial era to the present, and how the government and food industries have collaborated to maintain these disp...

In Episode #177, philosopher Todd May joins Osi to discuss his thought-provoking book Should We Go Extinct?: A Philosophical Dilemma for Our Unbearable Times . Together, they grapple with the profound question, "Should humanity face extinction?" and examine the far-reaching implications of this dilemma. The conversation delves into the immense suffering humans inflict on nature and the n...

In Episode #176, Brea joins Osi to discuss her book Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership. They discuss the profound impact of land theft and violent displacement on racial wealth gaps, how these injustices have shaped Black communities across generations, and more. Brea Baker is a freedom fighter and writer (in that order) who has been working...

What happens to our data after we die? In Episode #175, Carl Öhman joins Osi to explore his book The Afterlife of Data: What Happens to Your Information When You Die and Why You Should Care. Together, they discuss the implications of our digital identities persisting beyond death, who should have control over our digital remnants, and the profound impact these digital legacies can have on the live...

Andrea de Lancellotti is an entrepreneur, interior designer, and real estate agent based in Santa Monica, California. As the founder and owner of Ardor Home Lifestyle and Design, a thriving women-owned interior design firm, Andrea has built a reputation for delivering exceptional design services with a strategic, ROI-based focus. Her firm specializes in real estate, staging, and custom furniture d...

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...