The Open Mind, Hosted by Alexander Heffner

James Beard Award winning chef Donald Link discusses the heritage of cajun cuisine and equity inside the restaurant. 

Ugly Drum chef/proprietor Erik Black discusses the successful pop-up model in the pandemic and the secret to his best-in-flavor pastrami.

In this three-peat (third winning appearance) on The Open Mind, 9th Wonder discusses how we need "to empathize to change" and cultivating soul and soulfulness in music, education, and civil society.

Adult actress Valerica Steele discusses the stigmatization of body art and when, if ever, the rights of sex workers will be codified. 

Academic Freedom Alliance chair Keith Whittington discusses how to preserve freedom of speech and humane discourse.

University of Florida political scientist and election expert Michael McDonald discusses how voter enthusiasm, restrictions, and suppression will influence the 2022 midterm elections.

Axios China correspondent Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian discusses her latest reporting on China and forthcoming book "Capitalism, The Coronavirus, and China's Quest for Global Influence."

Epidemiologist and former New Zealand Ministry of Health chief science advisor John Potter discusses the vaccine passport debate and the prospect for global COVID elimination.

University of Washington computer scientist Kate Starbird discusses the state of disinformation.

Univision's Leon Krauze discusses the failures of López Obrador, Mexico's pandemic economy, and the future of U.S.-Mexico relations.

Duke University scholar Mark Anthony Neal discusses the Third Reconstruction, Civil Rights legacy, and contemporary culture of movement making.

Alidoro's Jonathan Streep discusses the culinary business, revitalizing New York, and his authentic Italian sandwiches.

American Constitution Society president and former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold discusses reparations for crimes against U.S. democracy.

LBJ School of Public Affairs scholar Sheena Chestnut Greitens discusses the future of U.S.-China relations.

Associated Press investigative reporter Jason Dearen discusses his new book “Kill Shot: A Shadow Industry, a Deadly Disease.”

Constitutional scholar Leah Litman discusses a 6-3 Supreme Court majority whose opinions are not representative of the American people.

Curry Up Now's Akash Kapoor discusses entrepreneurial innovation in the culinary industry. 

Johns Hopkins University political scientist Hahrie Han discusses how to rebirth American civic life and democracy.

McLoons Lobster's Bree Burns discusses lobstermen and women during the pandemic and recovering the culinary industry. 

MIT biologist Kevin Esvelt discusses the biology of the pandemic and how gain-of-function research jeopardizes public safety.

Daily Beast columnist Wajahat Ali discusses a culture of false equivalence that has normalized domestic terrorism and disinformation.

Atlanta-based Antico's founder Giovanni di Palma discusses the frozen pizza boom during the pandemic and the artistry and science of a renowned Neapolitan.

Survivor Corps founder Diana Berrent discusses the policy needs of COVID long-haulers, victims, and their families.

"The Lab-Leak Hypothesis" author Nicholson Baker discusses whether high-risk experimental research might have created the global COVID-19 catastrophe.

The Atlantic's Michelle Nijhuis discusses her new book, "Beloved Beasts: Fighting for Life in an Age of Extinction" and environmental policy during the pandemic.