“Thats a really good question” and other silly things guests say during podcasts.

This is the first of several blogs on making better podcasts. Today: how to be a great guest. The other day I was interviewing a young woman who wanted to work on a podcast project with us. About half of her answers began with the all-too-frequent comment, “that’s a really good question.” I wanted to … Continue reading “Thats a really good question” and other silly things guests say during podcasts.

Sometimes I love riding with NYC subway…

A number one train in motion ...Yeah, I know it’s a pain— especially in rush hour, at the weekends when there’s limited service, or if the guy sitting next to me is manspreading. But there are also times of unexpected delight on the New York City subway, when a stranger makes you smile. Friday nights … Continue reading Sometimes I love riding with NYC subway…

I swam with Muslims in The Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee at sunset...Looking west Us versus them. Right against wrong. Accept the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement. Wag your finger and reject it outright. Far too often in our beautiful, colorful, chaotic and profoundly interesting world, political and moral arguments are reduced to simple either/or choices. My side good. Your side bad. In … Continue reading I swam with Muslims in The Sea of Galilee

Professors on Podcasts: A Rant.

It’s baseball season, thank goodness. So before I get into my windup and start hurling metaphors, let me say that I love interviewing professors on our podcasts . These learned souls are almost always thoughtful, highly intelligent, and often funny. Their bases are loaded with interesting ideas. Professors understand nuance and are good at reminding … Continue reading Professors on Podcasts: A Rant.

On podcasting: the small picture

The other day a young man in his 20’s told me something very sad. While he has a strong moral sense and believes in the necessity of profound political change, and would like to do something to make the world a better place, he doesn’t know where to start. My friend sees no connection between … Continue reading On podcasting: the small picture

Beyond outrage and anger… Solutions. A podcast for our times.

We’re gearing up for another great year with more independent-minded, contrarian guests — kicking off this week with Claire Cain Miller of TheUpshot, the New York Times and economics site. After all the recent anger and outrage over sexual harassment our podcast team decided to do a show about how to reduce bullying and harassment in … Continue reading Beyond outrage and anger… Solutions. A podcast for our times.

 The F… Bomb Has Become a Filler Word. How Do We Fix It?

The jump the shark moment for the F-word may have come and gone. Even the erudite David Brooks of the New York Times used it recently in his otherwise uplifting book on self-discipline and modesty, "The Road to Character." A four letter word that once caused shock - or at least embarrassed giggles - has become … Continue reading  The F… Bomb Has Become a Filler Word. How Do We Fix It?

How Do We Fix It? After We Smashed the China

Viewing art helps me take a fresh look at the world. Painters do it all the time.  They deconstruct the objects, landscapes and people they see - putting them back together again on canvas. Reimagining the world. What a brave and profound thing to do. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we would do the same thing … Continue reading How Do We Fix It? After We Smashed the China

We’re Going to Fail 99% of the Time. And That’s OK.

"Data is the new black" gushed one speaker at Advertising Week, the just-completed annual gathering in New York for the advertising and marketing industry. Thanks to great improvements in data research on customer behavior, "now we are not guessing," said another. The wow factors here this week were data, video and Virtual Reality.  With good … Continue reading We’re Going to Fail 99% of the Time. And That’s OK.

Hey, Hillary! Tell More Stories.

By most measures Hillary Clinton had a pretty good night in her first debate with Donald Trump.  But something was missing. Her disciplined performance may have convinced wavering voters to be somewhat more comfortable with the idea of her as President.  Clinton's cool, calm demeanor contrasted with Donald Trump's repeated interruptions and bluster.  She was … Continue reading Hey, Hillary! Tell More Stories.