Listen Again: Keeping It Unapologetically Real with Jamie Lee Curtis

[Original air date: September 17, 2025] Steve and Jamie discuss what it means to be real and be human in a world of manufactured authenticity. Jamie Lee Curtis is an actress, producer, and children’s author. She has won numerous awards (Academy Award, BAFTA, Primetime Emmy, among others) and is co…

End-of-Life Planning: What No One Tells You Until It’s Too Late with Alua Arthur

In this episode, Steven talks with death doula Alua Arthur about how to prepare for the end of life before it becomes an emergency, and why doing so is one of the most generous things you can do for the people you love.   They walk through what end-of-life planning actually entails: wills, advanc…

The Masculinity Crisis: Why Men Are Struggling and What Masculinity Should Mean Now with Richard Reeves

** DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE NOW**   What does masculinity actually mean in a world where the old rules no longer seem to apply?    Social scientist Richard Reeves joins the show for a clear-eyed, data-driven conversation about why so many men feel untethered - and why the loudest online answer…

Is Charisma More Powerful Than Truth - with Molly Worthen

Why are we so easily persuaded by charisma? In this episode, historian and writer Molly Worthen talks about the strange, magnetic force we call charisma and why it’s having such a moment right now.    Why aren’t facts more persuasive?    When does inspiration slide into manipulation?    How d…

What Does Being Happy Actually Mean? with Gretchen Rubin

What does happiness mean and why do negative emotions matter more than we think?   In this thoughtful conversation, Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project and host of the Happier podcast, joins Steven Burns to explore what it really means to live a meaningful life. Rather tha…

Origin Stories with Steve Burns

Steve was a recently guest on the podcast Origin Stories and we wanted to share the episode with you. Origin Stories is the ultimate podcast for anyone curious about the workings of the creative mind. Each week, journalist Matthew Shaer talks to a different writer or director about the creation of …

Introducing: Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know (feat. Ken Burns)

This week, we’re taking a deep breath for the holidays, so we’re sharing an episode of Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know. Hasan sits down with documentary legend Ken Burns for a conversation that feels a bit like American history class — if history class were funny, generous, and quietly profound. Ken join…

Confronting Hate One Conversation at a Time with Daryl Davis

Daryl shares his incredible experience of engaging right-wing extremists with Steve—and how he convinced many of them to open their worldview.   Dr. Daryl Davis is a blues musician, author, and activist. Daryl received awards and acclaim for his book Klan-Destine Relationships and his award-winni…

Is Play the New Work with Cas Holman

Steve and Cas get silly as they discuss the serious work of play and how it shapes and enriches our lives. Cas Holman is a toy designer, writer, and expert on design. She developed the renowned Rigamajig line of toys. Cas was previously a professor at Syracuse University and the Rhode Island Schoo…

Faith and the Purpose of Life with Rainn Wilson

Steve catches up with the amazing Rainn Wilson as they do a deep dive on faith, meaning, and a higher power. Rainn Wilson is an actor, comedian, and director. He is best known as Dwight Schrute on NBC’s The Office (2005-2013). He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Serie…