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…

Listen Now: Steve Burns on Fail Better with David Duchovny

This week, we’re taking a short breath and sharing Steve’s recent conversation with David Duchovny from his guest appearance on Fail Better. The two talk about their shared admiration for Samuel Beckett and the surprising amount of common ground between them. They explore Steve’s two-decade retrea…

Adam Savage on Critical Thinking and Truth in a Post-Truth World

Adam Savage sits down with Steve to discuss the future of facts, the scientific method, busting myths, and  he gives us a peek inside his legendary workshop. Adam Savage is a veteran special-effects artist and maker whose early film work led him to co-host MythBusters, where his blend of engineeri…

Dr. Desiree Jones on Neurodivergence: Who Decides What’s “Normal”?

Steve wonders what the difference between “normal” and “not normal” is. His friend Desi drops by to help him out!   Dr. Desiree Jones is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and director of the SHINE Lab (Stigma, Human Interaction, and Neurodivergent Experiences) at the University of Maryland. Sh…

The Emotionally Awkward Cost of Money with Reema Khrais

Reema swings by Steve’s window to share what she’s learned about money and why it’s so emotionally awkward.   Reema is the host of the Marketplace podcast, This is Uncomfortable. The show focuses on life and how money messes with it. Reema is an experienced audio journalist with an emphasis on pe…

Paul Ford Eases Steve's Real Panic About Artificial Intelligence

Steve checks in with his tech whiz friend, Paul Ford, to share his hopes and concerns about artificial intelligence.   Paul Ford is the co-founder of Aboard, an AI startup. Previously, he was an advisor to the White House Office of Digital Strategy during the Obama Administration. He has written …