To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Join grief expert David Kessler, former Harvard president Drew Gilpin Faust, and funeral singer Lauren DePino as they delve deep into the emotional aftermath of COVID-19. They discuss the unspoken grief of lost connections and the societal impact of collective mourning. Faust shares insights from history, revealing lessons from the Civil War, while DePino highlights how funeral music can act as a balm for the grieving. Together, they explore the importance of embracing our losses to foster healing and connection.

Most Americans take their sovereignty for granted — the nation’s right to make its own laws and govern its own people. The same rights we recognize in other sovereign nations, with one glaring exception — the Native nations and tribes who were here first. For Native Americans, sovereignty is not some abstract idea. It’s an ongoing, daily struggle. Original Air Date: July 13, 2024Interviews In This Hour: The battle over tribal rights in Bad River — Quannah ChasingHorse’s two worlds – Native activist and supermodel — Are Indian casinos the key to tribal sovereignty? — No more Native American 'trauma porn'Guests: Mary Mazzio, Quannah ChasingHorse, Steven Andrew Light, David TreuerNever want to miss an episode? Subscribe to the podcast.Want to hear more from us, including extended interviews and favorites from the archive? Subscribe to our newsletter.

Jessi Kneeland, author of "Body Neutral," discusses the shift from body positivity to neutrality, emphasizing acceptance over societal expectations. Rae Johnson, a somatic movement therapist, shares insights on "embodied activism," highlighting the connection between physical presence and social change. Sami Schalk, an associate professor and author, explores the intersection of Black disability politics, linking identity, disability, and empowerment. Together, they challenge traditional views of body image and advocate for a more inclusive understanding.

Katie Paterson, an award-winning Scottish artist, talks about creating cosmic art that connects us with ancient times. Jonathon Keats, a conceptual artist, challenges traditional clocks by introducing alternatives like river time and bristlecone pine time. Acoustic ecologist Alex Braidwood shares his unique experience of recording dawn choruses and using them for community connection during the pandemic. Together, they explore how art, science, and nature intertwine to craft a deeper understanding of time, urging us to embrace 'timefulness' and reflect on our ecological footprint.

Jim Thorpe was one of the greatest athletes the world has ever known — a legend in the NFL, MLB, NCAA, and in the Olympics. Today he is being celebrated by a new generation of Native Americans.  Rapper Tall Paul’s album is called, “The Story of Jim Thorpe." Tall Paul is an Anishinaabe and Oneida Hip-Hop artist enrolled on the Leech Lake reservation in Minnesota.  Biographer David Maraniss is the author of "Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe." Activist Suzan Shown Harjo is the recipient of a 2014 Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee. Patty Loew is the director of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research at Northwestern University. She is a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. Special thanks to Robert W. Wheeler and the Smithsonian for archival audio.Original Air Date: January 14, 2023Interviews In This Hour: Was Jim Thorpe the greatest athlete who ever lived? — The white man's trophy — A hero who looks like me — Indigenous excellence: Hip hop and the legacy of Jim ThorpeGuests: Tall Paul, Suzan Shown Harjo, Patty Loew, David MaranissNever want to miss an episode? Subscribe to the podcast.Want to hear more from us, including extended interviews and favorites from the archive? Subscribe to our newsletter.

Brian Stone, an expert in urban planning and climate change, discusses the challenges of rebuilding after disasters in the age of permacrisis. Lorraine Daston, a renowned science historian, explores evolving perceptions of responsibility regarding climate events. Annalee Newitz brings a creative lens, highlighting innovative design solutions for coastal flooding. They emphasize the power of storytelling as a means of resilience and inspire listeners to rethink how we prepare and respond to ongoing environmental challenges.

Americans used to believe that news anchors were basically reporting the truth. But in recent years, trust in journalism has largely evaporated. And that’s not an accident as the news media have been weaponized. So what can journalists do to regain the public trust?Original Air Date: June 15, 2024Interviews In This Hour: Journalist Ezra Klein on podcasting, pundits and when to take yourself out of the news — Reclaiming journalism in a fast-changing media landscape — How a hyperlocal newsletter is redefining the ‘news’Guests: Ezra Klein, Deborah Blum, Rob GurwittNever want to miss an episode? Subscribe to the podcast.Want to hear more from us, including extended interviews and favorites from the archive? Subscribe to our newsletter.

Pico Iyer, a renowned writer and essayist specializing in travel and mindfulness, shares his insights on the transformative power of silent retreats. He emphasizes the importance of embracing solitude to find inner peace amidst chaos. Joining him is Monica Gagliano, an evolutionary ecologist who explores plant intelligence and communication. Together, they delve into the profound connections between nature and humanity, discussing the wisdom of plants and the necessity of epistemological humility in understanding our world. It's a captivating deep dive into introspection and interconnection.

Roland Griffiths, a pioneering psychedelic researcher, discusses how psilocybin can ease the fear of death, especially in terminal patients. Lou Lukas, a palliative medicine physician, shares insights on integrating psychedelic therapy into end-of-life care. Anthony Bossis, a clinical psychologist, highlights the transformative, mystical experiences that psychedelics evoke, reshaping perceptions of mortality. Together, they explore how psychedelics can foster acceptance, alleviate existential anxiety, and encourage meaningful discussions about life and legacy.

Crystal Wilkinson, former Poet Laureate of Kentucky, shares how ancestral recipes connect families to their heritage. Amy Nozuku Matato discusses the nostalgic power of mangoes in her family's history. Christina Ward delves into the intersection of food and faith, highlighting how culinary practices shape community identity. Together, they explore how flavors evoke emotions, the importance of preserving culinary traditions, and the intricate ties between food, memory, and belonging.