To The Best Of Our Knowledge
Wisconsin Public Radio
”To the Best of Our Knowledge” is a Peabody award-winning national public radio show that explores big ideas and beautiful questions. Deep interviews with philosophers, writers, artists, scientists, historians, and others help listeners find new sources of meaning, purpose, and wonder in daily life. Whether it’s about bees, poetry, skin, or psychedelics, every episode is an intimate, sound-rich journey into open-minded, open-hearted conversations. Warm and engaging, TTBOOK helps listeners feel less alone and more connected – to our common humanity and to the world we share.For more from the TTBOOK team, visit us at ttbook.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 1, 2024 • 52min
Avian Obsessions
Join Jennifer Ackerman, a writer and birder known for "What an Owl Knows," as she shares insights on the emotional connections we forge with owls. Mark Obmascik, author of "The Big Year," dives into the thrilling world of competitive birdwatching, highlighting the intense dedication of birders. Christopher Benfey explores the cultural significance of hummingbirds and their links to Darwin, weaving together art and evolution in 19th-century America. Together, they reveal how birdwatching transcends mere hobby to become a profound passion.
May 25, 2024 • 52min
Tasting the Past
Food evokes powerful memories, and this conversation explores how dishes can transport us through time. Discover the deep ties between culinary practices and familial roots, like the ritual of cooking green beans that honors ancestors. The podcast also highlights the intersection of food and faith, revealing how dietary traditions shape community identities. Enjoy nostalgic tales from a beloved diner in Wisconsin and learn how flavors interplay with emotions, creating a rich tapestry of shared human experiences.
38 snips
May 18, 2024 • 52min
Being Body Conscious
This discussion revolves around rethinking our relationship with our bodies, questioning societal pressures and the concept of body neutrality. Guests share insights on how detaching self-worth from physical appearance can lead to liberation. The conversation highlights the intersection of identity and activism, especially within marginalized communities. It emphasizes the importance of somatic awareness in personal and social change, while also celebrating joy and pleasure as essential elements of resilience in activism.
May 11, 2024 • 52min
For The Love Of Moms
We celebrate Mother's Day with a collection of stories from our archives, by and about moms. Stories about care and about courage — about the work of mothering.
Original Air Date: May 13, 2023
Guests:
Stephanie Land, Eula Biss, Jacqueline Horner Plumez, Amanda Henry, Ayelet Waldman
May 4, 2024 • 52min
Reframing the Portrait
Before family photos, or school pictures or Instagram, there were hand-drawn and painted portraits. Throughout the ages, portrait artists have captured expressions and personalities on canvas or paper, and those who view the picture interpret this “likeness” in their own way. We talk with a philosopher, a musician and a novelist about the role of portraits through history, and how we see ourselves —and others — through these deeply personal images.
Original Air Date: September 23, 2023
Guests:
Peter Brathwaite, Maggie O'Farrell, Steven Nadler, Thijs Gerbrandy, Norbert Middelkoop
Apr 27, 2024 • 52min
Giving Up
This conversation challenges the relentless pursuit of success by exploring the power of giving up. It delves into the psychological effects of fasting and its spiritual significance across cultures. The dual perception of surrender—both noble and shameful—is examined, encouraging reflection on societal norms regarding perseverance. Mindfulness takes center stage, emphasizing genuine connections over self-knowledge. The unpredictable nature of high-stakes situations, particularly in surgery, reveals the transformative potential of embracing uncertainty.
24 snips
Apr 20, 2024 • 52min
Deep Time: How Earth Keeps Time
Join geologist Marcia Bjornerud, renowned cave art photographer Stephen Alvarez, and artist Dustin Illetewahke Mater as they explore the concept of deep time versus our fleeting moments. They discuss how ancient rocks and cave paintings serve as records of human history and consciousness. The conversation uncovers the importance of reconnecting with our ancestral roots through art and nature. Discover the emotional pull of cave art, the urgency of addressing climate change, and the philosophical implications of our relationship with the Earth.
23 snips
Apr 13, 2024 • 53min
Luminous: Your Brain on Shrooms
Guests Amanda Feilding, a pioneer in psychedelic research, Robin Carhart-Harris, creator of the 'entropic brain' theory, and renowned neuroscientist Christof Koch delve deep into consciousness and psychedelics. They discuss psilocybin's transformative effects and how it can aid in healing trauma. Christof shares his journey exploring 5-MeO-DMT, while Amanda reflects on shifting societal perceptions of psychedelics. Together, they challenge conventional neuroscience, revealing the profound implications these substances have on understanding consciousness.
26 snips
Apr 6, 2024 • 52min
Total Eclipse and Other Wonders
Delve into the mysteries of eclipses and dark matter, the search for extraterrestrial life, and understanding the vast universe. Hear stories of eclipse chasing, scientific breakthroughs, and transmissions to alien intelligence. Explore the allure of total solar eclipses, the challenges of studying dark matter, and the quest for answers in the universe.
Mar 30, 2024 • 52min
Does AI dream?
Walter Scheirer, an expert in artificial intelligence and its societal implications, dives into the fascinating world of AI. They discuss whether AI can possess a mind or a soul and explore its stunning capabilities, like creating art and assisting mental health. The conversation also touches on the ethics surrounding deepfakes and robot creativity, revealing the tension between AI's potential and its limitations. Ultimately, the dialogue prompts deep questions about AI’s future role in human creativity and consciousness.
