Into the Zone

Life’s final border might not be so final after all. From tardigrades to viruses, some things are both dead and alive. Or neither. How do we draw the line between the living and the dead? And how does that line blur in places like in a time capsule buried in ice, or a library on the moon? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the concept of the post-human through music and art during the 90s. Learn about Manuel's experiences as a filmmaker and performer in the New York downtown scene. Delve into provocative performances challenging societal norms. Reflect on the author's journey in experimental architecture and writing.

Hari, a writer and musician, dives into the complexities of the digital age and how to find clarity amidst chaos. He reflects on the emotional power of music, sharing how recorded sounds can evoke nostalgia and memory. The discussion moves to the birth of the MP3 format, exploring its revolutionary impact on the music industry and the cultural shifts it ignited. Hari also examines the delicate balance between sound and noise, revealing the challenges artists face in preserving the essence of their work in a constantly evolving digital landscape.

Travel back to East Berlin in 1983, where a teenage punk grapples with the choice of betrayal versus imprisonment in a Stasi interrogation cell. Discover the vibrant punk scene of West Berlin contrasted with the oppressive atmosphere of the East. Hear personal stories about navigating a divided city while smuggling music and resisting state surveillance. The narrative dives deep into the fight for individuality under a repressive regime, reflecting on echoes of past struggles in today’s privacy battles.

The podcast explores the clash between positive and negative ideologies, reflecting on optimism and cultural differences. It delves into Theodor Adorno's life in LA, his intellectual contributions, and contrasts with Hollywood. The chapter also explores business beginnings, philosophical contrasts, and communion within the dialectic.

Discover the intriguing connection between the Indian Independence movement and New Age spirituality through the lens of a family legacy. Delve into the life of Madame Blavatsky, a pioneer whose teachings bridged cultures and influenced modern beliefs. Explore personal quests for truth amid the orange groves of Ojai, and see how historical figures shaped spiritual and societal change in colonial India. With reflections on identity, mysticism, and untold stories, this journey weaves a rich tapestry of heritage and self-exploration.

David Reich, a Harvard geneticist known for challenging traditional nationalist views, joins the conversation to explore the intricate link between genetics and identity. The discussion spirals into the fascinating history of Stonehenge and its cultural significance, reflecting on personal experiences of racism and the complexities of belonging. Reich sheds light on groundbreaking DNA research that reshapes our understanding of human ancestry, while also debunking misconceptions around racial purity. This thought-provoking dialogue weaves together history, identity, and the rich tapestry of human migration.

The podcast delves into the debate around Lil Nas X's song 'Old Town Road', explores the fragile history of blues records, discusses AI-generated music in country and death metal genres, examines the origins of twang in country music and the pedal steel's role, tackles the complex history of yodeling in minstrel shows, and explores the fusion of black and white culture in music recorded in Southwest Louisiana.

Hosted by novelist Hari Kunzru, Into the Zone is a new podcast about opposites, and how borders are never as clear as we think.Coming September 3, 2020 from Pushkin Industries. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.