

Alive with Steve Burns
Lemonada Media
There are a thousand podcasts you can listen to. This one listens back.
Alive with Steve Burns continues the conversation you began all those years ago. Back then it was letters and numbers and graham crackers. Now it’s death, sex, taxes, and all the big, messy questions of being alive. Why does money stress us out? Is the American dream dead? What’s the future of truth?
Each week, a new guest drops by Steve’s window for a genuine and respectful dialogue between two people just trying to figure it out, together.
Funny, tender, and just a little weird, this show invites you to sit down and think with Steve once again and wonder… what it really means to be Alive.
Alive with Steve Burns premieres September 17. New episodes every Wednesday wherever you get podcasts, and full video at www.youtube.com/@AlivewithSteveBurns
Alive with Steve Burns continues the conversation you began all those years ago. Back then it was letters and numbers and graham crackers. Now it’s death, sex, taxes, and all the big, messy questions of being alive. Why does money stress us out? Is the American dream dead? What’s the future of truth?
Each week, a new guest drops by Steve’s window for a genuine and respectful dialogue between two people just trying to figure it out, together.
Funny, tender, and just a little weird, this show invites you to sit down and think with Steve once again and wonder… what it really means to be Alive.
Alive with Steve Burns premieres September 17. New episodes every Wednesday wherever you get podcasts, and full video at www.youtube.com/@AlivewithSteveBurns
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 7, 2026 • 42min
What Does Being Happy Actually Mean? with Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author and happiness researcher, shares her insights on what happiness truly means. She emphasizes that negative emotions, like sadness and regret, are vital for growth and understanding. Instead of fixating on constant positivity, she advocates for embracing a full emotional spectrum. Rubin also discusses the importance of enjoying the journey rather than merely focusing on outcomes, and how our environments and technology shape our well-being. Her practical approach offers a refreshing take on cultivating happiness.

Dec 31, 2025 • 36min
Origin Stories with Steve Burns
In a captivating chat, Steve Burns, the beloved former host of Blue's Clues, dives into his journey of creating his podcast, Alive with Steve Burns. He shares how a viral COVID video inspired him to speak candidly about mental health. Steve reflects on the importance of listening, both learned through children's TV and fostered in his new medium. He discusses the power of silence in conversations and the beauty of embracing imperfection, all while aiming to help listeners reconnect with their childhood curiosity and wonder.

Dec 24, 2025 • 55min
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 joins Hasan to talk about his new film on the American Revolution, the stories we choose to tell about ourselves as a country, and why all our dads love him so much. It’s a warm, curious, and unexpectedly funny conversation about history, memory, and the people we turn to when we’re trying to understand who we are. If you want to hear more episodes, follow Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know wherever you get your podcasts or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/HasanMinhajDoesntKnowfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 17, 2025 • 43min
Confronting Hate One Conversation at a Time with Daryl Davis
Daryl Davis, a blues musician and activist, shares his groundbreaking experiences engaging with white supremacists, including his encounters with Klan members. He discusses how childhood experiences sparked his quest to understand hatred and led him to confront it through conversation. Daryl's approach emphasizes patience and understanding, illustrating how friendship can bridge ideological divides. He highlights the transformative power of exposure and education, sharing stories of over 200 individuals who renounced hate after their dialogues with him.

Dec 10, 2025 • 49min
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 School of Design. She was featured on Netflix’s Abstract: The Art of Design. Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/ALIVE. Promo Code ALIVE. Use code alivewithsteve at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/alivewithsteve. Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/alive to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Alive with Steve Burns listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive. You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 3, 2025 • 59min
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 Series for his portrayal of Dwight. Rainn is currently the host of the Soul Boom podcast. BetterHelp: Alive with Steve Burns listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive. Quince: Go to quince.com/alive for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Aura:: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/ALIVE. Promo Code ALIVE. NordVPN: 🌎Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here https://nordvpn.com/alivewithsteve It’s risk- free with Nord’s 30-day money back guarantee! JLab: Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop jlab.com and use code ALIVE for 15% off your order today. You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 26, 2025 • 56min
Listen Now: Steve Burns on Fail Better with David Duchovny
Steve Burns, the beloved voice actor known for Blue's Clues, joins David Duchovny to reminisce about their shared admiration for Samuel Beckett and children's television. They dive into Steve's two-decade hiatus from fame, sparked by a rumor about his death. The conversation explores themes of vulnerability, the pressure of social media, and the lasting impact of shows like Sesame Street. With humor and insight, Steve emphasizes the importance of listening and resilience in both childhood and adulthood, crafting a poignant reflection on life and learning.

Nov 19, 2025 • 47min
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 engineering chops and gleeful chaos became a cultural staple. Currently he hosts Tested, his workshop-driven platform for builds, problem-solving, and general mischief. He’s a relentless advocate for curiosity, craftsmanship, and learning by doing—even if “doing” occasionally involves fire. BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive. Wayfair: Head to wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair’s Black Friday deals for up to 70% off. OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ALIVE at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #sponsored Uncommon Goods: To get 15% off your next gift, go to http://uncommongoods.com/alive. Aura Frames: $45-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/ALIVE. Promo Code ALIVE. You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 12, 2025 • 42min
Dr. Desiree Jones on Neurodivergence: Who Decides What’s “Normal”?
Dr. Desiree Jones, an Assistant Professor of Psychology and director of the SHINE Lab at the University of Maryland, dives deep into the nuances of neurodivergence and the social constructs of normalcy. She explores the strengths and challenges of neurodivergent thinking, addresses the rise in autism diagnoses, and highlights issues around underdiagnosis in girls and people of color. With a focus on stigma and identity, she offers insights into supporting autistic individuals and emphasizes the importance of accepting and advocating for them in society.

Nov 5, 2025 • 55min
The Emotionally Awkward Cost of Money with Reema Khrais
Reema Khrais, a seasoned journalist and host of Marketplace's This Is Uncomfortable, dives into the complex emotions tied to money. She and Steve discuss how feelings of shame and scarcity often overshadow financial decisions. Reema sheds light on common money scripts, the impact of upbringing on financial beliefs, and the emotional literacy that can reshape our relationship with money. They also explore the challenges millennials face regarding wealth and the importance of openly discussing finances with friends to alleviate shame.


