Alive with Steve Burns

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join technology writer Paul Ford, a former digital advisor for the Obama White House and co-founder of AI startup Aboard, as he dives into the complexities of artificial intelligence. He breaks down large language models, comparing them to compressed JPEGs, and discusses how AI processes human knowledge. Ford raises important concerns about bias, malicious data usage, and user dependency on AI. Yet, he remains optimistic about AI's potential to empower individuals with practical tools while stressing the need for societal adaptation and verification of AI outputs.

Steve speaks with Maitland about why it’s so difficult to talk about sex.   Maitland Ward is an author, actress, and adult film star. She began her career on CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful. Maitland is the author of the best-selling title, My Escape from Hollywood: Unapologetic, Unfiltered, and Unashamed.   Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ALIVE at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Head to ComicConTheCruise.com/ALIVE to learn more and book your cabin — and don’t forget to use code ALIVE for $250 off per cabin on new reservations! 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.

Leela chats with Steve as he wonders about the different ways humans worship.   Leela Prasad is St. Purandar Das Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at Brown University. In 2024, she was elected as the first South Asian female president of the American Academy of Religion. She has received prestigious awards and fellowships for the study of religion, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, Fulbright-Nehru senior fellowships, and grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities.   Head to ComicConTheCruise.com/ALIVE to learn more and book your cabin — and don’t forget to use code ALIVE for $250 off per cabin on new reservations!   To get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/alive.   Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop jlab.com and use code ALIVE for 15% off your order today.Our 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.

Steve catches up with his good friend, Wayne Coyne, to chat about what it means to be successful.   Wayne Coyne is an American musician known primarily as the founder, lead vocalist, and songwriter for the Flaming Lips, a psychedelic rock band from Oklahoma. The celebrated band has found acclaim and many awards through several indie breakout records.    Our listeners get 10% off their first month with BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/stevealive. Promo code: stevealive.   Head to ComicConTheCruise.com/ALIVE to learn more and book your cabin — and don’t forget to use code ALIVE for $250 off per cabin on new reservations! 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.

Megan McCoy, an expert in financial therapy and Assistant Professor at Kansas State University, dives into the psychological side of money. She discusses how childhood experiences with money shape our current behaviors and the concept of generational financial trauma. Megan highlights the importance of separating self-worth from financial status and offers practical tips for managing debt and enhancing financial literacy. Listeners will learn how spending on others can boost happiness and why embracing small financial steps can lead to greater emotional well-being.

Ro swings by to chat with Steve about tech, economics, and how we can ensure innovation serves everyone.   Ro Khanna is the U.S. Representative from California’s 17th congressional district, also known as Silicon Valley. Ro has held that seat since his upset victory in 2016. He is a member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. His 2022 book is titled: Progressive Capitalism: How To Make Tech Work for All of Us.   Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive.   Head to ComicConTheCruise.com/ALIVE to learn more and book your cabin — and don’t forget to use code ALIVE for $250 off per cabin on new reservations!   Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ALIVE at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod 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.