The Not Old - Better Show

Dr. John Edward Hasse discusses Duke Ellington, his musical influences, and his life growing up in Washington, D.C. He explores Ellington's breakthrough at Harlem's Cotton Club, his approach to composing personalized music, and his turn to spirituality. Discover Ellington's impact in breaking racial barriers and his unique sound, as well as his influence on swing music and his enduring cultural appeal.

HW Brands: The Zealot and the Emancipator Smithsonian Associates, Art of Living Author Interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and this is episode #498. As part of our Smithsonian Associates Art of Living author interview series, our guest today is author, historian, H. W. Brands. H. W. Brands will be presenting at the Smithsonian Associates program Nov. 20, 2020, and the title of his presentation is The Zealot and the Emancipator, which is the title of H. W. Brands' new book, which we will be discussing today here on the show. In the mid-19th century, although abolitionists had been working peacefully to end slavery for decades, the most they had achieved was containing its spread in the expanding republic. Then in 1854, the Kansas–Nebraska Act reversed even that, opening two new states to slavery, along with a nor fight at Harper's Ferry Virginia. That, of course, is our guest today, author, historian, H. W. Brands reading from his new book, The Zealot and the Emancipator. In our interview today, H. W. Brands and I will discuss the complicated New Englander John Brown, who was a charismatic and deeply religious man who'd heard the God of the Old Testament speaking to him, telling him to destroy slavery by any means—including the sword. Meanwhile, in Illinois, Abraham Lincoln was an ambitious lawyer and failed politician who believed that slavery, while surely a sin, was guaranteed in the Constitution. The only way to fight it was by political means. Drawing on his new book The Zealot and the Emancipator, historian H.W. Brands offers a dual portrait of Brown and Lincoln, in a dual portrait as men with profoundly different views on how moral people must respond to our democracy's most extreme injustice: by incremental change or by radical upheaval? He also examines how historical reckoning finds relevance in today's political climate. Brands holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin. He has written more than a dozen biographies and histories, two of which, The First American and Traitor to His Class, were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize. Please join me in welcoming to The Not Old Better Show, author, historian H. W. Brands. My thanks to author, historian, Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show on Radio & Podcast! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Nazi Spy Ring in America - Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones Smithsonian Associates, The Not Old Better Show Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. I'm Paul Vogelzang and this is episode #497 As part of our Smithsonian Associates Art of Living author interview series, our guest today is Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones. Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones is an emeritus professor of history at the University of Edinburgh. His book The Nazi Spy Ring in America is the subject of our conversation today, and his upcoming Smithsonian Associates presentation, Nov. 18. More details about Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones and his Smithsonian Associates presentation are available in the show notes and our web site. In the mid-1930s just as the United States was embarking on a policy of neutrality, Nazi Germany launched a program of espionage against the unwary nation. Hitler attempted to interfere in American affairs by spreading anti-Semitic propaganda, stealing military technology, and mapping U.S. defenses. In a fascinating illustrated presentation, historian Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones offers insights into the role of espionage in shaping American perceptions of Germany in the years leading up to the country's entry into World War II and sheds light on a significant episode in the history of international relations and the development of the FBI. Using recently declassified documents, Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones tells us how Germany's foreign intelligence service, the Abwehr, was able to steal top-secret American technology, such as a prototype codebreaking machine and data about the latest fighter planes. Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones also gives us a special glimpse into Leon Turrou, the FBI agent who helped bring down the Nazi spy ring in a case that quickly transformed into a national sensation. The arrest and prosecution of four members of the ring was a high-profile case with all the trappings of fiction: fast cars, louche liaisons, a murder plot, a Manhattan socialite, and a ringleader codenamed Agent Sex. This is a fascinating, previously unheard story. Please join me in welcoming to The Not Old Better Show, via internet phone, Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones. My thanks to Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones for his generous time today. Please check out the show notes for more details about Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones and his upcoming Smithsonian Associates presentation, which will be wonderful. My thanks to the generosity of the Smithsonian Associates team and for all they do to support the show. My thanks, too, to you, our wonderful Not Old Better Show audience. Please practice smart social distancing, be safe, and Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show on Radio & Podcast! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Safer With Science - National Science Foundation, Dr. Arthur Lupia The Not Old Better Show, Science Literacy Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. I'm Paul Vogelzang and this is episode #496. As part of our Science Literacy series from the National Science Foundation, our guest today is head of the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, at NSF, Dr. Arthur Lupia. Dr. Lupia has been on the show previously and is a popular guest with you, our wonderful Not Old Better Show audience. Dr. Lupia always has such fascinating news and research from NSF to share with us, and today is no exception. For all of you who are unfamiliar with NSF, its mission to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..." So, important, vital work. Dr. Arthur Lupia and his great team at NSF do this work creatively, and today we'll learn about 3 current NSF funded programs where creativity is certainly at work in a big, important way, making people's lives' safer with science. I want to jump right into this with Dr. Lupia, so please join me in welcoming back to The Not Old Better Show, Dr. Arthur Lupia, from the National Science Foundation. My thanks to Dr. Arthur Lupia, head of the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences, at the National Science Foundation. More details about Dr. Lupia, his team, and his work at NSF are available in the show notes. My thanks, as well, to the fine folks at NSF who always help so much with the show. And, of course, my thanks to you, my wonderful Not Old Better Show audience. Be safe everyone, practice smart social distancing, and Talk About Better. The Not Old Better Show. Thanks, everybody. For more information about the National Science Foundation, please go here: https://www.nsf.gov/about/ Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show on Radio & Podcast! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Going Medieval: How Pop Culture Reflects the Past - Dr. Paul Sturtevant The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and this is episode #495. As part of our Smithsonian Associates Art Of Living series, our guest today is Dr. Paul Sturtevant. Dr. Paul Sturtevant is an historian and social scientist at the Smithsonian, editor-in-chief of The Public Medievalist online magazine, and author of two books that examine the intersections between the Middle Ages and the present day. The Middle Ages are everywhere in our pop culture. Just look at "Game of Thrones" and the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Knights and castles are all over video, tabletop, and role-playing games. And we can spend a day at a medieval-style festival and an evening at a theme restaurant featuring jousts, swordplay, and revelry. Why are we so culturally obsessed with this distant time period? What, if anything, can these pop-culture rehashes of history tell us about the past? And perhaps more revealing, what can the ways that we re-imagine the medieval era tell us about how we see ourselves today? Join me today, with Dr. Paul B. Sturtevant as we take a colorful journey through the castles, cathedrals, and battlefields dreamed up by contemporary culture. He examines how history is not just history: that what we remember, and how we remember it, is always a mirror that reflects ourselves. My thanks to Dr. Paul Sturtevant for his generous time today. My thanks, as well, to the generosity of the Smithsonian Associates team and for all they do to support the show. My thanks, too, to you, our wonderful Not Old Better Show audience. Please practice smart social distancing, be safe, and remember, let's talk about better. The Not Old Better Show. Thanks, everybody. For ticket details, please click here: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/going-medieval-how-pop-culture-reflects-past?utm_source=RAad&utm_medium=OAtsa&utm_content=mwX&utm_campaign=MayWe Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show on Radio & Podcast! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

'Last Day' Podcast host, Stephanie Wittels Wachs The Not Old Better Show Art of Living Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and this is episode # 494. As part of our Art of Living interview series, our guest today is Stephanie Wittles Wachs. Stephanie Wittels Wachs is a voice actress, activist, and author. She is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the theatre company Rec Room Arts in Houston, Texas, and the Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of the podcast network Lemonada Media. Stephanie Wittels Wachs also serves as the host of the podcast Last Day. We'll be talking to Stephanie Wittels Wachs about the new season of Last Day, Season 2. Season 2 of 'Last Day' is focused on the epidemic of suicide. This is a subject we often 'sweep under the rug,' stigmatized behavior, and sometimes it's easier to forget this subject or individual who's not here. Season 2 of 'Last Day' delves into the growing suicide rate, telling real stories, talking to experts, and asking everyone along the way, "How did we get here, and what could we have done differently?" Please join me in welcoming to The Not Old Better Show, Stephanie Wittels Wachs. My thanks to Stephanie Wittels Wachs, and her team at Lemonada Media for help in arranging the interview and show today. My thanks to you, our wonderful Not Old Better Show audience for all you do to support and love the show. Please practice smart social distancing, be safe, and remember, let's talk about better. The Not Old Better Show. Thanks, everybody. Resources discussed in the show: https://www.jedfoundation.org https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/last-day/id1468896686 Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show on Radio & Podcast! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Now Go Vote... The Not Old Better Show Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and this is episode #493. This is an election like none ever before. The endorsements are done, now please go vote. "Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting." Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States "For this Nation to remain true to its principles, we cannot allow any American's vote to be denied, diluted, or defiled. The right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties, and we will not see its luster diminished." Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States If you like my shirt, please check out Jessica's Etsy Store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/SelfLoveClubTeam Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show on Radio & Podcast! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Suicide and Isolation Among Seniors - Susan Dascenzi The Not Old Better Show Author Interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and this is episode #492. As part of our Art of Living Series, today's guest is someone you will just relate to, trust, find helpful, and, just as I do, find to be an amazing person. Susan Dascenzi is a licensed Psychotherapist, MSW, is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and much more. Susan Dascenzi practices in psychotherapy and coaching, helping others to help you change your life. Susan Dascenzi has been on the show before, and I've gotten to know Susan Dascenzi, as you will today, and you'll see what I mean about changing lives with today's important topic about suicide. We'll be talking to Susan Dascenzi and others about suicide, and it's epidemic. Susan Dascenzi is an MSW, an LCSW, and is familiar with the issues surrounding suicide, treatment, care, and will offer resources for those thinking of harming yourself or friends or family members exhibiting suicide tendencies, which we will be discussing. Susan Dascenzi is the host of the newly created podcast, Spiritually Expressed Human, Navigating the Human Experience. Check out our interview with this "no excuses" approach, born out of her own recovery. Susan Dascenzi will give a great deal in our time together, including some practical skills and tools to get out of the excuse mindset and on the path of productivity, regardless of where we are in life. Join me in welcoming to The Not Old Better Show, via internet phone, Susan Dascenzi, MSW. For more information or resources about this episode, please visit notold-better.com. If you love our show, be sure to leave a review. I personally read each one. Do you have a product or service you think our audience would love...consider podcast advertising! You can find a link in the show notes where you can learn more and work with the good folks from AdvertiseCast...plus you're supporting the show!" What to advertise on our show? https://www.advertisecast.com/TheNotOldBetterShow Remember everyone, be safe, practice smart social distancing, and Talk About Better. The Not Old Better Show. Thanks, everybody. Susan Dascenzi is available for you, and if you'd like to chat, please go here to schedule a complimentary call with Susan: https://susandascenzischedule.as.me/30mincomptccall And of course, you can also reach Susan via her website: https://www.susandascenzi.com and hit the "Contact" tab to reach Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show on Radio & Podcast! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

John Lennon 1980 - Author Ken Womack The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Author Interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and this is episode #491. As part of our Smithsonian Associates Year of Music author interview series, our guest today is Beatles biographer extraordinaire, Ken Womack. Ken Womack has written numerous highly acclaimed books about the Beatles and will be appearing at the Smithsonian Associates program via Zoom, Dec 2. More details are available at the web sites we have listed in the show notes. In today's conversation, music historian Kenneth Womack traces the story behind Double Fantasy, John Lennon's remarkable 1980 comeback album with wife Yoko Ono. Along the way, Womack reads from his forthcoming book John Lennon 1980: The Last Days in the Life and he'll explore with us the powerful, life-affirming story of the former Beatle's renaissance after five years of self-imposed retirement. Lennon's final pivotal year would climax in several moments of creative triumph as he rediscovered his artistic self in dramatic fashion. In thinking about Lennon, Womack shows how the gifted songwriter and musician lived, rather than how he died much too soon. That of course is our guest today, author Ken Womack, reading from his new book, John Lennon The Last Days in the Life. Drawing on new interviews, John Lennon 1980 is an informative, engaging, and often deeply moving portrayal of the final chapter in John Lennon's remarkable life. It isn't a story about how the gifted songwriter and musician died, but rather, about how he lived. Our Not Old Better Show audience loves John Lennon and the Beatles, and you'll love this Smithsonian Associates presentation by Ken Womack, but we have him here today, so please join me in welcoming via internet phone, Beatles author, Ken Womack. My thanks to Beatles biographer, Ken Womack, author of the new book: John Lennon 1980: The Last Days in the Life. Ken Womack will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates on Dec. 2, via Zoom. More details available in the show notes. My thanks, as well, to the fine folks at Smithsonian Associates who always help so much with the show. And, of course, my thanks to you, my wonderful Not Old Better Show audience. Be safe everyone, practice smart social distancing, and Talk About Better. The Not Old Better Show. Thanks, everybody. Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show on Radio & Podcast! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are Humans Naturally Good or Bad? - Dr. Rui Diogo The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and this is episode #490. As part of our Smithsonian Associates Art of Living series, our guest today is evolutionary biologist, Dr. Rui Diogo. For centuries, philosophers have attempted to answer the question of whether humans are naturally good or evil. Despite the publication of thousands of works on the subject, no satisfactory answer seems to have been found. If philosophy hasn't found the clue, what do other disciplines say about humanity's propensity for good or malice? Evolutionary biologist Rui Diogo, who will be at Smithsonian Associates, via Zoom, Nov 5, 2020, tells us what empirical research actually says about this age-old question. Drawing from the sciences, anthropology, history, sociology, and other fields, Dr. Rui Diogo looks at what empirical data says about our basic nature, and which societies' members are more likely to do each other good or harm. In answers that might surprise you, he cites figures such as those charting homicide rates, life expectancies, suicide rates, types of foods consumed, levels of egalitarianism, frequency of sexual relationships, and stress levels around the world. You might not leave as a better person, but you'll have a better idea of why you—and perhaps all of us—behave as we do. Please join me in welcoming to The Not Old Better Show, via internet phone, Dr. Rui Diogo. Thank you to Rui Diogo for joining me on the show today. Remember, Dr. Rui Diogo will be presenting at Smithsonian Associates, and the title of his presentation is Are Humans Naturally Good of Bad? notes and details are available at our web site, or at Smithsonian Associates' web pages. My thanks to Smithsonian for their help with the show, and my thanks to you, our wonderful Not Old Better Show audience. Please stay safe everyone, practice smart social distancing, and remember, Talk About Better. The Not Old Better Show. Thanks, everybody. For more details, please go HERE to the Smithsonian Associates web site: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/248020?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2019FY-Trumba-TSA-ev&utm_content=SA-event&tmssource=243615 Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show on Radio & Podcast! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.