Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda

Stories of the discovery that the air is full of invisible life – and how that discovery was tragically overlooked when the covid pandemic struck.

John Leguizamo, a dynamic actor, writer, and producer celebrated for his roles in 'Ice Age' and 'The Untold History of Latinos in the US,' shares his insights on creativity and Latino representation. He reflects on the spontaneity of performance and the deep emotional roots of his new film, 'Bob Trevino Likes It.' The conversation humorously touches on chaotic experiences in transitioning to Broadway and discusses the importance of recognizing Latino contributions in Hollywood and American culture. His anecdotes emphasize the significance of communication and family legacy.

Carl Zimmer, a renowned science writer and author who specializes in biology and evolution, delves into the fascinating world of airborne life and disease transmission. He discusses insights from his book 'Airborne,' shedding light on how airborne pathogens impact us and drawing connections to historical expeditions like the Lindberghs'. Zimmer also emphasizes the urgency of understanding modern virus transmission, especially in light of recent global health challenges.

Bill Pullman, celebrated actor known for his roles in Independence Day and The Sinner, opens up about his remarkable journey after surviving a near-fatal stage fall. He shares insights on transitioning from theater to screen, emphasizing the fusion of art and science in his projects. Bill discusses the emotional nuances of character development and the significance of impactful direction in filmmaking. Plus, he reflects on how near-death experiences shifted his perspective on life, and how he's now venturing into science communication while making cider for his community.

Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves," dives into the complexities of communication. She introduces the powerful acronym TALK, highlighting the significance of Topic, Questions, Levity, and Kindness in fostering meaningful connections. The conversation covers practical strategies for engaging children in dialogue, reframing anxiety into excitement, and the art of concluding conversations with empathy. Brooks shares anecdotes that illuminate the intricate dance of effective communication.

A psychiatrist, engineer and neuroscientist, Kaf Dzirasa is researching ways to reengineer the brain to make it better able to cope with stress and so improve mental health.

In this engaging discussion, Shannon Vallor, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, dives deep into the ethics of artificial intelligence. She warns against the 'Narcissus illusion'—our tendency to blindly trust AI's insights. Vallor discusses the intriguing phenomenon of AI hallucinations, balancing the creative potential they offer with their risks. She emphasizes the need for critical examination of AI's societal impact and the importance of preserving human judgment in an increasingly automated world.

Malcolm Gladwell, acclaimed author and journalist, dives into the fresh insights of his new book, exploring the hidden dimensions of social change. He tackles the opioid crisis, the complexities of diversity beyond gender and race, and the implications of social media on public opinion. From the perils of monoculture in elite institutions to the evolution of media influence, Gladwell connects these themes with contemporary issues, urging a rethinking of how we understand societal tipping points. It's a thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional wisdom.

Ann Patchett, bestselling novelist and owner of Parnassus Books, revisits her iconic work 'Bel Canto' with refreshing insights. She shares her experience of annotating the novel, revealing her love-hate relationship with her own writing. The conversation traverses the emotional depth of character development and explores the balance between clarity and embellishment in storytelling. Patchett reflects on the profound connection between authors and their readers, and the transformative power of art amidst life's struggles.

In this enlightening discussion, Matt Strassler, a theoretical particle physicist affiliated with Harvard, delves into the fascinating concept that we are all made up of waves. Alan Alda grapples with the shock of this idea while uncovering the complexities of the Higgs field and its role in determining particle mass. Strassler critiques oversimplified physics analogies, pushing for a deeper understanding. The conversation also navigates the intricate relationship between waves, particles, and gravity, bridging complex scientific concepts with everyday language.