

Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda
Alan Alda
Learn to connect better with others in every area of your life. Immerse yourself in spirited conversations with people who know how hard it is, and yet how good it feels, to really connect with other people – whether it’s one person, an audience or a whole country. You'll know many of the people in these conversations – they are luminaries in our culture. Some you may not know. But what links them all is their powerful ability to relate and communicate. It's something we need now more than ever.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 5, 2025 • 38min
Bob Odenkirk: Comedy? Action? Drama? Better Call Bob!
Bob Odenkirk, an actor, comedian, and writer, renowned for his portrayal of Saul Goodman, explores his remarkable career transitions. He shares insights about moving from comedy to action roles, emphasizing the need for vulnerability in performances. Odenkirk opens up about his life-changing heart attack during filming, reflecting on mortality and communication. He also discusses the challenges of communicating meaningful experiences and the resilience needed to navigate personal and professional hurdles, blending humor and introspection along the way.

Jul 29, 2025 • 39min
Tara Roberts: Diving for Stories
Tara Roberts is a National Geographic Explorer in Residence and a storyteller known for her impactful work on documenting slave shipwrecks. In this conversation, she shares the emotional journeys of diving into history and uncovering the stories of lives lost in sunken slave ships. Tara emphasizes the power of storytelling to connect with history and the importance of honoring ancestral heritage. She reveals the challenges faced in underwater exploration and highlights how meaningful dialogue can foster understanding and combat misinformation.

Jul 22, 2025 • 39min
Roger Rosenblatt: Rules for Aging
Award-winning essayist and author Roger Rosenblatt shares his unconventional wisdom on aging with humor and insight. He discusses the joy of intergenerational friendships and the importance of authentic connections. Roger emphasizes that navigating life’s challenges may require ignoring common sense and focusing on personal goals. Throughout their playful conversation, he reflects on the richness of experiences and the significance of embracing joy while facing the realities of aging.

Jul 15, 2025 • 40min
Tina Fey: The Return of The Four Seasons
Tina Fey, renowned actress, comedian, and creator behind hits like 30 Rock, shares her journey in reimagining the classic film 'The Four Seasons' for Netflix. She discusses the importance of modernizing storylines while maintaining emotional depth and relatable characters. Fey dives into the thrill of improv comedy and reflects on the challenges of blending humor with meaningful narratives. The conversation also touches on marriage dynamics, the significance of friendships, and how they influence storytelling, all wrapped in her signature wit.

20 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 32min
If Robots Had a Podcast
Dive into the intriguing world of artificial intelligence as it runs the show. Discover the fine line between innovation and risk as AI influences healthcare and emotional connections. Unpack the moral dilemmas and environmental costs tied to these technologies. Explore the urgent need for regulations, drawing parallels to the complexities of biological warfare. With AI's potential to surpass human intelligence, the discussion emphasizes prudent management and the importance of public engagement in shaping responsible technology.

Jul 1, 2025 • 29min
Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda: Season 30 Trailer
In a vibrant discussion, actor Bob Odenkirk reflects on the emotional layers of his roles in 'Breaking Bad' and 'Glengarry Glen Ross,' exploring themes of resilience and gratitude. Explorer Tara Roberts dives into her groundbreaking work with Diving with a Purpose, revealing the powerful stories behind documenting slave shipwrecks. The conversation also touches on the complexities of AI and its effects on communication, alongside uplifting moments driven by music and storytelling, promising an insightful season ahead.

19 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 41min
Carly Anne York: Taking “Silly Science” Seriously
Carly Anne York, an animal behaviorist and associate professor at Lenwar Rhyne University, dives into the fascinating realm of 'silly science'. She shares how seemingly trivial studies have led to significant breakthroughs, like understanding animal behavior and innovative medical advancements. The podcast touches on the challenges of communicating science to a skeptical public while highlighting the humor found in research, including the whimsical Ig Nobel Awards. Ultimately, it showcases the surprising importance of curiosity in driving scientific discovery.

10 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 2min
Paul McCartney: Dreams, Dickens… and Oobleys
Join Sir Paul McCartney, the legendary Beatles bassist and a musical icon, as he reflects on his remarkable career and unique songwriting methods. He shares how ‘oobley’ chords sparked some of the band's greatest hits and discusses the balance between creativity and performance challenges. McCartney delves into the personal stories behind songs like 'Let It Be,' revealing how dreams and grief shape creativity. With anecdotes about his evolving artistry, this conversation offers a rich glimpse into the mind of a musical genius.

Jun 10, 2025 • 46min
Itzhak Perlman: Encore! Encore!
In this engaging conversation, world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman shares his profound appreciation for connecting with audiences. He contrasts his emotional approaches to playing Bach versus Tchaikovsky and reflects on the enchanting moment he first encountered his cherished Stradivarius. The discussion delves into the transformative power of music, the intricate relationship between artist and instrument, and the essential role of improvisation in performance, all while highlighting the importance of communication through art.

8 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 40min
Adam Kucharski: What’s True to You?
Adam Kucharski, a mathematician and epidemiologist, discusses navigating truth in a world full of misinformation. He shares insights from his research that helped manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and data-driven strategies. The conversation touches on the historical debate of milk versus tea in statistics and its relevance to modern scientific inquiry. Kucharski also explores how understanding contagion and addressing misinformation are crucial in public health decisions.