Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda

Graham Chedd, executive producer, joins experts Dr. Dean David Schillinger, a healthcare communication advocate, geologist Marsha Bioneru, and Stanford professor Matt Abrahams. They preview a season delving into effective communication across various fields. Alan reminisces about The West Wing's camaraderie, while a visit to puppy kindergarten highlights service dog training. Schillinger shares vivid healthcare stories, stressing the need for better doctor-patient interactions. Bioneru connects geology to our Earthly history, emphasizing its significance in our understanding of the world.

Lynnae Quick, a planetary scientist and member of NASA's Europa Clipper mission, discusses her groundbreaking work on Jupiter's icy moon. She shares insights about Europa's potential for life beneath its ice crust and emphasizes the significance of mentorship in science. The conversation covers the intersection of curiosity and exploration, highlighting how space missions can inform our understanding of Earth. Quick also addresses the importance of clear communication in science, enriched by personal anecdotes about relationships and human connections.

Terry Szuplat, a former speechwriter for President Obama, now educates others on public speaking through his new book. He discusses the essential bond between speakers and audiences, emphasizing authentic storytelling and personal connections. Szuplat shares strategies to overcome public speaking fears and the importance of preparation. The power of storytelling in communication is a key theme, as he reveals how personal narratives resonate with listeners. Insights into navigating conversations and the impact of influential books also spark engaging dialogue.

Legendary entertainer Steve Martin shares insights from his diverse career as a comedian, actor, writer, and banjo player. He reflects on his journey from performing at Disneyland to crafting unique comedic personas steeped in existentialist thought. The discussion highlights his passion for collecting fine art and how it has enriched his life. With humor and anecdotes, Martin emphasizes the importance of connection, creativity, and the spontaneity that has defined his artistic path, leaving listeners inspired by his remarkable experiences.

A clarion call to those of us acutely aware of the peril facing our planet yet feel powerless to help save it. Ayana Johnson urges us to stop fretting about what “I” can do and instead think about what “we” can do, by joining our own skills and passions with those of others – and have fun doing it. Then, she asks in her provocative new book, What If We Get It Right?

Frank Barry, a passionate traveler and storyteller, and his wife Laurel, embarked on a cross-country RV trip along the historic Lincoln Highway during the COVID lockdown. They reflect on the human connections formed amidst division, sharing how conversations with diverse individuals offered insights into unity and empathy. Their journey reveals the Lincoln Highway as a symbol of optimism, showcasing the resilience encountered along the way. They emphasize the importance of civil discourse to heal a fractured nation, all while navigating the challenges of modern travel.

Randy Fertel, an insightful author, delves into the essential role of improvisation in Western culture, spanning music, art, and politics. He shares how improvisational techniques, like the 'yes, and' principle, enhance creativity and collaboration. The discussion illuminates the balance between spontaneity and preparation, emphasizing how intuition complements structured analysis in both the arts and sciences. Fertel also explores improvisation's power in communication, connecting with audiences, and fostering genuine interactions that can spark personal growth.

Roger Rosenblatt, an insightful author, delves into the profound connection between life's wounds and illumination. He discusses his latest work, 'A Steinway on the Beach,' emphasizing how both emotional and physical scars can inspire resilience and personal growth. The conversation touches on the healing power of music, personal anecdotes of loss, and the importance of connection in overcoming societal wounds. With a blend of humor and reflection, they explore love, creativity, and the transformative journey through adversity.

Lisa Kaltenegger, a pioneering astrobiologist, delves into the thrilling quest to find life beyond Earth. She discusses how scientists identify potentially habitable exoplanets and the significance of biosignatures like oxygen and methane. Kaltenegger emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific advancement and shares emotional stories from her research. The conversation also whimsically explores the idea of communicating with extraterrestrial beings, all while reflecting on personal connections that drive scientific curiosity.

Mark Rank, a scholar specializing in chance and its impact on life, shares fascinating insights about the unpredictable nature of luck and its profound effects on history. He discusses pivotal moments, like the failed assassination of Hitler, that altered course due to mere chance. The conversation explores how luck shapes personal achievements in careers, particularly in entertainment, and emphasizes the balance between randomness and the ability to respond meaningfully to life's surprises. Rank also highlights the importance of gratitude amidst life's uncertainties.