Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda

Anne Curzan, an expert in the history and evolution of language, dives into the dynamic nature of words and their meanings. She discusses how terms like 'funner' are becoming more accepted, contrasting 'wordies' who embrace change with 'gromandos' who resist it. Curzan emphasizes the importance of understanding linguistic evolution and the role of historical dictionaries. She also explores effective communication strategies, promoting empathy and the appreciation of diverse dialects in our ever-changing language landscape.

Mo Rocca, a storyteller known for spotlighting the achievements of older individuals, shares inspiring tales in his latest book, 'Rock the Generarians'. He argues that older people have some of the best stories, recounting remarkable lives like that of Colonel Sanders, who launched Kentucky Fried Chicken at 66. Rocca emphasizes themes of resilience and reinvention, highlighting how creativity flourishes at any age. He also discusses the power of personal narratives and the importance of connecting through storytelling, laughing and reflecting along the way.

In this insightful preview, writer Roger Rosenblatt, writer Anne Curzan, and journalist Mo Rocca join Alan Alda to discuss the evolution of communication. They reflect on how language transforms over time and share inspiring stories of late-life achievements. The intriguing balance of chance and change is explored, highlighting moments that shape our paths. Personal anecdotes and the power of journalism in community change add depth, setting the stage for a thought-provoking new season filled with engaging conversations.

David Toomey, expert on play behavior, discusses how play shapes survival skills, empathy, and morality in various creatures like octopuses, crows, and bees. Play is more than fun; it's crucial for evolution and life skills. The episode also explores interspecies play interactions and the impact of play on behavior and morality in animals.

Astrophysicist Sanjana Curtis explains the creation of elements like gold in space cataclysms on TikTok. She discusses the daily life of a theoretical astrophysicist and the importance of multi-messenger astrophysics. The podcast explores the evolution of astronomy with combined observational approaches and the process of creating heavy elements through rapid neutron capture.

When we experience things that seem beyond explanation, are they evidence of the supernatural? Or instead, a quirk of our brains? A skeptical but open-minded psychologist has some entertaining answers. 

Sharing her experiences of three space missions – including 159 days as the only woman on the 6-person crew of the International Space Station – Cady Coleman also shares lessons about getting along:valuable insights for the rest of us down here on earth.

Charles Duhigg, author of 'Supercommunicators', and Alan discuss the art of asking deep questions, the power of listening, navigating conversations, enhancing empathy, and communication techniques. They emphasize the importance of active listening and emotional contagion in connecting with others.

The world of the very small is very different from the one we are familiar with. (Gold for instance turns red.) Chad Mirkin and Robert Langer’s skills in crafting this bizarre micro-world into medical breakthroughs earned them the 2024 Kavli Prize in nanotechnology.

He is searching space for planets that are something like ours. She is searching brains to discover how we recognize things. They are both 2024 Kavli laureates – Charbonneau awarded the prize for astrophysics, Tsao for neuroscience.