Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda

Former magazine editor turned painter, Adam Moss, discusses the struggle with dissatisfaction in art, navigating setbacks, and the commitment artists employ to overcome doubts. He also explores effective strategies for navigating conversations and finding inspiration from childhood books.

Should we be planning to establish settlements on the moon and Mars? To many, including a couple of billionaires, the idea has become almost an obsession. An unlikely husband and wife duo has spent years digging deeply into plans to colonize space. Their conclusion: not so fast. 

We exist because of the moon. Rebecca Boyle relates the amazing story of how the moon, born of a cataclysmic collision with an infant earth, has shaped our history, our evolution, and even our very existence.

Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of a new book on the 1960s, shares insights on JFK and LBJ's presidency dynamics, impactful speeches, and their evolving legacies. She also discusses the power of curiosity in fostering relationships, the influence of Barbara Tuckman's writing style on her work, and the moon's historical significance.

Alan and Executive Producer Graham Chedd chat about and play excerpts from Alan's conversations with some of the guests in the new season, beginning next week. Guests include newspaper editor Adam Moss; science journalist Rebecca Boyle; and writers Kelly and Zach Weinersmith.

Stephen Dubner, host of Freakonomics Radio, and Alan Alda discuss Richard Feynman's impact on science communication, his unique teaching style, and the importance of effective communication in understanding complex scientific concepts. The podcast delves into Feynman's approach to learning, contrasts it with traditional methods, and explores the future of critical thinking in the age of AI. Personal anecdotes on confidence, happiness, and dealing with misinformation are shared, wrapping up with mutual admiration and acknowledgements.

In this special episode of Clear and Vivid we reflect on Frans’ life-long commitment to revealing how much we humans have in common with our primate cousins.

When interpreting the Constitution, the dangers of relying solely on the words and what they meant at the time, without taking into account the purpose and values expressed in those words.

Exploring the invisibility of women in science, the challenges faced by female physicists, historic contributions of women in physics, navigating the marriage-science dichotomy, promoting gender equality in science, and the passion for science communication.

Explore the effects of habituation on joy, motivation, and belief systems. Learn how to rediscover joy in relationships through novelty. Reflect on the dangers of incremental changes leading to major atrocities in history. Discover the impact of 'Nudge' and the power of collaborative work. Dive into the intricacies of perception and the pursuit of exploration.