Amanda Gefter was researching a famed physicist when she kept seeing the name "Putnam" in his journals. That led her to an unknown but brilliant scientist who came up with an explanation of how the human brain works. To read Amanda's article in Nautilus, copy and paste this address on…
Coming up: the remarkable story of a scientist who never published a paper and died in poverty - yet figured out a complicated theory of how the brain works
Explore with us the world of literary jealousy, a writer who's missing and presumed dead, and a detective who has no idea what she's doing. It's all part of Lee Upton's new novel, Wrongful
Why should you start a podcast? What kind of feedback can you expect? How hard is it to keep a podcast going? Here's a fun talk with podcasters Mat Kaplan and Nick Roman about all that stuff
Jennifer Lin's documentary about George Lee, who went from ballet student/refugee in Shanghai to the NYC Ballet, is now airing on PBS American Masters. Here's Jennifer talking about the film from late last year.
Whether you've never heard of John McPhee - or are fascinated by his writing like Noel Rubinton - there's a lot to discover here, about McPhee and about Noel, who's new book is a study of McPhee's works.
We find ourselves in a very strange place politically in 2025. How did we get here? Are the changes permanent? Here's some insight from political science professor Robert Speel.
Writer, editor, teacher and humorist Gina Barreca is back with a new essay collection, Fast Famous Women. 75 stories about the famous told by women who admire them, study them - even want to be them!
Celebrate the New Year out in the middle of nowhere, in a hunting cabin with friends, family, food - maybe even a deer! Philadelphia Inquirer writer Jason Nark says this generational way of life may be disappearing.
Megan Timpane is an actress and corporate trainer. Ten years ago, Megan was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma. She dealt with her cancer the way any good actress would - writing and performing a play about her condition.
Conservative thinker Chuck Brightbill can't figure out what all the fuss is about. The way he sees it, rich guys help America.
Writer and podcaster Amy Julia Becker talks about the need for caring in this world, and how caring helps not only those being cared for, but those doing the caring as well.
Dr. Paul Offit is pretty much THE authority on vaccines. He says abandoning them will lead to more outbreaks of child-killing diseases like measles. He'd like to see parents who believe in vaccines speak up.
Astrophysicist Asa Stahl says there's lots to see in the night sky during 2025, including meteor showers, Saturn losing its rings, even a star going nova! (But probably not Betelgeuse.) And a dustbuster on the moon.
Dr. Theodora Ziolkowski practices what she preaches! A writing teacher at the University of Nebraska, she's written short stories, a novella, and now a book of poetry, Ghostlit. Her stories feature women making their way through the world.
It came from the 1980s - musical, jazzy, mellow - it's Yacht Rock! Sean Ross has followed radio trends in his "Ross on Radio" newsletter, and he talks about the birth and development of Yacht Rock.
Celebrate the New Year out in the middle of nowhere, in a hunting cabin with friends, family, food - maybe even a deer! Philadelphia Inquirer writer Jason Nark says this generational way of life may be disappearing.
For Hannukah, we asked bioethicist Art Caplan seven things he'd like to see happen in the world of medicine in 2025. His list includes wishes for cellphones and vaccines, along with several sci-fi Easter eggs.
Pennsylvania music historian Bill Trousdale presents holiday tunes both new and familiar, all with connections to the Keystone state. Relax with some egg nog and enjoy Perry Como, the Philadelphia Brass Ensemble, "Nuttin for Christmas" and more!
Here's a great holiday idea: invite friends over for a cookie baking party! John and Don went to just such a party at chef Joy Stocke's house and recorded this special podcast during the festivities!
In part 2 of our baseball talk with Nick Roman, we look at the career of one of the greatest ballplayers ever, Willie Mays.
In 1981, Fernando Valenzuela became a starting pitcher for the L.A. Dodgers. As Nick Roman tells us, he went on to have a terrific career - and a huge effect on the city and the ballclub as well.
It's Turkey Day! But have you ever tried Peiking Duck? Or brisket? If you'd prefer the usual turkey & fixin's, here's chef Joy Stocke and Don and John with some delicious holiday recipes!
We've received word that Mykhaylo, an American Special Forces medic working in Ukraine, a friend who talked with us several times on the podcast, died this month in an auto accident in Kiev.