Best Lee Kaplan Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 7: America's China Gamble 41:25

15d ago41:25

41:25

China’s violent Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 marked a turning point in US-China relations. After two decades of slowly but steadily nurturing friendly relations, the United States would choose to develop economic ties without insisting on democratic reforms. The prevailing hope was that China’s economic growth would inevitably lead to politic…

1
Haley Fohr (Circuit des Yeux) 22:52

26d ago22:52

22:52

Haley Fohr, who performs as Circuit des Yeux, is known for her hauntingly powerful voice and immersive, genre-defying sound. As Pitchfork put it, her voice is “a force of nature” that “pulses with raw emotion.” Her album -io, was hailed by The New York Times as “a deeply evocative exploration of loss, identity, and the self.” With a career marked b…

1
Sudan and the Limits of Western Peacebuilding (from the archive) 26:33

28d ago26:33

26:33

Sudan’s civil war recently entered its third year. It has claimed the lives of around 150,000 people and displaced around 13 million. In this archival episode, we revisit the outbreak of violence that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces, led by…

1
Colin Greenwood (Radiohead, Nick Cave) 40:04

1M ago40:04

40:04

As a member of Radiohead since its inception over 30 years ago, Colin Greenwood’s contributions to the group, both through his bass playing and songwriting, have helped them reach ever-higher levels of artistic and commercial prominence. A soulful, clever, and inventive bass player, his parts are always noticeable due to being highly composed and c…

1
Episode 6: How Apartheid Ended in South Africa 40:05

1M ago40:05

40:05

In the 1990s, South Africa ended apartheid, a brutal system of racial segregation, and became a democracy. During the Cold War, the United States supported South Africa’s apartheid government because it was anti-communist. But American civil rights activists pushed Washington to reassess its support – which it did as the Cold War wound down. Nelson…

1
Darius Jones 37:58

2M ago37:58

37:58

Critically-acclaimed composer and saxophonist Darius Jones’s playing has been described using adjectives such as “fearless,” “riveting” and “breath-taking” from publications ranging from Pitchfork, to The Wire, to the New York Times, and has received superlatives from many other publications, as well. Currently an Assistant Professor of Music at We…

1
The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Digging Up History: What the Treasures of the Past Can Teach Us Today – Bettany Hughes 46:33

2M ago46:33

46:33

In the age of AI and the smartphone is history a vital form of knowledge? How can the treasures of the past enrich our minds and help us to live more fully today? For our second Ramsay Event for 2025, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by Bettany Hughes OBE titled: Digging Up History: What the Treasures of the Past Can Tea…

1
Episode 5: Why the Israel-Palestine Peace Process Failed 45:19

2M ago45:19

45:19

The 1990s witnessed a turning point in one of the world’s most intractable disputes. After four decades of conflict, the 1991 Madrid Conference opened the door for peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians. A flurry of negotiations and agreements followed. The Camp David Summit in 2000 was the Clinton administration’s last-ditch attempt to prod…

1
Episode 4: Fewer Nukes, More Danger 38:29

2M ago38:29

38:29

Nightmares of mushroom clouds and fears of mutually assured destruction plagued many during the Cold War. But by the early 1990s, both the United States and Russia promised a world with fewer nuclear weapons. Together, they agreed to dismantle 80% of their strategic nuclear warheads. Meanwhile, other countries such as North Korea and Pakistan saw v…

1
The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Welcome to Oz – Immigration 1788-2100 – Bernard Salt AM together with Professor James Curran 1:17:04

3M ago1:17:04

1:17:04

Today some 30 per cent of Australia’s population was born overseas, double the proportion in the US and the UK. How has Australia managed to add so many people so quickly and still maintain social cohesion? And how might our immigration mix change in the decades ahead? For our first Ramsay Event for 2025, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an …

1
Ikue Mori (Big Ears Festival performer) 30:43

3M ago30:43

30:43

Japanese musician and composer Ikue Mori is widely known for her innovative work in experimental electronic music. Having initially gained recognition as a drummer for the avant-garde rock band DNA with Arto Lindsay in the late 1970s, she helped define the band's distinct sound. As her career evolved, Mori transitioned to using electronics and comp…

1
Episode 3: The CIA, Afghanistan, and the Road to 9/11 46:17

3M ago46:17

46:17

This is the story of how a CIA covert action program inadvertently created the conditions for the Taliban to seize control and provide safe haven for Osama bin Laden. Following a Cold War proxy battle between the Soviet Union and the United States, al Qaeda gained strength throughout the 1990s, leading to the deadliest attack on American soil on Se…

1
Episode 2: How Democracy Failed in Russia 45:24

3M ago45:24

45:24

America was on top of the world in the 1990s as its erstwhile rival, Russia, was struggling to find its footing. President Boris Yelstin's liberal reforms were soon dashed by economic crises and infighting among Russian elites. US policymakers also contributed to this tragedy, which would lead to Vladimir Putin's rise by the end of the decade. In t…

1
Episode 1: Dawn of Unipolarity 42:32

4M ago42:32

42:32

The 1990s were a decade of transformation and optimism. Teenagers were listening to grunge rock and hip hop on their walkmans. Flannels and jean jackets became staples of ‘90s fashion. And seemingly without warning, the Cold War was over, the Soviet Union had dissolved, and the United States emerged as the sole superpower. Today’s world seems more …

1
Ira Kaplan (Yo La Tengo) (Big Ears Festival performer) 25:29

4M ago25:29

25:29

As close to indie rock royalty as may exist, Ira Kaplan of Yo La Tengo–a band nearing its 40th year in existence that he founded with his partner, drummer Georgia Hubley in the mid-1980’s–has recorded 17 records under that name and influenced more bands than could be named here. Simultaneously considered critics’ darlings but also having establishe…

1
Laraaji (Big Ears Festival performer) 21:59

5M ago21:59

21:59

First coming to international attention after Brian Eno heard him playing in Washington Square Park in New York City in 1979, Laraaji’s calm, meditative, and deeply spiritual work was widely heard for the first time when his Ambient 3: Day of Radiance, record was released by Eno in 1980 as the third in his “Ambient” series. A collection of his earl…

1
Jules Reidy (Big Ears Festival performer) 41:45

6M ago41:45

41:45

Berlin-based avant-guitarist Jules Reidy is known for creating elaborate, beautiful textures with their instrument, often in large washes of disorienting sound. As evidenced in several collaborations with previous guest of the show Oren Ambarchi, Reidy’s heavily-layered and highly-spiritual work–particularly on their newest release, Ghost/Spirit, w…

1
Susanna 38:29

6M ago38:29

38:29

Norwegian singer Susanna, whose full name is Susanna Karolina Wallumrød, first grew to fame for her work in her group Susanna and the Magical Orchestra. Her warm, soulful, and at times ethereal voice lends both her original compositions and beautifully-rendered covers a deep source of vulnerability and humanity. First recommended to us by previous …

1
The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The Tragedy of 21st Century Geopolitics – Robert D. Kaplan 1:38:34

6M ago1:38:34

1:38:34

Trying to make sense of a world where great power rivalry, war and competition for resources are not ghosts of history but present realities?From the Middle East to Ukraine to the South China Sea, world leaders are confronted by complex crises with no easy solution in sight. US journalist, author and foreign policy advisor Robert D. Kaplan thinks t…

1
Brighde Chaimbeul (Big Ears Festival performer) 27:11

7M ago27:11

27:11

Scottish piper Brìghde Chaimbeul has quickly vaulted from the traditional-music scene to an international profile, in part thanks to her recent collaboration with saxophonist/composer Colin Stetson. In this episode, she discusses how music by Allan Macdonald, the Rhodopea Kaba Trio, and Steve Reich guided her own work. She'll appear at the Big Ears…

1
Gregg Turkington (Neil Hamburger) 48:14

8M ago48:14

48:14

Gregg Turkington, arguably more widely known from his guise as comedian Neil Hamburger, is possibly best described as a comic himself, but also as a cultural critic and commentator. Having spent his younger years as a zine publisher, a musician in multiple bands, and running a label, he has since risen to greater prominence as a collaborator with T…

1
Nate Cross (Water Damage/Astral Spirits) (Big Ears Festival Performer) 40:31

8M ago40:31

40:31

Nate Cross has become a powerful force behind the scenes of contemporary American music, onstage and on record as one of the key members of drone-rock ensemble Water Damage and as the proprietor of the respected creative-music label Astral Spirits. He discusses how music by Oneida, Jim O’Rourke, and The Necks shaped his course. Water Damage will be…

1
Fred Frith (Live at Big Ears Festival) 46:49

8M ago46:49

46:49

A household name for many decades amongst those with an interest in challenging, forward-thinking music, Fred Frith initially gained an audience through his work as the guitarist with 60’s group Henry Cow, and has since had a prolific career as a player on many recordings under his own name as well as collaborations with players ranging from Henry …

1
The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Well-Tempered Power: The Rule of Law in Theory & Practice – Professor Martin Krygier 1:41:41

8M ago1:41:41

1:41:41

What is the key to ‘well-tempered power’? Can the rule of law be sustained by the law alone, or does it need to be blended with distinct cultural, political, social and economic forces? The Western concept of the ‘rule of law’ has not been applied with equal success in countries globally, many of whom have all the dressings of a legal system includ…

1
billy woods (Guest Host Claire Rousay), Live at Big Ears Festival 46:48

8M ago46:48

46:48

New York City-based underground hip-hop artist Billy Woods might be best known as half of duo Armand Hammer, but is also well known as a solo artist. His 2024 releaseMaps, in which he worked with beatmaker and producer Kenny Segal, earned a “Best New Music” designation from Pitchfork. On this episode, in which Woods was interviewed before a live au…

1
Season One Wrap-Up 2:28

9M ago2:28

2:28

Here's a short look back at the first seventeen episodes from the inaugural season of the Start with Your Name podcast. We're already in production on season two and look forward to sharing many more of these stories with you. Theme song by Oleksandr SavochkaBy Lee Kaplan

1
Episode 17: "Zeyd, Part II" 16:13

9M ago16:13

16:13

Fleeing Kyiv with his girlfriend, Zeyd must decide where he wants to make a new life, away from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Fulfilling a childhood dream, Zeyd decides that this is the moment to move to Amsterdam and embrace a life in the Netherlands. Theme song by Oleksandr Savochka Additional music by: Denys Kyshchuk, Leigh Robinson & olexand…

1
Episode 16: "Zeyd, Part I" 22:25

9M ago22:25

22:25

Answering to the name "Zeyd" is new for this week's guest, who is originally from Azerbaijan and was studying in Kyiv when the war broke out. Zeyd's journey is an exploration of life as a refugee from his own country and from war-torn Ukraine. Trigger warning: this episode contains discussion of domestic violence and abuse. Theme song by Oleksandr …

1
Episode 15: "Lee, Part II" 14:01

10M ago14:01

14:01

Guest host Sofie van den Enk talks with Lee about the challenges of living abroad, what he's learned from other podcast guests and about their approach to naming their own child. Theme song by Oleksandr Savochka Additional music by: Dvir Silver, Laurent Buczek & Trygve LarsenBy Lee Kaplan

1
Jim O’Rourke (Gastr del Sol) 54:29

10M ago54:29

54:29

As one half of influential band Gastr del Sol along with David Grubbs, Jim O’Rourke’s work has reached many through that project alone. However, his additional work as an esteemed solo artist and producer as well as a guitarist in Sonic Youth have extended his reach even further, solidifying him as one of the most prominent artists to emerge from t…

1
Episode 14: "Lee, Part I" 18:13

10M ago18:13

18:13

The host becomes the guest as Lee's wife and the executive producer of the podcast, Sofie van den Enk, takes the reins. Sofie speaks with Lee about the long history of their relationship, the email that changed everything and Lee's journey moving from Brooklyn, New York to the Netherlands. Theme song by Oleksandr Savochka Additional music by: Juliu…

1
The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Getting Russia Right – Kyle Wilson 1:10:24

10M ago1:10:24

1:10:24

What is Russian exceptionalism? How can we best understand the mindset of Russians and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ensure the most effective response to the war on Ukraine? Is there a path forward to ‘getting Russia right’? For our fourth Ramsay Lecture for 2024, the Centre is pleased to present an exploration of this topic – a recorded con…

1
David Grubbs (Gastr del Sol) 39:13

10M ago39:13

39:13

David Grubbs, who along with Jim O'Rourke comprised Gastr del Sol, ushered in a new, cerebral strain of post-rock upon their appearance in the 90's. Owing more to modern classical composers than what was being played on college radio, the duo toured extensively and put out eight releases, most of which were on esteemed Chicago label Drag City. Thei…

1
Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) 20:58

10M ago20:58

20:58

Having co-written many of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' greatest hits as the lead guitarist in the band, Mike Campbell's work has been heard by millions of listeners and still resonates today. In this episode, hear how songs by Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys shaped his musical perspective. Essential Tremors is produced by Matt Byars a…

1
Episode 13: "Lior, Part II" 24:05

10M ago24:05

24:05

Securing asylum in the Netherlands proves more challenging for Lior than for many others, mostly on account of her time in the U.S. military. Her path will take her into Kazakhstan and Russia before she makes her way back to the Netherlands. Theme song by Oleksandr Savochka Additional music by: Praz Khanal, Oleksii Kalyna, Ashot Danielyan, Denys Ky…

1
Jlin (Live at Big Ears Festival) 42:19

11M ago42:19

42:19

Electronic-music producer Jlin works in the space where beatmaking and modern composition collide. In this episode, recorded live at the 2024 Big Ears Festival, she discusses how music by Luther Vandross, Missy Elliott and Al Jarreau shaped her work. Essential Tremors is produced by Matt Byars and Lee Gardner and distributed by Your Public Studios.…

1
Mark Robinson & Bridget Cross (Air Miami/Unrest) 35:26

11M ago35:26

35:26

DC indie-scene veterans Mark Robinson and Bridget Cross formed the spine of two of the city's finest pop bands, Unrest and the still-undersung Air Miami. In this episode, they discuss how '70s dance music, musicals, the Shaggs, the Captain and Tennille, and '80s punk and indie shaped their course. Essential Tremors is produced by Matt Byars and Lee…

1
The Chainsaw Effect: Javier Milei and the Disruption of Argentina’s Politics 25:11

11M ago25:11

25:11

The surprising election of Argentina's controversial new president, Javier Milei, captivated international media attention. Milei just passed his first major legislative package, and promises to further slash state spending and promote policies to privatize much of the Argentine economy. What drives his support beyond voters’ weariness of the count…

1
The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Liberal Education in the 21st Century – Andrew Kern 1:37:17

11M ago1:37:17

1:37:17

What is ‘liberal education’? What distinguishes it from vocational education, and even programs of study adopted in many modern liberal arts programs? Can an education focused on ‘knowledge for its own sake’ rather than for professional pursuits and industry careers, hold appeal among current and future generations of scholars? And why is there a r…

1
Episode 12: "Lior, Part I" 21:31

11M ago21:31

21:31

Born and raised in the capital city of Azerbaijan, Lior discovers two things at a young age: she's meant for a life abroad and she wants to know more about her Jewish roots. Our conversation is as much about her refugee story as it is her nearly lifelong pursuit of a Jewish life. After finishing her college career and spending time abroad studying …

1
The Hell of Bad Assumptions: Lessons from Afghanistan 34:25

12M ago34:25

34:25

In the aftermath of 9/11, America’s political leaders lept to action based on, what turned out to be, a series of misplaced and untested assumptions. From conflations between the Taliban and Al Qaeda to misguided theories about nation building, these assumptions drove two decades of policy failure in Afghanistan. Critical missteps came with a human…

1
Seventh Stanine Festival Preview 18:35

12M ago18:35

18:35

Our sixth annual Seventh Stanine Festival is taking place Saturday, June 15 from 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. This episode previews this year's event and features segments on Water Damage, Geologist of Animal Collective, Tongue Depressor, Susan Alcorn, The Caribbean, Small Sur, Turner Williams, Jr. and Jon Camp. More information can be found at www.rhizomed…

1
Episode 11: "Lina Part II" 22:48

12M ago22:48

22:48

"Here. Now." This is the meaning of the tattoo that Lina bears on her right arm and the mantra that guided her through her journey away from Kyiv. We resume Lina's story as she's fleeing her home. It's February 2022 and the war in Ukraine has begun. Lina is headed west with a group of others she's just met in a bomb shelter in Kyiv. We follow her j…

1
Hubris in Haiti: Ambassador Dan Foote on Learning from America’s Failures 40:03

1y ago40:03

40:03

Haiti has been in a state of political uncertainty since its president, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated two years ago. Ariel Henry assumed power with the backing of the US – but not of most Haitians – and promptly suspended elections. Competing gangs jockeyed for political power, and have seized control of the capital city Port-au-Prince. The propo…

1
Jessica Pratt 32:13

1y ago32:13

32:13

Los Angeles-based folk troubadour Jessica Pratt's intimate, moody, carefully-crafted songs have helped her reach an ever-growing audience over the course of her four studio albums, the most recent of which is Here in the Pitch, which was released in May of 2024. In this episode, she talks about how songs by The Slits, Laura Nyro and Sly and the Fam…

1
Episode 10: "Lina, Part I" 23:17

1y ago23:17

23:17

Lina spent her childhood living in western Ukraine before moving to the capital city of Kyiv for university. She remained in Kyiv working in public relations and then took up freelance photography. Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2013 was a devastating blow for her country and for Lina's family, who'd spent many summers at their home in the penins…

1
Episode 9: "William, Part II" 17:24

1y ago17:24

17:24

Arriving in the Netherlands, William discovers that his newfound freedom comes with its own set of risks and dangers. He spends a year navigating being a part of the refugee system and, soon after, alters the course of his career as the war in Ukraine begins. Theme song by Oleksandr Savochka Additional music by: Sergei Chetvertnykh & Luca Francini…

1
War Stories (from the archive) 36:47

1y ago36:47

36:47

From the Crimean War of 1853 to Russia’s war inUkraine, journalists, reporters, and the media have shaped the public’s understanding of war. But do the stories we read and the photos we see provide an impartial picture of the wars they document? As the Institute for Global Affairs’ Mark Hannah explained in his 2022 Foreign Policy piece, certain asp…

1
Episode 8: "William, Part I" 19:55

1y ago19:55

19:55

Growing up in a very conservative, repressed country and culture, William had difficulty coming to terms with himself and the ways he was different from those around him. Championed by his grandmother, his sensitivity led him to change his name early on in his life and take a new one that felt like a much better fit. Despite rising to fame in the t…

1
Bruce Hornsby 24:20

1y ago24:20

24:20

Singer/songwriter Bruce Hornsby may be best known for his rootsy hits (and a few subsequent hip-hop samples of same), but his restless creativity has kept him experimenting into the 21st century. In this episode, he discusses how songs by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Paul Brady shaped his own work. Essential Tremors is produced by Matt Byars and Le…

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