Best Stephen Albert Podcasts (2025)

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20th Anniversary celebration with technology pioneers Bill Moggridge, Jason Kottke, Anil Dash, and Kevin Kelly 44:47

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1d ago44:47

44:47

For the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits past interviews with technology pioneers Bill Moggridge, Jason Kottke, Anil Dash, and Kevin Kelly. These excerpts reflect on how technology emerged, how it shapes the way we live, and how these early thinkers imagined the future unfolding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for…

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754 Christopher Marlowe (with Stephen Greenblatt) | My Last Book with Eric White 55:43

2d ago55:43

55:43

Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) was born into relative obscurity and died in mysterious circumstances at the age of 29. And yet, somehow this ambitious cobbler's son brought about a spectacular explosion of English literature, language, and culture. In this episode, Jacke talks to Stephen Greenblatt about his book Dark Renaissance: The Dangerous Ti…

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Episode #242 ... Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare 32:24

4d ago32:24

32:24

Today we talk about the philosophy behind the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. We talk about how ineffective violence and honor codes are as ways of maintaining the stability of a society. How catastrophe may be a deterrent to violence. The tension presented by Shakespeare between a Christian view of love, marriage and salvation and an…

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OTL #998: Rethinking housing in Chicago and beyond, The Robert Townsend Pop-Up Film Fest, Public transit reliability 38:24

3d ago38:24

38:24

Mike Stephen learns about a new exhibit at the National Public Housing Museum from UIC architecture professor Alexander Eisenschmidt, chats with actor and director Robert Townsend about his upcoming Chicago pop-up film fest, and re-visits a segment on local public transit reliability.By Mike Stephen

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60-Second Resets: How AI Nudges Can Stop Stress From Compounding and Bring Your Brain Back Online 9:39

4d ago9:39

9:39

Feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or constantly racing from one meeting to the next? In this episode, Penny Zenker pulls back the curtain on her newest AI experiments — including her custom-trained AI agent built on her books, exercises, and leadership tools — and reveals how simple, science-backed reset moments can transform your day. video12097226…

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753 Tenth-Anniversary Special (with Mike Palindrome and Laurie Frankel) | Giving Thanks | My Last Book with Eve Dunbar 1:17:22

7d ago1:17:22

1:17:22

When Jacke started the podcast in 2015, he decided to privilege books that were at least fifty years old. (Longtime listeners will know he's made a few exceptions, but for the most part, that's been the policy.) Last month, the History of Literature Podcast celebrated its tenth anniversary - which means there are ten years' worth of books that are …

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MLB media rights announced, NBC's Big Ten future, WBD sale, NBA ratings and CW vs. Nielsen 54:51

9d ago54:51

54:51

On a new Sports Media Watch Podcast, Jon Lewis is joined by co-host Armand Broady and producer Derek Futterman for a discussion of the new MLB media rights deals and what they mean for the networks involved -- and the league. Is MLB still devaluing its rights? Plus, what is NBC's future with the Big Ten given its reported desire to "sublicense" nex…

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Guess the Guest: Surprising First Questions Part Two 30:31

3d ago30:31

30:31

As part of the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman shares Part Two of her most surprising first questions, the curious openings that sparked honesty, humor, and revelation. These excerpts highlight the unexpected moments that shaped some of the show’s most memorable conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor…

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752 The Brontes' Sibling Rivalry (with Catherine Rayner) | My Last Book with Keith Cooper 1:01:28

9d ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Charlotte Brontë wasn't born the eldest child, but she was thrust into a leadership role at the age of ten, as the Brontë children dealt with the tragic deaths of their mother and two eldest sisters. How did this affect their family dynamic? And when the younger two sisters, Emily and Anne, had their novels accepted while Charlotte's alone was reje…

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OTL #997: Local journalism ethics in a time of ICE occupation, New music from These Peaches, The Haitian American Museum of Chicago 39:24

11d ago39:24

39:24

Mike Stephen discusses the role of local journalists during a time of local ICE occupation with McKinley Park News publisher Justin Kerr, gets the lowdown on new music from the local band These Peaches from frontman Rich Klevgard, and learns about the significance of the Haitian American Museum of Chicago from founder and CEO Elsie Hernandez. AND..…

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Market Eminence: Building A Bold Personal Brand That Stands Apart With David Newman 27:29

11d ago27:29

27:29

Market Eminence is more than visibility; it’s the art of earning respect, influence, and recognition by thinking differently. In this energizing conversation with keynote speaker and marketing strategist David Newman, host Penny Zenker explores how leaders can rise above the noise and become the “only” in their space rather than just the best. Davi…

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751 Covering Iran's Women-Led Uprising (with Nilo Tabrizy) | My Last Book with Sharmila Sen 1:02:37

13d ago1:02:37

1:02:37

In September 2022, a young Kurdish woman, Mahsa Jîna Amini, died after being beaten by police officers who arrested her for not adhering to the Islamic Republic’s dress code. Her death galvanized thousands of Iranians—mostly women—who took to the streets in one of the country’s largest uprisings in decades: the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. In thi…

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20th Anniversary celebration with photographers Catherine Opie, Albert Watson, Pete Souza, Lynn Goldsmith, and Mary Ellen Matthews 49:46

16d ago49:46

49:46

To celebrate 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits standout moments from past conversations with photographers Catherine Opie, Albert Watson, Pete Souza, Lynn Goldsmith, and Mary Ellen Matthews. These excerpts explore how they approach craft, capture truth, and use the camera to tell the stories that define us. Hosted on Acast. See ac…

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750 A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway (with Mark Cirino) | Joyce Carol Oates vs the Trillionaire | My Last Book with Ken Krimstein 1:28:09

16d ago1:28:09

1:28:09

It's the 750th episode of the History of Literature, and what better way to celebrate than to talk some Hemingway with repeat guest Mark Cirino? In this episode, Jacke talks to Mark about Hemingway's classic love-and-war novel A Farewell to Arms, including the recent Norton Library edition of the book, which Mark edited. PLUS Jacke takes a look at …

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Episode #241 ... The Tragedy of Julius Caesar - William Shakespeare 31:13

16d ago31:13

31:13

Today we talk about the philosophical themes of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. We talk about the hypocrisy and false nostalgia of political violence. The ironies of living by a moral ideal like honor. Rhetoric as a site of where political power is won and lost in a republic. And Brutus as a unique kind of tragic hero somewhere…

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Emerging NBA voice Michael Grady on his dual NBC-Prime roles, his journey and much more 1:00:48

17d ago1:00:48

1:00:48

NBC Sports and Prime Video NBA play-by-play voice Michael Grady is the latest guest on the Sports Media Watch Podcast, joining Jon Lewis, co-host Armand Broady and producer Derek Futterman for a discussion about his dual roles on the NBA's two new broadcast partners; his rise from PA announcer to the Pacers to play-by-play for the Nets and Timberwo…

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OTL #996: Home for the Holidays helps those in need, Indiscipline: The music of King Crimson, The Secret History of Charles E. Gerber 37:20

18d ago37:20

37:20

Mike Stephen learns about a local initiative called Home for the Holidays that helps those less fortunate this Holiday season from founder Chef Ora Thompson, gets a preview of a local King Crimson tribute band show from band leader Eric Butler, and discovers the Secret History of local actor and musician Charles E. Gerber. AND...come out to Fitzger…

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Drowning in Information? How to Protect Your Time, Energy & Focus 16:51

18d ago16:51

16:51

We consume more information in a single day than most people a century ago encountered in their entire lives. No wonder we feel overwhelmed, distracted, and constantly “behind.” In this episode, Penny breaks down why the real challenge today isn’t keeping up — it’s learning how to filter faster. Penny introduces her framework of Gatekeepers — the p…

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749 Willing and Will-Making in the English Renaissance (with Douglas Clark) | #7 Greatest Book of All Time 1:06:00

20d ago1:06:00

1:06:00

When Hamlet, in his famous soliloquy, pondered the "dread of something after death, / the undiscovered country," he noted that such thoughts "puzzles the will." (Earlier editions of the play had this as a "hope of something after death" that "puzzles the brain." What's the significance for an Elizabethan writer (and audience) of the change from hop…

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20th Anniversary celebration with culinary creatives Julia Turshen, Christina Tosi, Gabrielle Hamilton, Fanny Singer, and Will Guidara 52:15

23d ago52:15

52:15

To mark 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits standout moments with Julia Turshen, Christina Tosi, Gabrielle Hamilton, Fanny Singer, and Will Guidara—voices who reimagined how we cook, write, and welcome. From recipe testing as poetry to tinkering with desserts, from building a neighborhood bistro to building a culture of “unreasonabl…

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748 Katherine Mansfield (with Gerri Kimber) | The Poet and the Sex Worker Who Burgled Him | My Last Book with Emerson Expert Kenneth Sacks 55:47

23d ago55:47

55:47

Katherine Mansfield's writing, said Virginia Woolf, "was the only writing I was ever jealous of." In this episode, Jacke talks to author Gerri Kimber about Katherine Mansfield: A Hidden Life, which explores the life and work of one of literary modernism's most significant writers. PLUS Jacke takes a look at the unusual friendship between poet W.H. …

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Episode #240 ... Varieties of Religion Today (Charles Taylor) 30:55

24d ago30:55

30:55

Today we talk more about the work of Charles Taylor and his book The Varieties of Religion Today. We look at different answers to a classic question around religious belief. The sociological and structural role that religion plays at any given point in history. Paleo, Neo and Post Durkheim versions of religious society. What religion becomes in the…

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The Disney-YouTube TV blackout and what it means for ESPN; World Series ratings recap 42:23

24d ago42:23

42:23

On the latest Sports Media Watch Podcast, Jon Lewis is joined by co-host Armand Broady and producer Derek Futterman for a discussion about the Disney-YouTube TV blackout and what it means for ESPN. If the blackout goes on long enough, will ESPN run the risk of fans getting used to living without it? Plus, a recap of the bigger-than-expected numbers…

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OTL #995: Helping local veterans in need, New music from The Gunshy, Chicago is a little less ratty 36:39

25d ago36:39

36:39

Mike Stephen learns about a local nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans during this difficult time called Veterans Assistance Partnership from founder Tatshee Simmons, gets the lowdown on new local music from The Gunshy, and revisits a segment that explores rats in Chicago. AND...come out to Fitzgerald's at 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn on Satu…

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The Courage To Start Again: Lessons On Resilience And Change With Sara Schulting Kranz 41:16

25d ago41:16

41:16

What does it take to turn adversity into your greatest advantage? In this episode of Time to Reset, resilience expert and leadership coach Sara Schulting Kranz shares her powerful journey of rebuilding life after trauma—and how she now helps others do the same. 🌄 As the founder of transformational leadership retreats in the Grand Canyon, Sara has g…

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747 Graphomaniac - The Story of a Horrible Russian Poet (with Ilya Vinitsky and James H. McGavran III | My Last Book with Stephanie Sandler | #8 Greatest Book of All Time 1:11:57

27d ago1:11:57

1:11:57

Dmitry Ivanovich Khvostov (1757-1835) might be the worst poet who ever lived. Pathologically prolific and delusional dedicated to a craft for which he had no talent, he continued to write and publish his poetry despite the pleadings of friends, loved ones, critics, and the public. In this episode, Jacke talks to author Ilya Vinitsky and translator …

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20th Anniversary Celebration with visionary illustrators Brian Rea, Maira Kalman, Barry Blitt, Edel Rodriguez, and Christoph Niemann 51:34

30d ago51:34

51:34

To celebrate 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits standout moments from past conversations with illustrators Brian Rea, Maira Kalman, Barry Blitt, Edel Rodriguez, and Christoph Niemann. These excerpts explore how ideas drive style, how collaboration and constraint shape the work, and how a single image can speak fast and stay with yo…

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746 Wild Jane Austen (with Devoney Looser) | #9 Greatest Book of All Time 1:04:37

30d ago1:04:37

1:04:37

Author Devoney Looser may be a mild-mannered English professor to most people, but roller derby fans know her as Stone Cold Jane Austen, her smashmouth alter ego. In this episode, Devoney tells Jacke about her new book Wild for Austen: A Rebellious, Subversive, and Untamed Jane, which suggests we also rethink the commonly held view of "spinster Jan…

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OTL #994: The state of local news, The Secret History of Aura 41:00

1M ago41:00

41:00

Mike Stephen discusses the state of local news in 2025 with Medill professor Tim Franklin and then dives into the Secret History of the 1970s Chicago horn rock band Aura. AND...come out to Fitzgerald's at 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn on Saturday, November 22, at 3:00 p.m. for the Outside the Loop 1,000th episode taping! It's a FREE event, but yo…

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Rising star Adam Amin talks technique, influences, partners, and that Mariners-Tigers call 44:03

1M ago44:03

44:03

Rising play-by-play voice Adam Amin is the latest guest on the Sports Media Watch Podcast. The Chicago Bulls and Fox Sports broadcaster joins Jon Lewis, co-host Armand Broady and producer Derek Futterman for a discussion about the nuts and bolts of play-by-play, including his influences, his approach to big games, and how he adjusts to different pa…

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Connectability: Building Meaningful Relationships In A Disconnected World With Fredric Steck 32:06

1M ago32:06

32:06

In an age where technology keeps us constantly linked yet emotionally apart, connectability has become an essential skill for leaders, teams, and individuals seeking authentic relationships. Business leader and author Fredric Steck shares the principles behind his book Connectability, revealing how empathy, awareness, and genuine presence can trans…

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745 Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti (Halloween Fun-Size Edition) 2:14:14

1M ago2:14:14

2:14:14

In the spring of 2022, Jacke dropped everything to plummet into one of the strangest poems he had ever read, "Goblin Market" by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894). The result was a two-part episode that never quite found its home. In this special Halloween episode, we've combined the best parts of both of those episodes to bring you the full story of a…

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20th Anniversary celebration with podcast hosts Krista Tippett, Ira Glass, Hrishikesh Hirway, Kara Swisher, and Jad Abumrad. 51:09

1M ago51:09

51:09

To celebrate two decades of Design Matters, Debbie Millman gathers favorite moments from past interviews with podcast hosts Krista Tippett, Ira Glass, Hrishikesh Hirway, Kara Swisher, and Jad Abumrad. These excerpts trace how each host found their voice, shaped a format, and learned to listen, revealing the craft and conviction behind the shows tha…

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744 Love, Sex, and Frankenstein (with Caroline Lea) | #10 Greatest Book of All Time | My Last Book with Geoffrey Turnovsky | A Letter from a Middle School Teacher and Mom 1:26:42

1M ago1:26:42

1:26:42

The year is 1816, and 18-year-old Mary Shelley has fled London with her lover, Percy Shelley, and her sister, Claire. They're on their way to visit Lord Byron's villa in Lake Geneva, Switzerland - and to change the course of literary history. In this episode, Jacke talks to Caroline Lea about her novel Love, Sex, and Frankenstein, which tells the h…

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Stephen A.'s political analysis, NBA gambling coverage, NBA TV reviews, World Series ratings predictions and Adam Amin preview 1:00:36

1M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

On the latest Sports Media Watch Podcast, Jon Lewis is joined by co-host Armand Broady and producer Derek Futterman for a discussion about Stephen A. Smith's latest comments about the NBA gambling investigation and whether the ESPN host actually believes what he says. Plus, reviewing the debut of the NBA on NBC and the ESPN era of "Inside the NBA";…

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OTL #993: Curbside compassion with Yo Soy Ella, Takeout 25's new cookbook, New local music from Terry White 41:27

1M ago41:27

41:27

Mike Stephen visits Yo Soy Ella's Curbside Compassion van to learn about their therapy services from founder and executive director Sarah Taylor, explores the new Takeout 25 Community Cookbook with founder Ravi Parakkat, and gets the lowdown on new music from local musician Terry White.By Mike Stephen

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Let Go to Open Possibilities 11:24

1M ago11:24

11:24

What if letting go isn’t about losing—but about opening up? 🌿 In this solo episode, Penny Zenker dives into one of the most powerful yet overlooked elements of resilience: the art of letting go. Whether it’s releasing old habits, outdated expectations, or people who no longer fit your life, learning to let go creates space for growth, peace, and ne…

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743 Fairy Tales (with Jack Zipes) [RECLAIMED] | Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (#11 GBOAT) | Chaucer News 1:02:07

1M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

An early encounter with one of the most famous people in the world initiated Jack Zipes into the world of fairy tales - and he never looked back. In this episode, Jacke talks to the fairy tale expert about his book Buried Treasures: The Power of Political Fairy Tales, which profiles modern writers and artists who tapped the political potential of f…

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20th Anniversary celebration with iconic musicians Kaki King, David Lee Roth, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Michael Stipe, and the Indigo Girls 49:41

1M ago49:41

49:41

In honor of 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits unforgettable moments from her conversations with iconic musicians Kaki King, David Lee Roth, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Michael Stipe, and the Indigo Girls. Through their stories and songs, this special episode reflects on the meaning of a creative life and the artists who have shaped the…

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Playing the Long Game: The Power of Self-Control 34:23

1M ago34:23

34:23

As a special addition to this week's episode, you can see Katy's full sit-down interview with Angela Duckworth, where they also explore the relationship between self-control and grit. Watch or listen to their conversation on YouTube or Spotify. When your emotions flare or temptation calls, what does it take to hold back? Whether it’s resisting the …