Lifeslices with Steve Fisher

Pianist, violinist, composer, performing artist, recording artist, filmmaker. Jennifer Thomas has been playing piano and violin since the age of 5. The other talents she discovered in the years since. Now, Thomas has won multiple awards and nominations, not to mention fans all over the world. Once inspired by the works of others, she’s the one now doing the inspiring. She joins host Steve Fisher to talk about her life and career.

For the first time since the Great Depression of the 1930s, more Americans are leaving the country than are looking to settle here. Reasons vary, including the divisive politics, deteriorating healthcare and cost of living, among others. If you’re one of those people looking for the greener grass of other geographical locales, there are many things to know. Doug Oas has lived overseas and helped others doing the same. He joins host Steve Fisher to share some things to need to know for Escaping America.

Through our connections to various screens—smartphones, computers, TVs—our consciousness is being mined for profit. D. Graham Burnett, a professor at Princeton University and one of the founders of the Attention Liberation Movement joins host Steve Fisher to urge us to Take Back Your Attention.

A song from the 60’s, began with the lyric, Everybody's talkin' at me I don't hear a word they're sayin' Never have those words meant as much as they do now. We all hear but how many of us are actually listening. Consciously listening. International speaker and trainer on the critical communication skills of listening and speaking Julian Treasure joins host Steve Fisher to explain what we’re lacking.

Acclaimed wildlife filmmaker and naturalist Colin Stafford Johnson returns for more of Life in the Wild. Wildlife filmmakers may not be experiencing high demand right now but that doesn’t stop Colin from extolling the wonders and joys of nature and the need to preserve our ecosystems. A master story teller with some great stories to tell.

Colin Stafford Johnson, one of the world's best nature filmmakers, whose work has been seen on the BBC and PBS among others, joins host Steve Fisher to talk about his Life in the Wild, amongst tigers, otters, foxes and more. 

Thanks to streamers, there’s more foreign language programming available every day. Which begs the question, subtitles or dubbed? Some find subtitles distracting so dubbing is the choice for many. But the quality of the dubbing varies as much as the quality of the programs. So we turned to an expert for an insight on the process.  Jessica Blue, a director, voice actress and adapter joins host Steve Fisher to offer a Dubbing Session.

There may be someone in your house listening to your every word, without you realizing it. Your dog. An average dog vocabulary includes about 150 to 200 words, but with training, dogs have been documented to understand more than 1,000 words! Some dogs are even learning when you’re not actively training them. Shany Dror, a cognitive researcher and animal trainer at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria, joins host Steve Fisher to tell us about Eavesdropping Dogs.

When people are incarcerated, it’s presumably to pay a debt to society for a crime. But when that debt is paid, and it’s time for them to reenter society, what’s being done to prepare them for a successful reentry? Sabra Williams is changing that with CREATIVE ACTS. She and Executive Director Isaac Gonzalez join host Steve Fisher to explain how. 

Every January, the Technos and the Tech Wanna-Knows gather in Las Vegas for CES. The Consumer Electronics Show. They’re there to discover exciting developments in the world of Electronics. And where there’s CES, there’s technology evangelist Marc Saltzman. Marc joins host Steve Fisher to share what he saw, and didn’t see, at CES this year. 

There was a time when towns and villages thrived on the talents of local craftspeople who could produce the necessities of everyday needs. Much of those skills have been lost in the era of mass production and are being undermined further with the advent of robotics. But there’s a small group of humans who are keeping those analog skills alive. One of them is Leanne Corcoran, a master shoemaker in Seattle, WA. She’s gone from artist to artisan and proves to host Steve Fisher that The Shoe’s Afoot.

81-year old Benjamin Franklin was leaving the Constitutional Convention in 1787 when he was approached by people asking what sort of government the delegates had created. His answer was: "A republic, if you can keep it." We’ve been fighting to keep it for almost 250 years but, perhaps, it has never been challenged before like it’s being challenged today. Bill Ayres has been fighting for democracy for most of his 81 years. One of the founders of the Weather Undergound, Bill has been fighting to Make Things Right ever since. He joins host Steve Fisher to share his views on how to weather the current anti-democratic storm. 

Estimates of when dogs became domesticated range from 20,000 to 130,000 years ago. Cats 9,000-10,000 years ago. What’s next? According to Raffaella Lesch, an assistant professor of Biology at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, it just might be raccoons. Dr. Lesch joins host Steve Fisher to talk about why we might just be seeing new Raccoon Friends Among Us.

Whether we’re musical or not, we’ve all got rhythms. Circadian rhythms. Those are our internal biological software that keeps all the magical devices in our bodies functioning in a 24-hour day. All creatures have them, yet humans tend to abuse theirs. Emily Manoogian is a Chronobiologist and Clinical Researcher at The Salk Institute. She’s a Circadian evangelist and joins host Steve Fisher to explain why we need to dance to our internal music.

The robotic era is here. All over the world, companies and individual engineers are working to improve the scope of what they can do and their efficiency. One of those is Rich Walker and his company Shadow Robot, which makes dexterous hands. Rich joins host Steve Fisher to talk about his Helping Hands, where we are and where  we’re not.

Steve Jobs said, “I think the biggest innovations of the 21st century will be at the intersection of biology and technology. A new era is beginning.” A quarter of the way through the 21st century, it’s happening. [Fred Jordan quote] That’s Dr. Fred Jordan, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Final Spark with Dr. Martin Kutter. They’re delivering on the promise of Living Computers. Jordan joins host Steve Fisher to talk about them.

Scientists estimate there are millions of fungi species, including mushrooms, with only a fraction identified so far. Other than being great on pizza and in omelettes and stews, do you know how much they have to offer? Jana Harris is a Fungi Finder and joins host Steve Fisher to talk about one of nature's greatest creations.

Philosophers and science fiction writers have speculated about the existence of planets outside our solar system for generations, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that we actually began to find and identify them. [Annelise quote] That’s Dr Annelies Mortier of the University of Birmingham in the UK, who’s here with Dr. Christopher Watson from Queen’s University in Belfast to join host Steve Fisher, talking about Hunting Exoplanets

Long before the world would learn about the horrors of Adolf Hitler, one man surmised the threat and tried to alert his fellow countrymen. Bruce Neuberger traced his grandfather's story in his book, Postcards to Hitler. He joins host Steve Fisher to talk about his family’s tale and how it pertains to today’s world.

In the United States, and around the world, people seem to be as far apart, politically, as the North Pole is from the South. But, in matters that are important to all of us, just how far apart are we? Professor Lawrence Torcello of the Rochester Institute of Technology joins host Steve Fisher to discuss why we're so polarized when we're so alike.

CES. The Consumer Electronics Show. Every January in Las Vegas, hundreds of companies show up to exhibit gadgets, software and services to more than 140,000 attendees. One of those is Marc Saltzman, tech reporter for many popular publications and media outlets. Marc brings host Steve Fisher up to date on what's up to date in tech.

Oceans cover almost 70% of Earth’s surface. They hold more life than anywhere else. Yet, man has barely scratched the surface. Diver Phil Short and a company called Deep are creating a deep-sea habitat where scientists can live where they work. Phil joins host Steve Fisher to talk about Life Underwater.

Can you teach a rat to drive? Then again, why would you want to? Well, if you’re a neuroscientist like the University of Richmond’s Dr. Kelly Lambert, the challenge was too great and the real-life implications too rich. She joins host Steve Fisher to talk about the study and how it translates to humans.

From all of us at Lifeslices to all of you. Video available on You Tube, Tik Tok, Facebook and more.

How much do you know about the universe? If you’re like me, not much. There are stars and galaxies and planets and asteroids and meteors. But there’s a lot more you don’t see. Dr. Mustapha Ishak Boushaki is a theoretical physicist, cosmologist and professor at the University of Texas at Dallas. In this episode he's Explaining the Universe to host Steve Fisher.

In the late 60’s hit, Up, Up and Away, The Fifth Dimension sang, “Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?” Captain Crystal Stout has been singing it ever since. She’s a true Ballooning Maven. Captain Crystal has logged more air miles than she can count and she’s spreading the gospel of Ballooning to people who may not have otherwise had the opportunity with her Dreamcatcher balloon. She joins host Steve Fisher to talk about her years flying and now bringing it to special needs people.

When Burmese Pythons were introduced into Florida as part of the exotic pet trade, most owners didn’t realize what they were in for. Burmese pythons can grow to around 20 feet long. Some owners reconsidered their choice of pet and released them into the wild, mostly in the Everglades. Now, with tens of thousands of Burmese Pythons on the loose, the Everglades ecosystem has taken a major hit and a new profession has arisen. Donna Kalil is a Python Elimination Specialist and talks to hos Steve Fisher about the daunting task.

Twins. How they occur is a mystery, but how they behave once they get here, not so much. Thanks to the work of people like Dr. Nancy Segal. She’s been Studying Twins for decades and joins host Steve Fisher to share some of her insights.

Most people might simply go to the local drug store, herbalists will head into the vast outdoors to fix what ails them. Jim McDonald and Nathan Wright are topnotch Herbalists and teachers. They join host Steve Fisher for an Herbalism 101.

Do you like chocolate? How about coffee? To many, they are two of nature’s treasures. But between climate change, deforestation and human demand, these precious resources are endangered. A startup company called California Cultured is working to sustainably improve on Mother Nature. Alan Perlstein is the company’s CEO. He joins host Steve Fisher to talk about The Future of Chocolate and Coffee.

Some people fear that computers and virtual reality are robbing us of our humanity, and our interconnectivity with other humans who share our world. What if someone were to argue that we’re not being robbed, we’re being given new avenues, new technology to communicate with those others? Sara Guisto is doing that through her creations, virtual humans. She joins host Steve Fisher to talk about Designing Humanity.

What if someone could build a house that is not only sustainable itself, but can meet all its inhabitants' needs sustainably? Sounds like science fiction? How about science fact? Michael Reynolds is a biotect in Taos, New Mexico, who says he’s got the answer. Earthships. He talks to host Steve Fisher about what they are, what they do and how he's trying to make them affordable for all.

You may have seen a TV show called Survivor. Contestants are taken to some exotic locale and asked to do a task or stunt. At the end of the day, the players may make it to the next round of competition or be eliminated. Heidi Hamels was on that show.  She’s here as the founder of a non-profit organization called Uplift Malawi, along with it’s executive director, Alaina Baker, trying to help the children of that country survive. They join host Steve Fisher to talk about the issues plaguing Malawi and how you can help.

When you go to a musical show or concert you tend to look at the person standing in front of the orchestra, waving their arms, and think, I can do that. Chances are, you can’t. It takes a very particular set of skills. Larry Blank is a composer, orchestrator and conductor, based in Los Angeles, New York and London, who has worked with some of the most respected names in theatre, film, television and music. He has those skills and then some.  He’s a true Music Man and joins host Steve Fisher to talk about his work on Broadway, film, TV and concert stages around the world.

What would you do if a member of your family was in danger? I hope you’d say you would do everything you could to save them. I’m not talking about your human family. Did  you know that orangutans are among our closest relatives, sharing 97% of our DNA. They’re intelligent, inquisitive, very observant and very much in danger of going extinct in the wild. Leif Cocks, founder of The Orangutan Project, is devoted to keep that from happening. He joins host Steve Fisher to talk about Saving Orangutans. This is Lifeslices!

If you’ve dwelt on this planet long enough, you’ve likely picked up a lot of wisdom and knowledge. That would make you what’s called a senior citizen. If you choose to put that experience and your surrounding musings on paper, you’re a philosopher. David M. Perkins might not cop to the latter but he definitely acknowledges the former. He’s certainly someone worth listening to as he talks to host Steve Fisher On Life.

Nazi. Originally the name for a political movement, today, it’s a synonym for evil. Over the course of their Reign of Terror, they destroyed populations and countries, including their own. Joanne Intrator grew up the daughter of German refugees. Her parents were among the lucky ones to escape but it wasn’t unscathed. On his deathbed, her father challenged her to a mission in his old homeland. It would change her life in many ways. Joanne joins host Steve Fisher to talk about her Summons to Berlin.

ADHD. Four little letters that can spell big problems for children around the world. While some of those children may outgrow the disorder, millions more won’t and, in fact, may never have been diagnosed to begin with, creating many issues for those adults who are missing the chance for treatment. Dr. J. Russell Ramsey is one of the most preeminent psychologists in the research and treatment of adult ADHD and talks to host Steve Fisher about what it is, how it's diagnosed and how it's treated.

When Mother Nature created beavers, she proved to have a sense of humor. These funny-looking oversized members of the rodent family have buck teeth and large paddle-like tails, perfect for cartoon characters. But she also had a plan, imbuing them with an ecological purpose. Unfortunately, man came along and didn’t see it that way. Farmers and ranchers, not to mention fur traders, drove the beavers away and close to the point of extinction. Now, thanks to organizations like Defenders of Wildlife, beavers are making a comeback. Peggy Darr is one of their Defenders and talks to host Steve Fisher about the pros and cons of adding more beavers to our environment.

Beer has been around almost as long as mankind, popping up in disparate cultures, not connected in any way. Travis Rupp is an assistant professor of the classics and beer. He's The Beer Archaeologist, searching the world for evidence of ancient brews (and their recipes) and helps host Steve Fisher kick off the 5th season of Lifeslices.

Most living creatures sleep. It’s natures way of saying it’s time to chill. But perhaps no other species beyond humans think about it so much. And study it. Ok, maybe not all. Most of us take it for granted. Until that night we’re tossing and turning and our minds won’t shut off. That’s when we turn to experts like Dr. Michael Grandner as Lifeslices did in part one of our conversation. We had so many questions that we couldn’t fit them all in one episode. Dr. Grandner returns to answer host Steve Fisher's questions about sleep, naps and dreams.

Technology. Love it or hate it, it’s here to stay. And evolve. Each year, creators, sellers and buyers gather in Las Vegas to share what’s new, what’s better and what’s different at the Consumer Electronics Show or CES. Return guest Marc Saltzman covers the tech industry and chats with host Steve Fisher about What's in Store for 2024.

Sleep. As humans, we know we need it and we know that when we don’t get enough, it can affect us all day long, if not longer. But what do we really know about it? What happens to our bodies and brains when we sleep, perchance to dream. Thankfully, there are scientists around the world studying all the things about it the rest of us don’t even think about. Dr. Michael Grandner of the University of Arizona, Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program, and Director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic, joins host Steve Fisher to talk about what happens when we sleep.

One of mankind’s goals for the 21st century is to boldly go where no one has gone before. More specifically, our sister planet Mars. But to prepare our brave new class of astronauts for what they might encounter in that challenging environment and how to look for signs of life, historically or presently, scientists are studying previously unexplored regions of earth. One of them is Dr. Brian Hynek of the University of Colorado at Boulder. He joins host Steve Fisher to share his experiences.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa from all of us at Lifeslices!

Climate change is ubiquitous. Our planet has always been subject to it. But since the 1800s, most of it has been fueled by human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. Temperatures are rising threatening our ability to grow food, melting our arctic regions to raise sea levels and leading to weather changes that are creating more deadly events such as hurricanes and tornados. Scientists have been warning us for decades that if we don’t act now, it will prove to be an existential threat to life as we know it. Some believe we are already there. Anna Liljedahl is a scientist who is studying climate change. She's using AI to help sift through decades of data to find solutions and joins host Steve Fisher to talk about it.

Our planet holds many places that exude mystery and capture our fascination. Egypt has the pyramids and the Sphinx. Nevada has Area 51. The Atlantic Ocean has the Bermuda Triangle. But perhaps nowhere on Earth has the lure of Loch Ness in Scotland. It’s main attraction is the possible existence of a Loch Ness monster, affectionately called Nessie. Alan McKenna leads regular explorations of the lake, welcoming people to join in. He joins host Steve Fisher to talk about what the loch has to offer.

Throughout time, and across cultures, mysterious creatures have been sighted by everyday humans. Big Foot, Nessie, Mothman. These beings have yet to be substantiated by science, or debunked. So a field of study, cryptozoology, was born. A long time practitioner of the pseudoscience is Andy McGrath, who was drawn to it as a child.  He’s been at it in print, podcast and TV for 30 years. And he joins host Steve Fisher to talk about the Beasts of the World. 

There’s no telling how many other intelligent civilizations exist in the universe. Whether they or we can ever master the ability to travel light years, once we connect, how will we communicate? Behavioral ecologist Dr. Arik Kershenbaum and professor of linguistics Dr. Ian Roberts, both of the University of Cambridge, join host Steve Fisher to talk about Communicating with Aliens.

In 1938, a character was born that would endure to this very day, appearing in comic books, movies, TV and radio shows, video games, and one Broadway musical. That musical was “It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman.” And while 11 actors have played the role in TV, radio and film, only one wore the cape and tights on Broadway. That actor was Bob Holiday. Although Bob may not have been a household name, and the show had a short-lived run, to those of us who were lucky enough to see him in the role, he was our Superman. Toni Collins saw the show when she was 11 and had the chance to meet Bob backstage.  Many years later, she ended up building and managing his website. She talks with host Steve Fisher about Befriending Superman.