Curiouser and Curiouser (Tell me Everything)

We're back! Porchlight is a new series on Curiouser and Curiouser where we talk with fascinating, accomplished individuals about their childhoods and formative years. These episodes will be in addition to regular Curiouser and Curiouser content. Imagine the relief when you return home late at night, after a long journey or a trying day to find the porchlight on, a welcoming northstar, guiding you back to warmth and safety. We're hoping that delving into people's early trajectories will similarly, not only be educational and entertaining, but also serve as a model, a template and a beacon of inspiration, a step forward by looking back at the guiding values, attitudes and behaviors that laid the foundation and templates for lives.Our first guest is a world renowned CEO and business executive, advocate for education, STEM and innovation, Dr. Craig Barrett, the former CEO and Chairman of the Intel Corporation. Dr. Barrett is a leading advocate for improving education in the U.S. and globally, and is a spokesman for the value technology can provide. We'll chat with Craig about his formative years and you'll get to know him in a more personal light. Please note this episode may have skips due to a new editing platform. This conversation is also just that: a conversation, free form and informal. If you have suggestions of other guests we should have on Porchlight or Curiouser, please drop us a line at [email protected] 

A retreat. A university. A rich historical site. A yoga center. An oasis. We chat with CEO Robert Mulhall about the magical place that is Kripalu (www.Kripalu.org). Set on a 100 acres of forests, gardens, trails, wilderness, lakes and lawns in the Berkshires, Kripalu offers a range of yoga, health, outdoors, retreat, spiritual, mindfulness, nutrition and wellness programming. The center occupies spiritually and historically significant land once sacred to Native Americans who participated in vision quests on it, housed the Gilded Age estates of industrialists including Andrew Carnegie, and served at various times as a yoga retreat, Hindu ashram and Jesuit novitiate. In an age where wellness experiences are out of reach of the ordinary man, Kripalu is notable for how it makes high quality programming, cuisine, resources and nature available to all. We talk to Robert about Kripalu, its history, the extraordinary land it sits on and its future. This episode originally aired November 9, 2022

We continue our chat with special guest Mangalam Srinivasan touching upon the irony of the Silicon Valley business pioneer household names today that were born out of the California counter culture. Our conversation winds through memorable moments in Dr Srinivasan’s career and life as an advisor to Indian PM Indira Gandhi, the non-aligned summit lunch where Fidel Castro insisted on sitting next to her, and where she was the only civilian and only other woman besides Mme Gandhi, advising the Taiwanese government in the 1980s (where my brother and I were, incidentally, the first American children to visit), journeying to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan as the guest of HRH the King of Bhutan in the 1980s and more. An academic by vocation, Dr. Srinivasan has held international faculty & research appointments including at Harvard, MIT, Tufts, Northeastern, University of Madras, American University & UC Berkeley, served on global corporate & advisory boards, as an S&T advisor to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi & was one of the first distinguished female fellows invited to Harvard (CFIA) in the 1970s. In addition to academia, she has either worked (often as the first woman) or served on the Boards of organizations as diverse as the World Bank, Wells Fargo, Arthur D. Little, United Nations, the Forsythe Institue, National Academy Of Sciences, NSF, State Bank of India (first woman there) and several notable technology companies from the 1960s on. She has listed companies on the NYSE, Nasdaq, Euronext & the BSE, and hAs also served as an advisor to heads of states, governments and apex scientific, corporate and academic institutions in various capacities. She seems to be everywhere something happened much like Forrest Gump. Finally, Dr. Srinivasan also happens to be my Mother. (Pause for laughter), in the second part or our conversation we’re going to chat about some of her experiences. This is part 2 of a two part episode. This episode originally aired August 21, 2022

Football. Soccer. The game. We talk to ex-PSG professional soccer player, Jonathan Famery-Mariani about life in the big leagues playing for Paris Saint-Germain F.C. France’s most successful football club. Jon played the role of the “creator” after which he pursued a career in the business world working in tech and finance. Join us for a wide ranging conversation where we’ll talk about all aspects of life and the game playing at elite levels. Bring your questions. And your A game.

Texas should be proud. Part Texas blues, part boogie, part experimental and all weird, ZZ Top is simultaneously both local and alien, tough rock and synth, camp and genuine, raw talent and humorous show. Basically they’re everything. Just like this show. And I just love them. On this episode of Curiouser & Curiouser we’re going to talk about the indomitable sons of Texas, ZZ Top. Originally broadcast July 2022

William Shakespeare is not only one the greatest dramatists of the Western world, he also is one of its best psychologists. An astute observer of the human condition, Shakespeare was a prolific purveyor of timeless wisdom which he embedded in his plays. He was a master psychologist with insight so effective it ranks up there with Rilke, Jung and Rumi. Though written almost 400 years ago, his advice is modern and applicable today. In fact, we consume his words often emblazoned on coffee cups, via common quotes or delivered through daily inspirational apps and we don’t even know it’s him.. So join us as we examine and dole out Shakespeare’s life advice; you just may not need to go to therapy this week. (You’re welcome) This show originally aired July 30, 2022

As the totems of disco, the Bee Gees have been the butt of many decades long jokes but they have in reality also had an extraordinary and outsized impact on music and culture with their unique sound making them one of the most successful musical acts of all time. They occupy a rarified position in a small pantheon alongside Michael Jackson, Elvis, & the Beatles as one of the best selling acts of all time. Their instantly recognizable sound is joyful, stirring and timeless, offering a lingua franca understood everywhere people are dancing, singing & happy. Join us as we dig into the wonderful worlds of Barry, Robin & Maurice… The BeeGees 🔥 NOTE: we had a few technical difficulties at the start so a bit of unfortunate wonkiness with the first song To Love Somebody This episode originally aired July 28, 2022

We chat with novelist-author, financial journalist (Barrons) & all around decent guy Ed Lin about his latest novel “Death Doesn’t Forget” the fourth installment in the beautifully titled “Taipei Night Market” series. Ed is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards accrued all while doing his day job at Barron's. In addition to his writing, we’re also going to touch upon Ed's love for (and big collection of live-recorded) punk and alt shows, financial journalism, New York City as we knew it back win the 1980s and 1990s and if I was a good neighbor when we lived across the dorm hall from each other at Columbia University. This episode originally aired July 24, 2022

We “Journey through America: 1960s & 1970s” with our special guest Mangalam Srinivasan who arrived to the 1960s US as a young Fulbright. Dr. Srinivasan has held international faculty & research appointments at Harvard, MIT, Tufts, Northeastern, University of Madras, American University & UC Berkeley, and served on major global corporate & advisory boards, as an S&T advisor to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi & was one of the first distinguished female fellows invited to Harvard (CFIA) in the 1970s. In addition to academia, she has worked (often as the first woman) or served on the Boards of national & international organizations as diverse as the World Bank, Wells Fargo, Arthur D. Little, United Nations, the Forsythe Institute, National Academy of Sciences, NSF and the State Bank of India, where she was the first woman, from the 60s on, and has listed companies on the NYSE, Nasdaq, Euronext & BSE. She is an author, performing artist, classical Indian (Bharatnatyam) dancer and a sharpshooter with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Mathematics, Physics, English Literature, Business, Management & Technology Assessment. She also served as an advisor to heads of states, governments and apex scientific, corporate and academic bodies in various capacities to present. She seems to be everywhere something went down a la Forrest Gump. And that's why we're talking to her. Finally, Dr. Srinivasan also happens to be my Mother. (Hold for laughter) Dr. Srinivasan taught and lived in Berkeley during the tumultuous 60s and 70s witnessing the times and rubbing elbows with icons of the day. We’re going to chat about America with her beginning at this time. Welcome to Curiouser and Curiouser. This episode originally aired July 23, 2022

We speak to Dr. Craig Barrett who served as CEO, President & Board Chair of the Intel Corporation. Dr. Barrett successfully led Intel through many challenges including the dot com bust and recession. Today Dr. Barrett divides his time across several areas on interest including American education. He currently serves as the President & Chairman of Basis School, a charter school group. He and his wife, Barbara Barrett, former United States Secretary of the Air Force, endowed Arizona State University (ASU) with $10 Million creating the Barrett Honors College. Lastly, he’s my former boss, investor and a good friend. We speak to Dr. Barrett about the state of US education and why he believes charter schools are an important solution. This episode originally aired July 6, 2022.

This fourth of July we honor the institution that is Dolly Parton. Its going to be all Dolly all show. Join us to discuss this living legend. This show changed me; I went from admirer to super fan. Because there’s basically nothing as American or as real as Dolly Parton. This episode originally aired on July 5, 2022

What’s more American than apple pie, amusement parks & baseball? Hardcore punk, that's what. Many US cities had underground punk, metal, indie and alt scenes that had profound impacts on the broader musical landscape. I grew up in the DC hardcore scene of the mid-late 80s & early 90s that spawned legendary bands like Bad Brains, Scream, Dag Nasty, Beefeater, Marginal Man & Minor Threat, but there were other scenes add other cities all across the US. From the Palm Desert Generator party scene to the legendary NYC punk scene and CBGBs and Max's Kansas City, this Fourth of July eve we’re going punk and indie, scenes & music. Join me and special guests to talk, share your stories or just listen. It’s American hardcore on C&C 🇺🇸🤘🏼 This episode originally aired on July 3, 2022

We talk with Neuroscientist, AAAS Fellow and entrepreneur Michael Nestor about his work as a scientific founder and explore his entrepreneurial journey. We may also touch upon our common roots in the DMV hardcore scene, love of punk and alt, and Michael’s other entrepreneurial stint running an indie rock label. This episode originally aired June 30, 2022

NYC socialites Mamie Fish & Harry Lehr were the trolls of the Gilded Age. This delicious terrible twosome gossiped, trolled & insulted just about everyone in the New York high society that they were fixtures of. They threw outrageous parties, dressed in drag, threatened people, spent obscene amounts of money, insulted everyone regardless of social standing and disrupted any and all occasions. Trolling started way before the internet. Let’s join the masters, Mamie & Harry, to learn from them, for an evening. This episode originally aired June 26, 2022

We talk about the life and music of singer, musician, songwriter, activist & visionary Bob Marley. Considered by many to be a wise man and mystic, Marley made observations, that like Shakespeare, provided deep insight into the human condition, and pursued causes and activism that was well ahead of its time. This episode originally aired June 22, 2022

From his rise with the legendary Jackson Five to the groundbreaking, genre-shattering, controversial Thriller to the never-ending scandals & his tragic death, we dig into the life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, his genius and the record that changed everything. This episode originally aired June 16, 2022

From twice applying to and once getting rejected from the famed IITs to working on a U.S. shop floor and getting an antagonistic union head to write his Harvard Business school reference to running & revitalizing Microsoft India and leading powerhouse IT services Infosys through challenges, we explore Ravi’s fascinating life and career leading large, complex organizations including Microsoft, Hitachi, Infosys, & Bank of Baroda as well as his current pursuits in energy & philanthropy. Ravi’s latest book is the best selling “What the heck do I do with my life?” This episode originally aired June 9, 2022

We pay homage to the exalted, ethereal, timeless Stevie Nicks. From Fleetwood Mac to her solo work, Stevie has has a major cross-generational cultural and musical influence. She also prevailed. We examine this Southwestern girl, this rockstar to rock stars, the one in gossamer who wouldn't crumble, the tiny one who dabbled in big magic and the one I wish would send me a moon necklace, a portrait of the artist, Stevie Nicks. This is originally aired on June 1, 2022

We talk fundraising, finance and females with Sharon, the longtime CEO of Astia and now the Astia venture fund which advises, invests in and partners with women owned and run companies. This episode originally aired 5/25/2022

We dive headfirst into all that is Taylor. Whether you are a Swift or don't really feel Tay-Tay, we examine the woman is an undeniable force in music and culture. And we want to hear from her. This is serious. This episode originally aired 5/18/2022

We're talking TikTok again. Why is it so addictive? How are we using it? What are the cultural, social & national security implications? There is also a lovely bird in the background and I drank a giant flask of coffee beforehand. Consider yourself warned. (This is the second episode of a two part episode. Originally airing on the callin platform 5/11/2022)

Disco playlist, anecdotes and notes honoring the music, musicians and culture of the Studio 54 and the disco era. Our companion episode to our Studio 54 episode which chronicled the rise, fall and history of the iconic disco, offering a taste of the music and ambience of the dance floors of the disco era. In two parts. Part II of II. (This Curiouser & Curiouser show episode originally aired 5/8/2022 on the Callin app)

Disco playlist, anecdotes and notes honoring the music, musicians and culture of the Studio 54 and the disco era. Our companion episode to our Studio 54 episode which chronicled the rise, fall and history of the iconic disco, offering a taste of the music and ambience of the dance floors of the disco era. In two parts. Part I. (This Curiouser and Curiouser show episode originally aired 5/5/2022 on the Callin app)

We celebrate the iconic disco nightclub Studio 54 on its 45th anniversary. Everything you wanted to know AND MORE. Get out your glitter, velvet and faux fur because tonight you'll definitely get in! (originally broadcast 4/27/22)

Our inaugural show dives into the phenomenon that is Tik Tok. We're talking content. (This is Part 1 of a two part episode on TikTok. Initially aired April 20, 2022)