Conversations for our Daughters

Bran is joined by Serena McCalla, Ph.D., a distinguished & Popular educator and science strategist widely recognized for her dedication to advancing science education and research among youth, earning her the moniker "godmother of science research". Although she initially pursued a path toward becoming an ER doctor and then a biosciences researcher, Dr. McCalla ultimately found her calling in teaching advanced scientific research. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, a Master's of Science in Hematology/Microbiology, and a Ph.D. focused on diagnostic tests for genetics. Dr. McCalla, a National Geographic Explorer, has notably transformed science programs, including at New York's Jericho High School, and is the founder of the iResearch Institute, an organization dedicated to empowering students in scientific inquiry and innovation. She is perhaps most famous for her part in the Disney+/National Geographic Emmy-winning documentary "Science Fair" and the 2023 TV series - "Science Fair: the Series." 

Bran is joined by Werner Herzog, a titan of world cinema and a leading figure of the New German Cinema movement, renowned for his obsessive, visionary, and often death-defying approach to filmmaking. Born in Munich in 1942 and raised in a remote Bavarian village without modern technology, Herzog developed a unique artistic philosophy centered on the pursuit of "ecstatic truth"—a poetic reality that transcends mere facts. His prolific career spans over 70 films, including masterpiece narrative features like Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) and Fitzcarraldo (1982)—noted for his legendary, volatile collaborations with actor Klaus Kinski—and acclaimed documentaries such as Grizzly Man (2005) and Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010). Beyond the director's chair, Herzog is an accomplished author and a distinct screen presence; his unmistakable, somber narration and frequent acting turns as a villain (notably in Jack Reacher and The Mandalorian) have cemented his status as a beloved, singular icon of contemporary culture, and a leading voice in contemporary cinema.

Bran is joined by Adam Rose is a versatile American actor and digital creator who successfully bridged the gap between a decades-long career in Hollywood and modern internet superstardom. Born in Jerusalem and raised in New York City, he began acting at age nine, making his film debut in Woody Allen's Deconstructing Harry (1997) and voicing Peanut Otter in the Disney series PB&J Otter. Over the next twenty years, he became a prolific television presence with recurring roles in Veronica Mars (as Max), Supernatural, and Santa Clarita Diet. However, he reached a massive new global audience during the pandemic as the "Blue Cardigan Guy" on TikTok, where his comedic timing and viral dance content—one of which was later licensed by Fortnite—earned him over 30 million followers across social platforms. By 2026, Rose has leveraged this digital influence to ignite a major cinematic streak, securing roles in high-profile projects such as Tony Gilroy's "Behemoth!" alongside Pedro Pascal and the romantic comedy "Goodbye Girl." He is now recognized as a leading digital creator,, with his work is hugely popular worldwide. As of April 2026, he has over 27 million followers, and gets over a billion views monthly. 

Bran is joined by longtime friend Franklin Story Musgrave (born August 19, 1935), an American physician and former NASA astronaut noted for his technical expertise and extensive academic background;. He flew on six Space Shuttle missions between 1983 and 1996, performed multiple spacewalks, and contributed to satellite and telescope servicing and numerous scientific experiments in orbit. Musgrave earned multiple advanced degrees, joined NASA in the 1960s as a scientist-astronaut, and became known for his versatility across engineering, medical, and operational roles before retiring from the agency in the mid-1990s. He is a highly accomplished pilot with over 20,000 hours as pilot-in-command, in over 160 aircraft types, and over 7500 hours of jet time. As a parachutist, he as made over 800 free falls, and has earned FAA ratings for instructor, instrument instructor, glider instructor, and airline transport pilot in addition to astronaut wings. He is the only astronaut to have flown on all five of NASA's Space Shuttles.

Bran is joined by Academy Award winning actor, Robert Downey Jr. whose career has spanned over five decades, marked by both immense critical success as an award winning, A-list actor, and a remarkable professional comeback. Born in New York City in 1965 to filmmaker Robert Downey Sr., he made his acting debut at age five and rose to prominence as part of the "Brat Pack" in the 1980s before earning his first Academy Award nomination for his transformative portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in Chaplin (1992). He achieved a definitive career resurgence in the mid-2000s, gaining global superstardom as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and received a second Oscar nod for Tropic Thunder (2008). In 2024, his career reached a new pinnacle when he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most talented, versatile, and respected leading men.