Majoring in Everything
41 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsAll my life I’ve been told that the key to success is to find the thing you love to do and pursue it at all costs. Yet no matter how hard I tried to focus, I kept getting interested in new things.
I’ve only recently started to wonder: What if being interested in — and good at — lots of different things is just as good as — if not sometimes even an advantage over — being an “expert” in one thing? This podcast is an exploration of that question. Join us!
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Episodes
How to get out of your own way, with Gerrit Jones-Rooy!
April 12, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 97.1 MBI am SO excited to share this episode with you! While having my own brother on my show screams of favoritism, I promise you that you will not want to miss this one. Gerrit is a teacher and literacy expert who inspires children all around the world to love reading, he's an incredible athlete (marathons! triathlons! iron mans!), and he is actually *doing* something about climate change by re-wilding and re-greening New Orleans (and, eventually, you know, the world). While I know him (reasona...
The science comedy revolution, with Kasha Patel!
March 28, 2023 15:00 - 56 minutes - 64.9 MBKasha Patel was recently named one of the top undiscovered comedians in the United States. She's also an accomplished science journalist with expertise in climate change. She's also ALSO one of the pioneers of the growing field of science comedy! Join us to hear about how she came to combine her two worlds, why it's so powerful (and fun), and who can get involved (hint: everyone!). I'm so grateful Kasha joined the show -- and I'm biased of course, but science comedy truly is one of the few ...
The power (and fun!) of collaboration, with Jay Novella
February 07, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 99.8 MBIf you're already a fan of the popular Skeptics' Guide to the Universe (SGU) podcast (and books, and live shows, and more), then you already know that Jay Novella is completely awesome. If you're not already familiar, well, get ready to meet your new favorite person! Jay is a brilliant podcaster, producer, author, and promoter of critical thinking -- among so much more. I'm so honored he joined the show -- tune in to admire his journey from poetry major to world-traveling performer and produ...
Stay authentic, d*mn it! with Lisa Schwartz
January 24, 2023 15:00 - 57 minutes - 79.4 MBI am SO honored that the brilliant Lisa ('Lisbug') Schwartz joined us here at MIE to talk about her many lives and talents! Lisa is a YouTube star who was one of the very first adopters of the platform back way before it was cool in 2007, and now has two million subscribers and counting. We talk about the highs and lows of life in the spotlight -- and truly the importance (and ongoing challenge) of being authentic. In addition to posting new videos *every* day, she's also an actor, host of...
Do work that leaves a mark, with Chris Duffy
January 10, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBChris Duffy is a comedian, TV writer, and podcast host -- and he has some great advice for all of us looking to forge our own paths. Tune in to hear how he parlayed early employment challenges(!) into an exciting and multidimensional career in comedy, media, performance, education, and more! To give just a flavor of his impressiveness: Chris currently hosts TED's podcast, How to Be a Better Human, he wrote for both seasons of Problem Areas with Wyatt Cenac on HBO, and he hosts (and created)...
How to create your own path, with Natalia Reagan
December 20, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 126 MBTalking with Natalia always energizes and inspires me to be more courageous in my own life -- and this conversation is no exception. Tune in to hear her stunning story of realizing what she wants to do in life -- and being brave enough to make it happen -- and her brilliant reminders of the power of unconventional paths. Any time you feel like you're doing the "wrong" thing by having more than one interest, I urge you to listen to Natalia. I, for one, am so grateful she's out there being her...
How to make a big life change, with Stephanie Humphrey
December 06, 2022 15:00 - 58 minutes - 80.1 MBStephanie Humphrey was an accomplished engineer at a big deal company, but something felt off in her life. Tune in to learn how she discovered a more fulfilling path for herself, how she found the courage (and made the plans!) to change her life, and how she now combines her skills in engineering and public speaking to empower others to use technology to improve their lives. Follow Stephanie on instagram and twitter Watch her 10-minute-tech break series. Buy her book! And learn more (inc...
How to stay active in politics, with Dean Obeidallah
October 18, 2022 15:00 - 58 minutes - 80.1 MBDean Obeidallah is a radio host, comedian, journalist, political analyst, activist, co-producer of "Stand Up for Peace", CNN contributor, and a former lawyer, and SNL page -- and he's about to be your new favorite person! Join us to learn why I have finally become moved to go to law school (don't worry, I won't); how his interests in law, comedy, and politics helped him get where he is today; and why it's so important to stay active in politics even when (especially when) it's totally mise...
Dean Obeidallah on staying active in politics
October 18, 2022 15:00 - 58 minutes - 80.1 MBDean Obeidallah is a radio host, comedian, journalist, political analyst, activist, co-producer of "Stand Up for Peace", CNN contributor, and a former lawyer, and SNL page -- and he's about to be your new favorite person! Join us to learn why I have finally become moved to go to law school (don't worry, I won't); how his interests in law, comedy, and politics helped him get where he is today; and why it's so important to stay active in politics even when (especially when) it's totally misera...
Bonus ep. 5: Film & college critics unite!
October 12, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 92.1 MBThe hosts of the World's Smartest Podcast Network (WSPN) get together to save the world once again! In this bonus episode, we talk Billy Eichner, film, and higher education. All the important stuff! Subscribe to our partner podcasts, The Political Orphanage and Lost in America at https://www.worldssmartestpodcastnetwork.com! And follow our World's Smartest Hosts: Andrew Heaton (the Political Orphanage) Turner Sparks (Lost in America) Michael Ira Kaplan (Lost in America) And me :). Ma...
How to find & stay true to yourself, with Tyler Whitman
October 04, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 99.1 MBIf you're a fan of Tyler Whitman, you already know he's one of the kindest, wisest, and inspiring people out there. If you aren't yet a fan, (a) where have you been?! and (b) congratulations, you're about to meet your new favorite person! I'm so grateful to Tyler for joining us for this candid conversation about his journey -- with all its twists and turns -- and for sharing his thoughts on the importance of -- and challenges around -- being true to yourself. If you can't get enough (and ...
Tyler Whitman on finding & staying true to yourself in the international spotlight
October 04, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 99.1 MBIf you're a fan of Tyler Whitman, you already know he's one of the kindest, wisest, and inspiring people out there. If you aren't yet a fan, (a) where have you been?! and (b) congratulations, you're about to meet your new favorite person! I'm so grateful to Tyler for joining us for this candid conversation about his journey -- with all its twists and turns -- and for sharing his thoughts on the importance of -- and challenges around -- being true to yourself. If you can't get enough (and I k...
How to build a career in the arts, with Turner Sparks
September 20, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 99.4 MBTurner Sparks is an internationally-touring standup comedian who spent 12 years in China as an entrepreneur -- he brought Mister Softee ice cream to the country and was foundational to building China's standup comedy scene. Join us to hear how his experience in business has helped him make a living in comedy. And pre-order his new (hilarious) standup album, Double Happiness, at https://www.turnersparks.com/buy-my-album! Let's get it to #1! Follow Turner: Insta, Twitter, and YouTube! Pre-...
Turner Sparks on entrepreneurship in China and building a career in standup comedy
September 20, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 99.4 MBTurner Sparks is an internationally-touring standup comedian who spent 12 years in China as an entrepreneur -- he brought Mister Softee ice cream to the country and was foundational to building China's standup comedy scene. Join us to hear how his experience in business has helped him make a living in comedy. And pre-order his new (hilarious) standup album, Double Happiness, at https://www.turnersparks.com/buy-my-album! Let's get it to #1! Follow Turner: https://www.instagram.com/turnerspark...
Bonus ep. 4: A civil & enlightening conversation about abortion with someone who is pro-life
July 19, 2022 15:00 - 2 hours - 167 MBHello friends! We've come to (finally) the final (for real) episode of season 1 of Majoring in Everything! One of the best things about having a podcast with the word "everything" in the title is that we can literally talk about it all. This episode is no exception: I (someone who is pro-choice) had a conversation with J.M. Jennings (someone who is pro-life) about abortion because I wanted to understand what on Earth is going on on the other side of this debate. I'm so grateful to Andrew Hea...
Part 2: From Hollywood to independent documentaries, with filmmaker Robert Rooy!
July 12, 2022 15:00 - 55 minutes - 76.2 MBThe long-awaited and much-anticipated part 2 of our season finale is finally here! Join me for the second half of this inspiring, fun, emboldening, and, gosh, downright delightful conversation with my father, the Peabody award-winning filmmaker, Robert Rooy! Learn about taking risks, trusting your interests, shining a light on important things, and how to get started in filmmaking, no matter your beginning point. Thank you again to my father, dO, for this special episode (I love you!), and ...
Part 1: From Iowa farmland to Hollywood, with Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Robert Rooy!
May 31, 2022 15:00 - 48 minutes - 66.6 MBOk, I might be a *little* bit biased, but our guest in this episode is one heckuva guy: my father! I've long admired his work in filmmaking -- from Hollywood to nonprofits to being an independent (multi award-winning!) documentary director/producer/editor/gaffer/craft services/cinematographer -- as his daughter, but in this episode, I talk with him as a podcast host about his career, ambitions, and advice to young filmmakers (and everyone else). This is a really special episode to me, and I...
The closest you can get to oblivion: Rock music, film scoring, and PR, feat. Kathryn Musilek & Andrew Gerhan
April 25, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBGet ready to meet your new favorite power couple! I've known Andrew Gerhan and Kathryn Musilek for a few years (they might have been the last new people I met before lockdown?!) as PR experts, and only recently learned of their whole other lives as musicians -- both as part of a killer rock band and as film scorers! As if that weren't all, during the conversation I learned even more about their many talents, from physics to painting to founding and running one heckuva small business. They ar...
Flow State: Neuroscience, storytelling, music, & open water(!) swimming, feat. Paula Croxson!
April 11, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 208 MBBrace yourself, because Paula Croxson is a force to be reckoned with! Neuroscientist, storyteller, flautist, and (very) open water swimmer, Paula might actually need a word bigger than "everything" to describe her many talents. I am so grateful for everything I learned in this episode -- from the different types of memories we have, to how we manage anxiety without realizing it, to the fact that I might actually want to swim in the Hudson River, and more. I hope you are as inspired by this co...
Flow state: Neuroscience, storytelling, music, & open water(!) swimming, feat. Paula Croxson!
April 11, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 208 MBBrace yourself, because Paula Croxson is a force to be reckoned with! Neuroscientist, storyteller, flautist, and (very) open water swimmer, Paula might actually need a word bigger than "everything" to describe her many talents. I am so grateful for everything I learned in this episode -- from the different types of memories we have, to how we manage anxiety without realizing it, to the fact that I might actually want to swim in the Hudson River, and more. I hope you are as inspired by this c...
Bonus ep. 3: The World's Smartest Podcast Network hosts save the world (again!)
April 04, 2022 15:00 - 55 minutes - 127 MBWe're back with another roundtable episode! Your favorite world's smartest podcast hosts are back with some policy, political, business, and all-around-awesome ideas about how to save the world. I hope you enjoy the discussion, and be sure to check out our partner podcasts & hosts! Partner podcasts: Lost in America: https://www.turnersparks.com/lost-in-america-podcast The Political Orphanage: https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com Partner hosts: Turner: https://twitter.com/TurnerBSparks ...
Bonus ep. 2: The IOC, the Royals, and Whoopi Goldberg walk into the Friars Club
February 24, 2022 15:00 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MBWe're coming in hot with the bonus episodes these days! As you may know, Majoring in Everything is a proud member of the World's Smartest Podcast Network (WSPN). My fellow WSPN hosts -- Turner Sparks & Michael Ira Kaplan of Lost in America and Andrew Heaton of the Political Orphanage -- join forces every now and then to put our heads together and solve the world's problems. This episode is no exception -- enjoy! Come see Turner and me live (or live-streaming)! Get tickets to Turner's live ...
Is it all just math? Consulting, comedy, and the ultimate nirvana, feat. Zain Sharif
February 21, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 265 MBZain Sharif is a consultant, standup comedian, Bollywood dancer, and all-around super nice, thoughtful, and generous guy. I'm so honored that he joined me for this conversation to share how he found his path, how to figure out what to do next, and what the point of all this is, anyway. This is an extra existential one (and that's a lot coming from this podcast), and I am so here for it. Thank you, Zain, and, enjoy, everyone! Follow Zain: https://www.instagram.com/zainsharifcomedy/ Get tick...
Bonus ep. 1: Ok, but what does "identity politics" mean?
February 10, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 110 MBIn this bonus episode, I put on my trusty old political scientist hat to have a nice chat with some of my favorite political thinkers, Andrew Heaton (The Political Orphanage) and Jeremiah Johnson (The Neoliberal Podcast) to talk about what "identity politics" means, how our identities influence our political behavior, and what identity even is. Also, some of the great political science research we mention (from superstars like Professors Ashley Jardina and Morris Fiorina) is linked below! H...
Learning to trust yourself, and the power of dark comedy, feat. Kyle Marian!
February 07, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 177 MBHow do you know what to do with your life? Learning to trust yourself is probably one of the most important and difficult lessons out there, and I am so grateful to Kyle Marian for joining us to talk so candidly about how she navigated finding her path. She now, among many things, expertly wields the power of dark comedy to talk about tough and important subjects. Be sure to follow all her goings-on, and thank you, Kyle! Follow Kyle on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kylemarian Follow Kyle on...
Ep. 5: Sacred spaces, bodies, and souls, and what it feels like to do contortion!
January 24, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 165 MBJonathan Nosan is a contortionist, ceramicist, scholar of sacred spaces, polyglot, juggler, magician, teacher, and more -- and also your new favorite person! He's been my contortion coach for many years, and I'm so honored he sat down with us to share his secrets, wisdom, and humor. I hope you love this conversation as much as I did. Learn alllllllll about Jonathan: https://www.jonathannosan.com Admire his beautiful ceramics: www.nosanceramics.com Follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.com/c...
Sacred spaces, bodies, and souls, and what it feels like to do contortion!
January 24, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 165 MBJonathan Nosan is a contortionist, ceramicist, scholar of sacred spaces, polyglot, juggler, magician, teacher, and more -- and also your new favorite person! He's been my contortion coach for many years, and I'm so honored he sat down with us to share his secrets, wisdom, and humor. I hope you love this conversation as much as I did. Learn alllllllll about Jonathan: https://www.jonathannosan.com Admire his beautiful ceramics: www.nosanceramics.com Follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.c...
Healing political divides through comedy, feat. Andrew Heaton
January 10, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 167 MBIt's hard to overstate how much of a fan I am of Andrew Heaton, and this episode only served to make my fandom more intense! Heaton is a comedian, author, political satirist, policy analyst, and more, and just might be our best bet for understanding one another across political divides. Plus, his answer to the question of the meaning of life will be at the forefront of my brain for a very long time. Follow Heaton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mightyheaton Follow him on Insta: https://www...
How science and stories will save the world, feat. Dr. Moiya McTier!
December 20, 2021 15:00 - 55 minutes - 76.1 MBThis is a show for everyone who is interested in more than one thing. This week we talk to the everything major to outdo all everything majors (not that it's a competition, but if it were..!). Dr. Moiya McTier is an astrophysicist, folklorist, science communicator, and all-around hero. Tune in to learn why uniting stories and science will save us, what astrophysicists know that we don't about the meaning of life, and how to know if you're on the wrong path. Learn more about Dr. McTier: http...
The most inspiring person in the world, feat. Jon Laster!
December 06, 2021 15:00 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MBThis is a show for everyone who is interested in more than one thing. We are joined by an extraordinary person today: Jon Laster is a comedian, financial activist, and former star basketball player. In addition to regularly performing at the legendary Comedy Cellar, he recently created and launched Blapp: the Black shopping app. Listen to hear how all of his worlds come together and how you can make amazing changes in your life. Thank you, Jon! Download Blapp: https://www.blappapp.com Foll...
Ep. 1: Brian Wecht: from physicist to rock star!
November 22, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 206 MBMajoring in Everything is a show about and for those who are interested in many (seemingly) unrelated things. Who better to kick things off than the one and only Brian Wecht?! He's a theoretical physicist, musician, comedian, puzzle maker, father, and so much more! Learn how he got to where he is, and why sometimes you just need to say yes to being a rock star. Edited by Eric P. Stipe. MIE is a proud member of the World's Smartest Podcast Network (WSPN). Ninja Sex Party's new album "Level Up"...
From physicist to rock star, feat. Brian Wecht!
November 22, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 206 MBMajoring in Everything is a show about and for those who are interested in many (seemingly) unrelated things. Who better to kick things off than the one and only Brian Wecht?! He's a theoretical physicist, musician, comedian, puzzle maker, father, and so much more! Learn how he got to where he is, and why sometimes you just need to say yes to being a rock star. Edited by Eric P. Stipe. MIE is a proud member of the World's Smartest Podcast Network (WSPN). Ninja Sex Party's new album "Level ...
Announcing: Majoring in Everything! Plus: All-new World's Smartest Roundtable!
September 03, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 100 MBIt's been awhile since my last episode -- and Ask a Political Scientist may live on as current events seem to be keeping us on our toes again (still), but in the meantime I'm going to use this space to share a NEW podcast with you all! It's called Majoring in Everything, and it's for people (like me) who can't decide what to do with their lives because they love too many things -- especially things that seem unrelated. We'll explore all corners of the arts, sciences, and -- especially -- th...
Another actually fun conversation about politics!
December 15, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBIt's time for the bonus World's Smartest Politics Roundtable from the hosts of the World's Smartest Podcast Network! We had a great conversation about some of the lesser talked-about goings-on in the world, including geothermal energy, America's hegemony, and North Korea's plan to vaccinate us all! Be sure to subscribe to all three podcasts in the World's Smartest Podcast Network: The Political Orphanage with Andrew Heaton, Lost in America with Turner Sparks & Michael Ira Kaplan, and, of co...
An actually fun conversation about politics!
November 02, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 93.5 MBIt's time for the monthly World's Smartest Politics Roundtable from the hosts of the World's Smartest Podcast Network! We had a great conversation about some of our favorite propositions that are on ballots around the country this year -- tune in and join us to cheer for wolves, gambling, electoral reform, voting rights, and more (or, tell us why we are wrong)! Be sure to subscribe to all three podcasts in the World's Smartest Podcast Network: The Political Orphanage with Andrew Heaton, Los...
Get out the vote!
October 30, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 91 MBElection Day is almost here and it's all come down to this -- voting!! What motivates someone to show up to the polls? What kinds of outreach work to increase turnout, especially among marginalized voters? What can we all do in the next few days to make a difference?! In this episode, we speak with political scientist Chinbo Chong, Ph.D. (Indiana) and Cate Mayer, Founder & CEO of Friends Vote Together about what we can all do to get more people to the polls! This is an audio recording of ...
Changing minds
October 23, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 83.5 MBHaving conversations with people with whom we disagree about politics is pretty painful, but these two brilliant scholars are here to help us figure out how (and why) to do so more effectively. Specifically, we discuss how to have conversations that can reduce prejudice based on their research on transphobia and LGBTQIA+ rights more broadly. It includes concrete tips and some actual gosh darn hope in some spots, even! Tune in to learn from the brilliant Melissa Michelson, Ph.D. and Brian Ha...
Race and politics
October 16, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 83.7 MB"Race is a central organizing principle in American politics," is one of the many things I learned from Prof. Vincent Hutchings, Ph.D., in our conversation in this episode. We're also joined by the incredible Chinisha Scott, an artist, activist, and candidate for office, for a discussion of the influence of race, racial attitudes, and racism on American politics, how the field of political science has studied race and politics over the last few decades, and what we can all do for racial jus...
Misinformation!
October 09, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 84.4 MBMisinformation seems like the worst thing ever -- is it as bad and dangerous as it seems? What exactly is it, how do we know we are facing it and what works to correct it (anything?!)? In this episode, we speak with political scientist Adam Berinsky, Ph.D. (MIT) and comedian & science writer Kasha Patel (NASA, DC Science Comedy) about these questions -- and what we can do about them. This is an audio recording of our live-streaming YouTube show, which aired on Oct. 8, 2020. Subscribe to o...
The media!
October 02, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 84 MBThe media seems like it plays a big role in politics -- but how, exactly, does it affect us? Does the media ever change our mind about things, or do we all just seek out information we already agree with? Is "new media" -- with its partisan bubbles and echo chambers -- to blame for polarization? In this episode, we speak with legendary media expert Prof. Shanto Iyengar, Ph.D. (Stanford) and brilliant journalist Walt Hickey (Insider, Numlock News) about these questions -- and what we can do ...
Polarization!
September 25, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 85.7 MBThis is episode 1 of Ask a Political Scientist's special election series! We're talking polarization with Prof. Neil Malhotra, Ph.D. (Stanford) and comedian & teacher Sarah Garner! Join us to discuss what it is, how bad it is, how we got here -- and what to do about it. This is an audio recording of our live-streaming YouTube episode, which aired live on Sept. 24, 2020, at 7p ET. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch us live (and submit your questions in real time) every Thursday, 7p E...