Rhythm of Life artwork

Rhythm of Life

22 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 29 ratings

Chicago, IL - Where conversation flows...and life is explored -- that’s where the new podcast, Rhythm of Life, begins. Initial episodes include a fascinating conversation Steve Ordower has with filmmaker, Bob Hercules about his illustrious career, including his most recent Peabody Award winning documentary, Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise. They touch on the power of forgiveness in this project as well as in another potent film Hercules directed, Forgiving Dr. Mengele. We also hear from the accomplished journalist, author and filmmaker, Alex Kotlowitz as he discusses his winding and atypical career with Bob Hercules. He reflects on writing books at the intersection of race, poverty and violence as in, There Are No Children Here, as well as working with such luminaries in different mediums as Ira Glass and Michael Moore. Another engrossing episode is with Mavis Staples, as she talks with Steve Ordower about her incredible musical journey from the time she started signing with her family, to collaborating with Prince. She also reflects how her father, Pops, was playing blues licks on the guitar. They simply didn’t realize the influence the blues was having on their music, that give it such a distinctive sound.Join us to stimulate your mind, and broaden your perspective.Another episode features an insightful conversation Bob Hercules has with musician, visual artist, and political activist, Jon Langford. According to the LA Times...Summarizing Jon Langford’s contributions to punk rock and all of its permutations, as well as his career-long obsession with American roots music, is liable to overwhelm anyone, exploring such topics as political frustration and career disillusionment. Audience members also get an inside and captivating look into making the groundbreaking documentary film about interfaith marriage, Leaps of Faiths. Filmmaker Bob Hercules sits down with co-directors Steve Ordower and David Kovacs to talk about this 5 1⁄2 year journey, and how they observed that this relatively new structure of raising children in two faiths has created a powerful paradigm for genuine acceptance. And, Actor Ernie Hudson reflects on his journey through his prolific career with Steve Ordower, including working with such icons as Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, along with his reflections on what draws him to certain projects over others.Enrich your life by listening to the Rhythm Of Life podcast: Where conversation flows...and life is explored.Future episodes will feature in-depth conversations with such notable figures as Newton Minow, former chair of the FCC, reflecting on how the media and television, which he called “a vast wasteland,” have evolved. Stephan Garnett, lecturer at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, will share his perspective on the state of journalism today.

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Episodes

Dr. Jeff Panzer - Direct Primary Care

January 18, 2024 10:30 - 1 hour - 87.9 MB

Today on the show host Steve Ordower sits down with Dr. Jeff Panzer, who recently started his own Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinic in Evanston, IL - BRIDGE DIRECT CARE - focused on building relationships with his patients. This is a transformative paradigm that allows doctors to deliver health care in a genuine way, not dictated by the profit motive structure imposed by insurance companies. A great deal of health care in the U.S. is called "managed care", but it may as well be called "manage...

Stem Cells

November 23, 2023 10:30 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MB

Imagine a world where the body's most remarkable cells hold the key to healing, where damaged tissues can regenerate, and diseases once considered incurable become a thing of the past. Stem cells are like the unsung heroes of our bodies. They possess the incredible ability to become any type of cell, offering hope for those suffering from devastating diseases and injuries. If you’ve been curious about this remarkable regenerative therapy, stick around as we unravel the science behind stem c...

Quantum Computing & AI

October 25, 2023 09:30 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MB

Learn about the remarkable and unprecedented technology of Quantum Computing and how it's positioned to have a significant impact on our world, especially when it is combined with another remarkable technology that is already having a significant impact - Artificial Intelligence. In this episode, you'll gain a general understanding of Quantum Computing, and what you may expect to experience in society as it significantly increases the power of Artificial Intelligence.

Bitcoin

October 04, 2023 10:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

Learn about the revolutionary digital currency Bitcoin. Host Steve Ordower breaks down what Bitcoin is, what makes it work, and why it's significant today. If you've been wanting to get a good general understanding of this emerging technological marvel, this episode is a great place to start. You'll also gain insight into the issues surrounding Bitcoin, such as environmental concerns, institutional adoption and retail investing. If you'd like to take your knowledge of Bitcoin to the next pl...

Stephan Garnett - journalist

September 13, 2023 09:00 - 2 hours - 124 MB

INSIDE ROBERT TAYLOR project: https://youtu.be/bprhTUZIOCg Today on the show host Steve Ordower welcomes his friend and colleague, journlist Stephan Garnett - who is wrapping up a long and distinguished carreer teaching at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. They discussed a myriad of issues, including the state of journalism today and the incentive structures that are influential in creating the current media landscape in the U.S. The conversation touched on how destruc...

Rhythm of Life sample reel

September 09, 2022 20:00 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MB

Where conversation flows as life is explored -- that’s where the new podcast, Rhythm of Life, begins. Initial episodes include filmmaker Bob Hercules delving into the art of documentary filmmaking including his most recent project, the Peabody Award-winning “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise.” Subsequent episodes will feature fascinating discussions with producer/filmmakers Steve Ordower and David Kovacs, gospel and R&B legend Mavis Staples, and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). Newton Minow, former ...

Jon Marshall - "Clash: Presidents and the Press in Times of Crisis"

August 05, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 69.3 MB

Today on the show host Steve Ordower welcomes his friend and colleague, Jon Marshall, who has written a vital and timely book titled, “CLASH, Presidents and the Press in Times of Crisis.”  This work explores the political, economic, social, and technological forces that have shaped the relationship between U.S. presidents and the press during pivotal moments in the country’s history, and helps us understand how we arrived at our current troubled state of affairs.  Jon Marshall is a very acco...

Gordon Quinn

July 13, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 76.2 MB

In this episode, we explore the remarkable career of the vital and trailblazing filmmaker, Gordon Quinn.   He is the Artistic Director and founding member of Kartemquin Films, and has been making documentaries for over 50 years. The late movie critique, Roger Ebert, called his first film Home for Life "an extraordinarily moving documentary.”…utilizing the technique of cinéma verité to investigate and critique society by documenting the unfolding lives of real people.  Gordon Quinn has ment...

Rhythm of Life sample reel - extended

February 01, 2022 20:00 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MB

Where conversation flows as life is explored -- that’s where the new podcast, Rhythm of Life, begins. Initial episodes include filmmaker Bob Hercules delving into the art of documentary filmmaking including his most recent project, the Peabody Award-winning “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise.” Subsequent episodes will feature fascinating discussions with producer/filmmakers Steve Ordower and David Kovacs, gospel and R&B legend Mavis Staples, and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). Newton Minow, former ...

The Gentlemen of Crypto

December 10, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 90.2 MB

Host Steve Ordower had the pleasure of speaking with The Gentlemen of Crypto….made up of King Bless and Isaiah Jackson aka Bitcoin Zay who’s mission is to “bridge the gap between crypto-currency and the community.”  They jointly run the KRBE Digital Assets Group which offers consulting to business, and they offer a masterclass about the Crypto industry.  They are both Certified Bitcoin Professionals and Bitcoin Zay has most recently come out with the 2nd edition of his book, “Bitcoin & Black...

Flint Taylor - The Torture Machine: Racism and Police Violence in Chicago

August 27, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MB

This is part 2 of the interview host Bob Hercules conducted with the remarkably persistent and dedicated civil and human rights attorney Flint Taylor.  Part 1 of this interview took a close look at the murder of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, and the 13-year legal battle that ensued to successfully change the public narrative of how Hampton died.  If you have not heard this part of the interview, which is episode 9 of this podcast, please give it a listen first.  This part of the conver...

Flint Taylor - Fred Hampton's attorney

May 04, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 69.7 MB

Host Bob Hercules sat down with attorney Flint Taylor to discuss the murder of Black Panther leader, Fred Hampton in 1969, who is the subject of the recent film, “Judas & The Black Messiah.”  With five Oscar nominations, including for best picture, this movie ultimately took home an Academy Award for Daniel Kaluuya’s performance as Fred Hampton in the Best Supporting Actor category. Along with his partner, Jeff Haas, in the People’s Law Office, Flint Taylor takes us through the journey of h...

Ernie Hudson

November 13, 2020 21:00 - 2 hours - 162 MB

Host Steve Ordower has a fascinating, inspiring and downright hilarious conversation with actor Ernie Hudson, as they discuss his long and winding journey with his career.  Ernie reflects on his serendipitous meeting with director Gordon Parks, his breakout role in "The Great White Hope," playing the lead role in the play about the life of fighter Jack Johnson, along with his time attending the Yale school of drama.   Hudson has been a fixture in film and television for decades, and he talk...

Steve James

September 04, 2020 10:00 - 2 hours - 127 MB

Host Bob Hercules speaks with the acclaimed documentary filmmaker, Steve James, who’s first film, Hoop Dreams, made an indelible mark on the cultural and sociological landscape in the U.S..  This film won every major critics award in 1994 as well as a Peabody, and picked up many more accolades along with way.  James also directed, Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, that was nominated for an Academy Award, and tells the story of a small financial institution that was the only company criminally in...

Rev. Jesse Jackson

June 02, 2020 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MB

Today on the show we welcome one of America’s foremost civil rights, religious and political figures, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.  This episode is part of an ongoing series about the Emmy Award winning Gospel television program, JUBILEE SHOWCASE, that was a who’s-who of Gospel Greats in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and its outspoken civil rights activist producer and host, Sid Ordower.  This episode is filled with excellent Gospel Music from JUBILEE SHOWCASE! Host Steve Ordower sat down with Re...

Jon Langford

February 11, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 75.3 MB

Today on the show, guest host Bob Hercules welcomes the dynamic musician and visual artist, Jon Langford, to discuss his illustrious career.  Jon has lead several bands, most notably The Mekons, The Waco Brothers, and Pine Valley Cosmonauts. Since the mid-1980s, Langford has been one of the leaders in incorporating folk and country music into punk rock.

Alex Kotlowitz

December 10, 2019 11:30 - 1 hour - 67.8 MB

Guest host, Bob Hercules sits down with the prolific author, journalist and filmmaker, Alex Kotlowitz, who is best known for his books exploring the intersection of poverty, urban violence and race, which includes his landmark book, THERE ARE NO CHILDREN HERE.

Mavis Staples

July 30, 2019 15:35 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MB

Host Steve Ordower sits down with music icon Mavis Staples to discuss her family starting out as The Staple Singers, her collaborations with notable artists such as Prince, her father's distinctive guitar style, and her experience appearing on the Gospel music TV show, Jubilee Showcase.

Ep. 3 Mavis Staples

July 30, 2019 15:35 - 55 minutes - 63.9 MB

Host Steve Ordower sits down with music icon Mavis Staples to discuss her family starting out as The Staple Singers, her collaborations with notable artists such as Prince, her father's distinctive guitar style, and her experience appearing on the Gospel music TV show, Jubilee Showcase.

Bob Hercules - Filmmaker

June 26, 2019 15:45 - 1 hour - 69.1 MB

Host Steve Ordower sits down with filmmaker Bob Hercules to discuss his recent documentary, “Maya Angelou l And Still I rise”, along with the rest of Hercules’ prolific career. Bob Hercules is an independent filmmaker and co-owner of Media Process Group — a Chicago-based production company. Hercules' work has been seen widely on PBS, Discovery Channel, IFC, The Learning Channel and in film festivals around the world.  Herculesʼ latest film, Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, premiered at the ...

Leaps Of Faiths - a film about interfaith marriage.

May 31, 2019 17:02 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MB

Bob Hercules interviews Steve Ordower & David Kovacs about their new documentary film about interfaith marriage, LEAPS OF FAITHS. LEAPS OF FAITHS is available on Amazon, iTunes, and VUDU. Watch the film here: https://www.filmmovement.com/product/leaps-of-faiths Love tests faith. Faith tests love. Interfaith marriage - how does that work? What about the in-laws? How to raise the kids? For 30 years, Catholics and Jews in Chicago have found that the answers don't have to be so hard - boundari...

Leaps Of Faiths

May 31, 2019 17:02 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MB

Bob Hercules interviews Steve Ordower & David Kovacs about their new documentary film about interfaith marriage, LEAPS OF FAITHS.