Best Booksmart Studios Podcasts (2025)

1
The Story of Us 21:06

16d ago21:06

21:06

John talks about the subject of his new book by Avery Publishing — Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words. Please subscribe at www.booksmartstudios.com and thank you for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com…

1
Shakespeare with a Soundtrack - Reviewing Juliet and Romeo and A Conversation with Alex Grech 27:11

21h ago27:11

27:11

Set in 1301, when Italy was still barely an idea, Juliet & Romeo reimagines Shakespeare’s tragic story through a fresh musical lens. The film follows star-crossed lovers Romeo (Jamie Ward) and Juliet (Clara Rugaard), who must keep their love hidden as their families remain locked in a bitter feud. For those familiar with my reviews, you know musica…

1
The Story of Us

16d ago

—

John talks about the subject of his new book by Avery Publishing — Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words. Please subscribe at www.booksmartstudios.com and thank you for listening!

1
Acting, Music, and Authenticity: Jet Jurgensmeyer's Journey 35:10

16d ago35:10

35:10

What truly shapes a child actor's journey through Hollywood into adulthood? Jet Jurgensmeyer—who began performing at just three years old—offers insights into growing up in the entertainment industry while somehow managing to keep both feet firmly on the ground. From his first role at age four to his family's decision to move to California when he …

1
Jonathan Bowen's Journey Through Film, Philosophy, and Finding His Way Back 57:49

20d ago57:49

57:49

The journey from passionate film enthusiast to director isn't always a straight path. For Jonathan L. Bowen, that journey involved writing 600 movie reviews as a teenager, studying philosophy in college, and experiencing a decade-long gap between his first and second feature films. Throughout our conversation, Bowen offers fascinating insights into…

1
Happy People: How Andy James is Revolutionizing Flamenco Jazz 16:49

22d ago16:49

16:49

Andy James takes us on a captivating journey from Melbourne to Madrid and beyond in this illuminating conversation about fusion, culture, and artistic evolution. A world-acclaimed flamenco dancer who pivoted to jazz artistry, James embodies the beautiful intersection of seemingly disparate musical traditions. James explains how her latest album "Ha…

1
Beyond the E Street Band: How David Sancious Became Music's Special Ingredient 39:01

27d ago39:01

39:01

David Sancious doesn't just play music – he transforms it. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and original E Street Band member sits down for a revealing conversation that spans his remarkable journey from childhood piano lessons to collaborations with the biggest names in music history. From the moment Sancious describes his musical upbringin…

1
Finding Freedom Beyond the Screen: A Friendly Conversation with Falk Hentschel Henlee 49:00

1M ago49:00

49:00

Although we’ve only met once and spoken a handful of times, I consider actor Falk Hentschel Henlee and his wife, Kim, friends. We first connected at a comic con in Minnesota, where Falk was meeting fans and promoting his role as Hawkman on the CW shows. What began as a brief interview request turned into an entire afternoon spent with Falk and Kim.…

1
Authentic Sound in a Digital World: Mark DiPietro's Musical Philosophy 30:36

1M ago30:36

30:36

What does authentic musicianship look like in today's digital world? Mark DiPietro answers this question through five decades of dedication to his craft, sharing his remarkable journey from pretending a tennis racket was his guitar at age five to releasing two albums filled with real instruments and genuine expression. His debut album "DiPietro Lea…

1
Fire, Die, Rim 32:22

2M ago32:22

32:22

The Thai words for fire, die and rim sound an awful lot like the English words fire, die and rim. Why is that? John explains. To help support Lexicon Valley please consider a paid subscription — visit www.booksmartstudios.com and sign up today! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus…

1
Fire, Die, Rim

2M ago

—

The Thai words for fire, die and rim sound an awful lot like the English words fire, die and rim. Why is that? John explains. To help support Lexicon Valley please consider a paid subscription — visit www.booksmartstudios.com and sign up today!

1
Supercharged since October 7 22:45

3M ago22:45

22:45

Ken Stern (Director of the Bard Center for the Study of Hate) joins Amna and Jeff to discuss these urgent questions: Are campuses hotbeds of antisemitism? How do we define antisemitism in the first place? Is there a difference between antisemitism and anti-Zionism? How have colleges handled the student protests around Gaza? Why are so many higher e…

1
Reviving Rock: Lorraine Lewis on Femme Fatale, New Music, and Life in the Spotlight 28:55

3M ago28:55

28:55

Prepare yourself for an energetic journey with the one and only Lorraine Lewis, a trailblazer in the rock music scene since the 80s. Lorraine opens up about her dream to follow in the footsteps of her idol, David Lee Roth. Despite facing the intense challenges of a male-dominated industry, Lorraine’s story is one of resilience and integrity as she …

1
Who Speaks the Language of Social Justice? 17:33

3M ago17:33

17:33

Our friend and colleague Stony Brook sociologist Musa al-Gharbi has a new book out. And it’s a tour-de-force. We Have Never Been Woke is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the economic, political and cultural divides between the haves and the have-nots in the United States. We were delighted to host Musa for a book talk on the Car…

1
"You Can't Be an Egalitarian Social Climber" 19:20

3M ago19:20

19:20

Our friend and colleague Stony Brook sociologist Musa al-Gharbi has a new book out. And it’s a tour-de-force. We Have Never Been Woke is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the economic, political and cultural divides between the haves and the have-nots in the United States. We were delighted to host Musa for a book talk on the Car…

1
Trouble Ahead 19:41

4M ago19:41

19:41

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to talk to PEN America’s Jeremy Young about what a second Trump administration holds in store for higher education. It was an informative—and sobering—conversation. Over the next four years, we should be prepared for a tsunami of ideologically-driven threats to academic freedom, campus free expression and th…

1
Embracing Heritage and Dreams: Amielynn Abellera's Journey in Acting 42:20

4M ago42:20

42:20

What happens when you choose passion over a traditional career path? Amielynn Abellera, our guest, shares her remarkable journey from Stockton, California, all the way to the heart of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. As a Filipino-American stage, screen, and voice actress, Amielynn’s story is one of self-discovery and embracing cultural h…

1
Hither and Yon

4M ago

—

Words like thence and thither are all but obsolete in English, but they were actually quite useful! John explains. SUBSCRIBE to LEXICON VALLEY — please go to www.booksmartstudios.com to become a paid member and receive our BONUS segments.

1
Hither and Yon 25:51

4M ago25:51

25:51

Words like thence and thither are all but obsolete in English, but they were actually quite useful! John explains. SUBSCRIBE to LEXICON VALLEY — please go to www.booksmartstudios.com to become a paid member and receive our BONUS segments. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episo…

1
Nostalgia and Inspiration: A Journey with Rebecca Holden from Knight Rider to Philanthropy 33:53

5M ago33:53

33:53

Renowned actress and singer Rebecca Holden takes us on a nostalgic journey through her vibrant career, sharing stories from her time on the iconic show Knight Rider. Her insights into the creative process, script adaptations, and the technical intricacies of working with the legendary Kit car offer a captivating glimpse into the world of 80s televi…

1
Lorie Line's Musical Journey: Touring with Black Beauty and Preparing for the Holiday Season 13:21

5M ago13:21

13:21

Pianist Lorie Line, who has sold over 6 million albums and continues to tour, performing around 50 concerts per year, joins us on this special shortened holiday episode of The Staffa Podcast. Listen in as Lorie calls in from her tour bus, sharing insights into her musical journey. From her beginnings in Reno, Nevada, to her rise in Minneapolis, Lor…

1
From Courtrooms to Casting Calls: Stacie Greenwell's Inspiring Journey to Hollywood 46:36

5M ago46:36

46:36

Imagine realizing your true calling in the midst of a completely different career path. In this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast we chat with the incredible Stacie Greenwell, a former lawyer turned Hollywood actress, who shares her compelling journey of leaving the legal world to pursue her passion for acting. As we explore Stacie's transition,…

1
Down the Rabbit Hole

5M ago

—

The Eastern Cottontail Bunny Rabbit, between hops. Do you know the difference between a rabbit and a hare? And what then is a bunny? Follow John through the etymological warrens of these several words.

1
Down the Rabbit Hole 22:55

5M ago22:55

22:55

Do you know the difference between a rabbit and a hare? And what then is a bunny? Follow John through the etymological warrens of these several words. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.comBy John McWhorter

1
Rachel Stubington: From Stage to Screen and the Rise of 'Summer' in Apple TV+ Show Shrinking 37:56

6M ago37:56

37:56

Rachel Stubington, the rising star known for her role as Summer in the Apple series "Shrinking," talks about her journey from the theater stage to the television screen. We explore how her character blossomed into a central storyline under the guidance of creator Bill Lawrence. Playing the witty and confident character of Summer offers Rachel a ful…

1
Exploring LGBTQ Representation and Authenticity in Acting with Devin Kawaoka 48:43

6M ago48:43

48:43

Actor Devin Kawaoka joins us for a conversation about his roles on Apple Plus's "Shrinking" and NBC's "Chicago Med." He reveals how a character initially meant to be minor evolved into a significant presence, thanks in part to his dynamic on-screen connection with co-star Michael Urie. This episode also explores the broader capabilities of actors t…

1
Balancing Acts: Douglas Vermeeren's Journey Through Stunts and Cinema 51:11

6M ago51:11

51:11

Douglas Vermeeren joins this episode of The Staffa Corner to discuss balancing the worlds of acting, directing, and performing stunts. From his beginnings in Calgary to high-speed stunts on the rooftops of moving cars, Douglas shares experiences and insights. I found our conversation fascinating as we discussed the critical role of stunt performers…

1
NCIS: Origins Actor Julian Black Antelope: Breaking Stereotypes and Redefining Indigenous Representation in Entertainment 48:21

7M ago48:21

48:21

Actor, writer, director, and producer Julian Black Antelope joins me on this episode offering a fascinating look into his life and career. Julian shares stories from his early years in Alberta to his work in the entertainment industry. He shares his perspective on the representation of Indigenous people in film and television. He also talks about h…

1
The Enchanting World of Shila Ommi - The Pixar Star Talks About Her New Netflix Series KAOS 16:06

7M ago16:06

16:06

Actress Shila Ommi shares her incredible journey from Iran to the United States offers us a window into her world and the diverse experiences that have shaped her remarkable career. From her role as Cinder in Pixar's "Elementals" to her current role in Netflix's "KAOS," Sheila captivates us with insights into her career as an actress, director, wri…

1
Giving You the Business 24:45

7M ago24:45

24:45

It may seem apparent how we got from busyness to business, but the origins of the word “busy” itself are shrouded in mystery. John explains. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.comBy John McWhorter

1
Giving You the Business

7M ago

—

It may seem apparent how we got from busyness to business, but the origins of the word “busy” itself are shrouded in mystery. John explains.

1
Transforming Struggles into Laughter - Actor-Comedian Aaron Foster Talks Comedy, Art, and SXSW Hopes 38:48

8M ago38:48

38:48

In this episode of the Staffa Corner Podcast we sit down with actor-comedian Aaron Foster. Aaron shares his journey into the world of stand-up comedy. Aaron also opens up about his battles with depression shedding light on how these challenges have influenced his comedic voice and the transformative power of laughter in mental health. Additionally,…

1
When Is Code-Switching Inappropriate? 27:27

8M ago27:27

27:27

As a daily listener to WNYC Public Radio in New York City, John has noticed that a certain announcer frequently mispronounces words on air. He has thoughts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com…

1
When Is Code-Switching Inappropriate?

8M ago

—

As a daily listener to WNYC Public Radio in New York City, John has noticed that a certain announcer frequently mispronounces words on air. He has thoughts.

1
Chasing Dreams: Actor Greg Hill Talks About Life and His New Film AfrAId 38:09

8M ago38:09

38:09

Our guest this episode is the talented Greg Hill. He shares his journey from his hometown in Southern California to the demanding world of acting. In a world where egos can run rampant, Greg emphasizes the importance of respect and humility on set. Through engaging anecdotes, he sheds light on the often unseen dynamics between actors and crew membe…

1
Actor Nathan Clark Sapsford Talks About His New Film Here Be Dragons 34:41

9M ago34:41

34:41

My guest this episode is former Australian MTV VJ turned-actor Nathan Clark Sapsford. Stapsford recounts his journey from the sunny shores of Bronte, Sydney, to the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Hear about his first major production, Here Be Dragons, and the lessons he learned both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Through his portra…

1
Actor Matty Cardarople Talks About Stranger Things & His New Film 27:23

9M ago27:23

27:23

My guest in this episode is the talented actor and comedian Matty Cardarople. Matty shares his journey from growing up in New Hampshire to the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Matty opens up about the tremendous support from his parents and how it fostered his comedic talents. He also shares his incredible journey to stardom, which included memorab…

1
The World's Largest Family

9M ago

—

Countries with a majority of native speakers of Indo-European languages, countries with IE minority languages with official status and countries with IE minority languages without official status (by Brianski). Working backwards from existing languages, linguists have had great success reconstructing Proto-Indo-European. Does that mean we can do th…

1
The World's Largest Family 19:27

9M ago19:27

19:27

Working backwards from existing languages, linguists have had great success reconstructing Proto-Indo-European. Does that mean we can do the same for all language families? John explains. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com…

1
The Staffa Corner Podcast, Ep. 25 – Has Singer Darci Monet Finally Found Peace After Napoleon Dynamite? 41:07

10M ago41:07

41:07

Imagine being the voice behind a memorable song in a film only to have your contribution go unrecognized. This is the nightmare Darci Monet faced while watching the indie film “Napoleon Dynamite,” A cult classic known for its unique characters and memorable soundtrack. Her version of “The Rose” plays during the Happy Hands Club scene. Her anticipat…

1
The Staffa Corner Podcast, Ep. 26 - Filmmaker Rich Ronat & Actress Laura Vale Talk About Their Film CULPRIT 35:58

10M ago35:58

35:58

Director Rich Ronat and actress Laura Vale joined me on the latest episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast to discuss their new film, Culprit. The psychological thriller marks Ronat's directorial debut, with Vale in a starring role. We explored independent filmmaking and strategies for competing with big-budget productions in their conversation. Wanti…

1
English Is Practically Naked

10M ago

—

A cyclone came through and blew off most of English’s clothes, says John, in Part II of his discussion of Indo-European.

1
English Is Practically Naked 21:40

10M ago21:40

21:40

A cyclone came through and blew off most of English’s clothes, says John, in Part II of his discussion of Indo-European. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.comBy John McWhorter

1
Family Ties 27:01

11M ago27:01

27:01

There are at least five defining features among hundreds of related languages from English to Hindi to Russian. And what does any of that have to do with the Hittites? John explains. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com…

1
Family Ties

11M ago

—

The Hittite Sacred Water Temple, in what is now Konya, Turkey, consists of a large pool built on a natural water source and god and goddess figures made in relief technique on rectangular shaped rocks. There are at least five defining features among hundreds of related languages from English to Hindi to Russian. And what does any of that have to do…

1
Going Deep 32:50

1y ago32:50

32:50

The simple verb to go quickly gets complex in just about any language and English is no exception. John explains. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.comBy John McWhorter

1
Going Deep

1y ago

—

The simple verb to go quickly gets complex in just about any language and English is no exception. John explains.

1
What's at Stake at Columbia University (and beyond)? 6:29

1y ago6:29

6:29

We saw this clip of Columbia University History Professor Christopher Brown and wanted to share it far and wide. Dr. Brown delivered these remarks on Monday, April 20 at a faculty-led “Rally to Support our Students and Reclaim our University.” He was responding to two events: Columbia President Minouche Shafik’s Congressional Testimony on April 17 …

1
Renowned drummer Zoro Talks About His Latest Book “Maria’s Scarf”. 49:27

1y ago49:27

49:27

Zoro, the renowned drummer born Daniel Donnelly, is the latest guest on The Staffa Corner Podcast. Zoro’s impressive career includes performances alongside notable talents such as Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and New Edition. With such a diverse musical background, it’s no wonder Zoro has captivating stories to sh…

1
Diversity Is Great, DEI, Inc. Isn't. 31:10

1y ago31:10

31:10

We recently appeared on "How Do We Fix It?", a wonderful podcast in search of constructive and practical ideas to address the many problems that plague our age. We had a fantastic time talking to the hosts Richard Davies and Jim Meigs about free speech, academic freedom and campus politics. We discussed DEI, Inc.—what the term means and why we thin…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Booksmart Studios Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen