A Song Called Life
By Osi Atikpoh
A Song Called LifeJun 29, 2021
Episode #148: Dr. Hengchen Dai
In this episode, Osi is accompanied by Dr. Hengchen Dai as they explore the intricate science behind goal setting and motivation. They discuss effctive strategies for setting long term goals, the "Fresh Start" effect, how others’ behaviors and judgments shape people’s motivation, and more.
Dr. Hengchen Dai is a distinguished scholar in the field of judgment and decision-making with a specialized focus on behavioral science applications in business and healthcare. She serves as a faculty member at the UCLA Anderson School of Management and contributes significantly to the Behavioral Decision Making area.
In her research, Dr. Dai investigates from three primary perspectives: intrapersonal, focusing on self-control and motivation through 'fresh starts'; interpersonal, analyzing how external expectations and goals influence individual decisions; and policy-oriented, designing interventions that promote long-term beneficial decision-making. Her work involves collaboration with a broad range of industries, from corporations to healthcare systems, conducting field studies that uncover deep insights into what drives human behavior and motivation, especially in the vibrant business and tech ecosystem of Los Angeles.
Episode #147: Jess Peake
In Episode #147, Jess and Osi discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, examining the allegations of genocide leveled against Israel in its actions toward the Palestinian population. They also cover the nationwide protests unfolding on college campuses like Columbia and NYU, the implications of this conflict on the upcoming presidential election, and various other related topics.
Jess Peake is the Assistant Director of the Promise Institute for Human Rights and the Director of the International and Comparative Law Program at UCLA School of Law. Jess is an expert on digital investigations, human rights and international criminal law. She co-founded the University of California Digital Investigations Network in 2021 and teaches courses on Human Rights and War Crimes Digital Investigations and International Humanitarian Law. Jess was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 2024.
Episode #146: Dr. Daniel Swain
Dr. Daniel Swain is a climate scientist focused on the dynamics and impacts of extreme events—including droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires—on a warming planet. Daniel holds joint appointments as a research scientist within UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, a research fellow in the Capacity Center for Climate and Weather Extremes at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and the California climate fellow at The Nature Conservancy. Daniel engages extensively with journalists and other partners, serving as a climate and weather science liaison to print, radio, television, and web media outlets to facilitate broadly accessible and accurate coverage surrounding climate change. Daniel also authors the Weather West blog (weatherwest.com), which provides real-time perspectives on California and western North American weather and climate. He can be found on Twitter @Weather_West.
Episode #145: Dr. Helen Lavretsky
Dr. Helen Lavretsky is a Professor In-Residence in the Department of Psychiatry at UCLA and a geriatric integrative psychiatrist with federally funded research program in geriatric depression and integrative mental health (NIMH, PCORI, and NCCIH) using mind-body interventions. She is a recipient of the Career Development award from NIMH and the NCCIH, and other prestigious research awards. Her current research studies include investigations of psychopharmacological treatment of geriatric depression, mild cognitive impairment and the use of Tai Chi and yoga for treatment and prevention of late-life mood and cognitive disorders. She is the Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the Fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, and the recipient of the Distinguished Investigator awards for research in geriatric psychiatry from the American College of Psychiatrists and the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. She is the Semel Scholar in Integrative Mental Health and the Director of the Late-life mood, stress and wellness program and the Integrative Psychiatry clinic
Episode #144: Dr. Marcus Hunter
In Episode #144, Dr. Marcus Hunter engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Osi on the contentious topic of reparations for African-Americans. They explore the compelling arguments supporting reparations and encourage a reevaluation of our perspectives on this matter. Additionally, they analyze recent polling data indicating a notable shift among black voters, traditionally aligned with the Democratic party, contemplating backing Trump in the upcoming presidential election.
Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter is the Scott Waugh Endowed Chair in the Social Sciences Division, Professor of Sociology & African American Studies at UCLA. Coiner of #BlackLivesMatter, he is the author & editor of five books, including Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation (HarperCollins/Amistad, 2024). Professor Hunter served as the Inaugural Chair of UCLA’s African American Studies Department and President of the Association of Black Sociologists. The National Science Foundation and Social Science Research Council have also supported his research. In addition, Hunter drafted and advised Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s historic Bill to establish the first-ever US Truth, Racial Healing, & Transformation Commission. He has appeared on C-SPAN’s BookTV, MSNBC, BBC, NPR, the Sacramento Bee, the Los Angeles Times, the LA Sentinel, USA Today, the Daily Beast, the Washington Post, and the New York Times.
Episode #143: Diana Winston
Diana Winston, hailed as one of the nation's most prominent mindfulness teachers, joins Osi in Episode #143. They explore possible reasons behind why practices such as meditation and mindfulness haven't resonated as deeply with the Western world compared to other regions, common misconceptions surrounding mindfulness, Diana's firsthand experiences living as a Buddhist nun for a year, and more.
Diana Winston is the Director of Mindfulness Education at UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) and the author of The Little Book of Being: Practices and Guidance for Uncovering Your Natural Awareness. Called by the Los Angeles Times “one of the nation’s best-known teachers of mindfulness,” she has taught mindfulness since 1999 in a variety of settings including hospitals, universities, corporations, nonprofits, and schools in the US and Asia. A sought-after speaker, she developed the evidence-based Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPS) curriculum and the Training in Mindfulness Facilitation, which trains mindfulness teachers worldwide. She is a founding board member of the International Mindfulness Teachers Association.
Episode #142: Dr. Wael AbdAlmageed
In Episode #142, Osi welcomes Deepfake and AI expert, Dr. Wael AbdAlmageed, to cover the growing concerns surrounding deepfake technology. The discussion encompasses the formidable challenges posed by deepfakes, their potential impact on societal dynamics, especially in critical events such as elections, and the profound consequences of a future where visual trust becomes increasingly uncertain.
Dr. Wael Abd-Almageed is a Research Associate Professor at Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and a Research Director with Information Sciences Institute, both are units of USC Viterbi School of Engineering. He is the Founding Director of the Visual Intelligence and Multimedia Analytics Laboratory (VIMAL). His research interests include representation learning, debiasing and fair representations, multimedia forensics and visual misinformation identification (such as deepfake and image manipulation detection) and face recognition and biometric anti-spoofing.
Episode #141: Jake Ward
In Episode #141, musician Jake Ward joins the podcast to discuss all things music. Together with Osi, they challenge the notion of exclusively favoring one genre and explore the intriguing phenomenon of individuals limiting their music choices based on personal identity. Furthermore, they delve in the origins of music and ponder the hypothetical scenario of a world without this art form.
Jake Ward is a musician and frontman of Jaume, an innovative hyperpop rock band hailing from the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles. Catch the electrifying performance by Jaume live at The Mint on March 2nd, 2024. Secure your tickets now by visiting the following website: https://wl.seetickets.us/event/berriesandtoast-impulse-bangs-jaume-joao-the-darbies/585141?afflky=TheMint
Episode #140: Chad Gerber
In this week's podcast episode, futurist and musician Chad Gerber joins Osi to delve into the recent advancements in AI technology and their potential impact on film, music, and various industries. Additionally, they contemplate whether lawmakers and educators will be able to adeptly keep pace with the swiftly advancing field of AI.
Chad Gerber is a dynamic figure at the forefront of music, technology, and innovation. A Gold and Platinum-selling artist, inventor, and Chief Innovation Officer at Meloscene, he seamlessly blends artistic creativity with technical prowess. As the mind behind the Scenekey AR/VR interface and low-latency studio collaboration technology, Gerber shapes the future of music creation
Episode #139: Brad Rowe
This week, Osi is joined by criminal justice expert Brad Rowe in a compelling episode centered around cannabis reform. Together, they explore the intricate history of cannabis in the United States, tackle the contemporary challenges confronting the cannabis industry, and delve into broader aspects of this complex issue.
Brad Rowe has designed, researched, run and delivered a dozen public policy research projects over the last six years through his time running BOTEC Analysis, with UCLA, and with Avenu Cannabis Support Services. Brad is Adjunct Professor of criminal justice, cannabis and other drug policy at Pepperdine University School of Public Policy and Lecturer of Public Policy at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. He serves on the Board of Advisors for the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative and coordinates the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Research team there. He sits on the Board of Advisors to the Los Angeles County Health Impact assessment on cannabis. He spent much of 2018 working with over a dozen localities across California helping them set their regulations, staff out municipal departments, develop effective tax and enforcement policies, select and award licensees, and convene community groups for educational sessions on licensing, use, and general public health and public safety education.
Episode #138: Dr. Carrie Bearden
Carrie E. Bearden, Ph.D., is an esteemed Professor with a multifaceted presence in the academic landscape. Holding positions in the Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Psychology, and the Brain Research Institute at UCLA, Dr. Bearden stands at the forefront of cutting-edge research. Her work is dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of serious mental illnesses, with a primary emphasis on discerning the genetic and biological vulnerability markers that underlie these conditions. Through her expertise, Dr. Bearden contributes significantly to advancing our understanding of the complex intersection between genetics and mental health, paving the way for innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Episode #137: Geena Russo
Author Geena Russo joins Osi in this week's episode to to explore her debut book, "Sydney's Adventure in New Mexico." They dive into the challenges that accompany the process of writing and publishing your first book, why writing for children is harder than you'd think, and more.
Visit https://bit.ly/48GxZV6 to get yourself or a child near you a copy of Sydney's Adventure in New Mexico.
Geena Russo is a long-time writer, first-time author. During the day G writes blogs, social media content, press releases and the like. By night, G uses words to imagine what Sydney is thinking. A children’s book was a surprise venture, but publishing something was always the dream.
Connect with G on IG:
Author: geena_russo_reads
Book: sydneyadventurebooks
Episode #136: PIXIEPUNK
PIXIEPUNK represents more than just a musical ensemble; it stands as a dynamic cultural movement propelled by the collaborative synergy of TJ, emanating from the vibrant pulse of New York City, and LYNZI, hailing from the serene landscapes of a rural Texan town. The serendipity of their musical convergence unfolded amidst the captivating backdrop of Costa Rica in 2019 during a songwriters workshop, where an instantaneous connection sparked a prolific creative partnership. Their compositions effortlessly blend influences from the timeless allure of Fleetwood Mac to the avant-garde innovation reminiscent of Kanye West merged with the genre-defying essence of Twenty One Pilots, crafting a musical narrative that seamlessly weaves between vintage charm and ethereal allure.
Formerly recognized as "Mercury & the Architects," their journey has been a testament to resilience and unwavering commitment. Achieving acclaim with self-released tracks and visuals, the duo, TJ and LYNZI, navigated a labyrinth of experiences – from triumphant nights in front of sold-out crowds in Los Angeles to the exhilarating highs of sync placements. Their path, however, was marked by health challenges, the unforeseen disruptions of a global pandemic, and a complex web of business dealings. Through these tribulations, their shared passion not only anchored them but also fueled an unyielding dedication to their craft.
PIXIEPUNK is a manifestation of artistic evolution, a project that transcends the boundaries of conventional music. With each obstacle encountered, TJ and LYNZI emerged not only stronger but also imbued with a profound wisdom that enriches their creative expression. Rooted in a commitment to authenticity, PIXIEPUNK stands poised at the intersection of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering passion for crafting a musical experience that transcends the ordinary.
Episode #135: 2023 Wrapped
In this podcast episode, Osi explores the major events and stories that defined 2023, emphasizing their impact as they transition into the new year. Additionally, he shares his personal highlights, including favorite movies, funny moments, and more from the past year.
Episode #134: Kayla Esmond
Kayla Esmond is a Los Angeles-based comedian and actress, originally from Hawaii and raised in Texas. She holds a B.A. in Musical Theater from Ouachita Baptist University (2014). In Little Rock, Arkansas, Kayla excelled in various roles on stage and screen, co-founding the comedy sketch troupe Tyrannosaurus Sketch.
As a stand-up comedian, Kayla earned recognition at Loony Bin Comedy Clubs and was crowned Best Undiscovered Comic in Arkansas. She showcased her comedic prowess at major festivals, including the DC Comedy Festival, The Art of Female Comedy Festival, and The World Series of Comedy. Sharing the stage with notable comedians like AJ Johnson and Mo Alexander, Kayla continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry.
Episode #133: Andy Van
Episode #132: Akinola Pedro
Episode #131: EmanuelDaPhrophet
Episode #130: Israel/Palestine Discussion with Dr. David Myers
David N. Myers, a distinguished professor and accomplished author, holds the Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History at UCLA. Since fall 2017, he has also served as the director of the Luskin Center for History and Policy and leads the UCLA Initiative to Study Hate. With a background in graduate studies at Tel-Aviv, Harvard, and Columbia Universities, Myers is renowned for his significant contributions to modern Jewish intellectual and cultural history. He has authored six books and played a pivotal role in editing or co-editing eleven others. His book, "American Shtetl: The Making of Kiryas Joel, a Hasidic Village in Upstate New York," earned him the prestigious 2022 National Jewish Book Award in American Jewish Studies.
Episode #129: Corey Kang
Corey Kang, a Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, brings his unique comedic style to the stage. Hailing from the vibrant streets of Miami, Corey offers fresh perspectives on life with an unapologetically genuine approach that resonates with audiences.
Episode #128: Myka Miller
Myka Miller holds the position of Executive Director at the Guitar Center Music Foundation and concurrently works as a freelance oboist in Los Angeles, CA. In her previous role as the Executive Director of Harmony Project, she successfully managed significant growth in both student enrollment and the program's budget. Initially serving 250 students with a budget of $300,000, she transformed it into an institution catering to over 3,500 students with a budget of $4.9 million. Under her leadership, the Harmony Project received the prestigious "Coming Up Taller" award from the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities and was recognized as a Bright Spot in Hispanic Education during the Obama Administration.
Currently residing in Hollywood, Myka actively participates in various musical endeavors, including collaborations with orchestras, rock and salsa bands, experimental ensembles, and jazz projects. She is a consistent member of Adam Rudolph's avant-garde GO Organic Orchestra and the daKAH hip-hop orchestra.
Episode #127: Tim Chonacas
Episode #126: Steve Swerdlow
Steve reunites with Osi for his fourth appearance on the podcast, shedding light on the latest global events. They navigate the evolving tensions between Ukraine and Russia, revisiting pivotal moments since Steve's February discussion. Additionally, they discuss the limited media attention given to the Armenia/Azerbaijan conflict, among other pressing issues.
Steve Swerdlow is an Associate Professor of the Practice of Human Rights in the Department of Political and International Relations at the University of Southern California. A human rights lawyer and expert on the former Soviet region, Swerdlow was Senior Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch, heading the organization’s work on Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and founding its Kyrgyzstan field office. Swerdlow has worked as a consultant with the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Episode #125: Michael Mollo
In Episode #125, we are thrilled to welcome back Michael Mollo, one of the first guests to appear on the podcast back in Episode 5. Michael and Osi discuss their experiences while collaborating on Michael's upcoming debut album, Blue Door Records. They discuss themes such as self-discovery through music, the significance of crafting your own definition of success, and more.
Michael Mollo is a musical native of the Pennsylvania mountains. As composer and songwriter in Santa Monica, California, his music can be heard in a number of film, television and game scores. Michael also oversees global operations for Velvet Green Music. The first single, titled "Blue Ramble," from his upcoming debut album will be released on September 29th, 2023. You can listen to this track by clicking on the links below.
Blue Door Records full album release, Friday October 13, 2023
“Born to Ramble” on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/2CKHIu8NuZMrwj9PEmBCpt?si=Ogv1MoNbSgO30eBXOTM6gg
“Born To Ramble” Official Music Video
https://youtu.be/xCVvANhYvf8?si=1gnomyTSPiNdNiMb
Episode #124: Hana Katana
Hana Katana is a musician, author, action actress, & content creator from Austin, Texas.
Hana is back on the podcast, joining Osi in this week's episode. The two reconnect and discuss a diverse array of subjects, spanning from their experiences living with insane roommates to their thoughts about the forthcoming 2024 election and its potential candidates, and more.
Episode #123: Big Mac Lawson
Mac Lawson aka “Big Mac Lawson” is a stand-up comedian based in Miami, Florida. She has past experiences with sketch comedy, modeling, acting, writing, entrepreneurship, and former musician. She is the host of her brand new podcast “Mac After Dark.”
Mac and Osi discuss Mac's journey into stand-up comedy, including a pivotal moment marked by a significant head injury that served as the catalyst for her comedic career. They also discuss the lessons they’ve learned from living in LA, and much more.
Episode #122: Sam Landers and Micahel Powers
Sam and Michael join Osi to discuss their thoughts on the recent congressional hearing where whistleblower David Grusch confirmed the existence of non-human entities visiting Earth. They also discuss the unique path of becoming a comedian or in Osi's case, a professional tuba player, and everything that has to go wrong (or right?) to find yourself on these paths.
Episode #121: Sanford Williams
Sanford Williams is a lecturer of law at University of California, Los Angeles Law School, and both a special advisor to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and a deputy managing director at the Federal Communications Commission. He was a member of the Manassas City, Virginia school board from 2010 –2021, and served as chair from 2018–2021—the first African American chairman of the Manassas City school board. He is also a member of the board of directors of Kids in the Spotlight, a Los Angeles County–based organization that helps foster youth heal and grow from trauma through storytelling and filmmaking.
Episode #120: Liz Zagone
Liz Zagone is a Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian. She is the host and co-producer of 'Bitch N Purge', a monthly live comedy show where people share their hilarious stories about working in the service industry.
Liz joins Osi in this week’s episode to share her experiences as a comedian in LA, having come from Chicago and adjusting to a new scene. Additionally, she talks about how being a bartender complements her life as a comedian and more.
Episode #119: LX Xander
LX Xander joins Osi on this week's episode to discuss the most wholesome and least problematic industry out there. You guessed it: the music industry. They dive into what gives the music industry its questionable reputation, how artists often find themselves in unfavorable situations, the culture of the music industry in Los Angeles, and much more.
Hailing all the way from North England, LX Xander is a Billboard-charting music producer based in Los Angeles, CA. He has worked with artists such as Lil Uzi Vert, Kodak Black, Rick Ross, Fetty Wap, and many more.
Episode #118: DJ KZA
DJ KZA is a multi-talented artist hailing from San Diego, CA, known for his skills as a producer, designer, and of course, a DJ. KZA reveals the fascinating story of his journey into the world of DJing, his exhilarating experience performing at Coachella for the very first time, his unique insights into what sets exceptional DJs apart from their counterparts, and more.
Episode #117: Drizzy Tae
At just 15 years old, Drizzy Tae is a rising young artist determined to prove his place among top emerging artists . Hailing from Arkansas, this self-proclaimed "youngest 'n hottest" artist is building a powerful following and making waves with his catchy tracks and relentless dedication to his craft. Listen to his latest album, "Young Goat 2," available on all streaming platforms.
Instagram: @DrizzyTae
TikTok: @DrizzyTae
Episode #116: Dr. Shushan Karapetian
Shushan Karapetian is the director of the USC Institute of Armenian Studies. Her research focuses on the intersection of language and transnational Armenian identity. She also hosts a podcast series “Language Therapy with Dr. K.”
Episode #115: Travis Marsh
Travis Marsh is a multi-platinum top 100 billboard producer. He started out in Nashville touring with Joel Crouse opening for all the huge country acts as the utility player and backing vocalist. Travis has gone on to produce and work with some of the biggest R&B and Hip-Hop artists today. Some wins are: Boogie wit da hoodie, French Montana, Drake, G Herbo, Kid Cudi, Lil Durk, Teyana Taylor, Lil Zay Osama, Young Nudy, Rotimi, Offset, Kelly Rowland. Gashi & PARTYNEXTDOOR. He has also scored for Amazon, Netflix and has songs placed in major motion pictures.
Episode #114: Margaux Avedisian
Margaux Avedisian, whom the Wall Street Journal called "The Queen of Bitcoin," is Co-Founder and CEO at Beyond the Runway, a revolutionary online shopping platform that empowers consumers to try on clothes with a custom-fit virtual avatar. Margaux has more than a decade of experience as an entrepreneur on the ground floor of innovative technology. In her work, Margaux has connected hundreds of entrepreneurs with business leaders, technologists, policymakers, and creatives to promote tech startups and cryptocurrency. She has spoken at numerous conferences and had a podcast, Burning Bridges with Margaux. She has a BA from Mount Holyoke College and an MFA in Fashion Merchandising from the Academy of Art University. She is also a standup comedian who performed in the Mike Tyson mansion from The Hangover, SXSW, Carolines on Broadway, NY Comedy Club, Greenwich Comedy Club, and many others.
Episode #113: Mike Kim
Mike Kim is a stand-up comic, actor, and improvisor living in Los Angeles, CA. After graduating college and working marketing jobs that sucked the soul out of his being with a straw, he decided to trade it all for the pursuit of happiness.
Episode #112: Dr. Razia Sahi
Dr. Razia Sahi systematically unpacks the effects of social support on emotion and well-being across various modalities and contexts. Razia's research aims to promote emotional intelligence in how we understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Originally from Texas, she completed her B.A. at New York University, M.A. in Neurophilosophy at Georgia State University, and recently obtained her Ph.D. in Psychology at University of California Los Angeles.
Episode #111: Jaxodus Roman Volumes
Episode #110: Dr. Lauren E. Wisk
Lauren and Osi discuss the the social and economic factors that play a crucial role in shaping an individual's health outcomes, beyond just biological factors. They also dive into then widespread issue of "Long COVID" - a condition where individuals experience lingering symptoms of COVID-19 for prolonged periods, sometimes even for years after the initial infection.
Dr. Lauren Wisk is an Assistant Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research at UCLA, and previously held the position of Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Research Associate at Boston Children's Hospital. Her research program centers around health and healthcare utilization among young people and their families, particularly those with chronic medical conditions, utilizing a biopsychosocial model, social determinants of health model, and life course framework.
Episode #109: Kat Matutina
Kat Matutina is a multi-talented entrepreneur who is also a music curator, fitness instructor, wellness coach, podcast host, event coordinator, and private chef. She founded Ass Camp, Mayumi Goods, and Mayumi Skin and promotes natural products for the body and skin while making strength training fun and accessible.
Kat and Osi cover various topics, including the challenges of balancing multiple passions, common misunderstandings about veganism, the dark side of the food industry, valuable lessons learned from traveling abroad, and more.
Episode #108: Dr. Richard Castriotta
Sleep expert Dr. Richard Castriotta sits down with Osi to explore the intriguing link between your sleep quality (or lack thereof) and your daily performance. With his wealth of knowledge in the field of sleep medicine, Dr. Castriotta offers invaluable insights and practical tips to help you achieve optimal sleep, paving the way for a more productive and fulfilling life.
Dr. Castriotta is the director of the Keck/USC Sleep Disorders Center. He is an internationally-recognized leader in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine as a clinician, teacher and researcher. He has been a pioneer in the field of sleep medicine, establishing a sleep laboratory in 1981 and a formal sleep medicine fellowship program in 1999.
Episode #107: Esin Aydingoz
Esin and Osi delve into the world of film composition - exploring the key elements that make a great film score, sharing our personal favorite composers, discussing Esin's journey into the industry, and much more.
Esin Aydingoz is a media composer, born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey and currently residing in the USA. She worked on a vast variety of projects including animations, TV series, movies, video games, albums, concerts and musicals, and has recently worked on Tim Burton's hit Netflix series, Wednesday, starring Jenna Ortega. Aydingoz was a part of the music team and arranged some of the hit cover songs in the series such as The Rolling Stones' Paint It Black, which reached #1 on the Billboard Classical Charts and has been streamed on Spotify alone nearly 14 million times in a very short time. She was recently nominated for the prestigious “David Raksin Award for Emerging Talent” for the 4th Annual Society of Composers and Lyricists Awards. Even though she is only 29 years old, she has already accomplished a lot in her career. Her first feature film, Simchas and Sorrows, got distribution from Gravitas Ventures, and her second feature Black Barbie had its world premiere at South by Southwest just a few weeks ago. Aydingoz is currently working as the Assistant Chair of Berklee College of Music's Screen Scoring Department and the secretary for The Alliance for Women Film Composers, for which she has been a board member for four years. She arranged, produced, recorded and assistant music directed for various album and concert projects for Disney Music Group, starred with Olivia Rodrigo in multiple music videos for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, arranged an orchestral medley for Disney+'s inaugural launch in Turkey, where she also got to perform with Istanbul Film Music Orchestra and wrote additional music on a lot of popular series such as Apple TV's SEE as well as Netflix's Princess Power and The Witcher: Blood Origin, starring Michelle Yeoh. She was recently a fellow at Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive, where she recorded and conducted her music at Warner Brothers. Aydingoz is also creating some buzz in the concert world. The world premiere of her orchestral and choral piece "A Shattered Fantasy" had its world premiere in October 2022 at Auditorium Stravinski in Montreux and was televised twice on La Télé on New Year's Eve.
Episode #106: Reid Blackman
Reid Blackman, Ph.D., is the author of “Ethical Machines” (Harvard Business Review Press), Founder and CEO of Virtue, an AI ethical risk consultancy, volunteer Chief Ethics Officer for the non-profit Government Blockchain Association, and an advisor to the Canadian government on their federal AI regulations. He was also a founding member of EY’s AI Advisory Board and a Senior Advisor to the Deloitte AI Institute. His work, which includes advising and speaking to organizations including AWS, US Bank, the FBI, NASA, and the World Economic Forum, has been profiled by The Wall Street Journal, the BBC, and Forbes. His written work appears in The Harvard Business Review and The New York Times. Prior to founding Virtue, Reid was a professor of philosophy at Colgate University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Learn more at reidblackman.com.
Episode #105: Cort Casady
Episode #104: Margaux Avedisian
Margaux Avedisian, whom the Wall Street Journal called "The Queen of Bitcoin," is Co-Founder and CEO at Beyond the Runway, a revolutionary online shopping platform that empowers consumers to try on clothes with a custom-fit virtual avatar. Margaux has more than a decade of experience as an entrepreneur on the ground floor of innovative technology. In her work, Margaux has connected hundreds of entrepreneurs with business leaders, technologists, policymakers, and creatives to promote tech startups and cryptocurrency. She has spoken at numerous conferences and had a podcast, Burning Bridges with Margaux. She has a BA from Mount Holyoke College and an MFA in Fashion Merchandising from the Academy of Art University. She is also a standup comedian who performed in the Mike Tyson mansion from The Hangover, SXSW, Carolines on Broadway, NY Comedy Club, Greenwich Comedy Club, and many others.
Episode #103: The Dark Net with Julia Norgaard
Economist Julia R. Norgaard is an Assistant Professor of Economics at Pepperdine University, where she runs the PEP Talks Research Seminar and the Economics Reading Group. She is affiliated with the Sudreau Global Justice Institute and serves on the External Advisory Council for the International Justice Mission's Center to End Online Sexual Exploitation of Children. Norgaard received her Ph.D from George Mason University in 2017 and her Master's degree in economics in 2015. She also holds a B.A. in economics with a minor in mathematics from The University of San Diego, which she completed in 2012.
Live From Santa Monica: Episode #102 - Steve Swerdlow
Steve Swerdlow is Associate Professor of the Practice of Human Rights in the Department of Political and International Relations at the University of Southern California. A human rights lawyer and expert on the former Soviet region, Swerdlow was Senior Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch, heading the organization’s work on Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and founding its Kyrgyzstan field office. Swerdlow has worked as a consultant with the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Earlier Swerdlow was a fellow in the U.S. State Department’s Young Leaders for Public Service program in Russia and worked as a human rights monitor for the Union of Council for Soviet Jews (UCSJ) as their Caucasus monitor in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia as well as with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Russia.
Episode #101: Hana Katana
Hana Katana is a musician, author, action actress, & content creator from Austin, Texas.
Hana sits down with Osi to share her journey in the music industry, the inspiration behind her becoming a stunt performer, dealing with controversy as a content creator, and more.
Episode #100: Thank You
As we mark our 100th episode, Osi takes a moment to express gratitude to all who have contributed to the journey so far. He reflects on some of his most memorable episodes and offers a glimpse into the exciting content ahead for the podcast.
Episode #99: MAVRYCK
MAVRYCK joins Osi to discuss her new project, “The Fifth Year”, and more.
MAVRYCK is a multi-talented artist based in the Inland Empire of Southern California. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, she creates music that draws from early 2000s R&B and adds a modern, innovative twist. Her debut project, "The Fifth Year," released in October 2022, offers listeners a unique perspective on a past toxic relationship. With a love for a variety of genres, MAVRYCK is always pushing herself to incorporate new sounds into her work. Fans can look forward to more great projects and collaborations from MAVRYCK in 2023.