Great Podversations
Episodes
Colm Tóibín and Silas House
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features best-selling author Colm Tóibín, interviewed by Silas House, former Kentucky Poet Laureate (2023-2025). They discuss Tói...
Sebastian Junger and Rachel Martin
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features best-selling author Sebastian Junger, interviewed by NPR Podcast Host Rachel Martin. They discuss Junger’s book “In My ...
Jim Sciutto and Jane Perlez
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features CNN Anchor and Chief Security Analyst Jim Sciutto, interviewed by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jane Perlez. They discu...
Joan Baez and Diane Rehm
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features musician, activist and poet Joan Baez, interviewed by journalist and radio host Diane Rehm. They discuss Baez’s book “W...
Amor Towles and Alexandra Jacobs
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features bestselling author Amor Towles, interviewed by New York Times Book Critic Alexandra Jacobs. They discuss Towles’ book “...
Bianca Bosker and Patrick Bringley
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features journalist and author Bianca Bosker, discussing her book, “Get the Picture” with writer Patrick Bringley. Bianca Bos...
Renée Fleming and Richard Powers
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features renowned singer Renée Fleming, interviewed by author Richard Powers. They discuss Fleming’s book “Music and Mind: Harn...
Ann Patchett and Kevin Wilson
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features best-selling author and book store owner Ann Patchett, interviewed by author and professor Kevin Wilson. They discuss Patc...
Stephen Bright and James Forman Jr.
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features renowned lawyer and Professor of Law at Yale and Georgetown Universities, Stephen Bright, interviewed by Pulitzer Prize-win...
Jill Lepore and Jamie Raskin
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features best-selling author Jill Lepore and U.S. Congressman Jamie Raskin discussing Lepore’s book, “The Deadline: Essays,” b...
Geraldine Brooks and Jacki Lyden
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features best-selling author Geraldine Brooks and former NPR journalist Jacki Lyden discussing Brooks’ book, “Horse: A Novel” ...
Maggie Haberman and Laura Coates
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features author Maggie Haberman and CNN host Laura Coates discussing Haberman’s book, “Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trum...
Josh Chin and Evan Osnos
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features author Josh Chin and New Yorker journalist Evan Osnos discussing both of their books before a live audience at the Kentucky...
Maggie Nelson and Eula Biss
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Author Maggie Nelson discusses her book, On Freedom: Four Songs of Care and Constraint, with writer Eula Biss. Maggie Nelson is a writer working ...
Charles Booker and Eddie Glaude Jr.
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Politician and author Charles Booker discusses his book, “From the Hood to the Holler: A Story of Separate Worlds, Shared Dreams, and the Fight for ...
James Bridle and Claire Evans
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Artist and author James Bridle discusses their book, Ways of Being: Animals, Plants, Machines: The Search for a Planetary Intelligence with writer and...
Geraldine Brooks and Gal Beckerman
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Author Geraldine Brooks discusses her book “Horse: A Novel” with journalist Gal Beckerman. Geraldine Brooks grew up in Australia and bec...
Keri Blakinger and Piper Kerman
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Author Keri Blakinger discusses her book, “Corrections in Ink: A Memoir” with writer Piper Kerman. Keri Blakinger is an investigative report...
Anna Quindlen and Amy Bloom
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Author Anna Quindlen and writer Amy Bloom discuss Quindlen’s book “Write for Your Life.” Anna Quindlen is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist...
Moisés Naím and Ari Shapiro
25 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and author Moisés Naím discusses his book, “The Revenge of Power: How Autocrats Are Reinventing Politics for the 21st Century” with r...
Jamie Raskin and Fiona Hill
11 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation features Congressman Jamie Raskin and Russian expert Dr. Fiona Hill discussing both their books before a live audience at The Kentuc...
Roya Hakakian and Jen Balderama
25 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Author Roya Hakakian discusses her book "A Beginner’s Guide to America: For the Immigrant and the Curious” with journalist Jen Balderama. Ro...
Amy Zegart and Scott Shane
11 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Author and professor Amy Zegart discusses her book “Spies, Lies, and Algorithms” with journalist Scott Shane. Amy Zegart is a senior fellow a...
Laurence Leamer and Leo Braudy
28 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Author Laurence Leamer discusses his book “Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal and a Swan Song for an Era” with professor, historian,...
Frank Wilczek and Janna Levin
14 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Physicist Frank Wilczek and Professor Janna Levin discuss Wilczek’s book, “Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality.” Frank Wilczek jointly won The Nob...
Mary Roach and Peter Sagal
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Writer Mary Roach and NPR host Peter Sagal discuss Ms. Roach’s latest book, “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law”. Mary Roach is the author of six ...
Kathryn Paige Harden and Carl Zimmer
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Writer and professor Kathryn Paige Harden discusses her book "The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality," with journalist and author Ca...
Kurt Andersen and Daron Acemoglu
05 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Writer Kurt Andersen discusses his latest book “Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America: A Recent History,” with professor and author Daron Acemogl...
Ethan Kross and Maria Konnikova
22 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Writer and Professor Ethan Kross discusses his book “Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters and How to Harness It'', with journalist and aut...
Anne-Marie Slaughter and Sarah J. Jackson
08 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Professor, writer, and CEO Anne-Marie Slaughter discusses her book “Renewal: From Crisis to Transformation in Our Lives, Work, and Politics" with pr...
Sonia Shah and Caitlin Dickerson
24 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and award-winning author Sonia Shah discusses her book “The Next Great Migration: The Beauty and Terror of Life on the Move” with journ...
James Stavridis and Thom Shanker
10 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Former commander of NATO, Admiral James Stavridis discusses his geopolitical thriller 2034: A Novel of the Next World War, with New York Times Journal...
Richard Haass and Francis Fukuyama
06 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Best-selling author and diplomat Richard Haass speaks with Stanford professor and author Francis Fukuyama about Haass’ book, “The World: A Brief I...
Matthew Barzun and Amy Edmondson
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Writer Matthew Barzun speaks with Harvard Professor and author Amy Edmondson about Barzun’s book, “The Power of Giving Away Power: How the Best Le...
Anne Applebaum and Jason Stanley
18 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Anne Applebaum is a staff writer at The Atlantic, and a Senior Fellow of the Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University. She is the author of three ...
Barton Gellman and Ellen Nakashima
04 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Investigative journalist and author Barton Gellman speaks with The Washington Post national security reporter Ellen Nakashima about Mr. Gellman’s be...
Nicholas Christakis and Rob Stein
21 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Physician, sociologist and author Nicholas Christakis speaks with NPR journalist Rob Stein about Dr. Christakis’s bestseller, "Apollo’s Arrow: The...
Elizabeth Kolbert and Kate Aronoff
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The twenty-first episode of GREAT PODVERSATIONS features best-selling writer Elizabeth Kolbert speaking with journalist Kate Aronoff about Ms. Kolbert...
Nicole Krauss and Elizabeth Blair
23 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Best-selling writer Nicole Krauss speaks with NPR journalist Elizabeth Blair about Krauss’ book of short stories, "To Be A Man." Nicole Krauss is be...
Yo-Yo Ma and Teddy Abrams
02 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Grammy award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma speaks with conductor, composer, and musician Teddy Abrams about the power of music, healing cultural difference...
Philip Rucker and Mara Liasson
19 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Pulitzer-winning writer Philip Rucker speaks with NPR journalist Mara Liasson about Mr. Rucker’s number one New York Times bestseller, “A Very Sta...
Jane Smiley and Eleanor Beardsley
19 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Pulitzer-winning author Jane Smiley speaks with NPR journalist Eleanor Beardsley about Ms. Smiley’s latest book, "Perestroika in Paris." Jane...
Terry Tempest Williams and Nathaniel Rich
05 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning writer, conservationist and activist Terry Tempest Williams speaks with novelist and journalist Nathaniel Rich. Both Williams and Rich a...
Heather Clark and Daphne Merkin
22 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning author Heather Clark speaks with literary critic and novelist Daphne Merkin about Clark’s latest book, "Red Comet: The Short Life and ...
Thomas Ricks and Danielle Allen
08 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Best -selling author and journalist Thomas Ricks speaks with author, political scientist and Professor Danielle Allen about Mr. Ricks latest book, "Fi...
Wright Thompson and Andrew Zimmern
18 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and best-selling author Wright Thompson and Emmy-award winning television host Andrew Zimmern discuss Mr. Thompson’s book, "Pappyland," a...
Amanda Little and Allison Aubrey
04 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and professor Amanda Little and NPR’s Alison Aubrey discuss Ms. Little’s book, The Fate of Food, and other timely topics. Amanda Littl...
Amaryllis Fox and Melissa Block
13 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Former CIA officer and author Amaryllis Fox discusses her book Life Undercover: Coming of Age in the CIA with NPR’s special correspondent Melissa ...
Mary Beth Keane and Maureen Corrigan
30 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Best-selling author Mary Beth Keane and literary critic Maureen Corrigan discuss Ms. Keane’s book, Ask Again, Yes, and other timely topics. Ms. Kea...
Elaine Pagels and Timothy Egan
16 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Timothy Egan is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and best selling author. He writes a bi-weekly Op-Ed column for the New York Times. Elaine Pagels is...
Jerome Groopman and Timothy Snyder
02 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jerome Groopman and Timothy Snyder discuss Snyder’s recent book "Our Malady: Lessons in Liberty from a Hospital Diary," healthcare in the U.S., ...
Clarissa Ward and Peter Bergen
11 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Clarissa Ward is CNN’s Chief International Correspondent. She discusses her new book On All Fronts with Peter Bergen, a journalist, documentary prod...
Isabel Allende and Madeline Miller
07 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Best-selling authors Isabel Allende and Madeline Miller in conversation. They discuss literature, gender issues, humanitarianism, and other timely top...
Michael R. Jackson and Ari Shapiro
24 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Michael R. Jackson and NPR’s Ari Shapiro, host of All Things Considered, discuss American theater, music, racial i...
Erik Larson and Amor Towles
10 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Best-selling authors Erik Larson and Amor Towles discuss history, research, and the craft of writing.
Franklin Foer and Malcolm Nance
26 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Writers Franklin Foer and Malcolm Nance discuss politics, the upcoming 2020 election and more.
Ann Patchett and Dani Shapiro
12 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Authors Ann Patchett and Dani Shapiro discuss books, writing, and these challenging times.
Chuck Rosenberg and David Frum
29 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
MSNBC political analyst Chuck Rosenberg and The Atlantic columnist David Frum discuss politics and government during these challenging times, and much...
Coming Soon: "Great Podversations," from the Kentucky Author Forum
22 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Kentucky Author Forum podcast has a new sound, and a new name: Great Podversations. This interview podcast will feature carefully matched pairs o...
Admiral James Stavridis - Sailing True North
28 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is Admiral James Stavridis, a retired four-star officer in the U.S. Navy. His book, Sailing True North, explores ten famous admirals and...
Dani Shapiro - Inheritance
04 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dani Shapiro, author of "Inheritance," at the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum on Sept 25, 2019; interviewed by NPR's Robert Siegel.
Doris Kearns Goodwin - Leadership in Turbulent Times
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Pulitzer-winning author and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin discusses her book, "Leadership in Turbulent Times," at the University of Loui...
Thomas Friedman - Thank You For Being Late: Thriving in the Age of Accelerations
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Thomas Friedman, Pulitzer Prize winning author and columnist, interviewed by U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth at the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Fo...
Robert Wright - Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Robert Wright, author of "Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment," at the University of Louisville Kentucky ...
Charles Graeber - The Breakthrough: Immunotherapy and the Race to Cure Cancer
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Charles Graeber discusses his book, "The Breakthrough: Immunotherapy and the Race to Cure Cancer," at the University of Louisville Kentucky Author For...
Malcolm Nance - The Plot to Hack America
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Counter-terrorism expert Malcolm Nance, author of "The Plot to Hack America," at the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum on April 5, 2018. ...
John Feinstein - The First Major: The Inside Story of the 2016 Ryder Cup
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Sports writer John Feinstein discusses his book, "The First Major: The Inside Story of the 2016 Ryder Cup" at the University of Louisville Kentucky Au...
Casey Gerald - There Will Be No Miracles Here
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Casey Gerald discusses his memoir, "There Will Be No Miracles Here," at the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum on Oct. 25, 2018. Intervie...
David Frum - Trumpocracy: The Corruption of the American Republic
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
David Frum discusses his book, "Trumpocracy: The Corruption of the American Republic," at the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum on Jan. 3...
Alain De Botton: How Does News Shape our Thoughts and Lives?
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Alain De Botton: How Does News Shape our Thoughts and Lives? by Kentucky Author Forum
David McCraw—Truth In Our Times: Inside the Fight for Press Freedom in the Age of Alternative Facts
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
David McCraw, the deputy general counsel at the New York Times, talks about his book "Truth In Our Times: Inside the Fight for Press Freedom in the Ag...
Masha Gessen - The Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia
21 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Masha Gessen discusses her latest book, "The Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia," at the University of Louisville Kentu...
Joseph Stiglitz: The Euro, The Great Divide, The Price of Inequality
18 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize winner in Economics, interviewed by Rana Foroohar at the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum on April 13, 2017...
P.J. O'Rourke - How the Hell Did This Happen?
28 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
P.J. O'Rourke discusses his book, "How the Hell Did This Happen? The 2016 Presidential Election," at the University of Louisville Kentucky A...
Colson Whitehead - The Underground Railroad
13 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Hour-long interview of Colson Whitehead at the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum on Dec. 5, 2016. Interviewed by Buzzfeed's Isaac Fitzger...
Sebastian Junger - Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging
28 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sebastian Junger, author of War and The Perfect Storm, discusses his latest book Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging, with journalist Joe Klein at the ...
Joe Nocera - Indentured: The Inside Story of the Rebellion Against the NCAA
27 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Nocera at the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum on April 18, 2016. Interviewed by Buzz Bissinger.
Diane Rehm: On My Own
27 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Diane Rehm interviewed by Ann Patchett at the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum on March 23, 2016.
Why the Right Went Wrong: E.J. Dionne at the Kentucky Author Forum
02 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
For decades, E.J. Dionne has been one of the most prominent journalists and left-leaning political commentators in the U.S. The Washington Post column...
The Avenue of Mysteries: John Irving at Kentucky Author Forum 11/10/15
17 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The Avenue of Mysteries: John Irving at Kentucky Author Forum 11/10/15 by Kentucky Author Forum
David Boies: Proposition 8 and the Legal Battle for Marriage Equality
03 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
David Boies is a distinguished American trial lawyer who has litigated some of the highest profile cases in recent history. His recent book, "Red...
Jessye Norman: Stand Up Straight and Sing!
21 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Operatic singer Jessye Norman interviewed at the Kentucky Author Forum on Nov. 17, 2014, following publication of her memoir, "Stand Up Straight ...
Timothy Geithner on Stopping the Panic in a Financial Crisis
07 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Timothy Geithner discusses his book "Stress Test" at the Kentucky Author Forum on 11/3/14.
Philippe de Montebello: Rendez-vous with Art
24 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Philippe de Montebello: Rendez-vous with Art by Kentucky Author Forum
Sister Helen Prejean with Jonathan Bastian on Here and Now
05 Dec 2013
Contributed by Lukas
In 1982, Sister Helen Prejean became the spiritual advisor to Patrick Sonnier, a convicted killer of two teenagers, who was sentenced to die in the el...
Chris Matthews at Kentucky Author Forum 12/3/13
04 Dec 2013
Contributed by Lukas
In "Tip and the Gipper: When Politics Worked," Chris Matthews offers a personal history of a time when two great political opponents - Presi...
Congressman John Lewis: "March" at Kentucky Author Forum 10/15/13
19 Nov 2013
Contributed by Lukas
John Lewis is Georgia’s 5th Congressional District Representative and an American icon who has witnessed history in the making and made history hims...
Pat Conroy at Kentucky Author Forum 10/30/13 - The Death of Santini
04 Nov 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Pat Conroy was the featured guest at the Kentucky Author Forum on Oct. 30, 2013, concurrent with the release of his new memoir, The Death of Santini. ...
Coach Rick Pitino at the Kentucky Author Forum
22 Oct 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Rick Pitino, coach of the 2013 NCAA men's basketball champs, author of "The One Day Contract," interviewed by Joe Nocera, opinion and busine...
Learning From Past Societies to Improve the Future: Jared Diamond
09 Sep 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Jared Diamond spoke in Louisville on January 9, 2013 as featured guest at the Kentucky Author Forum, discussing in detail his latest book, The World U...
Plagues, Wars, and Famines: Elaine Pagels Discusses Revelations
06 Sep 2013
Contributed by Lukas
"The Book of Revelation is the strangest book in the Bible. It's the most controversial. It doesn't have any stories, moral teaching. It only has...
Predicting the Future of Artificial Intelligence: Ray Kurzweil
06 Sep 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Ray Kurzweil, arguably today’s most influential—and often controversial—futurist, is one of the leading inventors of our time and a pioneer in t...
Steven Pinker: World is Actually Less Violent Today; Why?
06 Sep 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Cognitive scientist Steven Pinker was the guest at the Kentucky Author Forum on Oct. 2, 2012, interviewed by NPR's Neal Conan. Pinker is a Harvard Col...