A Life Lived

Latest Episodes:

S1 Ep11: Aretha Franklin Nov 04, 2019

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Aretha Franklin is the undisputed Queen of Soul.
Join Stephanie Okupniak as we find out how a preacher's daughter who was raised by the church would go on to become the voice of a generation - and winner of 18 Grammy Awards in a remarkable career which spanned six decades.
Documentary film producer Tirrell D. Whitley and newscaster & journalist Evrod Cassimy shine a light on the life of the musical icon.
We couldn't make this show without the support of our sponsors Third Love and Audible. Please support them if you can!

S1 Ep10: George Romero Oct 28, 2019

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George Romero isn't affectionately known as the Father of the Zombie film for nothing.
Join Stephanie Okupniak and enter the mind of the horror movie legend - who started with a love for comics and gore & went on to become one of the genre's most iconic directors.
Filmmaker John Harrison takes us through the life of his pioneering mentor, friend and collaborator.
We couldn't make this show without the support of our sponsors Quip and The Economist. Please support them if you can!

S1 Ep9: Bill Paxton Oct 21, 2019

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Bill Paxton was one of Hollywood's most beloved actors - a true southern gentlemen; adored by friends and peers.
Join Stephanie Okupniak to discover how Bill Paxton went from painting sets with James Cameron to starring in the legendary Director's biggest movies.
So stop your grinning and drop your linen to spend to time with co-stars Paul Reiser, Mark Rolston and Jenette Goldstein as they share their wonderful stories of Bill, from the bus ride he took to meet his wife to the camaraderie he brought to the set of Aliens.

S1 Ep8: Stan Lee Oct 14, 2019

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The origin story to end them all. Stan Lee's influence on modern culture is unquestionable, but how did a boy who lived in an apartment with one window develop an imagination that would wow the world?
Join Stephanie Okupniak to discover how Stan Lee and his comic book creations conquered the world of cinema, one cameo at a time.
Sandy Fries explains how it felt to have Stan as a boss and Lee's former colleague Allen Bellman speaks of his early years and the development of his craft.
We couldn't make this show without the support of our sponsors Skillshare and The Economist. Please support our sponsors if you can.

S1 Ep7: Tupac Shakur Oct 07, 2019

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Tupac Shakur is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Born Lesane Parish Crooks, his mother would rename him Tupac at the age of one - he died at just 25, but during his short life he became the voice of a generation.
Join Stephanie Okupniak and find out how Tupac Shakur went from hustling on street corners to conquering the world of rap. In this episode documentary maker and Tupac's friend Gobi Rahimi talks of Shakur's political ambitions, his prolific writing and spending days at Tupac's bedside following the Las Vegas shooting.
We couldn't make this show without the support of our sponsors Audible and Hello Fresh. Please support our sponsors if you can.

S1 Ep6: Joan Rivers Sep 30, 2019

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Joan Rivers was a conquistador of comedy. She spoke her mind and spoke from the heart and it took this blonde bombshell from housewife to household name. Her life saw as much tragedy as it did comedy, but at every turn Joan Rivers found a way to keep laughing.
Join Stephanie Okupniak to discover the tale of how this daughter of Russian immigrants conquered the world of comedy.
In this episode you’ll hear from family friend Ricki Stern on how nobody could keep up with Joan's relentless work ethic and friend Preston Bailey on Joan's early, trailblazing support for the gay community.
We couldn't make this show without the support of our sponsors Third Love and The Economist. Please support them if you can.

S1 Ep5: David Bowie Sep 23, 2019

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One of the biggest selling and most influential music stars of the last 50 years, David Bowie left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. His androgynous looks, shifting alter-egos and his outstanding catalogue of groundbreaking music, cemented him as a true artist, right to his deathbed. Join Stephanie Okupniak and Bowie's friend and fellow singer Dana Gillespie to discover the amazing journey that took a south London boy called David Robert Jones to a Starman called David Bowie.

S1 Ep4: Anthony Bourdain Sep 16, 2019

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Anthony Bourdain's breakthrough as a world-renowned chef first came from his writing about cooking, not his cooking itself. If you've ever read one of his bestselling books, you'll know why. His humour, his depth of knowledge and his incredible honesty not only helped Bourdain sell millions of books, it also brought him to the attention of TV executives, looking for a different way to talk about cooking on television; it turned Anthony Bourdain into a huge star. Join Stephanie Okupniak and Parts Unknown director & producer, Morgan Fallon to discover the incredible story of Anthony Bourdain - chef, author, TV host, traveller and culinary rock star.

S1 Ep3: Sir Roger Moore Sep 09, 2019

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The name's Bond. James Bond...the role as the world's most famous spy was made for Sir Roger Moore - the very epitome of suave sophistication. But how did a policeman's son from London, England grow to play one of the most iconic roles in cinema?
Join Stephanie Okupniak and discover the man behind the golden gun.
In this episode you'll hear from Sir Roger's daughter Deborah on why there is so much more to him than just being 007; the director Alvin Rakoff on Moore's charm but mischievous side and Sir Roger's personal assistant Gareth Owen on why Moore may have inadvertently invented the Magnum ice-cream.

S1 Ep2: Muhammad Ali Sep 02, 2019

Show notes

Muhammad Ali was 'The Greatest'. In or out of the ring, Ali was a force of nature. From refusing the draft to becoming the heavyweight champion of the world at just 22, Ali lived his life without fear.
In this episode you'll hear from Muhammad Ali's daughter Hana about her father's playful side and his love of life (and women!), alongside Sky Sports Boxing correspondent Johnny Nelson on what made 'The Greatest' so great.
We couldn't make this show without the support of our sponsors Skillshare - please support our supporters if you can.

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