Grey Matter with Michael Krasny

Latest Episodes:

Cory Doctorow - The Intersection of Storytelling and Technology Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

Michael Krasny interviewed best-selling author Cory Doctorow (with over 150 million book sales globally), initially exploring his personal and national backgrounds. They discussed why Doctorow sees himself as more closely tied to science fiction as a genre, despite the range of his writings. They delved into how he became so knowledgeable about technology and why he dropped out of four different colleges. The interview also touched on his surname and the likely lack of blood kinship to acclaimed American author E.L. Doctorow. They explored the source of his prolific drive and the challenges he faces managing physical pain. Krasny asked about didacticism in his fiction, and they discussed his early novel "Little Brother," the origin of the name of his co-edited blog Boing Boing, the best sci-fi writers, and Daniel Pinkwater, a writer Doctorow greatly admires. Listener questions followed, covering topics such as copyright laws, the effect of AI and blockchains, emerging technologies, Doctorow's definition of a monopoly, Apple users, and Apple surveillance. The interview concluded with a discussion of immigration and the need for labor-intensive workers.

Jungian Psychiatrist Tom Singer on Trump's Mental State, Elon Musk, Jung and Freud Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

This episode with Jungian psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and author Dr. Thomas Singer, one of the contributors to "The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump," began with a discussion of President-elect Donald Trump's present mental state and what appears to have shifted from the first time he was elected to the nation's highest office. Dr. Singer spoke with Michael Krasny about the shadow self and the notion of Trump invading individual psyches of both followers and detractors and being drawn to selecting sexually transgressive individuals for presidential appointments, as well as the relevance of cultural complexes. From there, the two spoke of Elon Musk and his relationship with Trump and various uses of technology for political advantages and media fragmentation. A wide-ranging discussion followed on Jungian concepts and what Tom Singer characterized as the "highly charged" relationship of Jung and Freud and an incident which occurred at Clark University in 1907. The episode concluded with a discussion of modern technology's manipulation of archetypes, fear of what Dr. Singer called "the great unknown of AI," the role of rituals and cultural identity, trigger words and their effects, as well as a consideration of the efficacy of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis and the importance of transference. All of this expansive intellectual range of interconnected topics could be classified as what Dr. Singer called, in a book based on his podcast, a sterling example of circumambulation.

Michael Connelly - Over Eighty-Five Million Detective and Crime Fiction Novels Sold Plus Movies and TV Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

The latest episode of Grey Matter with Michael Krasny featured best-selling crime and detective novelist Michael Connelly, creator of Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller, and author of his 39th novel, "The Waiting."

The conversation began with Krasny asking Connelly how he decides which character to feature, since "The Waiting" stars Renée Ballard, though Bosch plays a major role. Connelly discussed the important advisory role of Ballard's prototype, Mitzi Roberts, the recently retired head of the Los Angeles cold case unit. He explained how the journalist in him uses real and current events as undergirdings to his fiction.

Connelly explored several real cases that influenced his latest novel, including two "pillowcase rapist" cases and the unsolved Black Dahlia murder. He also discussed the similarities between Miami and Los Angeles as destination cities, his role as executive producer in TV and movies, and his female characters, including Maddie Bosch. He shared his emotional connection to his characters and how he feels when they die or are killed, his literary and maternal influence, and what drew him to hard-boiled fiction.

The discussion then turned to why jazz is central to the Bosch novels and the challenges Connelly faces when writing about music. They explored how Bosch and Haller became half-brothers, the origin of Haller's Lincoln, and the important role new technologies play in many of Connelly's novels. The conversation concluded with insights into his writing style, work habits, advice for aspiring writers, and details about his current work in progress.

Art Historian and Scholar Alexander Nemerov on the Art of the West and the Greatest American Artwork Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

Our third of four Bill Lane Center for the American West podcasts featured Stanford's Alex Nemerov in conversation with Michael Krasny. The discussion began with what makes Western art distinctive and what captured Alex's imagination. Michael then explored Alex's approach to curating art exhibitions and discussed the influences of Alex's father, celebrated poet Howard Nemerov, and his aunt, iconic pioneer photographer Diane Arbus. This led to a discussion of Susan Sontag's book on photography and photography's status as fine art. The conversation then broadened to explore various themes: women artists, Jasper Johns, the universal and spiritual elements in art, solipsism, art for the marketplace versus art for art's sake, and socially purposeful versus aesthetic art. Alex shared both personal and professional perspectives on art's power-from its inward transformative and transfiguring effects to its broader meaning and potential as a world-changing agent. The interview concluded with a discussion of kindness, and Alex revealed what he considers the greatest work in American art.

Richard Reeves on Boys and Men in Crisis Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

In a thought-provoking interview, Michael Krasny speaks with Richard Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, about the mounting challenges facing boys and men in contemporary society. Reeves, drawing from his experience at the Brookings Institution, outlines how girls have significantly surpassed boys in educational achievement, from high school through college, attributing this partly to differences in executive functioning, developmental timelines, and brain maturation. He highlights a growing crisis among young men, marked by increasing rates of mental health issues, isolation, and a lack of purpose as traditional male roles evolve. The conversation explores how societal shifts in work expectations and the erosion of traditional provider roles have impacted young men's sense of identity and motivation. Reeves advocates for systemic changes to support both genders equally, while criticizing divisive terminology like "toxic masculinity" that he believes can alienate men and push them toward more extreme viewpoints. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges while maintaining a balanced approach that avoids pitting genders against each other.

NPR's Ron Elving on the Upcoming Elections Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

In a wide-ranging conversation with Michael Krasny, NPR Senior Editor and Correspondent Ron Elving provided insightful political analysis of the upcoming elections. The discussion began with an examination of polling efficacy and the impact of absentee ballots before delving into the roles of race and gender in the presidential race.

The conversation explored campaign tactics, including discussions of Trump being labeled a fascist and his characterization of the U.S. as a "garbage can." Elving and Krasny also addressed concerns about foreign interference and controversial NFL advertisements targeting Harris on gender issues.

Notable topics included the surprising absence of climate change as a major campaign issue, the continuing impact of the Dobbs decision, and the GOP's strategy of shifting abortion rights to state control.

The dialogue also covered economic concerns and inflation's influence on voters. The episode concluded with a comprehensive analysis of Trump's legal challenges, key legislative races, campaign finance, and the influence of celebrity endorsements on voters. A great overview!

Felicity Barringer - The West Is a Tortoise on the Environment Ahead of Other Tortoises Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

We began our second Bill Lane Center for the American West sponsored episode with leading long-time environmental and former Russia-based journalist Felicity Barringer, editor of & the West, a magazine about the future and nature of the West. We discussed the future of water in the West, focusing on the divisions in the Colorado River, new water technologies, and the region's concentration of lithium. We then explored geothermal energy alternatives, the Sustainable Groundwater Act, and the threats of sea level rise to coastal communities, as well as how the insurance industry has adapted to survive the effects of climate change. Felicity addressed the ongoing debate about the West's advancement on climate change compared to other regions and we examined the damage to salmon runs resulting from both climate change and dams. Rounding out this rich conversation, we delved into topics ranging from seaweed farming and dust storms to Native peoples and western land, social media's impact on national parks, and coal. The discussion concluded with Felicity's insights about what distinguishes the American West culturally, her experiences as a journalist in Russia during the Gorbachev era, and what lies ahead for & the West.

Malcolm Gladwell - One of the World's Most Successful Authors and Podcasters Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

A wide-ranging discussion featured acclaimed author and podcaster Malcolm Gladwell. Michael Krasny began by exploring Malcolm's entry into podcasting. Malcolm shared his love for the medium and how his podcast, Revisionist History, showcases his "mischievous side." They discussed the success of podcasters Joe Rogan and Bill Simmons and the importance of curiosity and listening skills. Malcolm touched on his experience with Paul Simon and the cultural effects on cardiologists, as detailed in his latest book. The conversation covered diverse topics. These included elite schools and college admissions processes, a town with a suicide epidemic, and the homogeneity of cheetahs. Malcolm also spoke about OxyContin and COVID, his favorite published book, and his current writing project. He expressed a growing interest in character-driven writing and his admiration for journalist Janet Malcolm. The dialogue then shifted to the role of faith in Malcolm's writing and his thoughts on Kamala Harris and popular music. They explored the impact of popular culture on Holocaust discussions and Malcolm's views on Pastor Rick Warren. The importance of journalism and Malcolm's increasing skepticism were also addressed. The conversation concluded with topics like white flight, fame, and Malcolm's earlier work at The New Yorker.

Self Proclaimed Tech Geek Jim Louderback Opines Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

Michael Krasny began this episode with tech and media expert Jim Louderback by asking him what he foresees for the future of digital media and the dialogue then moved on to a discussion of AI and ChatGPT. From there the conversation went to the fate of TikTok & Jim's opinions on Instagram, YouTube and its creators, Netflix, and entrepreneurship. The conversation then flowed to Jim and Michael discussing their experiences with conferences and some of what each disclosed as the secrets of good and productive interviewing. A rich and illuminating conversation continued with a discussion about The Lighthouse, a place for creators, Telegram facing prosecution and the effects of social platforms on children, as well as the overall role of creators and ZDTV. Michael then asked Jim about his notion that we soon will see the end of advertising as we presently know it and Jim concluded, following a question from Michael, with his thoughts on privacy. Those who know Louderback's passion and insightfulness will find much predictably gratifying here. If you don't know him you will likely also appreciate his passionate perspectives.

David M Kennedy on the American West Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

We began this first of four episodes, sponsored by the Bill Lane Center for the American West, with its co-founder and emeritus Stanford History Professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author David M. Kennedy, discussing the real and the mythic American West and the nation's possibly most interdisciplinary course offered by the Center on the West and defining what the West is - including its geological history and the over two-century singular role of the federal government. This was followed by Michael Krasny asking Professor Kennedy what drew him to the study of the West and a discussion of the old versus the new West and the irony of the West's colonial economy and its dominance in the development of high tech. This rich and enlightening dialogue proceeded to a consideration of the West's violence and lawlessness, especially against Native Americans, who are much larger in number in the West and play a strong present role in advancing environmental issues. Professor Kennedy then touched on the history of gender in the West, the distinctive politics of the West, and the overall effects of immigration on the region. He also spoke in this extraordinarily informed and informative episode about the role of the Lane Center and the unique expansion in the West.