Skirball Podcasts

Skirball Podcasts


2010 Sunset Concerts at the Skirball

Podcasts produced by Rich Mahan, Rhino Entertainment

Listen to podcasts featuring readings and talks recently presented at the Skirball on KCET. Click here!

Jonathan Safran Foer: Eating Animals

Hear award-winning author and wunderkind Jonathan Safran Foer (Everything Is Illuminated, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) discuss his first nonfiction book, Eating Animals, in which he probes the many fictions we use to justify our eating habits, from pop culture to family traditions to national myth. Marked by Foer’s moral ferocity and vibrant writing style, the critically hailed book—which made it to countless Top Ten lists of 2009—is a celebration… and a reckoning.

Nick Hornby: Juliet, Naked

Hear award-winning, bestselling author Nick Hornby read from and discuss his latest work, Juliet, Naked. Called "a must-read" by Publishers Weekly, this much-anticipated novel centers around a reclusive 1980s rock star forced out of isolation when the re-release of his most famous album brings into contact with some of his most passionate fans. This program at the Skirball Cultural Center was presented in association with Book Soup.

Dr. Drew Pinsky and Dr. S. Mark Young

It seems that Americans have grown obsessed with the rich and famous who appear to have it all yet can’t resist the lure of self-destructive excesses. In this podcast, hear prominent addiction and behavioral specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky and co-author Dr. S. Mark Young discuss their new book, The Mirror Effect: How Celebrity Narcissism is Seducing America, and offer an eye-opening look at our celebrity-crazed culture—from what drives people to seek fame in the first place to how our obsession with celebrity is changing the emotional landscape of America. This program at the Skirball was presented in association with Book Soup.

Audrey Friedman Marcus on “Survival In Shanghai”

Tune into an insightful lecture by Audrey Friedman Marcus, widow of Fred Marcus. At fifteen, Fred Marcus and his father left Germany to escape the Nazis. Their destination was Shanghai, one of few places at that time with no entry requirements. Recently compiled and published, Marcus’s diaries provide a vivid picture of the unfamiliar, challenging environment faced by this courageous young man and 20,000 fellow refugees.

Robert Thurman and Danny Hillis

Preeminent figures in the fields of religion and technology Dr. Robert Thurman and Dr. Danny Hillis engage in a thought-provoking conversation on scientific progress and its impact on society. Robert Thurman has cultivated a worldwide awareness of Tibet through his academic and popular writing, translation of important Buddhist texts, and commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the China-Tibet conflict. Danny Hillis is a respected figure in the technology community. He is an inventor, scientist, author, and engineer. He holds more than eighty U.S. patents and is the designer of the 10,000-year mechanical clock. This program was presented in commemoration of the bicentennial, in February 2009, of Charles Darwin.

Jerry Robinson

Hear from legendary comic book artist Jerry Robinson, who is credited with creating the first enduring super villain, The Joker, as he shares his experiences during the art form’s “Golden Age.” Moderated by comic book and television writer Mark Evanier, this program was presented in association with the exhibition ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938–1950, on view at the Skirball through August 9, 2009.

Darren Grodsky and Danny Jacobs

Listen in as writers and directors Darren Grodsky and Danny Jacobs discuss their critically acclaimed new film, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, a quirky comedic drama set in Northern California’s pot-growing community. Also hear insights from actor Chris Messina, who plays the character of Max, and film-score composer iZLER.

Dennis Ross

Listen in as esteemed diplomat and scholar Dennis Ross discusses the current state of the Middle East peace process. Ross served as chief Middle East peace negotiator in the presidential administrations of George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. During his service, he earned the respect of Democrats and Republicans, Palestinians and Israelis, world leaders and ordinary citizens of Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Washington, D.C.

John Singleton

Hear esteemed filmmaker John Singleton---whose works include Boyz N the Hood and Hustle & Flow---discuss the rarely-screened 1970s film The Landlord and how it influenced his art. Based on the novel by African-American novelist Kristin Hunter and adapted by another African-American writer, Bill Gunn, the film tells the story of Elgar Enders (Beau Bridges), a rich kid who buys a Brooklyn tenement with the intention of evicting all of the residents in order to turn it into his dream bachelor pad, only to discover that he is in way over his head.

Jason Reitman

Hear young Hollywood filmmaker Jason Reitman, director of the hit independent film Juno, discuss his body of work and the influence of Alexander Payne's hilarious comedy Election, starring Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick.

Paul Rusesabagina

This illuminating talk features Rwandan hero Paul Rusesabagina, who bravely struggled to save more than a thousand people from genocide in his homeland, as chronicled in the critically acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda.

Alec Baldwin

Director and actor Alec Baldwin discusses how the film Elephant inspired his art and influenced his career, presented as part of the ongoing Skirball-American Film Institute's Cinema's Legacy series, which explores the influences and inspiration of film's greatest artists.

Dennis Hopper

In this insightful Q & A, director, actor, and visual artist Dennis Hopper discusses Luis Bunuel's film Viridiana and shares the influences and inspirations that have shaped his artistic career. Presented as part of the ongoing Skirball-American Film Institute's Cinema's Legacy series, which explores the influences and inspiration of film's greatest artists.

Chris Elliott and Alan Zweibel

In this lively conversation, actor and writer Chris Elliott—best known for his roles in Groundhog Day and other classic comedies—discusses the art of comedy writing with Alan Zweibel, award-winning writer for Saturday Night Live and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Moderated by comedy writer and producer Merrill Markoe.

Gabriel Meyer

Award-winning journalist, novelist and poet Gabriel Meyer discusses his landmark work War and Faith in Sudan, a stirring account of the tragic civil war in Sudan as endured by the Nuba people. Presented in conjunction with the Skirball exhibition Rwanda/After, Darfur/Now: Photographs by Michal Ronnen Safdie (on view at the Skirball from May 24, 2006 - October 1, 2006).

Jeffrey Goldberg and Jack Miles

Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, once a guard in the largest jail in the Middle East during the first Palestinian uprising, discusses his new memoir and the future of Israeli-Palestinian politics with Pulitzer Prize winner Jack Miles.

Helen Mayer Harrison and Newton Harrison

Helen Mayer Harrison and Newton Harrison—pioneers of Eco-art who have been leading voices for socially conscious creations—discuss their life's work. Presented in association with the Skirball exhibition L.A. River Reborn (on view at the Skirball from April 6, 2006 - September 3, 2006).

Samantha Power

In this illuminating talk, Pulitzer Prize winning author Samantha Power discusses genocide in the 21st century, presented in association with the Skirball's exhibition Rwanda/After, Darfur/Now: Photographs by Michal Ronnen Safdie (on view at the Skirball from May 24, 2006 - October 1, 2006).