Leading Stanford neurologist and psychiatrist Dr. Nolan Williams joined us for a deeper understanding of current scientific explorations into the growing use of psychedelics in relieving and curing mental health problems. Though not ignoring valid concerns over bad trips and underage usage, Dr. Williams demonstrated how FDA approved research with safeguards can lead to mental health cures. He spoke, too, of the history of the Controlled Substances Act, the brain's plasticity, and sacramental drugs such as Ayahuasca and Ibogaine as well as Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), MDMA (Ecstasy), ketamine, electroconvulsive therapy, EMDR and spaced learning. A renaissance in non-recreational psychedelic uses with some striking results!

We spoke with leading climate scientist Dr. Kristina Dahl about the vital need for systemic solutions to the systemic problem of climate change and the vacillation many of us feel between hope and despair. If fossil fuels remain indispensable to us, what can be done and what, especially, can we as individuals do to curb carbon emissions and stave off extinction? One of TIME magazine's 2023 list of the world's 100 most influential people, Dr. Dahl takes us into depths of greater understanding of what needs to be done to make a difference.

Louis Ferrante, former hijacker and Mafia gangster who turned in prison to research, book writing and Judaism, talks about his life in crime and time in prison and his published history of the American Mafia from his perspective as an insider. He also talks about guilt and religion, Mafia violence, snitching and Omerta, and the Mafia's Sicilian roots, as well as The FBI and who may have killed President John F Kennedy.

New Israel Fund CEO and self-described politically proud progressive Daniel Sokatch joined us to talk about what Emily Dickinson called "the thing with feathers" and discover seeds of hope for the long-term in the midst of the bloody battles between Israel and Hamas and their seemingly irreconcilable narratives. A passionate and incredibly well informed hour!

Happy Cooking are the two words that now are the trademark on recipes of master chef and culinary artist and educator Jacques Pépin. The French born public television star and author joined us to talk about his most recent book – Cooking My Way: Recipes and Techniques for Economical Cooking. We talked of cooking seasonally; using leftovers; the perfect omelet or soufflé; and cooking at home; as well as Jacques as painter and illustrator and the Jacques Pépin Foundation. We were also able to delve into important and dramatic highlights of his biography, including the terrible car accident that changed his life; cooking for Charles DeGaulle; turning down JFK and Jackie for Howard Johnson and his friendship with Julia Child. An exquisite and enlightening hour with one of the world's most beloved chefs.

Internationally celebrated scientist Helen Blau focuses in on and elucidates the frontiers of stem cell research and her own singularly important work in her Stanford based lab and the company she co-founded. From longevity and replenishing and replacing stem cells, the conversation ranged on to an exploration of telomeres, CRISPR, and cloning and Dr. Blau's personal history as a woman scientist and historic and ongoing challenges women in science face as well as research of Dr. Blau's on muscle deterioration and muscle loss and ways to maintain muscle strength. Another wide-ranging, rich and expansive conversation with live questions from listeners.

We began our conversation with internationally celebrated photographer Howard Schatz by focusing on the nature of creativity and and the challenges of creating "phenomenal" images when so many images are unoriginal, easy to access and abundant -- though the abundance, Schatz feels, makes it easier to determine what is great. He spoke about his interest in the human form and the mystery of art as well as his recent book, PAIRS, anchored in the idea of the diptych. He spoke, too, of the necessity of knowing what is going on in one's chosen field and why it is singularly important not to previsualize, as well as the backgrounds on his computer screen, photographing flowers and nudes and how practicing medicine helped him to be more human and a better photographer. A rich and deep conversation.

Ken Dychtwald has acquired much wisdom on aging over the years so we began by exploring the upside of aging. He spoke of major historical changes in life expectancy and general attitudes toward aging. From there we discussed the central importance of purpose and the distinction New York Times columnist David Brooks has made between a career resume and a eulogy resume. Ken then followed with thoughts on the uses of free time and the importance of altruism, which can add years to one’s life. He then spoke of retirement and his award winning Harvard Business Review article on retiring. He also had a number of significant observations on the American health care system, including ways AI might be used productively. He talked about how and why he became an expert on aging and ways that marketing and ads have changed to include older people, as well as how overall stereotypes tied to aging have morphed. We concluded discussing the X Prize Foundation (Ken is a trustee), and its commitment to finding ways to match health span to life span as well as the importance of humor. (Your host even told a joke) and youthful versus useful. Conversations can often turn to the unexpected and this one did -- to Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Tik Tok and aging tied to Biden and Trump. Overall, a rich, energetic and highly illuminating dialogue!

In this engaging conversation with tech expert Jason Snell, the dialogue covered diverse AI-related topics. From the challenges of regulation to biases in machine learning models, the conversation explored societal impacts, education, and the digital divide. Jason also shared insights on the transformative nature of the Internet and discussed Apple's corporate culture amid regulatory concerns. The discourse highlighted the need to reframe AI discussions positively. Aspiring journalists received advice from Jason stressing passion, consistency, and genuine interest in the subject for success in the evolving industry. The conversation provided a rich exploration of AI's potential and its complex implications.

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In this enlightening episode of Gray Matter, Michael Krasny explores the life and work of accomplished entrepreneur and CEO of BioVie, Cuong Do. Starting from his humble beginnings as an immigrant from Vietnam, Cuong details his extensive contributions in the fields of business strategy and bio-medical research, from discovering a potential Alzheimer’s treatment to his work in helping autistic individuals. He shares insights from his extensive career on overcoming challenges and how his humanitarian efforts, including teacher training in Cambodia and work with autistic children, are close to his heart. Join us as Cuong offers his perspective on a diverse range of issues including longevity, health, and the American dream.

We recently spoke with Dr. Laura Esserman, a leading internationally recognized surgeon and breast cancer oncologist at the University of California, San Francisco where she serves as director of the UCSF Breast Care Center. We discussed the need to redefine cancer and the need for personalized patient centered care in health care, as well as a range of other issues related to public policy and their impact on the delivery of clinical care. Join us!

Best-selling author and Stanford Professor of Medicine Abraham Verghese joined us to talk about his widely acclaimed and best-selling memoirs and novels, and look at the ways medicine can be practiced as a more patient centered, empathic and caring two way relationship. We discussed, too, the value of bedside medicine and the physical exam. Join us.

Our conversation with Tenshin Reb Anderson, one of the most prominent contemporary Zen Buddhist teachers and scholars, author, dharma leader and former abbot, included a deep dive into the belief and practice of Buddhism, with a focus on the wisdom in it for us all, along with your questions and comments.

Our interview with Larry Smith and Melanie Abrams challenged our assumptions as we explored the many conceptions and misconceptions of cannabis use. Their new book, The Joy of Cannabis, is an attempt to clear up misunderstanding and describe the how and why of safely availing ourselves of the benefits. In the 1930s with the wane of Prohibition the commissioner of the Federal Bureau Narcotics, Harry Anslinger, attempted to retain personal relevance with racist and xenophobic fear mongering and criminalizing marijuana. Now, with no personal financial interests in a dispensary, Smith and Abrams hope to reset perceptions and normalize the discussion by reassessing the merits. They know the research and call for more. They discourage use before the age of 25 to allow full development of our frontal lobes. Not all weed is created equal, so they are pragmatic about finding what’s right for you. With much greater safety and effectiveness than alcohol, most importantly they point to how small amounts responsibly administered deliver outsized benefits of pain management, focus, flow, creativity, connection and even orgasm. The tidal wave of legalization is based on reclaiming the virtues. Join us to find out what you might not know.

We met with Lee Child on the eve of his retirement as the author of the Jack Reacher book series. The premier proxy for millions of readers who yearn for revenge in lives where revenge is impractical or out of reach, the character of Jack Reacher is a figure who metes out justice against bullies in a way that ironically is equitable and fair. We reflect on Child’s illustrious career, the Reacher movie and TV franchises, the handoff to his younger brother, his “one-draft” writing and research process, his love of guitars and cannabis, and what he thinks he might miss in retirement. Whether you’re curious about Jack Reacher’s motivations and worries, want to know about the inspiration behind the villains in The Secret, are curious about writing in general, or simply wonder what the future holds for storytelling in a world with AI, this conversation holds something for you. Join us for a thoroughly entertaining hour.