Forbidden Conversations

Katherine Brodsky

FORBIDDEN CONVERSATIONS is a series that takes on topics that don't always get proper attention or are more challenging to tackle in our charged society—and seeks to address them through civil discourse and nuanced exploration. The podcast is hosted by Katherine Brodsky. As a journalist, she has served as a correspondent for VARIETY since 2011 and also written for publications like NEWSWEEK, WIRED, THE WASHINGTON POST, THE GUARDIAN, ESQUIRE, MASHABLE, VULTURE, and others.

  1. AI & the evolution of the human brain

    4d ago

    AI & the evolution of the human brain

    In this episode, noted scientist Ilya Kolmanovsky, discusses the evolution of the human brain and its interaction with AI. We explore how our brains have developed over millions of years, the impact of digital technology on cognition, and the potential for brain-machine interfaces. The conversation also touches on memory, sleep, morality in AI, and the future of human-AI symbiosis. Born in Moscow, Kolmanovsky trained as a zoologist, earned a PhD in human evolution, and then went on to become the most known Russian language science communicator on TV, radio, through podcasting, lectures, shows, and blogging. He has interviewed five Nobel prize laureates, dived under the ice in the Arctic, and has been detained 3 times by Russian police while protesting oppression. His most recent project is a podcast named Naked Mole-Rat (Goliy Zemlekop in Russian: ⁠podcast.ru/1505388337⁠) about scientists and scientific discoveries. It has become the most popular Russian language podcast, outnumbering politics, art and sex podcasts. Recent guests include Garry Kasparov, Alison Gopnik, Svante Paabo and many others.

    1h 10m
  2. The hidden power of curiosity

    6d ago

    The hidden power of curiosity

    We live in a world where answers arrive instantly and algorithms predict what we want to see. Every spare moment can be filled with information, entertainment, or distraction. But what do we lose when there is no room left for wondering? I often say that curiosity can solve almost anything. Think about it: curiosity pushes us to learn about the world around us. It motivates us to understand why people believe what they do rather than immediately judging them. It helps us build stronger relationships and connections. It’s the force behind exploration, innovation, and discovery. It’s the desire to search for what’s missing. It’s a way of moving through the world. I’ve even written an Ode to Curiosity. We often think of curiosity as a personality trait—something you either have or you don’t. But curiosity can also be a practice, one that can be cultivated and strengthened over time. That’s why I was excited to speak with Lauren Henkin, founder of The Humane Space, a Maine-based company that helps people foster daily curiosity, wonder, and awe—for greater wellbeing. Through a variety of experiences from lifelong learning to guided visualization, The Humane Space helps people slow down, think deeply, and reconnect with their innate sense of curiosity. Our conversation wandered through everything from awe, creativity, and boredom to social media, AI, and the value of getting lost—literally and figuratively. We discussed why some of our best ideas emerge when we’re not trying to be productive, why uncertainty can be a gift, and how curiosity can become a deliberate practice rather than a passing impulse. Trained as an architect at Washington University in St. Louis, Lauren is also an award-winning artist whose work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. Her photographs and sculptures reside in the collections of institutions including the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Portland Art Museum, the High Museum of Art, and Yale University. This conversation is a reminder that some of life’s most valuable experiences begin not with answers, but with a willingness to remain open to the unknown. I hope you enjoy it.

    1h 7m
  3. Engineering your meat in a lab?

    Jun 1

    Engineering your meat in a lab?

    Interview with Uma Valeti of Upside Foods,  a food technology company that grows sustainable cultured meat.  That is, lab-meat. As seen on Mr. Beast!

    31 min
  4. Speaking to Andrew Tate's therapist, David Sutcliffe

    09/25/2025

    Speaking to Andrew Tate's therapist, David Sutcliffe

    David Sutcliffe is a coach, teacher, workshop facilitator, and podcast host. He is a certified Somatic Practitioner, trained in Core Energetics. A former actor, he's best known for his role on the popular TV series Gilmore Girls. Born and raised in Canada, he now lives in Valle de Bravo, Mexico with his wife, Diana.

    1h 34m
  5. Is extremism on the rise? Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss

    09/10/2025

    Is extremism on the rise? Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss

    Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss is a leading scholar in the study of extremism, radicalization, and polarization, whose work bridges academic research and practical interventions. As the director of the Polarization and Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University, her research informs policy, media, and community-based strategies to address pressing global challenges. Her publications and contributions offer critical insights into understanding and preventing the dynamics of hate and violence.More about her work at: https://www.cynthiamilleridriss.com/

    53 min
  6. Zion Lights: Going nuclear

    08/21/2025

    Zion Lights: Going nuclear

    Zion Lights is an award-winning science communicator and environmental advocate, widely recognised for challenging conventional environmental narratives. She champions a science-led vision of human progress, in which energy poverty is alleviated.Zion is notable particularly for her success with advocating for nuclear energy. With over 10 years of experience in communications, public engagement, public speaking, messaging strategy, and journalism in the climate space, Zion brought her expertise to nuclear energy and has played a key role in shifting the global narrative on nuclear energy. She founded Emergency Reactor, the UK’s first pro-nuclear environmental campaign group, and her advocacy directly led to government proposals to build new nuclear and public perception shifts. As part of her public engagement strategy, Zion was the first person to have a pro-nuclear article published in two of Britain’s most-read newspapers.As the former Editor of Extinction Rebellion's print newspaper, The Hourglass, Zion played a pivotal role in elevating climate discourse in the UK, achieving remarkable distribution figures and media reviews. As a spokesperson for the group, she highlighted the need for action on climate change on major outlets such as BBC Politics Live, Good Morning Britain, Byline TV, Sky News, The Andrew Neil Show, France 24, Debatten in Denmark, and Arirang News in South Korea. She has also appeared in several documentaries.Zion is the author of the evidence-based book The Ultimate Guide to Green Parenting and recently contributed to humanitarian Rob Greenfield's Zero Waste Kids and the French book Lumières sur le Nucléaire.Zion has been referred to as “Britain’s greenest mother” by The Daily Telegraph and “an eco-pragmatist, happily heavy on science” by The Guardian. Recognised for her impactful contributions, Zion was selected by the British Science Association to deliver a Presidential Address at the British Science Festival in 2023, receiving accolades for her dedication to education. As a Patron of Humanists UK, Zion actively supports causes aligned with humanist values. Her work was further recognised when she was awarded the Holyoake Lecture Medal in 2023.Beyond her environmental advocacy, Zion's passion for astronomy shines through her TED talk on stargazing, where she underscores the profound connection between humanity, nature, and the cosmos.Zion writes at Everything is Light: https://zionlights.substack.comSocial media handles:X: @ziontreeInstagram: @zion.lightsTikTok: @zilovesscienceLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zionlightsWebsite: www.zionlights.co.uk

    1h 30m
  7. The anger behind comedy

    08/14/2025

    The anger behind comedy

    Can laughter solve everything? Clifford Myers is a 16-year stand-up comedy veteran, Founder of The Other Comedy Company (theothercomedy.co), and President of The Canadian Association of Stand-up, Sketch and Improv Comedians (CASC).Clifford uses his unique position at the intersection of comedy, education and advocacy to speak on humour and creativity as complex human traits, the importance of communal learning, emotional-drivers, adversity, authenticity and self-acceptance.His second comedy special JOKEBOX HERO is available now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M-f5YR2K3U

    1h 22m
  8. The dangerous new world of publishing

    08/08/2025

    The dangerous new world of publishing

    Adam Szetela is a Ph.D. student in the English department at Cornell University, and a former visiting fellow in the history department at Harvard University. His book, "That Book Is Dangerous! How Moral Panic, Social Media, and the Culture Wars Are Remaking Publishing," will be published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press and distributed by Penguin Random House on August 12th, 2025. He has written for, or been quoted in, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and other publications.His website: Adam-Szetela.comBook: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262049856/that-book-is-dangerous/

    1h 23m
See All (44)

3.4
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

FORBIDDEN CONVERSATIONS is a series that takes on topics that don't always get proper attention or are more challenging to tackle in our charged society—and seeks to address them through civil discourse and nuanced exploration. The podcast is hosted by Katherine Brodsky. As a journalist, she has served as a correspondent for VARIETY since 2011 and also written for publications like NEWSWEEK, WIRED, THE WASHINGTON POST, THE GUARDIAN, ESQUIRE, MASHABLE, VULTURE, and others.

Information

  • Creator
    Katherine Brodsky
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Katherine Brodsky
  • Show Website
    Forbidden Conversations

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