15 episodes
Strange Customs with Sasha Sagan Sasha Sagan/OnlySky Media
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- Society & Culture
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4.8 • 62 Ratings
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Why do we do things the way we do them? We take on customs from our ancestors, then teach them to the next generation, often without thinking. But when we take a step back, they can seem bizarre, arbitrary...and sometimes, profoundly beautiful.
Join Sasha Sagan, author of "For Small Creatures Such as We," as she talks to smart, funny, interesting celebrities and scholars, uncovering just how weirdly wonderful we Earthlings can be.
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Dario Robleto—The Special
The season 1 finale of Strange Customs brings Sasha Sagan to an extraordinary Chicago exhibition for a conversation with the artist, Dario Robleto. Situated at the intersection of art and science, the show also has its inspiration and roots in Sasha's own family.
We'll also hear from Harvard art historian Dr. Jennifer Roberts about the ways art and science share a mission to extend our vision beyond the horizon. -
Kiley Reid—The Care
Host Sasha Sagan talks to NYT best-selling novelist KILEY REID (Such a Fun Age) about a tradition that has evolved out of necessity from family and community participation to an economic arrangement with strangers.
We'll also hear from sociologist DR. TAMARA MOSE about the roots of the tradition that still echo in unfair practices today. -
Lily Rabe—The Exchange
Sasha Sagan talks with actor-director LILY RABE about a supposedly heartwarming tradition that strikes terror and shame in both their hearts.
We'll also hear from DR. ANDREA VOYER, a sociologist and historian of social norms at Stockholm University, about her research using etiquette as a lens on changing societies. -
Bill Nye—The Rhythm
Sasha is joined by science communicator BILL NYE and historian of technology DAVID ROONEY to discuss a concept that measures, slices, defines, and controls our lives more than any other.
Bill Nye photo by Neil Grabowsky / Montclair Film under CC-BY 2.0 -
Greg Epstein—The Transformation
Sasha Sagan talks with humanist rabbi GREG EPSTEIN about an ancient tradition they both participate in each year, with themes and messages they find both inspiring and abhorrent. How can a thoughtful person engage a tradition shot through with such contradictions?
We'll also hear from historian of religion DR. CAROLE CUSACK about how this tradition and others like it connect with the deep cycles of the earth and its creatures. -
Kirsten Dunst—The Trick
Actor KIRSTEN DUNST tells Sasha about the big lie she told her husband, the constant lies that bond her to her son—and why it's all good.
We'll also hear from folklorist DR. JEANA JORGENSEN about the cross-cultural history of messing with each other.
Customer Reviews
People are strange!
In just a few episodes I have learned a lot about the human species, and to see ourselves through a new lens. Definitely worth subscribing to!
Makes you think
Not only do I enjoy listening to each episode and diving into a specific topic with Sasha and her guests (who are usually quite funny in addition to being smart and thoughtful), but since starting this podcast I began to notice how many other bizarre rituals and customs we humans do without thinking, or knowing why we do them. Highly recommended!
It will change the way you see the world
Sasha is the perfect host for this trip through the strangeness of everyday things. I look forward to hearing each episode again and again!