Lifeslices with Steve Fisher

Lifeslices: Life in the Wild Part 2

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Acclaimed wildlife filmmaker and naturalist Colin Stafford Johnson returns for more of Life in the Wild. Wildlife filmmakers may not be experiencing high demand right now but that doesn’t stop Colin from extolling the wonders and joys of nature and the need to preserve our ecosystems. A master story teller with some great stories to tell.

Lifeslices: Life in the Wild-Part 1

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Colin Stafford Johnson, one of the world's best nature filmmakers, whose work has been seen on the BBC and PBS among others, joins host Steve Fisher to talk about his Life in the Wild, amongst tigers, otters, foxes and more.

Lifeslices: Dubbing Session

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Thanks to streamers, there’s more foreign language programming available every day. Which begs the question, subtitles or dubbed? Some find subtitles distracting so dubbing is the choice for many. But the quality of the dubbing varies as much as the quality of the programs. So we turned to an expert for an insight on the process. Jessica Blue, a director, voice actress and adapter joins host Steve Fisher to offer a Dubbing Session.

Lifeslices: Eavesdropping Dogs

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:05:00 -0700

There may be someone in your house listening to your every word, without you realizing it. Your dog. An average dog vocabulary includes about 150 to 200 words, but with training, dogs have been documented to understand more than 1,000 words! Some dogs are even learning when you’re not actively training them. Shany Dror, a cognitive researcher and animal trainer at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria, joins host Steve Fisher to tell us about Eavesdropping Dogs.

Lifeslices: Creative Acts

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:05:00 -0700

When people are incarcerated, it’s presumably to pay a debt to society for a crime. But when that debt is paid, and it’s time for them to reenter society, what’s being done to prepare them for a successful reentry? Sabra Williams is changing that with CREATIVE ACTS. She and Executive Director Isaac Gonzalez join host Steve Fisher to explain how.

Lifeslices: CES Tech Update

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:05:00 -0700

Every January, the Technos and the Tech Wanna-Knows gather in Las Vegas for CES. The Consumer Electronics Show. They’re there to discover exciting developments in the world of Electronics. And where there’s CES, there’s technology evangelist Marc Saltzman. Marc joins host Steve Fisher to share what he saw, and didn’t see, at CES this year.

Lifeslices: The Shoes Afoot

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:05:00 -0800

There was a time when towns and villages thrived on the talents of local craftspeople who could produce the necessities of everyday needs. Much of those skills have been lost in the era of mass production and are being undermined further with the advent of robotics. But there’s a small group of humans who are keeping those analog skills alive. One of them is Leanne Corcoran, a master shoemaker in Seattle, WA. She’s gone from artist to artisan and proves to host Steve Fisher that The Shoe’s Afoot.

Lifeslices: Make Things Right

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:05:00 -0800

81-year old Benjamin Franklin was leaving the Constitutional Convention in 1787 when he was approached by people asking what sort of government the delegates had created. His answer was: "A republic, if you can keep it." We’ve been fighting to keep it for almost 250 years but, perhaps, it has never been challenged before like it’s being challenged today. Bill Ayres has been fighting for democracy for most of his 81 years. One of the founders of the Weather Undergound, Bill has been fighting to Make Things Right ever since. He joins host Steve Fisher to share his views on how to weather the current anti-democratic storm.

Lifeslices: Raccoon Friends Among Us

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:05:00 -0800

Estimates of when dogs became domesticated range from 20,000 to 130,000 years ago. Cats 9,000-10,000 years ago. What’s next? According to Raffaella Lesch, an assistant professor of Biology at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, it just might be raccoons. Dr. Lesch joins host Steve Fisher to talk about why we might just be seeing new Raccoon Friends Among Us.

Lifeslices: Circadian Evangelist

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:05:00 -0800

Whether we’re musical or not, we’ve all got rhythms. Circadian rhythms. Those are our internal biological software that keeps all the magical devices in our bodies functioning in a 24-hour day. All creatures have them, yet humans tend to abuse theirs. Emily Manoogian is a Chronobiologist and Clinical Researcher at The Salk Institute. She’s a Circadian evangelist and joins host Steve Fisher to explain why we need to dance to our internal music.

Lifeslices: Helping Hands

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:05:00 -0800

The robotic era is here. All over the world, companies and individual engineers are working to improve the scope of what they can do and their efficiency. One of those is Rich Walker and his company Shadow Robot, which makes dexterous hands. Rich joins host Steve Fisher to talk about his Helping Hands, where we are and where we’re not.

Lifeslices: Living Computers

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:05:00 -0800

Steve Jobs said, “I think the biggest innovations of the 21st century will be at the intersection of biology and technology. A new era is beginning.” A quarter of the way through the 21st century, it’s happening. [Fred Jordan quote] That’s Dr. Fred Jordan, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Final Spark with Dr. Martin Kutter. They’re delivering on the promise of Living Computers. Jordan joins host Steve Fisher to talk about them.

Lifeslices: Fungi Finder

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:05:00 -0800

Scientists estimate there are millions of fungi species, including mushrooms, with only a fraction identified so far. Other than being great on pizza and in omelettes and stews, do you know how much they have to offer? Jana Harris is a Fungi Finder and joins host Steve Fisher to talk about one of nature's greatest creations.

Lifeslices: Hunting Exoplanets

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:05:00 -0800

Philosophers and science fiction writers have speculated about the existence of planets outside our solar system for generations, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that we actually began to find and identify them. [Annelise quote] That’s Dr Annelies Mortier of the University of Birmingham in the UK, who’s here with Dr. Christopher Watson from Queen’s University in Belfast to join host Steve Fisher, talking about Hunting Exoplanets

Lifeslices: Postcards to Hitler

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:05:00 -0800

Long before the world would learn about the horrors of Adolf Hitler, one man surmised the threat and tried to alert his fellow countrymen. Bruce Neuberger traced his grandfather's story in his book, Postcards to Hitler. He joins host Steve Fisher to talk about his family’s tale and how it pertains to today’s world.

Lifeslices: Being Alike

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:05:00 -0800

In the United States, and around the world, people seem to be as far apart, politically, as the North Pole is from the South. But, in matters that are important to all of us, just how far apart are we? Professor Lawrence Torcello of the Rochester Institute of Technology joins host Steve Fisher to discuss why we're so polarized when we're so alike.

Lifeslices: Geeking Out at CES

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:05:00 -0800

CES. The Consumer Electronics Show. Every January in Las Vegas, hundreds of companies show up to exhibit gadgets, software and services to more than 140,000 attendees. One of those is Marc Saltzman, tech reporter for many popular publications and media outlets. Marc brings host Steve Fisher up to date on what's up to date in tech.

Lifeslices: Life Underwater

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:05:00 -0800

Oceans cover almost 70% of Earth’s surface. They hold more life than anywhere else. Yet, man has barely scratched the surface. Diver Phil Short and a company called Deep are creating a deep-sea habitat where scientists can live where they work. Phil joins host Steve Fisher to talk about Life Underwater.

Lifeslices: Driving Rats

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:05:00 -0800

Can you teach a rat to drive? Then again, why would you want to? Well, if you’re a neuroscientist like the University of Richmond’s Dr. Kelly Lambert, the challenge was too great and the real-life implications too rich. She joins host Steve Fisher to talk about the study and how it translates to humans.

Lifeslices: Christmas message 2024

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 14:34:00 -0800

From all of us at Lifeslices to all of you. Video available on You Tube, Tik Tok, Facebook and more.

Lifeslices: Explaining the Universe

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:05:00 -0800

How much do you know about the universe? If you’re like me, not much. There are stars and galaxies and planets and asteroids and meteors. But there’s a lot more you don’t see. Dr. Mustapha Ishak Boushaki is a theoretical physicist, cosmologist and professor at the University of Texas at Dallas. In this episode he's Explaining the Universe to host Steve Fisher.

Lifeslices: Ballooning Maven

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:05:00 -0800

In the late 60’s hit, Up, Up and Away, The Fifth Dimension sang, “Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?” Captain Crystal Stout has been singing it ever since. She’s a true Ballooning Maven. Captain Crystal has logged more air miles than she can count and she’s spreading the gospel of Ballooning to people who may not have otherwise had the opportunity with her Dreamcatcher balloon. She joins host Steve Fisher to talk about her years flying and now bringing it to special needs people.

Lifeslices: Everglades Avenger

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:05:00 -0800

When Burmese Pythons were introduced into Florida as part of the exotic pet trade, most owners didn’t realize what they were in for. Burmese pythons can grow to around 20 feet long. Some owners reconsidered their choice of pet and released them into the wild, mostly in the Everglades. Now, with tens of thousands of Burmese Pythons on the loose, the Everglades ecosystem has taken a major hit and a new profession has arisen. Donna Kalil is a Python Elimination Specialist and talks to hos Steve Fisher about the daunting task.

Lifeslices: Studying Twins

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:05:00 -0800

Twins. How they occur is a mystery, but how they behave once they get here, not so much. Thanks to the work of people like Dr. Nancy Segal. She’s been Studying Twins for decades and joins host Steve Fisher to share some of her insights.

Lifeslices: Herbalism 101

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:05:00 -0800

Most people might simply go to the local drug store, herbalists will head into the vast outdoors to fix what ails them. Jim McDonald and Nathan Wright are topnotch Herbalists and teachers. They join host Steve Fisher for an Herbalism 101.

The Future of Chocolate and Coffee

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:05:00 -0800

Do you like chocolate? How about coffee? To many, they are two of nature’s treasures. But between climate change, deforestation and human demand, these precious resources are endangered. A startup company called California Cultured is working to sustainably improve on Mother Nature. Alan Perlstein is the company’s CEO. He joins host Steve Fisher to talk about The Future of Chocolate and Coffee.

Designing Humanity

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:05:00 -0800

Some people fear that computers and virtual reality are robbing us of our humanity, and our interconnectivity with other humans who share our world. What if someone were to argue that we’re not being robbed, we’re being given new avenues, new technology to communicate with those others? Sara Guisto is doing that through her creations, virtual humans. She joins host Steve Fisher to talk about Designing Humanity.

The Earthships Are Coming?

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:05:00 -0700

What if someone could build a house that is not only sustainable itself, but can meet all its inhabitants' needs sustainably? Sounds like science fiction? How about science fact? Michael Reynolds is a biotect in Taos, New Mexico, who says he’s got the answer. Earthships. He talks to host Steve Fisher about what they are, what they do and how he's trying to make them affordable for all.

Lifeslices: Uplift Malawi

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:05:00 -0700

You may have seen a TV show called Survivor. Contestants are taken to some exotic locale and asked to do a task or stunt. At the end of the day, the players may make it to the next round of competition or be eliminated. Heidi Hamels was on that show. She’s here as the founder of a non-profit organization called Uplift Malawi, along with it’s executive director, Alaina Baker, trying to help the children of that country survive. They join host Steve Fisher to talk about the issues plaguing Malawi and how you can help.

Lifeslices: Music Man

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:05:00 -0700

When you go to a musical show or concert you tend to look at the person standing in front of the orchestra, waving their arms, and think, I can do that. Chances are, you can’t. It takes a very particular set of skills.

Larry Blank is a composer, orchestrator and conductor, based in Los Angeles, New York and London, who has worked with some of the most respected names in theatre, film, television and music. He has those skills and then some. He’s a true Music Man and joins host Steve Fisher to talk about his work on Broadway, film, TV and concert stages around the world.

Lifeslices: Saving Orangutans

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:05:00 -0700

What would you do if a member of your family was in danger? I hope you’d say you would do everything you could to save them. I’m not talking about your human family. Did you know that orangutans are among our closest relatives, sharing 97% of our DNA. They’re intelligent, inquisitive, very observant and very much in danger of going extinct in the wild. Leif Cocks, founder of The Orangutan Project, is devoted to keep that from happening. He joins host Steve Fisher to talk about Saving Orangutans. This is Lifeslices!

Lifeslices: On Life

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:05:00 -0700

If you’ve dwelt on this planet long enough, you’ve likely picked up a lot of wisdom and knowledge. That would make you what’s called a senior citizen. If you choose to put that experience and your surrounding musings on paper, you’re a philosopher. David M. Perkins might not cop to the latter but he definitely acknowledges the former. He’s certainly someone worth listening to as he talks to host Steve Fisher On Life.

Lifeslices: Summons to Berlin

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:05:00 -0700

Nazi. Originally the name for a political movement, today, it’s a synonym for evil. Over the course of their Reign of Terror, they destroyed populations and countries, including their own. Joanne Intrator grew up the daughter of German refugees. Her parents were among the lucky ones to escape but it wasn’t unscathed. On his deathbed, her father challenged her to a mission in his old homeland. It would change her life in many ways. Joanne joins host Steve Fisher to talk about her Summons to Berlin.

Lifeslices: Out of Focus

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:05:00 -0700

ADHD. Four little letters that can spell big problems for children around the world. While some of those children may outgrow the disorder, millions more won’t and, in fact, may never have been diagnosed to begin with, creating many issues for those adults who are missing the chance for treatment. Dr. J. Russell Ramsey is one of the most preeminent psychologists in the research and treatment of adult ADHD and talks to host Steve Fisher about what it is, how it's diagnosed and how it's treated.

Lifeslices: Coexisting with Beavers

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:05:00 -0700

When Mother Nature created beavers, she proved to have a sense of humor. These funny-looking oversized members of the rodent family have buck teeth and large paddle-like tails, perfect for cartoon characters. But she also had a plan, imbuing them with an ecological purpose. Unfortunately, man came along and didn’t see it that way. Farmers and ranchers, not to mention fur traders, drove the beavers away and close to the point of extinction. Now, thanks to organizations like Defenders of Wildlife, beavers are making a comeback. Peggy Darr is one of their Defenders and talks to host Steve Fisher about the pros and cons of adding more beavers to our environment.

Lifeslices: The Beer Archaeologist

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:05:00 -0700

Beer has been around almost as long as mankind, popping up in disparate cultures, not connected in any way. Travis Rupp is an assistant professor of the classics and beer. He's The Beer Archaeologist, searching the world for evidence of ancient brews (and their recipes) and helps host Steve Fisher kick off the 5th season of Lifeslices.

Something About Sleep Part 2

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:05:00 -0800

Most living creatures sleep. It’s natures way of saying it’s time to chill. But perhaps no other species beyond humans think about it so much. And study it. Ok, maybe not all. Most of us take it for granted. Until that night we’re tossing and turning and our minds won’t shut off. That’s when we turn to experts like Dr. Michael Grandner as Lifeslices did in part one of our conversation. We had so many questions that we couldn’t fit them all in one episode. Dr. Grandner returns to answer host Steve Fisher's questions about sleep, naps and dreams.

Lifeslices: What's in Store for Tech 2024

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:05:00 -0800

Technology. Love it or hate it, it’s here to stay. And evolve. Each year, creators, sellers and buyers gather in Las Vegas to share what’s new, what’s better and what’s different at the Consumer Electronics Show or CES. Return guest Marc Saltzman covers the tech industry and chats with host Steve Fisher about What's in Store for 2024.

Something About Sleep

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:05:00 -0800

Sleep. As humans, we know we need it and we know that when we don’t get enough, it can affect us all day long, if not longer. But what do we really know about it? What happens to our bodies and brains when we sleep, perchance to dream. Thankfully, there are scientists around the world studying all the things about it the rest of us don’t even think about. Dr. Michael Grandner of the University of Arizona, Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program, and Director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic, joins host Steve Fisher to talk about what happens when we sleep.

Lost Worlds

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:05:00 -0800

One of mankind’s goals for the 21st century is to boldly go where no one has gone before. More specifically, our sister planet Mars. But to prepare our brave new class of astronauts for what they might encounter in that challenging environment and how to look for signs of life, historically or presently, scientists are studying previously unexplored regions of earth. One of them is Dr. Brian Hynek of the University of Colorado at Boulder. He joins host Steve Fisher to share his experiences.

Lifeslices: 2023 Christmas Message

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 00:05:00 -0800

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa from all of us at Lifeslices!

AI-ing the Climate

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:05:00 -0800

Climate change is ubiquitous. Our planet has always been subject to it. But since the 1800s, most of it has been fueled by human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. Temperatures are rising threatening our ability to grow food, melting our arctic regions to raise sea levels and leading to weather changes that are creating more deadly events such as hurricanes and tornados. Scientists have been warning us for decades that if we don’t act now, it will prove to be an existential threat to life as we know it. Some believe we are already there. Anna Liljedahl is a scientist who is studying climate change. She's using AI to help sift through decades of data to find solutions and joins host Steve Fisher to talk about it.

Chasing the Magic of Loch Ness

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:05:00 -0800

Our planet holds many places that exude mystery and capture our fascination. Egypt has the pyramids and the Sphinx. Nevada has Area 51. The Atlantic Ocean has the Bermuda Triangle. But perhaps nowhere on Earth has the lure of Loch Ness in Scotland. It’s main attraction is the possible existence of a Loch Ness monster, affectionately called Nessie. Alan McKenna leads regular explorations of the lake, welcoming people to join in. He joins host Steve Fisher to talk about what the loch has to offer.

Lifeslices: Beasts of the World

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:05:00 -0800

Throughout time, and across cultures, mysterious creatures have been sighted by everyday humans. Big Foot, Nessie, Mothman. These beings have yet to be substantiated by science, or debunked. So a field of study, cryptozoology, was born. A long time practitioner of the pseudoscience is Andy McGrath, who was drawn to it as a child. He’s been at it in print, podcast and TV for 30 years. And he joins host Steve Fisher to talk about the Beasts of the World.

Lifeslices: Communicating with Aliens

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:05:00 -0800

There’s no telling how many other intelligent civilizations exist in the universe. Whether they or we can ever master the ability to travel light years, once we connect, how will we communicate? Behavioral ecologist Dr. Arik Kershenbaum and professor of linguistics Dr. Ian Roberts, both of the University of Cambridge, join host Steve Fisher to talk about Communicating with Aliens.

Lifeslices: Befriending Superman

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:05:00 -0800

In 1938, a character was born that would endure to this very day, appearing in comic books, movies, TV and radio shows, video games, and one Broadway musical. That musical was “It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman.” And while 11 actors have played the role in TV, radio and film, only one wore the cape and tights on Broadway. That actor was Bob Holiday. Although Bob may not have been a household name, and the show had a short-lived run, to those of us who were lucky enough to see him in the role, he was our Superman. Toni Collins saw the show when she was 11 and had the chance to meet Bob backstage. Many years later, she ended up building and managing his website. She talks with host Steve Fisher about Befriending Superman.

Lifeslices: Solving Anxiety

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:05:00 -0800

More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety, a condition that can impair a person’s family, social, and school or working life. For years, mental health professionals have treated it with therapy and medications. But they don’t cure it. Daniel Packard, a mechanical engineer by training, claims he has developed a system that can do just that. He joins host Steve Fisher to explain how he's Solving Anxiety.

Lifeslices: Speaking Indigenously

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:05:00 -0800

The Ojibwe people were mainly located in the Great Lakes region of Western New York, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and southern Quebec and Ontario. Like other indigenous peoples, they found themselves amidst the British and French settlers of the Americas. Over the decades and centuries since that time, they took to speaking the new pervasive languages and their language found itself becoming less and less common. Now, younger Ojibwe, like so many other indigenous people, are trying to reclaim their heritage. One of those is John-Paul Chalykoff. He talks to host Steve Fisher about Speaking Indigenously.

Lifeslices: The West for Love

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:05:00 -0700

One thing that unites humanity is everyone’s need for love. To find a partner in life. The advent of the Internet opened a whole bunch of ways to meet people. One aspect of Internet dating that has taken off in recent years is eastern women looking for western men. Monica Liu is a sociologist at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Born in China, she moved to the US at the age of eight. She recently had the opportunity to study why so many mature Chinese women were on the hunt for love across many borders. Monica quote joins host Steve Fisher to talk about The West for Love.

Lifeslices: Saving Species

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:05:00 -0700

Humans are threatening the animal kingdom by taking over habitats, polluting our skies and waterways and fueling global warming, creating an extinction event not seen in more than 10 million years. There are more than 1 million species on the brink of disappearing right now. Thankfully, there are organizations working to save those species, and to collect the biological materials necessary to bring them back when the technology is ready to do so. Among those organizations is the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Barbara Durrant, Director of Reproductive Sciences and Marlys Houck, curator of the Frozen Zoo share the important work they are doing with host Steve Fisher.

Lifeslices: Witness to History

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:05:00 -0700

Western democracies are having a moment. And it’s not necessarily a good moment. People are questioning their leadership, their institutions, their systems of government. It’s at times like these where we need sane, rational and wise leaders. But they seem to be in short supply. History has shown us examples of the kinds of leaders we need and it takes someone who has observed, and worked with, them to allay our fears. Canadian Arthur Milnes has studied it all from both the outside as a journalist and from the inside as a speechwriter for Canadian Prime Ministers. He joins host Steve Fisher to share his stories from being a Witness to History, on Lifeslices.

Lifeslices: Tracing Cats

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:05:00 -0700

Many people regard cats as mysteries. Part of that is cats attached themselves to humans later in our evolutionary history than dogs, so we’re still trying to figure them out. One thing we do know is that they evolved from wild creatures to pets to our beloved fur babies. Dr. Jonathan Losos is an evolutionary biologist, herpetologist and professor at Washington University in St. Louis and joins host Steve Fisher to talk about Tracing Cats.

Lifeslices: Once Upon a Saga

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:05:00 -0700

Torbjorn Pedersen endeavored to visit every country in the world, spending at least 24 hours in each. And to make it more challenging, he decided to do it without flying. He left his native Denmark in October of 2013 and returned home in July of 2023, nearly a decade later. To say there were challenges would be putting it mildly.

Lifeslices: Mind Mending

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 00:05:00 -0700

It’s known as the long goodbye. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias rob a person of their humanity long before they shed their mortal coil. There’s no cure yet but recent medical advances give hope. The Alzheimer’s Association declares the “first survivor of Alzheimer’s is out there, giving optimism to those of us living with the sword of dementia hanging over our heads. But, in the meantime, there are those working on ways to ease the anxiety of the disease. One of those is Mike Fisher. He talks to host Steve Fisher about mind mending.

Lifeslices: Chasing the Stars

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 00:05:00 -0700

What happened to the galaxy? It’s there. But if you live within 30 miles of a heavily populated area, chances are your view is hindered by light pollution. Vahé Peroomian is a USC professor and has been teaching physics and astronomy for over 25 years. He's also an avid photographer. He joins host Steve Fisher to talk about astro-tourism and photographing the night sky.

Lifeslices: Fighting Misinformation

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:05:00 -0700

Between books, the Internet and cable news, we’re overwhelmed by more information than ever before. But is that information reliable? How much is misinformation? Or worse, disinformation? Regardless of our philosophical or political leanings, any of us can be duped at any moment. Dr. Rakoen Maertens, a researcher at England’s Cambridge University, joins host Steve Fisher to talk about who's susceptible and what we can do about it.

Lifeslices: Futurus Rex

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:05:00 -0700

D.C. Fontana was perhaps best known for her work on a number of Star Trek TV series and subsequent novels. Lynn Barker has been a journalist and writer for a number of TV shows. The two friends teamed up to produce a novel of King Arthur’s return to a future post-apocalyptic world to help defeat a despotic regime. D.C. didn’t live to see the completion of the tale but Lynn and audio book narrator Stacey Lind join host Steve Fisher to talk about the challenges of getting the book and it's audio version of Futurus Rex to fruition. On Lifeslices.

Lifeslices: Her Father’s List

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:05:00 -0700

When her father died tragically in his early 50's, Laura Carney was devastated. Finding his bucket list, and taking it upon herself to complete it, gave her a new life.

Lifeslices: Musicalizing MacGyver

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:05:00 -0700

When MacGyver ran on television, first for 7 years on ABC and then, rebooted, on CBS for 5, people of all ages and genders imagined what it would be like to be MacGyver. A new immersive stage experience, with songs, is giving those people a chance. MacGyver is not played by a professional performer, but by an audience volunteer. Series creator Lee David Zlotoff and composer/Lyricist talk about how they pull it off with some songs from the show. On Lifeslices.

Pickleball 101

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 00:05:00 -0700

It has the biggest growth of any sport in the last three years. It's not baseball or football or basketball. Not even tennis or golf. It's called Pickleball and despite the funny name, it's serious business. Roger BelAir has been teaching it on courts around the country. But it's in prisons where it might be having the greatest impact.

Lifeslices: What a Character!

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:05:00 -0700

The best characters in a movie or TV show are rarely the stars. It's often the character actors playing those idiosyncratic kooks or villains or comic best friends who steal the show. Podcaster Cullen Dixon focuses the spotlight on them in his new program What a Character!

Lifeslices: Across the Aisle

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:05:00 -0700

As a follow up to our last episode about why we're not getting along, we offer two young politicians -- one a Democrat, the other Republican -- who have forged a partnership to get things done. And they're doing it. By starting with respect, friendship and a determination to find common ground.

Lifeslices: Getting Along

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:05:00 -0700

Why cant' we agree on anything? Is it a recent phenomenon or have we been grappling with it since the dawn of humans? Law professor James Steiner-Dillon ponders those questions and more tackling why we're not Getting Along. On Lifeslices.

Lifeslices: Scales of Humanity

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:05:00 -0700

Imagine an atlas of roadmaps for aspects of life. It exists in the form of Septemics, a new philosophy to understand where you are in life and how to get to where you want to be. Jim Marshall spent 25 years developing it and joins Lifeslices to talk about his discovery.

Life on Mars ... and Elsewhere

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 00:05:00 -0800

When it comes to life in the universe, there's no question. Considering the vastness of space, there must be. The question is where and when will we find it ... and will it be sentient or basic one-cell creatures? Will it be friendly or hostile? Will they kill us or will we kill them? Okay, actually there are lots of questions. Dr. Amy Williams is one of those looking for answers.

The Eye of the Creator

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:05:00 -0800

What does it take to create a TV show? Writer René Balcer has done it several times on shows such as Law & Order: Criminal Intent and FBI: Most Wanted. He joins host Steve Fisher to share his expertise and experience.

Lifeslices: Playing with DNA

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 00:05:00 -0800

No longer the thing of science fiction, thanks to CRISPR, genes can now be edited to remove disease and unwanted traits or to add more beneficial traits. But many of the advances are copyrighted by pharmaceutical companies that either charge millions for treatment or bury the code because of the lack of profit. Some scientists are trying to free up the biotech to democratize the technology. Health and science reporter Lana Schwartz tried it out and shares her knowledge on this episode of Lifeslices.

Lifeslices: Shooting Toys

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:05:00 -0800

Mitchel Wu wasn't a big toy guy until he started shooting them. With a camera. Then, he created new meaning for the term "action figures."

Lifeslices: Voice-over Maven

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:05:00 -0800

People think doing voice-overs for advertising and TV shows is easy if you have a good voice. But there's much more to it than that. Jodi Gottlieb is a voice-over coach and helps actors to achieve what it takes for success.

Lifeslices: Funny Man

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:05:00 -0800

Bobby Logan went from the mean streets of East L.A. to being a highly regarded comedy writer for some of the top names in show business. From there he took his talents to TV and the big screen and is now sharing his knowledge with the up and coming.

Lifeslices Christmas Message

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Happy Holidays from Lifeslices.

Lifeslices: Mean Fitness

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Fitness trainers are not hard to find. But you might have a hard time finding one like Canadian expert Mike Kelly. For one thing, he doesn't believe in "no pain, no gain." Hear what he does believe and it might just change the way you approach your training regimen.

Lifeslices: North to Alaska

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Brad Schmitz is a social worker, an adventurer and an entrepreneur. Seeking ways to help people and build a future, he travelled the world then settled in Alaska to create a travel adventure company that helps people learning to speak English.

Lifeslices: Faith Dealer

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Studies show that the number of people who belong to an organized religion is on the decline, but the number of people searching for a community of shared beliefs is on the rise. Anthony Pinn is a professor of humanities and religion at Rice University and a secular humanist himself, and joins Lifeslices to help sort it all out.

Lifeslices: What’s my chakra?

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Do you really know yourself? Explore your chakras with Jenna Davi to truly learn what makes you tick.

Lifeslices: Altar Egos

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 00:05:00 -0800

There are many recognizable names among the purveyors of science fiction. Andrew Gilsmith is not one of them. Yet. But with the release of his first novel, Our Lady of the Artilects, he proves his is a name to know.

Lifeslices: Transportation Transformation

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Electric vehicles are no longer niche. They're becoming the norm. Reporter David Kerley, late of ABC News and the Full Throttle newsletter and YouTube channel, joins us to talk about transportation in our near future.

LIfeslices: Veterans Play

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 19:26:31 -0800

When Mary Whyte embarked on a mission to paint a portrait of one American in each of our 50 states, she determined that the most American of all were our veterans. Now she's teaching them to make their own art.

Lifeslices: American Foundation

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:05:00 -0700

Do you hold on to the notion that the United States is the best country in the world? Time for some eye-opening facts as to where we are and how we got there. Historian Kathleen Frydl joins Steve to talk about the American Foundation.

Lifeslices: Long Live Dogs

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:05:00 -0700

If you're a dog lover, you need to hear this. Dr. Daniel Promislow and his Dog Aging Project are working to learn more about why dogs don't have longer life spans.

Lifeslices: Playing With Dinosaurs

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:05:00 -0700

Dinosaurs are not extinct. They're still with us today, in the form of birds and in full-sized animatronic recreations thanks to Dino Don Lessem. He shares how he got involved and the work going on today to keep them alive in our imagination and discovering new species.

Lifeslices: The Shark Listener Revisited

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:05:00 -0700

The chat with Christina Zenato from season one was fascinating. In this reediting for season 2, it's even more illuminating. You might just find sharks cute and cuddly after listening.

Lifeslices: Living with Death

Mon, 30 May 2022 00:05:00 -0700

From the moment we’re born, we’re living in the shadow of death. It’s coming for all of us and there’s nothing we can do. Well yes there is. We can be prepared with what we want as our final wishes so that our survivors don't have to deal with that in their grief. As Death’s Apprentice, Christa Ovenell deals with it on a daily basis and guides others through their confusion. As all of us are, Christa is Living with Death.

Lifeslices: Pardon My Phallology

Mon, 23 May 2022 00:05:00 -0700

You can find museums for just about everything. Bottle caps, gas pumps, old cars. There's even a museum devoted to the penis. Thordur O. Thordarson is the manager of The Icelandic Phallological Museum and shares what you'll find there ... and what you won't.

Lifeslices: Life in the Metaverse

Mon, 16 May 2022 00:05:00 -0700

The Metaverse has entered popular culture and is making inroads into real llife. Fernando De La Peña is working hard to make the Metaverse a reality with holoportation. Learn what it's all about and how you can get involved.

Lifeslices: Gorillas in Our Midst

Mon, 09 May 2022 00:05:00 -0700

Knowing the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda were facing extinction, Dian Fossey dedicated her life to saving them. Sadly, her life was cut short but the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund continues her work. Tara Stoinski is the fund's president & CEO and Chief Scientific Officer and joins Lifeslices to tell us about the gorillas and the work of the organization.

Going Kind

Mon, 02 May 2022 00:05:00 -0700

At a time when London was being consumed by civil unrest, Bernadette Russell decided there wasn't enough kindness in the world. She endeavored to spend a year doing acts of kindness every day. She shares how it affected others and how it changed her.

Lifeslices: Pop Goes the Culture

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 00:05:00 -0700

Today's entertainment could be tomorrow's classics. Just ask Shakespeare. Better yet, listen to pop culture expert Roy Schwartz explain fairy tales, vampires and comic books on Lifeslices.

Lifeslices: The Search for Happiness

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:05:00 -0700

Each year, a group of academics rate the world's happiest countries. It's a science and John Helliwell is one of the founding scientists. There are ways for each of us to be happy, but does it require moving to another country. Find out in The Search for Happiness on Lifeslices!

Living in History

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:05:00 -0700

Jamie Arty, with her husband Frantz, set out to restore a historic old mansion on New York's Long Island. She discovered a lot of things, including the challenges of restoring a home damaged by the ages. Was that challenge worth it?

Lifeslices: Love at First Ping

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:05:00 -0700

Online dating doesn't work for everyone, but some get lucky. Mike Faith and Anju Tomar met online and their first date lasted 204 days. This is their story.

Lifeslices: A Taste of Gullah Geechee

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 00:05:00 -0700

Matthew and Tia Raiford traded one set of roots for another and now cultivate them on the farm and in the kitchen.

Lifeslices: The Essence of Birdness

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 00:05:00 -0700

There are anywhere from 10-18,000 species of birds on Planet Earth. Peter Cavanagh's mission is to photograph every one in flight.

Lifeslices: All of the Marvels

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:05:00 -0700

Douglas Wolk is a pop culture critic, teacher and writer. So he decided to mix business with pleasure, reading 27,000 Marvel superhero comic books and creating a guided tour in a book. He stopped by Lifeslices to talk about it.

Lifelong Learnng

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:05:00 -0800

When Rovy Branon was in high school, he was told that higher education was not for him. Today he's the Vice Provost for the University of Washington Continuum College. He knows the importance of never giving up on education, regardless of age and place in life.

Lifeslices: Raider of the Lost Archives

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Paul Brownstein searches the world for lost TV shows and restores them to be enjoyed today.

Lifeslices: Working Actor

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Some actors work for stardom. Some just want to act. And when it pays their bills, even better. John Sanders is a working actor who appeared on Broadway and guest-starred on TV. He's currently playing Stanford White on HBO's The Gilded Age. In this episode of Lifeslices, he talks about his career.

Lifeslices: Book It, Rachel!

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Rachel Fulginiti isn't a household name; she's a household voice. She makes her living narrating audio books. It's an art for

Lifeslices: Genealogical Adventurer

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak unearths mysteries of people's heritage. She's sort of the Indiana Jones of genealogy.

Lifeslices: Living the Map

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Curiosity was Daniel Seddiqui's hobby as a child. It became his vocation as an adult.

Illustrator Man

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Writer/illustrator/teacher Dana J. Sullivan shares how he became a top children's book and comic artist, where he draws his inspiration and what it takes to succeed at the game.

Lifeslices: Hail Molossia!

Sun, 16 Jan 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Have you ever wanted to form your own country? Kevin Baugh did just that. Created the sovereign country of Molossia within the state of Nevada. Hear why and how and how you can visit.

Night Eyes

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Rocio Camacho Morales is part of a team at the Australian National University that's working on a way to increase our night vision

Lifeslices: Tech Evangelist

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 00:05:00 -0800

Marc Saltzman is somewhat of a guru, helping to translate complicated technology into simple explanations for the non-techy among us.

Vacationing Angel

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 00:05:00 -0800

It took a conversation from beyond the grave to help Heidi Connolly live. Now she helps others to find the same freedom.

Lifeslices_Life in a Van

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:05:00 -0800

As Amanda Cavacas and Jason St. Jacques were preparing to get married, COVID hit. The idea of a big wedding didn't quite work anymore, so they took the money for that big event, bought a van and started building the little home of their dreams.

Lifeslices: Bring ‘Em Back Alive

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:05:00 -0800

When animal species vanish from their native habitat, ecologists around the world make every effort to reintroduce them. Dr. Natasha Robinson is an integral part of that effort "down under."

Lifeslices: The Shows That Entertain Us

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:05:00 -0800

Brian Volk Weiss produces TV shows. Almost 400 to date. Chances are that you've watched more than a few. Hear what it takes ... and what it doesn't.

Snippet from The Shark Listener

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 00:05:00 -0700

Christina Zenato swims with sharks. In this snipped from the full episode, she talks about how to develop trust.

Lifeslices Season 2 Coming Soon Dr Natasha Robinson

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 00:05:00 -0700

Dr. Natasha Robinson helps to introduce long lost species to indigenous areas in Australia.

Lighthouse Keepers_Snippet

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:05:00 -0700

For Carolyn Woodward and Jeff George, togetherness is everything. It has to be. They're the sole residents of Lennard Island in British Columbia where they are lighthouse keepers. Enjoy this snippet from their episode of Lifeslices.

Best Seller Part 2 Snippet

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 00:05:00 -0700

Lifeslices is on hiatus as we prepare for season 2. If you haven't listened to Best Seller Part 2 with author Christina Baker Kline, check out this burst from the show, then listen to the full episode.

Escape to Barbados

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:05:00 -0700

A young mother packs up her toddler son and her belongings and moves from her home in Scotland to the island of Barbados. Find out what it took and learn about the experience of expatriating.

Playing with Dinosaurs

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:05:00 -0700

Dino Don Lessem doesn't just know all about dinosaurs, he builds them. Jurassic Park ain't got nothing on him!

Ice Cream Dreams - Snippet

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:05:00 -0700

A short teaser for Ice Cream Dreams.

Adrenaline Junkie

Mon, 31 May 2021 00:05:00 -0700

Mary Peachin is an adrenaline junkie. She's been skydiving, bungee jumping and scuba diving with whale sharks. And at 80, she's preparing for a new adventure and searching for more.

Best Seller Part 2

Mon, 24 May 2021 00:05:00 -0700

More from New York Times bestselling author Christina Baker Kline, talking about her new novel, The Exiles, getting her books made for TV and film and more.

Best Seller Part 1

Mon, 17 May 2021 00:05:00 -0700

Author Christina Baker Kline is a bona fide New York Times bestseller and proves she can be just as engaging in person as on the page. Join us for some fun stories from the world of a successful novelist.

Racists Anonymous

Mon, 10 May 2021 00:05:00 -0700

Pastor Ron Buford created an organization, modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, to help everyone, religious or not, to confront their own racist leanings.

The Shark Listener

Mon, 03 May 2021 00:05:00 -0700

The novel, Jaws, and the movie based on it, portrayed a monstrous Great White shark and we have come to color all sharks the same. But, as Shark Listener, Christina Zenato, teaches us, not all sharks are the same. Find out why we should appreciate and revere them on Lifeslices.

Weather Guy Part 2

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 20:30:10 -0700

More of Steve's conversation with KIRO TV morning meteorologist Nick Allard, where they talk about reporting in a hurricane, forecasting alien life and nurturing homespun goodness as part of a team.

Weather Guy Part 1

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:05:00 -0700

Nick Allard, the morning and noon meteorologist at KIRO 7 TV in Seattle shares his forecasts on and off screen.

Lifeslices_The Rideshare Foodie

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:05:00 -0700

Kreskin J. Torres travels the country as The Rideshare Foodie, sharing food and friendship with people from all walks of life. He talks to Lifeslices from his home on wheels.

Wax On!

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:05:00 -0700

Matt Hilshorst, studios manager at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in New York, joins Steve to was poetically on how the attraction functions.

Ice Cream Dreams_Part 2

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:05:00 -0700

There's a lot more about ice cream and even more to Dr. Maya.

Ice Cream Dreams - Part 1

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 20:35:32 -0700

Dr. Maya dreamed of working with ice cream from the age of 6. Today, she's a professional ice cream scientist and she dishes on the frozen treat in part 1 of two.

Treasure Hunters

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 01:05:00 -0700

Treasure can be as spectacular as gold doubloons or as mundane as a cellphone. Chris Turner and Mike Pelley find their treasures in how people react when they reunite them with lost items.

AI, Robots and the Future

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0800

Writer, philosopher and technologist Gary Bengier shares his book Unfettered Journey and a future with artificial intelligence.

Lighthouse Keepers

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 09:34:45 -0800

Caroline Woodward and Jeff George share what it's like to manage a lighthouse and live on a small island by themselves.