Lifeslices with Steve Fisher

Designing Humanity

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.