A Song Called Life

Carrie E. Bearden, Ph.D., is an esteemed Professor with a multifaceted presence in the academic landscape. Holding positions in the Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Psychology, and the Brain Research Institute at UCLA, Dr. Bearden stands at the forefront of cutting-edge research. Her work is dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of serious mental illnesses, with a primary emphasis on discerning the genetic and biological vulnerability markers that underlie these conditions. Through her expertise, Dr. Bearden contributes significantly to advancing our understanding of the complex intersection between genetics and mental health, paving the way for innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Author Geena Russo joins Osi in this week's episode to to explore her debut book, "Sydney's Adventure in New Mexico." They dive into the challenges that accompany the process of writing and publishing your first book, why writing for children is harder than you'd think, and more.

Visit https://bit.ly/48GxZV6 to get yourself or a child near you a copy of Sydney's Adventure in New Mexico.

Geena Russo is a long-time writer, first-time author. During the day G writes blogs, social media content, press releases and the like. By night, G uses words to imagine what Sydney is thinking. A children’s book was a surprise venture, but publishing something was always the dream.

Connect with G on IG:

Author: geena_russo_reads

Book: sydneyadventurebooks

PIXIEPUNK represents more than just a musical ensemble; it stands as a dynamic cultural movement propelled by the collaborative synergy of TJ, emanating from the vibrant pulse of New York City, and LYNZI, hailing from the serene landscapes of a rural Texan town. The serendipity of their musical convergence unfolded amidst the captivating backdrop of Costa Rica in 2019 during a songwriters workshop, where an instantaneous connection sparked a prolific creative partnership. Their compositions effortlessly blend influences from the timeless allure of Fleetwood Mac to the avant-garde innovation reminiscent of Kanye West merged with the genre-defying essence of Twenty One Pilots, crafting a musical narrative that seamlessly weaves between vintage charm and ethereal allure.

Formerly recognized as "Mercury & the Architects," their journey has been a testament to resilience and unwavering commitment. Achieving acclaim with self-released tracks and visuals, the duo, TJ and LYNZI, navigated a labyrinth of experiences – from triumphant nights in front of sold-out crowds in Los Angeles to the exhilarating highs of sync placements. Their path, however, was marked by health challenges, the unforeseen disruptions of a global pandemic, and a complex web of business dealings. Through these tribulations, their shared passion not only anchored them but also fueled an unyielding dedication to their craft.

PIXIEPUNK is a manifestation of artistic evolution, a project that transcends the boundaries of conventional music. With each obstacle encountered, TJ and LYNZI emerged not only stronger but also imbued with a profound wisdom that enriches their creative expression. Rooted in a commitment to authenticity, PIXIEPUNK stands poised at the intersection of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering passion for crafting a musical experience that transcends the ordinary.

In this podcast episode, Osi explores the major events and stories that defined 2023, emphasizing their impact as they transition into the new year. Additionally, he shares his personal highlights, including favorite movies, funny moments, and more from the past year.

Kayla Esmond is a Los Angeles-based comedian and actress, originally from Hawaii and raised in Texas. She holds a B.A. in Musical Theater from Ouachita Baptist University (2014). In Little Rock, Arkansas, Kayla excelled in various roles on stage and screen, co-founding the comedy sketch troupe Tyrannosaurus Sketch.

As a stand-up comedian, Kayla earned recognition at Loony Bin Comedy Clubs and was crowned Best Undiscovered Comic in Arkansas. She showcased her comedic prowess at major festivals, including the DC Comedy Festival, The Art of Female Comedy Festival, and The World Series of Comedy. Sharing the stage with notable comedians like AJ Johnson and Mo Alexander, Kayla continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry.

David N. Myers, a distinguished professor and accomplished author, holds the Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History at UCLA. Since fall 2017, he has also served as the director of the Luskin Center for History and Policy and leads the UCLA Initiative to Study Hate. With a background in graduate studies at Tel-Aviv, Harvard, and Columbia Universities, Myers is renowned for his significant contributions to modern Jewish intellectual and cultural history. He has authored six books and played a pivotal role in editing or co-editing eleven others. His book, "American Shtetl: The Making of Kiryas Joel, a Hasidic Village in Upstate New York," earned him the prestigious 2022 National Jewish Book Award in American Jewish Studies.

Corey Kang, a Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, brings his unique comedic style to the stage. Hailing from the vibrant streets of Miami, Corey offers fresh perspectives on life with an unapologetically genuine approach that resonates with audiences.