Alive with Steve Burns

Why are we so easily persuaded by charisma? In this episode, historian and writer Molly Worthen talks about the strange, magnetic force we call charisma and why it’s having such a moment right now.    Why aren’t facts more persuasive?    When does inspiration slide into manipulation?    How do you know when a story is moving  you or using you?    This isn’t about charm or “rizz.” It’s about storytelling, certainty, and the deep human need to feel part of something bigger.   Exclusive Deals for our listeners –   Head to MarleySpoon.com/ALIVE for up to 25 FREE meals!   Go to quince.com/alive for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.   Go to this exclusive web address right now to try ZipRecruiter FOR FREE: ziprecruiter.com/alive. You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.    Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2026

What does happiness mean and why do negative emotions matter more than we think?   In this thoughtful conversation, Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project and host of the Happier podcast, joins Steven Burns to explore what it really means to live a meaningful life. Rather than chasing constant positivity, Gretchen makes the case for embracing the full emotional spectrum - sadness, envy, regret, and melancholy - as essential tools for insight, growth, and wisdom.   If you’ve ever wondered why you’re not happy all the time, this episode is for you.   Exclusive Deals for our listeners –   BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at betterhelp.com/stevealive.    Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to hero.co and use code ALIVE at checkout.   Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/alive to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.   You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.  Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2026

Steve was a recently guest on the podcast Origin Stories and we wanted to share the episode with you. Origin Stories is the ultimate podcast for anyone curious about the workings of the creative mind. Each week, journalist Matthew Shaer talks to a different writer or director about the creation of a work close to their own hearts (and to ours). Nothing is off the table: not the frustrations and the joys, not the setbacks and the successes. In this episode, Steve talks to Matthew about the creation of Alive With Steve Burns, and the learning curve involved in experimenting with a new medium. "I watched like 40 hours of Dick Cavett and then I realized that was not useful to this forum in any way," he says. "And that I'd probably be better off taking some improv classes and understanding what journalism is. Right now, it seems like it's improvisational journalism if it's anything. But I'm still flailing around in a sea of fear when I'm here." You can listen to more episodes of Origin Stories at https://link.mgln.ai/steveburnsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2025

This week, we’re taking a deep breath for the holidays, so we’re sharing an episode of Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know. Hasan sits down with documentary legend Ken Burns for a conversation that feels a bit like American history class — if history class were funny, generous, and quietly profound. Ken joins Hasan to talk about his new film on the American Revolution, the stories we choose to tell about ourselves as a country, and why all our dads love him so much. It’s a warm, curious, and unexpectedly funny conversation about history, memory, and the people we turn to when we’re trying to understand who we are. If you want to hear more episodes, follow Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know wherever you get your podcasts or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/HasanMinhajDoesntKnowfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2025

Daryl shares his incredible experience of engaging right-wing extremists with Steve—and how he convinced many of them to open their worldview.   Dr. Daryl Davis is a blues musician, author, and activist. Daryl received awards and acclaim for his book Klan-Destine Relationships and his award-winning film documentary Accidental Courtesy. As a musician, he has performed with Chuck Berry, The Legendary Blues Band, Elvis Presley’s Jordanaires, and others.   Aura Frames: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/ALIVE. Promo Code ALIVE.    ZocDoc: Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/alive to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.   NordProtect: Get an exclusive 5% discount on NordProtect plans. Go to: https://nordprotect.com/alive and use the code alive at checkout. You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.  Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

Steve and Cas get silly as they discuss the serious work of play and how it shapes and enriches our lives. Cas Holman is a toy designer, writer, and expert on design. She developed the renowned Rigamajig line of toys. Cas was previously a professor at Syracuse University and the Rhode Island School of Design. She was featured on Netflix’s Abstract: The Art of Design. Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/ALIVE. Promo Code ALIVE.  Use code alivewithsteve at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/alivewithsteve.  Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.  Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/alive to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Alive with Steve Burns listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive. You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.  If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.  Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

Steve catches up with the amazing Rainn Wilson as they do a deep dive on faith, meaning, and a higher power. Rainn Wilson is an actor, comedian, and director. He is best known as Dwight Schrute on NBC’s The Office (2005-2013). He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Dwight. Rainn is currently the host of the Soul Boom podcast.   BetterHelp: Alive with Steve Burns listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive.  Quince: Go to quince.com/alive for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Aura:: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/ALIVE. Promo Code ALIVE.  NordVPN: 🌎Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here https://nordvpn.com/alivewithsteve  It’s risk- free with Nord’s 30-day money back guarantee!  JLab: Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop jlab.com and use code ALIVE for 15% off your order today.   You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.  If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.  Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

This week, we’re taking a short breath and sharing Steve’s recent conversation with David Duchovny from his guest appearance on Fail Better. The two talk about their shared admiration for Samuel Beckett and the surprising amount of common ground between them. They explore Steve’s two-decade retreat from the spotlight after the internet invented rumors about his death, and how he has returned with a podcast of his own. The two of them talk about listening, what people didn’t appreciate about Pee-wee Herman, and the deep, lasting importance of Sesame Street. This is a conversation about the past, for the future. To hear more episodes of Fail Better, follow wherever you get your podcasts or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/failbetterfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

Adam Savage sits down with Steve to discuss the future of facts, the scientific method, busting myths, and  he gives us a peek inside his legendary workshop. Adam Savage is a veteran special-effects artist and maker whose early film work led him to co-host MythBusters, where his blend of engineering chops and gleeful chaos became a cultural staple. Currently he hosts Tested, his workshop-driven platform for builds, problem-solving, and general mischief. He’s a relentless advocate for curiosity, craftsmanship, and learning by doing—even if “doing” occasionally involves fire.   BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive.  Wayfair: Head to wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair’s Black Friday deals for up to 70% off.  OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ALIVE at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #sponsored Uncommon Goods: To get 15% off your next gift, go to http://uncommongoods.com/alive.  Aura Frames: $45-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/ALIVE. Promo Code ALIVE.   You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.  If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.  Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2025

Steve wonders what the difference between “normal” and “not normal” is. His friend Desi drops by to help him out!   Dr. Desiree Jones is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and director of the SHINE Lab (Stigma, Human Interaction, and Neurodivergent Experiences) at the University of Maryland. She received her PhD in Psychological Sciences from the University of Texas at Dallas. She was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30: Science list for 2023. Her research focuses on neurodivergence, stigma, and identity.   Go to quince.com/alive for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.   Go to zocdoc.com/alive to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.   Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive. You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.    Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2025

Reema swings by Steve’s window to share what she’s learned about money and why it’s so emotionally awkward.   Reema is the host of the Marketplace podcast, This is Uncomfortable. The show focuses on life and how money messes with it. Reema is an experienced audio journalist with an emphasis on personal finance. She reported in Turkey in 2018 as an ICFJ Bringing the World Home Fellow. Previously, she reported on education policy for North Carolina Public Radio as a Fletcher Fellow.   To get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/alive. You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.    Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

Steve checks in with his tech whiz friend, Paul Ford, to share his hopes and concerns about artificial intelligence.   Paul Ford is the co-founder of Aboard, an AI startup. Previously, he was an advisor to the White House Office of Digital Strategy during the Obama Administration. He has written about technology at leading publications from The New Yorker and The New York Times Magazine to MIT Technology Review.   Right now, you can try ZipRecruiter FOR FREE at ziprecruiter.com/alive.   Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ALIVE at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #sponsored   Head to ComicConTheCruise.com/ALIVE to learn more and book your cabin — and don’t forget to use code ALIVE for $250 off per cabin on new reservations! You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.    Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

Steve speaks with Maitland about why it’s so difficult to talk about sex.   Maitland Ward is an author, actress, and adult film star. She began her career on CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful. Maitland is the author of the best-selling title, My Escape from Hollywood: Unapologetic, Unfiltered, and Unashamed.   Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ALIVE at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Head to ComicConTheCruise.com/ALIVE to learn more and book your cabin — and don’t forget to use code ALIVE for $250 off per cabin on new reservations! You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.    Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

Leela chats with Steve as he wonders about the different ways humans worship.   Leela Prasad is St. Purandar Das Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at Brown University. In 2024, she was elected as the first South Asian female president of the American Academy of Religion. She has received prestigious awards and fellowships for the study of religion, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, Fulbright-Nehru senior fellowships, and grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities.   Head to ComicConTheCruise.com/ALIVE to learn more and book your cabin — and don’t forget to use code ALIVE for $250 off per cabin on new reservations!   To get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/alive.   Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop jlab.com and use code ALIVE for 15% off your order today. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive. You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.    Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2025

Steve catches up with his good friend, Wayne Coyne, to chat about what it means to be successful.   Wayne Coyne is an American musician known primarily as the founder, lead vocalist, and songwriter for the Flaming Lips, a psychedelic rock band from Oklahoma. The celebrated band has found acclaim and many awards through several indie breakout records.    Our listeners get 10% off their first month with BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/stevealive. Promo code: stevealive.   Head to ComicConTheCruise.com/ALIVE to learn more and book your cabin — and don’t forget to use code ALIVE for $250 off per cabin on new reservations! You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.  Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2025

Megan helps Steve approach the anxieties, fantasies, and obsessions we bring to our relationship with money.   Dr. Megan McCoy is an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University’s Department of Personal Financial Planning. Received her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Georgia. She is also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an Accredited Financial Counselor®, and a Certified Financial Therapist-I™.   Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive.   Head to ComicConTheCruise.com/ALIVE to learn more and book your cabin — and don’t forget to use code ALIVE for $250 off per cabin on new reservations!   Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look. Go to quince.com/alive for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.    Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2025

Ro swings by to chat with Steve about tech, economics, and how we can ensure innovation serves everyone.   Ro Khanna is the U.S. Representative from California’s 17th congressional district, also known as Silicon Valley. Ro has held that seat since his upset victory in 2016. He is a member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. His 2022 book is titled: Progressive Capitalism: How To Make Tech Work for All of Us.   Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive.   Head to ComicConTheCruise.com/ALIVE to learn more and book your cabin — and don’t forget to use code ALIVE for $250 off per cabin on new reservations!   Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ALIVE at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.    Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2025

Julie and Steve dig deep into their emotions, their experience, and the science as they discuss the big question: What is dying? Julie McFadden, RN, is the bestselling author of Nothing to Fear. She is a palliative care nurse with more than fifteen years of experience. She is passionate about normalizing death and dying and has more than one million followers on TikTok as @hospicenursejulie.  Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive. Try ZipRecruiter FOR FREE at this exclusive web address: ziprecruiter.com/ALIVE. Head to ComicConTheCruise.com/ALIVE to learn more and book your cabin — and don’t forget to use code ALIVE for $250 off per cabin on new reservations! You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.    Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2025

Steve and Jamie discuss what it means to be real and be human in a world of manufactured authenticity.   Jamie Lee Curtis is an actress, producer, and children’s author. She has won numerous awards (Academy Award, BAFTA, Primetime Emmy, among others) and is considered one of the original scream queens. She is known for her iconic roles in the Halloween franchise, A Fish Called Wanda, Perfect, and Everything Everywhere All At Once.   BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/stevealive.   ZipRecruiter: Try ZipRecruiter FOR FREE at this exclusive web address: ziprecruiter.com/ALIVE.   Head to ComicConTheCruise.com/ALIVE to learn more and book your cabin — and don’t forget to use code ALIVE for $250 off per cabin on new reservations! Follow Jamie Lee Curtis @jamieleecurtis on Instagram. You can follow Steve Burns @steveburnsalive on Instagram. Watch full episodes of Alive on YouTube. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get ad-free episodes and bonus content from Steve. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe.    Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2025

Sick of all the shouting and noise out there? Then good news. Steve Burns is back and he’s making a podcast with you. Not for you -- with you. Starting September 17, tune in as Steve sits down with some really smart folks for genuine and respectful conversations about all the big, messy questions of being alive in an ever-harder world. There are a thousand podcasts you can listen to. This one listens back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2025