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Artwork for Open Source

Open Source with Christopher Lydon

Christopher Lydon
Colonialism
Poetry
Algorithmic Culture
Despair
Digital Technology
Taylor Swift
Social Media
Racism
Middle East Conflict
Identity Crisis
Cultural Homogenization
Frantz Fanon
Christian Wiman
Danielle Chapman
Samuel Adams
Gaza
Israel
Two-State Solution
Filterworld
Aldous Huxley

Christopher Lydon in conversation on arts, ideas and politics

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes62Founded20 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Arts

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Artwork for Open Source

Latest Episodes

We’re talking about capitalism this time, trying to reckon the power of big money to shape—even rule—the human species. Capitalism is the one-word name given to a thousand-year-old force. It’s not a science or doctrine or mere politics. It’s a thorou... more

We’re rediscovering John Updike in the afterlife of a great writer. The Selected Letters of John Updike, just published, come to 800 pages of unguarded messages to his wives and lovers, to his mother and his editors. We’re turning to his kids for a f... more

YouTube

Shattered Dreams, Infinite Hope is Brandon Terry’s long-awaited personal and philosophical case for struggle and optimism in the long civil rights movement in our country. It’s a map of our minds and our memories, a catalog of our judgments and feeli... more

YouTube

What is breaking down or what’s broken when the governor of Illinois says he’s being invaded by the National Guard of Texas under President Trump’s orders, or when the president is dueling with Oregon and California over policing a public safety cris... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Brandon Terry
Professor of social sciences at Harvard, author and editor on political philosophy
Harvard University
Episode: Shattered Dreams, Infinite Hope
Nancy Gertner
Retired federal court judge and civil liberties advocate
Harvard Law School
Episode: Stress-Testing the Rule of Law
Merve Emre
Dazzling young critic, professor of creative writing and criticism at Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University
Episode: Mrs. Dalloway at 100
Anatol Lieven
Journalist and analyst at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
Episode: Russia and Ukraine in 2025
Hussein Banai
Professor of International Studies at Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington
Episode: Trump at War
Danielle Allen
Philosopher and historian specializing in democracy and civic engagement
Harvard University
Episode: Divided, Defensive Democracy
Paul Elie
Historian and author of The Last Supper, Art, Faith, Sex, and Controversy in the 1980s
Georgetown University's Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs
Episode: The Last Supper
John Cassidy
Economics writer for The New Yorker and author focusing on critiques of capitalism
The New Yorker
Episode: Capitalism and Its Critics
Mark Blyth
Political economist at Brown University
Brown University
Episode: Trade, Trumped

Host

Christopher Lydon
Host known for his engaging and intellectual conversations on arts, ideas, and politics.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • One sided Episode Apologist - Nancy Gertner

    Both sides have behaved underhandedly, calling out the Republicans & not mentioning the Democrats misdeeds is why we’re in this race to the bottom.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    another RJF
    United Statesa month ago
  • Horribly uninformed, violent and sociopathic

    I was shocked at hearing so little understanding of current affairs. Toxic and uninformed.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Garcia Lorka
    Ukraine8 months ago
  • Wide ranging, thought-provoking

    Unlike many podcasts, there is no set subject here, nor does it play to whatever current hot topic is dominating the mediascape. Just every week, for one hour, you’ll get a really good discussion that will take you in unexpected directions. As good on art, music, and philosophy as it is on politics, history, & technology. Open Source always offers voices and perspectives that you won’t hear elsewhere.

    PS— put Blyth on every six months! He is the one voice I hear on NPR saying a lot of things tha... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TheDudeAbided
    United Statesa year ago
  • Ugh

    Just listened to the Orhan Pamuk episode.

    If your particular kink is listening to this host libidinously stroke his own ego at the expense of any meaningful intellectual exchange, then this is the podcast for you!

    Otherwise, a waste of time. Pamuk has much to say -- look elsewhere for it.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Jeff Reader
    United Statesa year ago
  • Booo Trump

    A Million Man and A Million Woman and A Million Transgender and A Million Immigrants and A Million with at least two years of community college booing Trump at his “ Sworn In” and his parade. No need to hold signs or violence . Form peaceful groups and BOO him relentlessly.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JNLCIA
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The host is viewed as a gifted interviewer, capable of drawing meaningful insights from guests with varying backgrounds.
Listeners appreciate the podcast for its wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussions devoid of a singular focus, often leading them to explore unexpected topics.
While some criticize the direction of recent episodes or perceive a lack of depth, many others express gratitude for the intellectual engagement and enriching content offered through the conversations.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#192
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#194
Australia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#102
India/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#169
South Africa/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#235
Singapore/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#236
Ireland/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

John Updike’s Vocation
Q: What was it like to live in a house with John Updike?
Michael shares that they were aware of their father's work but characterized it as a couple scene environment during their upbringing.
John Updike’s Vocation
Q: Was that hard?
Miranda Updike confirms it was hard to witness the changes in family dynamics after their parents' separation.
John Updike’s Vocation
Q: Did any of your kids or all of your kids feel neglected by your dad?
Michael Updike reflects on feeling neglected at times, especially after their parents' divorce, but affirms that early on, he was a good father.
Stress-Testing the Rule of Law
Q: Nancy Gertner, summing it up, for you, what is the gravest threat to the rule of law out there?
The gravest threat is a president who is lawless, who does not respect the Constitution and the norms of our country.
Mrs. Dalloway at 100
Q: Do we think of Virginia Woolf in the end as part of the sane lovers of life or the insane lovers of life after her suicide?
Emre emphasizes the complexity of Woolf's context, suggesting that her decision was rational in light of the dire circumstances she faced during World War II.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Open Source

What is Open Source about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Engaging in a rich tapestry of discussions, this podcast navigates through the realms of arts, ideas, and politics, hosting a diverse array of guests and topics. Noteworthy episodes address significant historical and contemporary issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, U.S. foreign policy, the nuances of democracy, and the intricacies of American culture. Unique perspectives emerge from conversations with authors, scholars, and political figures, creating an intellectual environment that challenges listeners to explore complex ideas and societal dynamics. Perhaps what sets this podcast apart is its ability to weave together seemingly disparate threads—from literature to international relations—into a cohesive narrative that resonates wi... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Open Source?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Open Source:

1. The New Yorker Radio Hour
2. On the Media
3. Entitled Opinions (about Life and Literature)
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. London Review Bookshop Podcast

How many episodes of Open Source are there?

Open Source launched 20 years ago and published 62 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Open Source?

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What guests have appeared on Open Source?

Recent guests on Open Source include:

1. Brandon Terry
2. Nancy Gertner
3. Merve Emre
4. Anatol Lieven
5. Hussein Banai
6. Danielle Allen
7. Paul Elie
8. John Cassidy

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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