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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
Danielle Chapman
Christian Wiman
Samuel Adams
Israel
Gaza
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

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

Call this Mrs. Dalloway’s podcast. We’re reading classic fiction from a century ago for light on the strangeness of the world in our day, or maybe just for relief reading a great old book. The dazzling young critic Merve Emre is our guest and our gui... more

YouTube

We’re with the cultural historian Robin D.G. Kelly at UCLA, who has the nerve to ask: where have our thinkers gone in Trump time? Not the experts or the influencers, but the grander minds who might tell us where our country went.

James Baldwin and N... more

YouTube

We’re in the fourth summer of hot warfare between Russia and Ukraine. It’s a cruel and deadly war that doesn’t know how to stop.

Anatol Lieven.

Our guest to offer a helping hand is the journalist and analyst that I’ve leaned on heavily, Anatol Liev... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

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
Sarah Churchwell
Scholar of American literature, teaches the humanities at the University of London
University of London
Episode: Gatsby at 100: Fitzgerald’s Warning about Trumpism

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
  • Horribly uninformed, violent and sociopathic

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

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Garcia Lorka
    Ukraine7 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 States10 months 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 States10 months 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
  • Woke DEI rubbish

    Unsubscribed, after years. It’s now smug, woke rubbish.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    timothymarcjones
    South Africaa 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
#175
India/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#183
Chile/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#225
Singapore/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#228
Denmark/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#244
Colombia/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Mrs. Dalloway at 100
Q: Why is this book so much fun to read?
The literary beauty of Woolf's prose, the depth of her characters, and the immersive portrayal of life in London make it enjoyable, alongside the thematic relevance to both historical and present contexts.
Mrs. Dalloway at 100
Q: What connections do you draw out of the novel into our world 100 years later?
Merve Emre discusses the striking parallels between Woolf's era, marked by the Spanish flu and World War I, and contemporary issues, including the amnesia surrounding past trauma and political upheaval.
Where Are the Intellectuals?
Q: What are the movements we need today to confront the current issues?
Movements must be multiracial and emphasize the shared struggles across various communities, especially within labor and against oppressive structures.

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. The Political Scene | The New Yorker
4. Entitled Opinions (about Life and Literature)
5. The Ezra Klein Show

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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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Open Source?

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What guests have appeared on Open Source?

Recent guests on Open Source include:

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

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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