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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
Cultural Homogenization
Identity Crisis
Frantz Fanon
Christian Wiman
Danielle Chapman
Samuel Adams
Two-State Solution
Gaza
Israel
Aldous Huxley
Filterworld

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

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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

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Key Facts

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People also subscribe to these shows.

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Recent Guests

Sven Beckert
Laird Bell Professor of History at Harvard and author of 'Capitalism, a Global History'.
Harvard University
Episode: A Thousand Years of Capitalism
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
Marilynne Robinson
Prize novelist and teacher of novelists
None
Episode: Occupied America
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

Host

Christopher Lydon
Host of Open Source and deeply engaged in conversations surrounding arts, ideas, and politics, Lydon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to each discussion, navigating complex topics with a thoughtful approach.

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 States2 months 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
    Ukraine9 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.

Overall, the podcast is viewed as a valuable resource for exploring intellectual ideas and cultural dialogues, often described as both enlightening and challenging.
The show is lauded for its thought-provoking content and the inclusion of diverse perspectives, though some listeners criticize it for perceived one-sidedness or bias in discussions.
Listeners appreciate the rich discussions that traverse a wide range of topics and often highlight the host's engaging interviewing style and depth of knowledge.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

A Thousand Years of Capitalism
Q: What lessons would you draw out of that vast landscape as we plunge ahead?
Capitalism is undogmatic, changes over time, and is a human-made order that can be changed, allowing society to design a more equitable future.
A Thousand Years of Capitalism
Q: How did it happen?
Capitalism evolved from localized merchant activities to become a central force in global economies, transforming various societies along the way.
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.

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?

The discussions focus on a diverse range of topics such as history, literature, politics, and cultural critique, often engaging with prominent intellectuals and artists. Episodes feature deep dives into significant works and societal issues, addressing complex narratives around capitalism, civil rights, and the role of intellectuals in contemporary discourse. This podcast is unique for its rich cross-disciplinary approach, blending art, philosophy, and politics into conversations that challenge conventional thinking and invite listeners to explore multifaceted perspectives.

Where can I find podcast stats for Open Source?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Open Source. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Open Source and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

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What are the audience demographics for Open Source?

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How many subscribers and views does Open Source have?

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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. On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti
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?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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. Sven Beckert
2. Brandon Terry
3. Nancy Gertner
4. Merve Emre
5. Anatol Lieven
6. Marilynne Robinson
7. Hussein Banai
8. Danielle Allen

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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