In this thought-provoking episode of Pod Songs, host Jack Stafford sits down with Icelandic singer-songwriter Svavar Knútur and Neil and Sarah from the YouTube channel Leftist Cooks for a wide-ranging conversation on empathy, activism, and the fight to preserve cultural identity through language and music.

Together, they explore how streaming platforms like Spotify contribute to the erosion of minority languages, why kindness and emotional intelligence are essential tools for social change, and how art and activism intersect in a divided world. Topics include ageism, implicit bias, feminism, sex positivity, the politics of inclusion, and the importance of embracing nuance in difficult conversations.

Whether you’re passionate about linguistic diversity, progressive politics, or the healing power of music, this episode offers rich insights and emotional depth.

Stream the song: https://ffm.to/receipeforsomething

https://www.youtube.com/TheLeftistCooks⁩

https://www.svavarknutur.com00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:20 Catching Up and Personal Updates04:54 Discussing the Leftist Cook08:07 Reflections on Ageism and Society11:04 Life in Iceland and Touring Challenges13:28 Grandparenthood and Family Life14:20 Preparing for the Interview19:28 Welcoming Neil and Sarah21:02 Current Projects and Challenges24:55 Deep Dive into Feminist Texts and Sex Positivity28:14 The Core Principle of Helpfulness29:09 Navigating Epistemic Conundrums30:05 Addressing Anger and Moving Forward30:55 The Importance of Dual Perspectives33:08 Introducing the Leftist Cooks33:58 Challenging Ageism and Boomer Stereotypes37:34 The Complexity of Social Taboos45:09 Implicit Bias and Internal Struggles53:12 The Role of Art in Social Movements59:07 Redefining Happiness and Embracing Grief01:11:23 Engaging in Difficult Conversations01:14:57 Navigating Difficult Conversations01:15:50 Meeting People Where They Are01:17:21 The Importance of Diverse Voices01:18:48 The Challenge of Inclusion01:22:48 The Fragility of Human Emotions01:32:20 Cultural Genocide in Music01:35:39 The Power of Language01:40:34 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

// SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL //Newsletter, donations and download the song for €/$1 @ https://podsongs.com// LINKS //Website: https://podsongs.comPodcast episodes: https://podsongs.com/podcast-episodesSongs: https://podsongs.com/musicSpotify artist: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32FYyRx1y1ex3jHHAgLMC7?si=4Nv7WW85SbSPZvCsj1o7IgSpotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sN1viy82HPiNTVX2YBxpq?si=1b84c2b9bdea4656// SOCIAL //Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsongsInstagram: https://instagram.com/podsongsFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsongs

In this emotional and inspiring episode of Podsongs, host Jack Stafford brings together acclaimed author Cheryl Strayed (Tiny Beautiful Things, Wild) and beloved indie folk musician May Erlewine for a rare conversation on creativity, courage, and vulnerability.May shares how Cheryl’s deeply human writing shaped her latest album, and the two explore the connection between music and literature, emotional healing, activism through art, and navigating life as working artists and mothers.Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt storytelling, songwriting, or empowering conversations, this episode offers a profound look into the creative soul.

🎧 Stream the new song inspired by this episode: https://ffm.to/wearethesolid🔗

Learn more:https://mayerlewine.com | https://cherylstrayed.com | https://podsongs.com

SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL //Newsletter, donations and download the song for €/$1 @ https://podsongs.com// LINKS //Website: https://podsongs.comPodcast episodes: https://podsongs.com/podcast-episodesSongs: https://podsongs.com/musicSpotify artist: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32FYyRx1y1ex3jHHAgLMC7?si=4Nv7WW85SbSPZvCsj1o7IgSpotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sN1viy82HPiNTVX2YBxpq?si=1b84c2b9bdea4656// SOCIAL //Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsongsInstagram: https://instagram.com/podsongsFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsongs

Join us in this heartwarming episode of Podsongs where musician Reverend Peyton interviews the legendary American actor and director LeVar Burton. From the transformative impact of 'Roots' and 'Reading Rainbow' to his role as Geordi LaForge in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', LeVar Burton's inspirational journey is laid bare. Reverend Peyton shares personal anecdotes on how Burton shaped his life, and Burton delves into his career, the importance of storytelling, and the influence of seminal figures like Fred Rogers and Gene Roddenberry. Don't miss this emotional conversation filled with admiration, insights, and a lot of heart. Listen to the end to hear the song 'Are You Gonna Rise?' which Rev was inspired to write after the conversation. https://ffm.to/areyougonnarise

LeVar Burton’s website: https://levarburton.com/

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band website: https://bigdamnband.com/

00:00 Introduction to Podsongs

01:14 Reverend Peyton's Musical Journey

03:35 Overcoming Physical Challenges18:36 The Impact of LeVar Burton

29:53 LeVar Burton Joins the Conversation

48:13 The Impact of Stephen Hawking and Overcoming Disabilities

48:43 The Historical Significance of Reading and Kunta Kinte

51:15 LeVar Burton's Journey with Reading Rainbow

52:08 Meeting Mr. Rogers and Authenticity on Camera

55:38 Influential Figures: Alex Haley and Gene Roddenberry

01:01:55 LeVar Burton's Path from Seminary to Acting

01:08:40 The Audition Process for Roots

01:14:01 Challenges and Emotional Impact of Filming Roots

01:21:04 Reflections on History, Equality, and the Power of Truth

01:28:30 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects