Ira’s Everything Bagel | US Arts and Culture Podcasts

This week on “Ira's Everything Bagel,” Ira welcomes award-winning writer and social epidemiologist Dan Werb, author of "Our Wild Familiars: How Animals Are Adapting to Cities and Reshaping the Natural World," for a captivating conversation about the surprising ways wildlife has learned to thrive alongside us.
Dan explains what first sparked his fascination with urban wildlife and why so many people have become disconnected from nature—even as the natural world surrounds them every day. He discusses how the pandemic changed our relationship with the outdoors and offers practical insights into reconnecting with the ecosystems we often overlook.
The conversation explores the remarkable world of synanthropes—animals that have adapted to living with humans—including pigeons, raccoons, bats, rats, and even coyotes. Dan shares how he researched the book through interviews, extensive fieldwork, and an extraordinary review of 599 peer-reviewed scientific studies, revealing how bold, adaptable species are leading a new wave of urban evolution.
Ira and Dan also discuss why cities are becoming biodiversity hotspots, how animals learn from one another, why fear of new environments diminishes in urban settings, and what these resilient creatures can teach us about adaptation, community, and our own place within nature.
If you've ever wondered who's really sharing your neighborhood, this fascinating episode will forever change the way you see the city around you.
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CAN THE WORLD’S BIGGEST PROBLEMS BE SOLVED TOGETHER? FONS BURGER THINKS SO

What if climate change, economic inequality, migration, food insecurity, political division, and declining trust aren't separate crises—but different symptoms of the same underlying challenge?
On this episode of “Ira's Everything Bagel,” I sit down with journalist, author, publisher, activist, and entrepreneur Fons Burger, author of "The Only Possible Solution: How to Shape the Future for Our Next Generations." Drawing on years of research and conversations with leading thinkers from around the world, Fons presents an ambitious—but surprisingly practical—vision for creating a more sustainable, equitable, and hopeful future.
During our conversation, Fons explains how he came to believe that every major problem has a solution if we're willing to think differently—and think together. He discusses why today's biggest global challenges are deeply interconnected, why long-term thinking is essential, and why solving migration begins by improving economic opportunity in the countries people are leaving.
We also explore why his book is intentionally journalistic rather than political or scientific, how he selected the experts whose ideas shaped his work, and why optimism and prag-matism—not fear—are the keys to meaningful progress. Fons shares his thoughts on global governance, why preserving local cultures and national identities remains important, the fascinating experts who most influenced his thinking, what's still on his per-sonal bucket list, and why he believes the future can be far brighter than many imagine.
If you've ever wondered whether humanity can overcome its greatest challenges—or whether we're asking the wrong questions altogether—this thought-provoking conversation offers fresh perspectives and unexpected hope.
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CANNABIS FOR SENIORS: BETTER SLEEP, LESS PAIN, AND IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE?

Can cannabis help people age better? What are the real benefits—and the real risks? And why do so many misconceptions about marijuana still persist?

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Dr. Peter Grinspoon, physician, educator, and author of "Aging Well with Cannabis: Feel Better, Sleep Better, and Live Better with Marijuana and CBD." As the son of legendary cannabis advocate Dr. Lester Grinspoon, Peter grew up with a unique perspective on one of the most controversial and misunderstood substances in modern medicine.

During this fascinating conversation, Dr. Grinspoon discusses his father’s influential role in the cannabis legalization movement, the myths and misinformation that continue to cloud public understanding, and why he believes education—not ideology—is the key to making informed decisions about cannabis use.

Peter explains why he rarely recommends smoking cannabis, favoring edibles and tinctures instead, and explores the often-blurred line between recreational and medical marijuana. He also discusses why many physicians still lack adequate training in medical cannabis, despite growing patient interest and expanding research.

The conversation delves into cannabis's potential benefits for older adults, including pain management, improved sleep, reduced isolation, and enhanced quality of life. Peter addresses concerns about cognitive effects, addiction, and safety, offering a balanced, evidence-based perspective that neither exaggerates the benefits nor ignores the risks.

Ira and Peter also explore the history of cannabis prohibition, the role of addiction psychiatry, the growing body of neutral scientific research, and why many oncologists now support cannabis use as a complementary option for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Whether you're curious about CBD, considering medical cannabis, caring for an aging loved one, or simply interested in the evolving science behind marijuana, this episode provides thoughtful insights from one of the field's most respected voices.
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SHATTERING THE MIRROR: ONE WOMAN'S POWERFUL PATH TO HEALING

This week on “Ira's Everything Bagel,” Ira welcomes Lena Fein, author of "Shattering the Mirror: One Woman's Journey of Healing," for a moving conversation about surviving childhood abuse, confronting painful family truths, and discovering the transformative power of forgiveness.
Lena shares what inspired her to write her memoir and how her father's death became the catalyst for finally telling her story. She discusses growing up with a mother who emotionally and physically abused her children while concealing that behavior from their fa-ther, leaving each daughter feeling isolated and alone.
During the conversation, Lena reflects on a profound shift that occurred near the end of her mother's life. Although her mother's words had long carried anger and criticism, Lena discovered something unexpected when illness silenced her voice: compassion and regret communicated through her eyes. That realization began a ten-year journey of healing and self-discovery.
Lena explains how uncovering her authentic self allowed her to become more grounded, develop deeper relationships, establish healthy boundaries, and embrace living in the pre-sent moment. She also discusses her sisters' reactions to the book and why she believes that forgiveness—not forgetting, but freeing oneself—is essential to healing.
This is a powerful and inspiring episode about resilience, family dynamics, self-awareness, and finding peace after pain.
Topics Discussed:
Childhood emotional and physical abuse
Family secrets and dysfunction
Writing a memoir of healing
The impact of parental relationships
Setting healthy boundaries
Living in the present moment
The meaning of forgiveness
Rebuilding relationships
Personal growth and self-discovery
Finding strength through storytelling
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