Life in Seven Songs http://www.lifeinsevensongs.com/ en The San Francisco Standard What songs tell your life story? Host Sophie Bearman asks this question of some of the world’s most fascinating people. Through seven songs, guests reveal the milestones—and the music—that have shaped their lives. New episodes every Tuesday. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/334e78f6-1dba-11ef-9660-93f946ab42e1/image/c7d92e716b29821344b549619e70f4c5.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Life in Seven Songs http://www.lifeinsevensongs.com/ no episodic Intimate biographies of some of the world’s most fascinating people, told through the songs that made them who they are The San Francisco Standard What songs tell your life story? Host Sophie Bearman asks this question of some of the world’s most fascinating people. Through seven songs, guests reveal the milestones—and the music—that have shaped their lives. New episodes every Tuesday. What songs tell your life story? Host Sophie Bearman asks this question of some of the world’s most fascinating people. Through seven songs, guests reveal the milestones—and the music—that have shaped their lives. New episodes every Tuesday.

]]> The San Francisco Standard lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com Al Roker shares his life story through seven joyful songs Al Roker has been the weatherman on “Today” for 30 years, but that describes only a small part of his very full life. He’s also a bestselling author of fatherhood memoirs, cookbooks, and mystery novels and someone who’s remarkably open about his family and health struggles. In this episode of “Life In Seven Songs,” Roker discusses growing up as the oldest of six kids in New York City to become one of the most well-known people on television — and why the songs he loves are fundamentally joyful. “The A-Team” (from The A-Team TV series) Stevie Wonder, “Fingertips, Pt. 2” Soupy Sales, “The Mouse” Santana, “Black Magic Woman” The Doobie Brothers, “Listen To The Music” The Spinners, “I’ll Be Around” Elton John, “Philadelphia Freedom” This is also the last episode of Life in Seven Songs that we're planning to publish. Thank you so much for listening. We appreciate every single one of you. It's been a joy to work on this show. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Al Roker has been the weatherman on “Today” for 30 years, but that describes only a small part of his very full life. He’s also a bestselling author of fatherhood memoirs, cookbooks, and mystery novels and someone who’s remarkably open about his family and health struggles. In this episode of “Life In Seven Songs,” Roker discusses growing up as the oldest of six kids in New York City to become one of the most well-known people on television — and why the songs he loves are fundamentally joyful. “The A-Team” (from The A-Team TV series) Stevie Wonder, “Fingertips, Pt. 2” Soupy Sales, “The Mouse” Santana, “Black Magic Woman” The Doobie Brothers, “Listen To The Music” The Spinners, “I’ll Be Around” Elton John, “Philadelphia Freedom” This is also the last episode of Life in Seven Songs that we're planning to publish. Thank you so much for listening. We appreciate every single one of you. It's been a joy to work on this show. Al Roker has been the weatherman on “Today” for 30 years, but that describes only a small part of his very full life. He’s also a bestselling author of fatherhood memoirs, cookbooks, and mystery novels and someone who’s remarkably open about his family and health struggles.

In this episode of “Life In Seven Songs,” Roker discusses growing up as the oldest of six kids in New York City to become one of the most well-known people on television — and why the songs he loves are fundamentally joyful.

  1. “The A-Team” (from The A-Team TV series)
  2. Stevie Wonder, “Fingertips, Pt. 2”
  3. Soupy Sales, “The Mouse”
  4. Santana, “Black Magic Woman”
  5. The Doobie Brothers, “Listen To The Music”
  6. The Spinners, “I’ll Be Around”
  7. Elton John, “Philadelphia Freedom”

This is also the last episode of Life in Seven Songs that we're planning to publish. Thank you so much for listening. We appreciate every single one of you. It's been a joy to work on this show.

]]> 1879 no Seven songs that shaped Kris Bowers, the composer behind ‘Bridgerton’ Even if you don’t know Kris Bowers by name, you’ve almost certainly heard his work. He composed scores for “The Wild Robot,” “King Richard,” and other films, as well as for the TV series “Bridgerton.” (The new season premieres Jan. 29.) But on this episode of “Life in Seven Songs,” the focus is not the soundtrack. It’s the private playlist — the songs that shaped Bowers before anyone put his name in the credits. Bowers’ music education started early, with his parents’ ambition. Neither had more than a high school education, and they wanted their son to have opportunities they did not. Their chosen avenue was the piano. Bowers began a rigorous training program when he was just 4 years old. He says his parents’ idea was straightforward: He would get so good at piano that he would earn a scholarship to a great college, then become a lawyer. That plan held until Bowers discovered his own dream: composing for film. Here’s Bowers’ playlist: John Williams, “Theme from Jurassic Park” Earth, Wind & Fire, “Reasons” NSYNC, “God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You” Oscar Peterson Trio, “Roundalay” Aretha Franklin, “Mary, Don’t You Weep” Death Cab for Cutie, “Passenger Seat” The Cinematic Orchestra, “To Build a Home” Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Even if you don’t know Kris Bowers by name, you’ve almost certainly heard his work. He composed scores for “The Wild Robot,” “King Richard,” and other films, as well as for the TV series “Bridgerton.” (The new season premieres Jan. 29.) But on this episode of “Life in Seven Songs,” the focus is not the soundtrack. It’s the private playlist — the songs that shaped Bowers before anyone put his name in the credits. Bowers’ music education started early, with his parents’ ambition. Neither had more than a high school education, and they wanted their son to have opportunities they did not. Their chosen avenue was the piano. Bowers began a rigorous training program when he was just 4 years old. He says his parents’ idea was straightforward: He would get so good at piano that he would earn a scholarship to a great college, then become a lawyer. That plan held until Bowers discovered his own dream: composing for film. Here’s Bowers’ playlist: John Williams, “Theme from Jurassic Park” Earth, Wind & Fire, “Reasons” NSYNC, “God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You” Oscar Peterson Trio, “Roundalay” Aretha Franklin, “Mary, Don’t You Weep” Death Cab for Cutie, “Passenger Seat” The Cinematic Orchestra, “To Build a Home” Even if you don’t know Kris Bowers by name, you’ve almost certainly heard his work. He composed scores for “The Wild Robot,” “King Richard,” and other films, as well as for the TV series “Bridgerton.” (The new season premieres Jan. 29.) But on this episode of “Life in Seven Songs,” the focus is not the soundtrack. It’s the private playlist — the songs that shaped Bowers before anyone put his name in the credits.

Bowers’ music education started early, with his parents’ ambition. Neither had more than a high school education, and they wanted their son to have opportunities they did not. Their chosen avenue was the piano. Bowers began a rigorous training program when he was just 4 years old. He says his parents’ idea was straightforward: He would get so good at piano that he would earn a scholarship to a great college, then become a lawyer.

That plan held until Bowers discovered his own dream: composing for film.

Here’s Bowers’ playlist:

  1. John Williams, “Theme from Jurassic Park”

  2. Earth, Wind & Fire, “Reasons”

  3. NSYNC, “God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You”

  4. Oscar Peterson Trio, “Roundalay”

  5. Aretha Franklin, “Mary, Don’t You Weep”

  6. Death Cab for Cutie, “Passenger Seat”

  7. The Cinematic Orchestra, “To Build a Home”

]]> 1883 no How music shaped Maria Konnikova, from PhD psychologist to poker champion Maria Konnikova is a professional poker player, though she doesn’t even consider herself a gambler at heart. Before her pursuits at the poker table, Konnikova was a PhD psychologist and New York Times bestselling author, writing books about how we think and make decisions. After a string of tragedies hit Konnikova’s life, she took her psychological prowess to the world of poker, where her expertise on game theory and the human psyche eventually led her to become a champion. In this episode of “Life In Seven Songs,” Konnikova shares her journey as a daughter of Russian immigrants growing up in the Boston suburbs, where her feelings of being an outsider spurred her interest in the human mind. She describes how hip-hop became the soundtrack for her poker career, which she eventually wrote about in the best-selling book “The Biggest Bluff.” Here’s her playlist: Gang Starr, “Full Clip” SWV, “Weak” Vladimir Vysotsky, “Crystal House” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, “The Crossroads” Fountains of Wayne, “Stacy’s Mom” The Walkmen, “We’ve Been Had” Billie Holiday and Lester Young, “Mean To Me” Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Maria Konnikova is a professional poker player, though she doesn’t even consider herself a gambler at heart. Before her pursuits at the poker table, Konnikova was a PhD psychologist and New York Times bestselling author, writing books about how we think and make decisions. After a string of tragedies hit Konnikova’s life, she took her psychological prowess to the world of poker, where her expertise on game theory and the human psyche eventually led her to become a champion. In this episode of “Life In Seven Songs,” Konnikova shares her journey as a daughter of Russian immigrants growing up in the Boston suburbs, where her feelings of being an outsider spurred her interest in the human mind. She describes how hip-hop became the soundtrack for her poker career, which she eventually wrote about in the best-selling book “The Biggest Bluff.” Here’s her playlist: Gang Starr, “Full Clip” SWV, “Weak” Vladimir Vysotsky, “Crystal House” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, “The Crossroads” Fountains of Wayne, “Stacy’s Mom” The Walkmen, “We’ve Been Had” Billie Holiday and Lester Young, “Mean To Me” Maria Konnikova is a professional poker player, though she doesn’t even consider herself a gambler at heart. Before her pursuits at the poker table, Konnikova was a PhD psychologist and New York Times bestselling author, writing books about how we think and make decisions. After a string of tragedies hit Konnikova’s life, she took her psychological prowess to the world of poker, where her expertise on game theory and the human psyche eventually led her to become a champion.

In this episode of “Life In Seven Songs,” Konnikova shares her journey as a daughter of Russian immigrants growing up in the Boston suburbs, where her feelings of being an outsider spurred her interest in the human mind. She describes how hip-hop became the soundtrack for her poker career, which she eventually wrote about in the best-selling book “The Biggest Bluff.”

Here’s her playlist:

  1. Gang Starr, “Full Clip”

  2. SWV, “Weak”

  3. Vladimir Vysotsky, “Crystal House”

  4. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, “The Crossroads”

  5. Fountains of Wayne, “Stacy’s Mom”

  6. The Walkmen, “We’ve Been Had”

  7. Billie Holiday and Lester Young, “Mean To Me”

]]> 1977 no BD Wong on music, identity, and fighting for Asian American visibility Actor BD Wong rose to fame with the Tony Award-winning performance of Song Liling in the 1988 Broadway musical “M. Butterfly.” He went on to pick up more roles on stage and on screen, including a 14-year run portraying Dr. George Huang in the TV series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Through all his successes and achievements, he’s faced personal obstacles, as well as having to face the challenge of being a gay Asian actor in an industry where most of his peers didn’t have his same background. In this episode of “Life In Seven Songs,” Wong details his journey as a boy growing up in the Sunset District nurturing his love of musical theater, to New York City as a young man where he lived in an apartment that was owned by the mafia. He talks about how the tragic loss of his baby made him a more confident public speaker, and how now, as an industry veteran, he’s championing Asian representation in the entertainment industry. Here’s his playlist: The Supremes, “Stop In The Name of Love” Charlie Rich, “Behind Closed Doors” Pacific Overtures OBC/Stephen Sondheim, “There Is No Other Way” Al Jarreau, “Boogie Down” Elton John, “The Greatest Discovery” Beyonce, “Love On Top” Dr. John, “Accentuate the Positive” Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Actor BD Wong rose to fame with the Tony Award-winning performance of Song Liling in the 1988 Broadway musical “M. Butterfly.” He went on to pick up more roles on stage and on screen, including a 14-year run portraying Dr. George Huang in the TV series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Through all his successes and achievements, he’s faced personal obstacles, as well as having to face the challenge of being a gay Asian actor in an industry where most of his peers didn’t have his same background. In this episode of “Life In Seven Songs,” Wong details his journey as a boy growing up in the Sunset District nurturing his love of musical theater, to New York City as a young man where he lived in an apartment that was owned by the mafia. He talks about how the tragic loss of his baby made him a more confident public speaker, and how now, as an industry veteran, he’s championing Asian representation in the entertainment industry. Here’s his playlist: The Supremes, “Stop In The Name of Love” Charlie Rich, “Behind Closed Doors” Pacific Overtures OBC/Stephen Sondheim, “There Is No Other Way” Al Jarreau, “Boogie Down” Elton John, “The Greatest Discovery” Beyonce, “Love On Top” Dr. John, “Accentuate the Positive” Actor BD Wong rose to fame with the Tony Award-winning performance of Song Liling in the 1988 Broadway musical “M. Butterfly.” He went on to pick up more roles on stage and on screen, including a 14-year run portraying Dr. George Huang in the TV series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Through all his successes and achievements, he’s faced personal obstacles, as well as having to face the challenge of being a gay Asian actor in an industry where most of his peers didn’t have his same background.

In this episode of “Life In Seven Songs,” Wong details his journey as a boy growing up in the Sunset District nurturing his love of musical theater, to New York City as a young man where he lived in an apartment that was owned by the mafia. He talks about how the tragic loss of his baby made him a more confident public speaker, and how now, as an industry veteran, he’s championing Asian representation in the entertainment industry.

Here’s his playlist:

  1. The Supremes, “Stop In The Name of Love”

  2. Charlie Rich, “Behind Closed Doors”

  3. Pacific Overtures OBC/Stephen Sondheim, “There Is No Other Way”

  4. Al Jarreau, “Boogie Down”

  5. Elton John, “The Greatest Discovery”

  6. Beyonce, “Love On Top”

  7. Dr. John, “Accentuate the Positive”

]]> 2177 no How Hinge founder Justin McLeod’s love story shaped a dating empire Long before he founded the dating app Hinge, Justin McLeod was a little boy in Louisville, Kentucky, belting out Meat Loaf’s “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” from the backseat of his mom’s car. Looking back, that song feels almost prophetic, after Justin met – and briefly lost – the love of his life, only to win her back with a big, movie-worthy gesture. In this episode, Justin charts the story of building one of the most influential dating apps in the world – a journey intertwined with his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction and his own epic love story. He reflects on the moment he thought Hinge was finished, why he believes we create rather than find “the one,” and the soundtrack to his tumultuous life story. Here are his songs. Meat Loaf, “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” Pink Floyd, “Time” The Juliana Theory, “We're At The Top Of The World” Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, “Apologies” Jessie J, “Price Tag, ft. B.o.B” You+Me, “You and Me” Van Morrison, “Days Like This” Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Long before he founded the dating app Hinge, Justin McLeod was a little boy in Louisville, Kentucky, belting out Meat Loaf’s “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” from the backseat of his mom’s car. Looking back, that song feels almost prophetic, after Justin met – and briefly lost – the love of his life, only to win her back with a big, movie-worthy gesture. In this episode, Justin charts the story of building one of the most influential dating apps in the world – a journey intertwined with his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction and his own epic love story. He reflects on the moment he thought Hinge was finished, why he believes we create rather than find “the one,” and the soundtrack to his tumultuous life story. Here are his songs. Meat Loaf, “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” Pink Floyd, “Time” The Juliana Theory, “We're At The Top Of The World” Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, “Apologies” Jessie J, “Price Tag, ft. B.o.B” You+Me, “You and Me” Van Morrison, “Days Like This” Long before he founded the dating app Hinge, Justin McLeod was a little boy in Louisville, Kentucky, belting out Meat Loaf’s “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” from the backseat of his mom’s car. Looking back, that song feels almost prophetic, after Justin met – and briefly lost – the love of his life, only to win her back with a big, movie-worthy gesture.

In this episode, Justin charts the story of building one of the most influential dating apps in the world – a journey intertwined with his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction and his own epic love story. He reflects on the moment he thought Hinge was finished, why he believes we create rather than find “the one,” and the soundtrack to his tumultuous life story. Here are his songs.

  1. Meat Loaf, “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)”

  2. Pink Floyd, “Time”

  3. The Juliana Theory, “We're At The Top Of The World”

  4. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, “Apologies”

  5. Jessie J, “Price Tag, ft. B.o.B”

  6. You+Me, “You and Me”

  7. Van Morrison, “Days Like This”

]]> 2203 no Go-Go’s singer Belinda Carlisle says her life got interesting when she got sober Belinda Carlisle says she’s been hit by lightning three times in her career: first with the success of the Go-Go’s, then with her solo hit “Mad About You,” and most of all with the global sensation “Heaven is a Place on Earth.” But behind that meteoric success, Belinda struggled for decades with a debilitating addiction to drugs, alcohol, and the chaos that came with them. In this episode, Belinda traces her journey from a turbulent childhood in Southern California to the LA punk scene that gave her freedom and a sense of invincibility. She reflects on the dizzying rise of the Go-Go’s, the moment she finally hit rock bottom after a three-day bender in London, and why the most interesting part of her life didn’t begin until she got sober. Here are her songs. The Beatles, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” The Beach Boys, “God Only Knows” The Runaways, “Cherry Bomb” Iggy Pop & The Stooges, “Search and Destroy” Sex Pistols, “God Save the Queen” David Bowie, “Fame” Roxy Music, “Love Is The Drug” Tue, 30 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Belinda Carlisle says she’s been hit by lightning three times in her career: first with the success of the Go-Go’s, then with her solo hit “Mad About You,” and most of all with the global sensation “Heaven is a Place on Earth.” But behind that meteoric success, Belinda struggled for decades with a debilitating addiction to drugs, alcohol, and the chaos that came with them. In this episode, Belinda traces her journey from a turbulent childhood in Southern California to the LA punk scene that gave her freedom and a sense of invincibility. She reflects on the dizzying rise of the Go-Go’s, the moment she finally hit rock bottom after a three-day bender in London, and why the most interesting part of her life didn’t begin until she got sober. Here are her songs. The Beatles, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” The Beach Boys, “God Only Knows” The Runaways, “Cherry Bomb” Iggy Pop & The Stooges, “Search and Destroy” Sex Pistols, “God Save the Queen” David Bowie, “Fame” Roxy Music, “Love Is The Drug” Belinda Carlisle says she’s been hit by lightning three times in her career: first with the success of the Go-Go’s, then with her solo hit “Mad About You,” and most of all with the global sensation “Heaven is a Place on Earth.” But behind that meteoric success, Belinda struggled for decades with a debilitating addiction to drugs, alcohol, and the chaos that came with them.

In this episode, Belinda traces her journey from a turbulent childhood in Southern California to the LA punk scene that gave her freedom and a sense of invincibility. She reflects on the dizzying rise of the Go-Go’s, the moment she finally hit rock bottom after a three-day bender in London, and why the most interesting part of her life didn’t begin until she got sober. Here are her songs.

  1. The Beatles, “I Want to Hold Your Hand”

  2. The Beach Boys, “God Only Knows”

  3. The Runaways, “Cherry Bomb”

  4. Iggy Pop & The Stooges, “Search and Destroy”

  5. Sex Pistols, “God Save the Queen”

  6. David Bowie, “Fame”

  7. Roxy Music, “Love Is The Drug”

]]> 1794 no ENCORE: Why Kara Swisher loves country music and the military Today on the show, we're re-running a listener favorite: our interview with longtime journalist and media entrepreneur Kara Swisher, who's been covering Silicon Valley and the Internet since the days of dial-up. She’s taken nearly all of technology's titans to task with a fearless, no-nonsense style. But in this episode, she shows another side of herself: the “San Francisco liberal lesbian who loves country music and wanted to be in the military.” Here are her songs. The Last Great American Dynasty – Taylor Swift Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) – Doris Day Corner Of The Sky – John Rubinstein Landslide – Fleetwood Mac  Jesus, Take the Wheel – Carrie Underwood  Wahine ‘Ilikea – Dennis Kamakahi Quarter Moon – Cheryl Wheeler Listen to Kara Swisher’s ⁠full playlist on Spotify⁠. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠. Tue, 23 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Today on the show, we're re-running a listener favorite: our interview with longtime journalist and media entrepreneur Kara Swisher, who's been covering Silicon Valley and the Internet since the days of dial-up. She’s taken nearly all of technology's titans to task with a fearless, no-nonsense style. But in this episode, she shows another side of herself: the “San Francisco liberal lesbian who loves country music and wanted to be in the military.” Here are her songs. The Last Great American Dynasty – Taylor Swift Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) – Doris Day Corner Of The Sky – John Rubinstein Landslide – Fleetwood Mac  Jesus, Take the Wheel – Carrie Underwood  Wahine ‘Ilikea – Dennis Kamakahi Quarter Moon – Cheryl Wheeler Listen to Kara Swisher’s ⁠full playlist on Spotify⁠. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠. Today on the show, we're re-running a listener favorite: our interview with longtime journalist and media entrepreneur Kara Swisher, who's been covering Silicon Valley and the Internet since the days of dial-up. She’s taken nearly all of technology's titans to task with a fearless, no-nonsense style. But in this episode, she shows another side of herself: the “San Francisco liberal lesbian who loves country music and wanted to be in the military.” Here are her songs.

  1. The Last Great American Dynasty – Taylor Swift
  2. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) – Doris Day
  3. Corner Of The Sky – John Rubinstein
  4. Landslide – Fleetwood Mac 
  5. Jesus, Take the Wheel – Carrie Underwood 
  6. Wahine ‘Ilikea – Dennis Kamakahi
  7. Quarter Moon – Cheryl Wheeler

Listen to Kara Swisher’s ⁠full playlist on Spotify⁠. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠.

]]> 2011 no How actress Mayim Bialik is rethinking her worth after a lifetime in the spotlight Mayim Bialik has seemingly done it all: she became a beloved teen star on Blossom, earned a PhD in neuroscience, then returned to TV to play a neuroscientist on The Big Bang Theory. She’s written books, hosts a popular podcast, and is a mother of two. But after a lifetime of slipping in and out of different roles since the time she was 11, Mayim is taking a step back and asking herself a fundamental question: When you strip away all the identities you’ve performed, who are you really? In this episode, Mayim shares the soundtrack behind her complicated family history, the angst that shaped her teen years in Hollywood, and the significance of her latest role in the upcoming film Father Mother Sister Brother. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about finding love, loss, reinvention, and finding what grounds you. Here are her songs. Bob Dylan, “Abandoned Love” Bing Crosby, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” Violent Femmes, “Kiss Off” Elvis Costello, “Suit of Lights” Neko Case, “Hold On, Hold On” Jay-Z and Kanye West, “No Church in the Wild, featuring Frank Ocean and The-Dream” MC Yogi, “Heaven Is Here, featuring Matisyahu” Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Mayim Bialik has seemingly done it all: she became a beloved teen star on Blossom, earned a PhD in neuroscience, then returned to TV to play a neuroscientist on The Big Bang Theory. She’s written books, hosts a popular podcast, and is a mother of two. But after a lifetime of slipping in and out of different roles since the time she was 11, Mayim is taking a step back and asking herself a fundamental question: When you strip away all the identities you’ve performed, who are you really? In this episode, Mayim shares the soundtrack behind her complicated family history, the angst that shaped her teen years in Hollywood, and the significance of her latest role in the upcoming film Father Mother Sister Brother. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about finding love, loss, reinvention, and finding what grounds you. Here are her songs. Bob Dylan, “Abandoned Love” Bing Crosby, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” Violent Femmes, “Kiss Off” Elvis Costello, “Suit of Lights” Neko Case, “Hold On, Hold On” Jay-Z and Kanye West, “No Church in the Wild, featuring Frank Ocean and The-Dream” MC Yogi, “Heaven Is Here, featuring Matisyahu” Mayim Bialik has seemingly done it all: she became a beloved teen star on Blossom, earned a PhD in neuroscience, then returned to TV to play a neuroscientist on The Big Bang Theory. She’s written books, hosts a popular podcast, and is a mother of two. But after a lifetime of slipping in and out of different roles since the time she was 11, Mayim is taking a step back and asking herself a fundamental question: When you strip away all the identities you’ve performed, who are you really?

In this episode, Mayim shares the soundtrack behind her complicated family history, the angst that shaped her teen years in Hollywood, and the significance of her latest role in the upcoming film Father Mother Sister Brother. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about finding love, loss, reinvention, and finding what grounds you. Here are her songs.

  1. Bob Dylan, “Abandoned Love”
  2. Bing Crosby, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?”
  3. Violent Femmes, “Kiss Off”
  4. Elvis Costello, “Suit of Lights”
  5. Neko Case, “Hold On, Hold On”
  6. Jay-Z and Kanye West, “No Church in the Wild, featuring Frank Ocean and The-Dream”
  7. MC Yogi, “Heaven Is Here, featuring Matisyahu”
]]> 1794 no Inside musician John Grant’s pain: Seven songs that saved his life John Grant’s music is known for its brutal honesty – songs about desire, rage, and shame. But the story behind that voice is even more extraordinary. Raised in a religious household where being gay meant losing your family and being rejected by society, John grew up believing he deserved the violence and hostility he faced.And yet, what stands out most when John tells his story is not the pain but the persistence – his ability to keep showing up, to find joy in small moments, and to let music crack open something hopeful inside him. In this episode, John shares the seven songs that shaped his life, the artists who showed him new worlds, and the acts of kindness that helped him survive. He reflects on healing from self-hatred and why, despite everything, he still considers himself an optimist. Here are his songs. Abba, “Eagle” Yello, “Sometimes (Dr. Hirsh)” Nina Hagen, “Antiworld” Throwing Muses, “Dirty Water” Colder, “To The Music” Jenny and Johnny, “Animal” Asha Puthli, “Space Talk” Tue, 09 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard John Grant’s music is known for its brutal honesty – songs about desire, rage, and shame. But the story behind that voice is even more extraordinary. Raised in a religious household where being gay meant losing your family and being rejected by society, John grew up believing he deserved the violence and hostility he faced.And yet, what stands out most when John tells his story is not the pain but the persistence – his ability to keep showing up, to find joy in small moments, and to let music crack open something hopeful inside him. In this episode, John shares the seven songs that shaped his life, the artists who showed him new worlds, and the acts of kindness that helped him survive. He reflects on healing from self-hatred and why, despite everything, he still considers himself an optimist. Here are his songs. Abba, “Eagle” Yello, “Sometimes (Dr. Hirsh)” Nina Hagen, “Antiworld” Throwing Muses, “Dirty Water” Colder, “To The Music” Jenny and Johnny, “Animal” Asha Puthli, “Space Talk” John Grant’s music is known for its brutal honesty – songs about desire, rage, and shame. But the story behind that voice is even more extraordinary.

Raised in a religious household where being gay meant losing your family and being rejected by society, John grew up believing he deserved the violence and hostility he faced.And yet, what stands out most when John tells his story is not the pain but the persistence – his ability to keep showing up, to find joy in small moments, and to let music crack open something hopeful inside him.

In this episode, John shares the seven songs that shaped his life, the artists who showed him new worlds, and the acts of kindness that helped him survive. He reflects on healing from self-hatred and why, despite everything, he still considers himself an optimist. Here are his songs.

  1. Abba, “Eagle”
  2. Yello, “Sometimes (Dr. Hirsh)”
  3. Nina Hagen, “Antiworld”
  4. Throwing Muses, “Dirty Water”
  5. Colder, “To The Music”
  6. Jenny and Johnny, “Animal”
  7. Asha Puthli, “Space Talk”
]]> 2059 no 31 and done: Why F1 champ Nico Rosberg walked away at the top From the outside, Nico Rosberg lived every young racer’s dream: born to a Formula One world champion, raised with a go-kart track in his backyard, and the Monaco Grand Prix roaring outside his bedroom window. But behind the glamour was a different story: one of a sensitive young man dealing with crushing pressure and a bitter friendship-turned-rivalry with Lewis Hamilton that pushed him to his limits. In this episode, Nico talks about the secret mental training that helped him survive the intensity of Formula One, the final-lap showdown that resulted in his world title, and his decision to retire just five days later, at the peak of his career. He reflects on rebuilding his identity, finding meaning off the track, and teaching his daughters to do the same. Here are his songs. Elton John - Can You Feel the Love Tonight Avicii - Levels U2 - Beautiful Day Queen - We Are the Champions Robbie Williams - Something Beautiful Myles Smith - Stargazing Klingande - Jubel Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard From the outside, Nico Rosberg lived every young racer’s dream: born to a Formula One world champion, raised with a go-kart track in his backyard, and the Monaco Grand Prix roaring outside his bedroom window. But behind the glamour was a different story: one of a sensitive young man dealing with crushing pressure and a bitter friendship-turned-rivalry with Lewis Hamilton that pushed him to his limits. In this episode, Nico talks about the secret mental training that helped him survive the intensity of Formula One, the final-lap showdown that resulted in his world title, and his decision to retire just five days later, at the peak of his career. He reflects on rebuilding his identity, finding meaning off the track, and teaching his daughters to do the same. Here are his songs. Elton John - Can You Feel the Love Tonight Avicii - Levels U2 - Beautiful Day Queen - We Are the Champions Robbie Williams - Something Beautiful Myles Smith - Stargazing Klingande - Jubel From the outside, Nico Rosberg lived every young racer’s dream: born to a Formula One world champion, raised with a go-kart track in his backyard, and the Monaco Grand Prix roaring outside his bedroom window. But behind the glamour was a different story: one of a sensitive young man dealing with crushing pressure and a bitter friendship-turned-rivalry with Lewis Hamilton that pushed him to his limits.

In this episode, Nico talks about the secret mental training that helped him survive the intensity of Formula One, the final-lap showdown that resulted in his world title, and his decision to retire just five days later, at the peak of his career. He reflects on rebuilding his identity, finding meaning off the track, and teaching his daughters to do the same. Here are his songs.

  1. Elton John - Can You Feel the Love Tonight
  2. Avicii - Levels
  3. U2 - Beautiful Day
  4. Queen - We Are the Champions
  5. Robbie Williams - Something Beautiful
  6. Myles Smith - Stargazing
  7. Klingande - Jubel
]]> 1872 no Baking star Christina Tosi on the soundtrack behind her cookie empire Milk Bar founder Christina Tosi didn’t set out to become a dessert icon. She just knew that if there was one thing she’d like to do every day for the rest of her life, it was baking cookies. That instinct led her from the world of New York City fine dining to the early days of Momofuku, where David Chang pushed Christina to pursue her passion for baking. Since then, Milk Bar has become synonymous with cereal milk ice cream and compost cookies, and Christina herself has won two James Beard awards, written numerous cookbooks, and turned Milk Bar into a cultural phenomenon. In this episode, recorded live at the Charter Workplace Summit in NYC, Christina shares the ingredients behind Milk Bar’s success: a strong work ethic inherited from her parents, a sense of childlike wonder that she’s never lost sight of, and a soundtrack – from Bob Marley to LCD Soundsystem – that reminds her to lose herself, find herself, and keep creating. Here are her songs: The Beatles, “A Hard Day’s Night” Alanis Morissette, “You Oughta Know” Bob Marley and the Wailers, “Waiting in Vain” LCD Soundsystem, “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” Listen to Christina Tosi’s ⁠full playlist on Spotify⁠. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠. Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Milk Bar founder Christina Tosi didn’t set out to become a dessert icon. She just knew that if there was one thing she’d like to do every day for the rest of her life, it was baking cookies. That instinct led her from the world of New York City fine dining to the early days of Momofuku, where David Chang pushed Christina to pursue her passion for baking. Since then, Milk Bar has become synonymous with cereal milk ice cream and compost cookies, and Christina herself has won two James Beard awards, written numerous cookbooks, and turned Milk Bar into a cultural phenomenon. In this episode, recorded live at the Charter Workplace Summit in NYC, Christina shares the ingredients behind Milk Bar’s success: a strong work ethic inherited from her parents, a sense of childlike wonder that she’s never lost sight of, and a soundtrack – from Bob Marley to LCD Soundsystem – that reminds her to lose herself, find herself, and keep creating. Here are her songs: The Beatles, “A Hard Day’s Night” Alanis Morissette, “You Oughta Know” Bob Marley and the Wailers, “Waiting in Vain” LCD Soundsystem, “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” Listen to Christina Tosi’s ⁠full playlist on Spotify⁠. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠. Milk Bar founder Christina Tosi didn’t set out to become a dessert icon. She just knew that if there was one thing she’d like to do every day for the rest of her life, it was baking cookies. That instinct led her from the world of New York City fine dining to the early days of Momofuku, where David Chang pushed Christina to pursue her passion for baking.

Since then, Milk Bar has become synonymous with cereal milk ice cream and compost cookies, and Christina herself has won two James Beard awards, written numerous cookbooks, and turned Milk Bar into a cultural phenomenon.

In this episode, recorded live at the Charter Workplace Summit in NYC, Christina shares the ingredients behind Milk Bar’s success: a strong work ethic inherited from her parents, a sense of childlike wonder that she’s never lost sight of, and a soundtrack – from Bob Marley to LCD Soundsystem – that reminds her to lose herself, find herself, and keep creating.

Here are her songs:

  1. The Beatles, “A Hard Day’s Night”
  2. Alanis Morissette, “You Oughta Know”
  3. Bob Marley and the Wailers, “Waiting in Vain”
  4. LCD Soundsystem, “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House”


Listen to Christina Tosi’s ⁠full playlist on Spotify⁠. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠.

]]> 1635 no How Taylor Swift got TV writer Michael Schur out of a rut Michael Schur is the creative force behind some of the most beloved comedies of the past two decades: The Good Place, Parks and Rec, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and most recently, A Man On The Inside, starring Ted Danson. If Mike’s face looks familiar, it might be from his scene-stealing performance as Mose Schrute on The Office, on which Mike was also a writer. Mike’s shows have a distinctive signature: they don’t just make you laugh – they make you think about morality and what it means to be human. Along the way, they might just make you cry. In this episode, Mike charts the songs and milestones that turned him into the writer he is today – from the Neutral Milk Hotel album that taught him to wear his heart on his sleeve, to the fender bender that sparked an existential crisis that would become The Good Place, to the Taylor Swift song that pulled him out of a creative rut during the pandemic. It’s a conversation about how art teaches us to feel, and how those feelings become the stories we tell. Here are his songs. “Weird Al” Yankovic, “Eat It” The Beatles, “A Day in the Life” Indigo Girls, “Kid Fears” Neutral Milk Hotel, “Ghost” Derek and the Dominos, “Key to the Highway” Arvo Pärt, “Spiegel im Spiegel” Taylor Swift, “gold rush” Listen to Michael Schur’s ⁠⁠full playlist on Spotify⁠⁠. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Michael Schur is the creative force behind some of the most beloved comedies of the past two decades: The Good Place, Parks and Rec, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and most recently, A Man On The Inside, starring Ted Danson. If Mike’s face looks familiar, it might be from his scene-stealing performance as Mose Schrute on The Office, on which Mike was also a writer. Mike’s shows have a distinctive signature: they don’t just make you laugh – they make you think about morality and what it means to be human. Along the way, they might just make you cry. In this episode, Mike charts the songs and milestones that turned him into the writer he is today – from the Neutral Milk Hotel album that taught him to wear his heart on his sleeve, to the fender bender that sparked an existential crisis that would become The Good Place, to the Taylor Swift song that pulled him out of a creative rut during the pandemic. It’s a conversation about how art teaches us to feel, and how those feelings become the stories we tell. Here are his songs. “Weird Al” Yankovic, “Eat It” The Beatles, “A Day in the Life” Indigo Girls, “Kid Fears” Neutral Milk Hotel, “Ghost” Derek and the Dominos, “Key to the Highway” Arvo Pärt, “Spiegel im Spiegel” Taylor Swift, “gold rush” Listen to Michael Schur’s ⁠⁠full playlist on Spotify⁠⁠. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠. Michael Schur is the creative force behind some of the most beloved comedies of the past two decades: The Good Place, Parks and Rec, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and most recently, A Man On The Inside, starring Ted Danson.

If Mike’s face looks familiar, it might be from his scene-stealing performance as Mose Schrute on The Office, on which Mike was also a writer. Mike’s shows have a distinctive signature: they don’t just make you laugh – they make you think about morality and what it means to be human. Along the way, they might just make you cry.

In this episode, Mike charts the songs and milestones that turned him into the writer he is today – from the Neutral Milk Hotel album that taught him to wear his heart on his sleeve, to the fender bender that sparked an existential crisis that would become The Good Place, to the Taylor Swift song that pulled him out of a creative rut during the pandemic. It’s a conversation about how art teaches us to feel, and how those feelings become the stories we tell. Here are his songs.

  1. “Weird Al” Yankovic, “Eat It”
  2. The Beatles, “A Day in the Life”
  3. Indigo Girls, “Kid Fears”
  4. Neutral Milk Hotel, “Ghost”
  5. Derek and the Dominos, “Key to the Highway”
  6. Arvo Pärt, “Spiegel im Spiegel”
  7. Taylor Swift, “gold rush”


Listen to Michael Schur’s ⁠⁠full playlist on Spotify⁠⁠. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠.

]]> 2219 no Introducing 'Pacific Standard Time' https://sfstandard.com/pacific-standard-time/ Pacific Standard Time is smart, surprising weekly podcast about California’s future—and why what happens here matters everywhere and to everyone. Hosted by SF Standard culture editor Emily Dreyfuss and enterprise reporter Jesse Alejandro Cottrell. New episodes Wednesday mornings, beginning Nov. 19. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0000 bonus The San Francisco Standard Pacific Standard Time is smart, surprising weekly podcast about California’s future—and why what happens here matters everywhere and to everyone. Hosted by SF Standard culture editor Emily Dreyfuss and enterprise reporter Jesse Alejandro Cottrell. New episodes Wednesday mornings, beginning Nov. 19. Pacific Standard Time is smart, surprising weekly podcast about California’s future—and why what happens here matters everywhere and to everyone. Hosted by SF Standard culture editor Emily Dreyfuss and enterprise reporter Jesse Alejandro Cottrell. New episodes Wednesday mornings, beginning Nov. 19.

]]> 261 no Why Andrew Ahn remade the first gay film he ever saw When Andrew Ahn’s family rented “The Wedding Banquet” in the early 1990s, they didn’t realize it was a queer film. They also had no idea that 30 years later, Andrew would write and direct his own version of the film. For many years, Andrew felt his queer and Korean American identities were in conflict. But reconciling those parts of himself has helped Andrew become one of the freshest filmmakers working today – directing the Emmy-nominated “Fire Island” and several episodes of “Bridgerton.” In this episode, Andrew talks about coming out to his family through his art, the song that still gets him to rush the dance floor at a gay club, and the music that guided his journey towards wholeness. Here are his songs. Simon & Garfunkel, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Maps” Cascada, “Everytime We Touch” Aimee Mann, “Ray” Camille Saint-Saëns, “Symphony No. 3 (“Organ Symphony”)” Frank Ocean, “Self Control” Hikaru Utada, “Hanataba Wo Kimini” Listen to Andrew Ahn's ⁠⁠⁠full playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠⁠⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠⁠. Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard When Andrew Ahn’s family rented “The Wedding Banquet” in the early 1990s, they didn’t realize it was a queer film. They also had no idea that 30 years later, Andrew would write and direct his own version of the film. For many years, Andrew felt his queer and Korean American identities were in conflict. But reconciling those parts of himself has helped Andrew become one of the freshest filmmakers working today – directing the Emmy-nominated “Fire Island” and several episodes of “Bridgerton.” In this episode, Andrew talks about coming out to his family through his art, the song that still gets him to rush the dance floor at a gay club, and the music that guided his journey towards wholeness. Here are his songs. Simon & Garfunkel, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Maps” Cascada, “Everytime We Touch” Aimee Mann, “Ray” Camille Saint-Saëns, “Symphony No. 3 (“Organ Symphony”)” Frank Ocean, “Self Control” Hikaru Utada, “Hanataba Wo Kimini” Listen to Andrew Ahn's ⁠⁠⁠full playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠⁠⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠⁠. When Andrew Ahn’s family rented “The Wedding Banquet” in the early 1990s, they didn’t realize it was a queer film. They also had no idea that 30 years later, Andrew would write and direct his own version of the film.

For many years, Andrew felt his queer and Korean American identities were in conflict. But reconciling those parts of himself has helped Andrew become one of the freshest filmmakers working today – directing the Emmy-nominated “Fire Island” and several episodes of “Bridgerton.”

In this episode, Andrew talks about coming out to his family through his art, the song that still gets him to rush the dance floor at a gay club, and the music that guided his journey towards wholeness. Here are his songs.

  1. Simon & Garfunkel, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
  2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Maps”
  3. Cascada, “Everytime We Touch”
  4. Aimee Mann, “Ray”
  5. Camille Saint-Saëns, “Symphony No. 3 (“Organ Symphony”)”
  6. Frank Ocean, “Self Control”
  7. Hikaru Utada, “Hanataba Wo Kimini”

Listen to Andrew Ahn's ⁠⁠⁠full playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠⁠⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠⁠.

]]> 2005 no Trump fired him, but Preet Bharara is still defending the country he loves Long before he became the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Preet Bharara was a first-generation Indian immigrant, listening to Bollywood music in his childhood home outside of Asbury Park, New Jersey. It’s no surprise that Bruce Springsteen became one of Preet’s heroes – though it was a surprise when ‘The Boss’ gave Preet a personal shoutout at a 2012 concert. In this episode, Preet talks about his work fighting Wall Street corruption and organized crime, how his family’s American dream unfolded across decades, and his unashamed patriotism in an era when expressing love for America can feel complicated. Plus, Sophie (almost) gets the former prosecutor to sing along to one of their shared seven songs. Here are his songs. Bruce Springsteen, “Thunder Road” Kishore Kumar, Mahendra Kapoor, and Shailendra Singh, “Amar Akbar Anthony” Queen, “Another One Bites the Dust” U2, “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For” Daniel Rodriguez, “God Bless America” Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel” Zeshan B, “O Say, Can You See” Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Long before he became the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Preet Bharara was a first-generation Indian immigrant, listening to Bollywood music in his childhood home outside of Asbury Park, New Jersey. It’s no surprise that Bruce Springsteen became one of Preet’s heroes – though it was a surprise when ‘The Boss’ gave Preet a personal shoutout at a 2012 concert. In this episode, Preet talks about his work fighting Wall Street corruption and organized crime, how his family’s American dream unfolded across decades, and his unashamed patriotism in an era when expressing love for America can feel complicated. Plus, Sophie (almost) gets the former prosecutor to sing along to one of their shared seven songs. Here are his songs. Bruce Springsteen, “Thunder Road” Kishore Kumar, Mahendra Kapoor, and Shailendra Singh, “Amar Akbar Anthony” Queen, “Another One Bites the Dust” U2, “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For” Daniel Rodriguez, “God Bless America” Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel” Zeshan B, “O Say, Can You See” Long before he became the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Preet Bharara was a first-generation Indian immigrant, listening to Bollywood music in his childhood home outside of Asbury Park, New Jersey. It’s no surprise that Bruce Springsteen became one of Preet’s heroes – though it was a surprise when ‘The Boss’ gave Preet a personal shoutout at a 2012 concert.

In this episode, Preet talks about his work fighting Wall Street corruption and organized crime, how his family’s American dream unfolded across decades, and his unashamed patriotism in an era when expressing love for America can feel complicated. Plus, Sophie (almost) gets the former prosecutor to sing along to one of their shared seven songs. Here are his songs.

  1. Bruce Springsteen, “Thunder Road”
  2. Kishore Kumar, Mahendra Kapoor, and Shailendra Singh, “Amar Akbar Anthony”
  3. Queen, “Another One Bites the Dust”
  4. U2, “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For”
  5. Daniel Rodriguez, “God Bless America”
  6. Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”
  7. Zeshan B, “O Say, Can You See”
]]> 2143 no How actress Pepi Sonuga keeps the faith, even when Hollywood says 'We don't need you' Pepi Sonuga always knew she would become a performer. Even as a little girl in Lagos, Nigeria, watching “Barney” tapes that her flight attendant mother brought home, Pepi felt certain that someday, she’d be the one onscreen. That childhood conviction helped Pepi survive the culture shock of moving to Los Angeles at age 10, teen bullying, and years of grinding in an industry that tried to tell her, over and over, that she was replaceable. With her star now on the rise – with roles in Tyler Perry’s “The Six Triple Eight” and Hulu’s “Pam & Tommy” – Pepi joins Sophie to reflect on her journey so far, the songs that defined her girlhood, and her ultimate dream: to lift up the country she came from and “the little girl just like me who deserves everything she dreams about, too.” Here are her songs. "I Wanna Be a Rockstar" – Barney "You Gotta Be" – Des’ree "This Is What Makes Us Girls" – Lana Del Rey "The Only Exception" – Paramore "Dreamer" – Charli XCX "Ready" – Tems "Ojuelegba" – Wizkid Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Pepi Sonuga always knew she would become a performer. Even as a little girl in Lagos, Nigeria, watching “Barney” tapes that her flight attendant mother brought home, Pepi felt certain that someday, she’d be the one onscreen. That childhood conviction helped Pepi survive the culture shock of moving to Los Angeles at age 10, teen bullying, and years of grinding in an industry that tried to tell her, over and over, that she was replaceable. With her star now on the rise – with roles in Tyler Perry’s “The Six Triple Eight” and Hulu’s “Pam & Tommy” – Pepi joins Sophie to reflect on her journey so far, the songs that defined her girlhood, and her ultimate dream: to lift up the country she came from and “the little girl just like me who deserves everything she dreams about, too.” Here are her songs. "I Wanna Be a Rockstar" – Barney "You Gotta Be" – Des’ree "This Is What Makes Us Girls" – Lana Del Rey "The Only Exception" – Paramore "Dreamer" – Charli XCX "Ready" – Tems "Ojuelegba" – Wizkid Pepi Sonuga always knew she would become a performer. Even as a little girl in Lagos, Nigeria, watching “Barney” tapes that her flight attendant mother brought home, Pepi felt certain that someday, she’d be the one onscreen. That childhood conviction helped Pepi survive the culture shock of moving to Los Angeles at age 10, teen bullying, and years of grinding in an industry that tried to tell her, over and over, that she was replaceable.

With her star now on the rise – with roles in Tyler Perry’s “The Six Triple Eight” and Hulu’s “Pam & Tommy” – Pepi joins Sophie to reflect on her journey so far, the songs that defined her girlhood, and her ultimate dream: to lift up the country she came from and “the little girl just like me who deserves everything she dreams about, too.” Here are her songs.

  1. "I Wanna Be a Rockstar" – Barney
  2. "You Gotta Be" – Des’ree
  3. "This Is What Makes Us Girls" – Lana Del Rey
  4. "The Only Exception" – Paramore
  5. "Dreamer" – Charli XCX
  6. "Ready" – Tems
  7. "Ojuelegba" – Wizkid
]]> 1814 no Drag queen and activist Peppermint finds joy even when there’s ‘no tears left to cry’ Miss Peppermint wears a lot of hats (and wigs): drag queen, first openly trans woman on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Broadway actress, Traitors contestant – and through it all, vocal trans rights activist. She’s also hilarious, fabulous, and unapologetically herself. In this episode, Peppermint dishes on her early queer icons (think Prince and Amadeus), the danger and drama of the ’90s NYC nightclub scene – and why she’s always wanted to be anything but “basic and predictable.” Here are her songs. Prince - 7 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K. 385 “Haffner” Lenny Kravitz - Believe Bush - Glycerine Deborah Cox - Nobody's Supposed To Be Here Stars On 54 - If You Could Read My Mind Ariana Grande - no tears left to cry Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Miss Peppermint wears a lot of hats (and wigs): drag queen, first openly trans woman on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Broadway actress, Traitors contestant – and through it all, vocal trans rights activist. She’s also hilarious, fabulous, and unapologetically herself. In this episode, Peppermint dishes on her early queer icons (think Prince and Amadeus), the danger and drama of the ’90s NYC nightclub scene – and why she’s always wanted to be anything but “basic and predictable.” Here are her songs. Prince - 7 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K. 385 “Haffner” Lenny Kravitz - Believe Bush - Glycerine Deborah Cox - Nobody's Supposed To Be Here Stars On 54 - If You Could Read My Mind Ariana Grande - no tears left to cry Miss Peppermint wears a lot of hats (and wigs): drag queen, first openly trans woman on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Broadway actress, Traitors contestant – and through it all, vocal trans rights activist.

She’s also hilarious, fabulous, and unapologetically herself.

In this episode, Peppermint dishes on her early queer icons (think Prince and Amadeus), the danger and drama of the ’90s NYC nightclub scene – and why she’s always wanted to be anything but “basic and predictable.” Here are her songs.

  1. Prince - 7
  2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K. 385 “Haffner”
  3. Lenny Kravitz - Believe
  4. Bush - Glycerine
  5. Deborah Cox - Nobody's Supposed To Be Here
  6. Stars On 54 - If You Could Read My Mind
  7. Ariana Grande - no tears left to cry
]]> 1903 no How music taught culture critic Sam Sanders to be grateful for his grief As the host and creator of numerous hit culture podcasts, Sam Sanders is known for having a finger on the pulse of pop culture. But growing up strictly Pentecostal in Texas, non-religious music was forbidden – so Sam got resourceful, smuggling CDs into the house in his underwear and watching MTV in secret. At 18 years old, just as he was getting ready to leave for Stanford, Sam’s life was turned upside down. Both of his parents suffered major health crises in the span of a few months, resulting in Sam becoming their caregiver. Years later, Sam would face another devastating double-whammy with the death of his mother followed a month later by a crushing breakup. In this episode, Sam opens up about the music that carried him through – from Janet Jackson videos to soaring gospel tunes to revenge-fueled breakup anthems – and why today, he’s savoring the freedom he’s been chasing his whole life. Here are his songs. Janet Jackson, “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” Stevie Wonder, "Don't You Worry ‘Bout A Thing" Richard Smallwood, "Total Praise" John Mayer, “Stop This Train" Labelle, "Isn't It a Shame" Caroline Rose, “The Kiss” Fleetwood Mac, “Silver Springs” Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard As the host and creator of numerous hit culture podcasts, Sam Sanders is known for having a finger on the pulse of pop culture. But growing up strictly Pentecostal in Texas, non-religious music was forbidden – so Sam got resourceful, smuggling CDs into the house in his underwear and watching MTV in secret. At 18 years old, just as he was getting ready to leave for Stanford, Sam’s life was turned upside down. Both of his parents suffered major health crises in the span of a few months, resulting in Sam becoming their caregiver. Years later, Sam would face another devastating double-whammy with the death of his mother followed a month later by a crushing breakup. In this episode, Sam opens up about the music that carried him through – from Janet Jackson videos to soaring gospel tunes to revenge-fueled breakup anthems – and why today, he’s savoring the freedom he’s been chasing his whole life. Here are his songs. Janet Jackson, “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” Stevie Wonder, "Don't You Worry ‘Bout A Thing" Richard Smallwood, "Total Praise" John Mayer, “Stop This Train" Labelle, "Isn't It a Shame" Caroline Rose, “The Kiss” Fleetwood Mac, “Silver Springs” As the host and creator of numerous hit culture podcasts, Sam Sanders is known for having a finger on the pulse of pop culture. But growing up strictly Pentecostal in Texas, non-religious music was forbidden – so Sam got resourceful, smuggling CDs into the house in his underwear and watching MTV in secret.

At 18 years old, just as he was getting ready to leave for Stanford, Sam’s life was turned upside down. Both of his parents suffered major health crises in the span of a few months, resulting in Sam becoming their caregiver. Years later, Sam would face another devastating double-whammy with the death of his mother followed a month later by a crushing breakup.

In this episode, Sam opens up about the music that carried him through – from Janet Jackson videos to soaring gospel tunes to revenge-fueled breakup anthems – and why today, he’s savoring the freedom he’s been chasing his whole life. Here are his songs.

  1. Janet Jackson, “Love Will Never Do (Without You)”
  2. Stevie Wonder, "Don't You Worry ‘Bout A Thing"
  3. Richard Smallwood, "Total Praise"
  4. John Mayer, “Stop This Train"
  5. Labelle, "Isn't It a Shame"
  6. Caroline Rose, “The Kiss”
  7. Fleetwood Mac, “Silver Springs”
]]> 2249 no From the South Bronx to Sesame Street: How Sonia Manzano made Maria a Latina icon Sonia Manzano knows you think of her as Maria on Sesame Street – and that’s exactly the point. Growing up in the South Bronx in a household “ruled by domestic violence,” TV was Sonia’s refuge as a child – but she never saw anyone who looked like her. Years later, when she landed the role of Maria on Sesame Street, Sonia made a choice. She wouldn’t play a character; she would be herself – on purpose. For 44 years, she served as an authentic and beloved role model for millions of kids. More recently, she’s created another iconic Latina heroine through the animated children’s show Alma’s Way — this one inspired by her childhood self. In this episode, Sonia reflects on growing up “at a time when Latin people were absolutely invisible,” the power of seeing yourself reflected in pop culture, and the music that accompanied her journey. Here are her songs. Numero 6 - Bobby Rodríguez y la Compañía Lamento Borincano - Rafael Hernandez When You Wish Upon A Star sung by Jiminy Cricket [aka Cliff Edwards] Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes I Wish I Knew How It Feels to Be Free - Nina Simone Bang! Bang! - Joe Cuba Sextet Sing - Joe Raposo, cast of Sesame Street Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Sonia Manzano knows you think of her as Maria on Sesame Street – and that’s exactly the point. Growing up in the South Bronx in a household “ruled by domestic violence,” TV was Sonia’s refuge as a child – but she never saw anyone who looked like her. Years later, when she landed the role of Maria on Sesame Street, Sonia made a choice. She wouldn’t play a character; she would be herself – on purpose. For 44 years, she served as an authentic and beloved role model for millions of kids. More recently, she’s created another iconic Latina heroine through the animated children’s show Alma’s Way — this one inspired by her childhood self. In this episode, Sonia reflects on growing up “at a time when Latin people were absolutely invisible,” the power of seeing yourself reflected in pop culture, and the music that accompanied her journey. Here are her songs. Numero 6 - Bobby Rodríguez y la Compañía Lamento Borincano - Rafael Hernandez When You Wish Upon A Star sung by Jiminy Cricket [aka Cliff Edwards] Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes I Wish I Knew How It Feels to Be Free - Nina Simone Bang! Bang! - Joe Cuba Sextet Sing - Joe Raposo, cast of Sesame Street Sonia Manzano knows you think of her as Maria on Sesame Street – and that’s exactly the point. Growing up in the South Bronx in a household “ruled by domestic violence,” TV was Sonia’s refuge as a child – but she never saw anyone who looked like her.

Years later, when she landed the role of Maria on Sesame Street, Sonia made a choice. She wouldn’t play a character; she would be herself – on purpose. For 44 years, she served as an authentic and beloved role model for millions of kids. More recently, she’s created another iconic Latina heroine through the animated children’s show Alma’s Way — this one inspired by her childhood self.

In this episode, Sonia reflects on growing up “at a time when Latin people were absolutely invisible,” the power of seeing yourself reflected in pop culture, and the music that accompanied her journey. Here are her songs.

  1. Numero 6 - Bobby Rodríguez y la Compañía
  2. Lamento Borincano - Rafael Hernandez
  3. When You Wish Upon A Star sung by Jiminy Cricket [aka Cliff Edwards]
  4. Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes
  5. I Wish I Knew How It Feels to Be Free - Nina Simone
  6. Bang! Bang! - Joe Cuba Sextet
  7. Sing - Joe Raposo, cast of Sesame Street
]]> 2014 no From Mozart to Drake: The music that moves Misty Copeland After 25 years with American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland is taking her final bow this October. Just ahead of her last performance, the groundbreaking ballerina – who made history as ABT’s first Black female principal dancer – joins Sophie to reflect on her journey. From a shy girl nicknamed “Mouse” who grew up without a home for much of her childhood in Southern California, to a stunning career on the stages of Lincoln Center and beyond, Misty’s is a story of defying the odds. In this episode, Misty opens up about her tumultuous upbringing, dancing through six stress fractures, finding love at a nightclub, and the music that has carried her through it all. Here are her songs. Aretha Franklin - Ain't No Way Mariah Carey - Looking In N.E.R.D. - Run To The Sun Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Concerto No 21 in C Major K 467 II Andante J. Cole - Be Free Sade - Kiss Of Life Drake - Nice For What Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard After 25 years with American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland is taking her final bow this October. Just ahead of her last performance, the groundbreaking ballerina – who made history as ABT’s first Black female principal dancer – joins Sophie to reflect on her journey. From a shy girl nicknamed “Mouse” who grew up without a home for much of her childhood in Southern California, to a stunning career on the stages of Lincoln Center and beyond, Misty’s is a story of defying the odds. In this episode, Misty opens up about her tumultuous upbringing, dancing through six stress fractures, finding love at a nightclub, and the music that has carried her through it all. Here are her songs. Aretha Franklin - Ain't No Way Mariah Carey - Looking In N.E.R.D. - Run To The Sun Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Concerto No 21 in C Major K 467 II Andante J. Cole - Be Free Sade - Kiss Of Life Drake - Nice For What After 25 years with American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland is taking her final bow this October. Just ahead of her last performance, the groundbreaking ballerina – who made history as ABT’s first Black female principal dancer – joins Sophie to reflect on her journey.

From a shy girl nicknamed “Mouse” who grew up without a home for much of her childhood in Southern California, to a stunning career on the stages of Lincoln Center and beyond, Misty’s is a story of defying the odds.

In this episode, Misty opens up about her tumultuous upbringing, dancing through six stress fractures, finding love at a nightclub, and the music that has carried her through it all. Here are her songs.

  1. Aretha Franklin - Ain't No Way
  2. Mariah Carey - Looking In
  3. N.E.R.D. - Run To The Sun
  4. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Concerto No 21 in C Major K 467 II Andante
  5. J. Cole - Be Free
  6. Sade - Kiss Of Life
  7. Drake - Nice For What
]]> 2037 no Riding waves and weathering life’s storms with surfer-turned-writer Jamie Brisick Jamie Brisick was living the California dream – a pro surfer sponsored by Quicksilver, traveling the world and competing on the ASP World Tour. But beneath the “Malibu Barbie” facade, tragedy was brewing: his brother was descending into a drug addiction that would soon claim his life. Jamie left the world of surfing and reinvented himself as a writer, with his words appearing in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. But sudden tragedy would soon strike again. In this episode, Jamie shares how music became both an escape from pain and a pathway toward healing. His story shows us how sometimes our greatest losses become our most profound teachers – and that life has an extraordinary capacity to “totally blow you away,” even when it seems utterly broken. Here are his songs. Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Jamie Brisick was living the California dream – a pro surfer sponsored by Quicksilver, traveling the world and competing on the ASP World Tour. But beneath the “Malibu Barbie” facade, tragedy was brewing: his brother was descending into a drug addiction that would soon claim his life. Jamie left the world of surfing and reinvented himself as a writer, with his words appearing in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. But sudden tragedy would soon strike again. In this episode, Jamie shares how music became both an escape from pain and a pathway toward healing. His story shows us how sometimes our greatest losses become our most profound teachers – and that life has an extraordinary capacity to “totally blow you away,” even when it seems utterly broken. Here are his songs. Jamie Brisick was living the California dream – a pro surfer sponsored by Quicksilver, traveling the world and competing on the ASP World Tour. But beneath the “Malibu Barbie” facade, tragedy was brewing: his brother was descending into a drug addiction that would soon claim his life. Jamie left the world of surfing and reinvented himself as a writer, with his words appearing in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. But sudden tragedy would soon strike again.

In this episode, Jamie shares how music became both an escape from pain and a pathway toward healing. His story shows us how sometimes our greatest losses become our most profound teachers – and that life has an extraordinary capacity to “totally blow you away,” even when it seems utterly broken. Here are his songs.

]]> 2294 yes Special Episode: The songs that shaped our listeners’ lives (and Sophie’s, too) To celebrate one year of Life in Seven Songs, Sophie answers some burning questions about the show, shares a few songs off her list, and turns the mic to you — our listeners — to hear about the songs tied to your life stories. Here are your songs: Ronan Keating - When You Say Nothing At All Glass Animals - Heat Waves Bob Dylan - Tangled Up In Blue The B-52's - Roam Radiohead - Paranoid Android Carole King - Beautiful U2 - Beautiful Day Stevie Wonder - As Simon & Garfunkel - The Sound of Silence Madonna - Vogue The Police - Every Breath You Take Thank you to everyone who sent us songs. Our inbox is always open lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard To celebrate one year of Life in Seven Songs, Sophie answers some burning questions about the show, shares a few songs off her list, and turns the mic to you — our listeners — to hear about the songs tied to your life stories. Here are your songs: Ronan Keating - When You Say Nothing At All Glass Animals - Heat Waves Bob Dylan - Tangled Up In Blue The B-52's - Roam Radiohead - Paranoid Android Carole King - Beautiful U2 - Beautiful Day Stevie Wonder - As Simon & Garfunkel - The Sound of Silence Madonna - Vogue The Police - Every Breath You Take Thank you to everyone who sent us songs. Our inbox is always open lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. To celebrate one year of Life in Seven Songs, Sophie answers some burning questions about the show, shares a few songs off her list, and turns the mic to you — our listeners — to hear about the songs tied to your life stories. Here are your songs:

  1. Ronan Keating - When You Say Nothing At All
  2. Glass Animals - Heat Waves
  3. Bob Dylan - Tangled Up In Blue
  4. The B-52's - Roam
  5. Radiohead - Paranoid Android
  6. Carole King - Beautiful
  7. U2 - Beautiful Day
  8. Stevie Wonder - As
  9. Simon & Garfunkel - The Sound of Silence
  10. Madonna - Vogue
  11. The Police - Every Breath You Take

Thank you to everyone who sent us songs. Our inbox is always open lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.


]]> 1596 no How I Met Your Mother gave Josh Radnor 'identity vertigo.' Ayahuasca set him straight. This week, we Willkommen actor and musician Josh Radnor! Josh is best known for playing Ted Mosby on the hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother for nearly a decade. But that success came at an unexpected cost: an identity crisis that left him feeling trapped in a character he didn’t create. In this episode, Josh talks about his formative role as the MC in his high school’s production of Cabaret, his first “almost kiss” (soundtracked by Aretha Franklin), how psychedelics helped him stay centered amidst the whirlwind of fame, and the chance encounter that launched his second career as a musician in his 40s. Here are his songs. Rocky Mountain High – John Denver Respect – Aretha Franklin  Willkommen – Cabaret (Joel Grey, original cast recording)  “Cabaret” All I Want – Joni Mitchell Delicate – Damien Rice  Tara – Dechen Shak-Dagsay Cmon – Fred Again/Brian Eno Listen to ⁠Josh Radnor's playlist⁠ on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard This week, we Willkommen actor and musician Josh Radnor! Josh is best known for playing Ted Mosby on the hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother for nearly a decade. But that success came at an unexpected cost: an identity crisis that left him feeling trapped in a character he didn’t create. In this episode, Josh talks about his formative role as the MC in his high school’s production of Cabaret, his first “almost kiss” (soundtracked by Aretha Franklin), how psychedelics helped him stay centered amidst the whirlwind of fame, and the chance encounter that launched his second career as a musician in his 40s. Here are his songs. Rocky Mountain High – John Denver Respect – Aretha Franklin  Willkommen – Cabaret (Joel Grey, original cast recording)  “Cabaret” All I Want – Joni Mitchell Delicate – Damien Rice  Tara – Dechen Shak-Dagsay Cmon – Fred Again/Brian Eno Listen to ⁠Josh Radnor's playlist⁠ on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. This week, we Willkommen actor and musician Josh Radnor! Josh is best known for playing Ted Mosby on the hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother for nearly a decade. But that success came at an unexpected cost: an identity crisis that left him feeling trapped in a character he didn’t create.

In this episode, Josh talks about his formative role as the MC in his high school’s production of Cabaret, his first “almost kiss” (soundtracked by Aretha Franklin), how psychedelics helped him stay centered amidst the whirlwind of fame, and the chance encounter that launched his second career as a musician in his 40s. Here are his songs.

  1. Rocky Mountain High – John Denver
  2. Respect – Aretha Franklin
  3.  Willkommen – Cabaret (Joel Grey, original cast recording)  “Cabaret”
  4. All I Want – Joni Mitchell
  5. Delicate – Damien Rice 
  6. Tara – Dechen Shak-Dagsay
  7. Cmon – Fred Again/Brian Eno


Listen to ⁠Josh Radnor's playlist⁠ on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

]]> 2136 no How TV’s favorite couples therapist, Dr. Orna Guralnik, found her interior life through music Dr. Orna Guralnik broke barriers by bringing actual therapy sessions to millions of viewers through Showtime’s hit docuseries “Couples Therapy” — but her rebellious streak started much earlier. In this episode, Dr. Guralnik talks about the songs that transformed her into a "real" teenager, the therapist who changed her life, and how music has sparked both connection and conflict in her family. Plus, she draws a surprising line between Kendrick Lamar and Igor Stravinsky—and explains why therapy, like music, is a lifelong process of learning and discovery. Here are her seven songs. The Beatles - Let It Be Igor Stravinsky - Rite Of Spring Lou Reed - Coney Island Baby Robert Wyatt - A Last Straw Tuxedomoon - Bonjour Tristesse Modest Mouse - The Good Times Are Killing Mw Kendrick Lamar - Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst Tue, 02 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Dr. Orna Guralnik broke barriers by bringing actual therapy sessions to millions of viewers through Showtime’s hit docuseries “Couples Therapy” — but her rebellious streak started much earlier. In this episode, Dr. Guralnik talks about the songs that transformed her into a "real" teenager, the therapist who changed her life, and how music has sparked both connection and conflict in her family. Plus, she draws a surprising line between Kendrick Lamar and Igor Stravinsky—and explains why therapy, like music, is a lifelong process of learning and discovery. Here are her seven songs. The Beatles - Let It Be Igor Stravinsky - Rite Of Spring Lou Reed - Coney Island Baby Robert Wyatt - A Last Straw Tuxedomoon - Bonjour Tristesse Modest Mouse - The Good Times Are Killing Mw Kendrick Lamar - Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst Dr. Orna Guralnik broke barriers by bringing actual therapy sessions to millions of viewers through Showtime’s hit docuseries “Couples Therapy” — but her rebellious streak started much earlier.

In this episode, Dr. Guralnik talks about the songs that transformed her into a "real" teenager, the therapist who changed her life, and how music has sparked both connection and conflict in her family. Plus, she draws a surprising line between Kendrick Lamar and Igor Stravinsky—and explains why therapy, like music, is a lifelong process of learning and discovery. Here are her seven songs.

  1. The Beatles - Let It Be
  2. Igor Stravinsky - Rite Of Spring
  3. Lou Reed - Coney Island Baby
  4. Robert Wyatt - A Last Straw
  5. Tuxedomoon - Bonjour Tristesse
  6. Modest Mouse - The Good Times Are Killing Mw
  7. Kendrick Lamar - Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst
]]> 1799 no 'Everyone’s seen my tits': Keeley Hazell on reclaiming the narrative in her new memoir Keeley Hazell has lived a life that would make great television – which is probably why she inspired the beloved character Keeley Jones on Ted Lasso. In her new memoir, “Everyone’s Seen My Tits,” Keeley chronicles her chaotic childhood, her conflicted experience as one of Britain’s famous Page 3 topless models, and her journey to shed internalized shame as she reclaims her narrative. In this episode, Keeley gets real about her internal battle between empowerment and objectification, the time she went to jail at age 14 for punching a cop, and the disastrous interview that launched her journey to become an “unlikely feminist.” Here are her songs. Pulp - Common People Mariah Carey - Hero Eminem - Criminal So Solid Crew - 21 Seconds Fish Go Deep ft Tracey K - The Cure and The Cause Sheryl Crow - All I Wanna Do Father John Misty - When You Are Smiling And Astride Me Listen to Keeley Hazell's playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠⁠⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠⁠. Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Keeley Hazell has lived a life that would make great television – which is probably why she inspired the beloved character Keeley Jones on Ted Lasso. In her new memoir, “Everyone’s Seen My Tits,” Keeley chronicles her chaotic childhood, her conflicted experience as one of Britain’s famous Page 3 topless models, and her journey to shed internalized shame as she reclaims her narrative. In this episode, Keeley gets real about her internal battle between empowerment and objectification, the time she went to jail at age 14 for punching a cop, and the disastrous interview that launched her journey to become an “unlikely feminist.” Here are her songs. Pulp - Common People Mariah Carey - Hero Eminem - Criminal So Solid Crew - 21 Seconds Fish Go Deep ft Tracey K - The Cure and The Cause Sheryl Crow - All I Wanna Do Father John Misty - When You Are Smiling And Astride Me Listen to Keeley Hazell's playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠⁠⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠⁠. Keeley Hazell has lived a life that would make great television – which is probably why she inspired the beloved character Keeley Jones on Ted Lasso. In her new memoir, “Everyone’s Seen My Tits,” Keeley chronicles her chaotic childhood, her conflicted experience as one of Britain’s famous Page 3 topless models, and her journey to shed internalized shame as she reclaims her narrative.

In this episode, Keeley gets real about her internal battle between empowerment and objectification, the time she went to jail at age 14 for punching a cop, and the disastrous interview that launched her journey to become an “unlikely feminist.” Here are her songs.

  1. Pulp - Common People
  2. Mariah Carey - Hero
  3. Eminem - Criminal
  4. So Solid Crew - 21 Seconds
  5. Fish Go Deep ft Tracey K - The Cure and The Cause
  6. Sheryl Crow - All I Wanna Do
  7. Father John Misty - When You Are Smiling And Astride Me


Listen to Keeley Hazell's playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠⁠⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠⁠.

]]> 2206 no Amanda Knox survived a living nightmare. Flight of the Conchords helped. At 20 years old, Amanda Knox found herself alone in an Italian jail cell, falsely accused of a brutal murder, and facing 26 years in prison. She was called “Luciferina” in the courtroom – and far worse in the tabloids. But Amanda never stopped fighting to clear her name and tell her story – most recently, as Executive Producer of a new miniseries on Hulu. In this episode, Amanda opens up about how music became a lifeline – via the three CDs she was allowed in her cell and a paper keyboard to practice piano. Music connected Amanda to her fellow prisoners, to the outside world, and to the silly, optimistic person she’d always been. Here are her songs. Gipsy Kings - Hotel California Dido - Thank You Regina Spektor - Apres Moi Cat Power - Maybe Not Flight Of The Conchords - Hurt Feelings Florence and The Machine - Shake It Out Chris Ballew - Troubles Behind Listen to ⁠Amanda Knox's playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠. Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard At 20 years old, Amanda Knox found herself alone in an Italian jail cell, falsely accused of a brutal murder, and facing 26 years in prison. She was called “Luciferina” in the courtroom – and far worse in the tabloids. But Amanda never stopped fighting to clear her name and tell her story – most recently, as Executive Producer of a new miniseries on Hulu. In this episode, Amanda opens up about how music became a lifeline – via the three CDs she was allowed in her cell and a paper keyboard to practice piano. Music connected Amanda to her fellow prisoners, to the outside world, and to the silly, optimistic person she’d always been. Here are her songs. Gipsy Kings - Hotel California Dido - Thank You Regina Spektor - Apres Moi Cat Power - Maybe Not Flight Of The Conchords - Hurt Feelings Florence and The Machine - Shake It Out Chris Ballew - Troubles Behind Listen to ⁠Amanda Knox's playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠. At 20 years old, Amanda Knox found herself alone in an Italian jail cell, falsely accused of a brutal murder, and facing 26 years in prison. She was called “Luciferina” in the courtroom – and far worse in the tabloids. But Amanda never stopped fighting to clear her name and tell her story – most recently, as Executive Producer of a new miniseries on Hulu.

In this episode, Amanda opens up about how music became a lifeline – via the three CDs she was allowed in her cell and a paper keyboard to practice piano. Music connected Amanda to her fellow prisoners, to the outside world, and to the silly, optimistic person she’d always been. Here are her songs.

  1. Gipsy Kings - Hotel California
  2. Dido - Thank You
  3. Regina Spektor - Apres Moi
  4. Cat Power - Maybe Not
  5. Flight Of The Conchords - Hurt Feelings
  6. Florence and The Machine - Shake It Out
  7. Chris Ballew - Troubles Behind

Listen to ⁠Amanda Knox's playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠⁠.

]]> 2063 no ENCORE: How Robert Reich learned to fight bullies This week, we’re revisiting a favorite – our conversation with former US Labor Secretary Robert Reich, who just released “Coming Up Short,” a memoir that doubles as a national reckoning. The title is a nod to his height — just under 5 feet — but also to a country that, he argues, has fallen short of its ideals. He offers a blueprint for how to find its way back. In this episode, Bob reflects on the moments — and music — that shaped his politics: being bullied as a child, narrowly avoiding the Vietnam draft, and his love for Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” Here are his songs. Stardust – Hoagy Carmichael Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers Chain Gang – Sam Cooke Baby I Need Your Loving – The Four Tops Lady Madonna – The Beatles Metaphor – The Fantasticks Suzanne – Judy Collins Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard This week, we’re revisiting a favorite – our conversation with former US Labor Secretary Robert Reich, who just released “Coming Up Short,” a memoir that doubles as a national reckoning. The title is a nod to his height — just under 5 feet — but also to a country that, he argues, has fallen short of its ideals. He offers a blueprint for how to find its way back. In this episode, Bob reflects on the moments — and music — that shaped his politics: being bullied as a child, narrowly avoiding the Vietnam draft, and his love for Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” Here are his songs. Stardust – Hoagy Carmichael Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers Chain Gang – Sam Cooke Baby I Need Your Loving – The Four Tops Lady Madonna – The Beatles Metaphor – The Fantasticks Suzanne – Judy Collins This week, we’re revisiting a favorite – our conversation with former US Labor Secretary Robert Reich, who just released “Coming Up Short,” a memoir that doubles as a national reckoning. The title is a nod to his height — just under 5 feet — but also to a country that, he argues, has fallen short of its ideals. He offers a blueprint for how to find its way back.

In this episode, Bob reflects on the moments — and music — that shaped his politics: being bullied as a child, narrowly avoiding the Vietnam draft, and his love for Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” Here are his songs.

  1. Stardust – Hoagy Carmichael
  2. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
  3. Chain Gang – Sam Cooke
  4. Baby I Need Your Loving – The Four Tops
  5. Lady Madonna – The Beatles
  6. Metaphor – The Fantasticks
  7. Suzanne – Judy Collins
]]> 1986 no Mary Louise Kelly: NPR host, war reporter, mother … spy novelist? You probably know Mary Louise Kelly’s voice as the co-host of NPR’s All Things Considered. But you may not know that the veteran journalist has faced her fair share of challenges – from discovering she had severe hearing loss at 40 to making an agonizing choice between work and motherhood while reporting from a Black Hawk helicopter over Baghdad. In this episode, recorded live at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival, Sophie dives deep with the former national security correspondent, whose tales from the front lines are almost as exciting as her tales of falling madly in love in her fifties. Here are her songs: Debbie Gibson - Only in My Dreams James Baskett - Zip a Dee Doo Dah Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion Oasis - Champagne Supernova Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten Ylvis - The Fox What Does The Fox Say Bellamy Brothers - Let Your Love Flow Tracy Chapman - Give Me One Reason Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard You probably know Mary Louise Kelly’s voice as the co-host of NPR’s All Things Considered. But you may not know that the veteran journalist has faced her fair share of challenges – from discovering she had severe hearing loss at 40 to making an agonizing choice between work and motherhood while reporting from a Black Hawk helicopter over Baghdad. In this episode, recorded live at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival, Sophie dives deep with the former national security correspondent, whose tales from the front lines are almost as exciting as her tales of falling madly in love in her fifties. Here are her songs: Debbie Gibson - Only in My Dreams James Baskett - Zip a Dee Doo Dah Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion Oasis - Champagne Supernova Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten Ylvis - The Fox What Does The Fox Say Bellamy Brothers - Let Your Love Flow Tracy Chapman - Give Me One Reason You probably know Mary Louise Kelly’s voice as the co-host of NPR’s All Things Considered. But you may not know that the veteran journalist has faced her fair share of challenges – from discovering she had severe hearing loss at 40 to making an agonizing choice between work and motherhood while reporting from a Black Hawk helicopter over Baghdad.

In this episode, recorded live at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival, Sophie dives deep with the former national security correspondent, whose tales from the front lines are almost as exciting as her tales of falling madly in love in her fifties. Here are her songs:

  1. Debbie Gibson - Only in My Dreams
  2. James Baskett - Zip a Dee Doo Dah
  3. Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion
  4. Oasis - Champagne Supernova
  5. Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten
  6. Ylvis - The Fox What Does The Fox Say
  7. Bellamy Brothers - Let Your Love Flow
  8. Tracy Chapman - Give Me One Reason
]]> 2506 no Biographer of geniuses Walter Isaacson on the songs and city that made him In our first ever live episode, recorded at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival, Sophie sits down with Walter Isaacson, the acclaimed journalist behind the definitive biographies of visionaries like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Leonardo da Vinci. In this episode, Walter reveals why – despite a career spent chronicling some of the greatest minds in history – the most formative “character” in his life story might be the city of New Orleans, where he grew up. Here are his songs. The Neville Brothers ft. The Dixie Cups - Brother John Iko Iko  Sweet Emma Barrett (The Bell Gal) and Her Dixieland Boys - When The Saints Go Marching In Irma Thomas - Its Raining The Rolling Stones - Sympathy For The Devil Bruce Springsteen at New Orleans Jazz Festival 2006 - My City of Ruins The Rolling Stones and Irma Thomas - Time is on My Side Jon Batiste - FREEDOM Listen to Walter Isaacson’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠. Tue, 29 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard In our first ever live episode, recorded at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival, Sophie sits down with Walter Isaacson, the acclaimed journalist behind the definitive biographies of visionaries like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Leonardo da Vinci. In this episode, Walter reveals why – despite a career spent chronicling some of the greatest minds in history – the most formative “character” in his life story might be the city of New Orleans, where he grew up. Here are his songs. The Neville Brothers ft. The Dixie Cups - Brother John Iko Iko  Sweet Emma Barrett (The Bell Gal) and Her Dixieland Boys - When The Saints Go Marching In Irma Thomas - Its Raining The Rolling Stones - Sympathy For The Devil Bruce Springsteen at New Orleans Jazz Festival 2006 - My City of Ruins The Rolling Stones and Irma Thomas - Time is on My Side Jon Batiste - FREEDOM Listen to Walter Isaacson’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠. In our first ever live episode, recorded at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival, Sophie sits down with Walter Isaacson, the acclaimed journalist behind the definitive biographies of visionaries like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Leonardo da Vinci.

In this episode, Walter reveals why – despite a career spent chronicling some of the greatest minds in history – the most formative “character” in his life story might be the city of New Orleans, where he grew up. Here are his songs.

  1. The Neville Brothers ft. The Dixie Cups - Brother John Iko Iko 
  2. Sweet Emma Barrett (The Bell Gal) and Her Dixieland Boys - When The Saints Go Marching In
  3. Irma Thomas - Its Raining
  4. The Rolling Stones - Sympathy For The Devil
  5. Bruce Springsteen at New Orleans Jazz Festival 2006 - My City of Ruins
  6. The Rolling Stones and Irma Thomas - Time is on My Side
  7. Jon Batiste - FREEDOM

Listen to Walter Isaacson’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs⁠.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠.

]]> 2187 no Best-selling author Jason Reynolds writes the YA books he never had Jason Reynolds is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and 2024 MacArthur Fellow who writes books for young people – but he didn’t finish a book until he was 17. Instead, Jason found his literary voice in the rap lyrics printed in cassette tape liner notes. In this episode, Jason traces his journey from a kid disconnected from his assigned reading in school to becoming one of the most influential voices in young adult literature. He opens up about his fraught relationship with his father, spinning Bob Marley records by hand on a broken turntable, and why he doesn’t want to be a parent despite having “dedicated [his] life to kids.” Here are his songs. Queen Latifah - U.N.I.T.Y. Goodie Mob - Soul Food Tracy Chapman - Talkin' Bout a Revolution Bob Markey & The Wailers - Is This Love Camp Lo - Luchini AKA This Is it Billy Joel - Vienna Clarence Carter - Patches Tue, 22 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Jason Reynolds is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and 2024 MacArthur Fellow who writes books for young people – but he didn’t finish a book until he was 17. Instead, Jason found his literary voice in the rap lyrics printed in cassette tape liner notes. In this episode, Jason traces his journey from a kid disconnected from his assigned reading in school to becoming one of the most influential voices in young adult literature. He opens up about his fraught relationship with his father, spinning Bob Marley records by hand on a broken turntable, and why he doesn’t want to be a parent despite having “dedicated [his] life to kids.” Here are his songs. Queen Latifah - U.N.I.T.Y. Goodie Mob - Soul Food Tracy Chapman - Talkin' Bout a Revolution Bob Markey & The Wailers - Is This Love Camp Lo - Luchini AKA This Is it Billy Joel - Vienna Clarence Carter - Patches Jason Reynolds is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and 2024 MacArthur Fellow who writes books for young people – but he didn’t finish a book until he was 17. Instead, Jason found his literary voice in the rap lyrics printed in cassette tape liner notes.

In this episode, Jason traces his journey from a kid disconnected from his assigned reading in school to becoming one of the most influential voices in young adult literature. He opens up about his fraught relationship with his father, spinning Bob Marley records by hand on a broken turntable, and why he doesn’t want to be a parent despite having “dedicated [his] life to kids.” Here are his songs.

  1. Queen Latifah - U.N.I.T.Y.
  2. Goodie Mob - Soul Food
  3. Tracy Chapman - Talkin' Bout a Revolution
  4. Bob Markey & The Wailers - Is This Love
  5. Camp Lo - Luchini AKA This Is it
  6. Billy Joel - Vienna
  7. Clarence Carter - Patches
]]> 2326 no The music, movie stars and murder trial that shaped actor Griffin Dunne Griffin Dunne was a Hollywood insider long before he became the successful actor he is today – in fact, he might not have survived childhood if Sean Connery hadn’t pulled him from the bottom of a pool. But Griffin’s story, captured in his memoir The Friday Afternoon Club, is much more than a catalog of celebrity encounters. In this episode, Griffin opens up about his parents’ divorce, landing his breakout role in An American Werewolf in London, the sudden tragedy that changed his family forever, and the music that has accompanied a life lived in the spotlight’s glare and shadow. Here are his songs: Volver Volver by Vicente Fernandez Last Train to Clarksville by The Monkees Nature's Way by Spirit Symphony No. 5: IV. Adagietto. Sehr Iangsam by Gustav Mahler Life During Wartime by Talking Heads Sailing by Christopher Cross Cortez the Killer by Crazy Horse and Neil Young Listen to Griffin Dunne’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠. Tue, 08 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Griffin Dunne was a Hollywood insider long before he became the successful actor he is today – in fact, he might not have survived childhood if Sean Connery hadn’t pulled him from the bottom of a pool. But Griffin’s story, captured in his memoir The Friday Afternoon Club, is much more than a catalog of celebrity encounters. In this episode, Griffin opens up about his parents’ divorce, landing his breakout role in An American Werewolf in London, the sudden tragedy that changed his family forever, and the music that has accompanied a life lived in the spotlight’s glare and shadow. Here are his songs: Volver Volver by Vicente Fernandez Last Train to Clarksville by The Monkees Nature's Way by Spirit Symphony No. 5: IV. Adagietto. Sehr Iangsam by Gustav Mahler Life During Wartime by Talking Heads Sailing by Christopher Cross Cortez the Killer by Crazy Horse and Neil Young Listen to Griffin Dunne’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠. Griffin Dunne was a Hollywood insider long before he became the successful actor he is today – in fact, he might not have survived childhood if Sean Connery hadn’t pulled him from the bottom of a pool. But Griffin’s story, captured in his memoir The Friday Afternoon Club, is much more than a catalog of celebrity encounters.

In this episode, Griffin opens up about his parents’ divorce, landing his breakout role in An American Werewolf in London, the sudden tragedy that changed his family forever, and the music that has accompanied a life lived in the spotlight’s glare and shadow. Here are his songs:

  1. Volver Volver by Vicente Fernandez
  2. Last Train to Clarksville by The Monkees
  3. Nature's Way by Spirit
  4. Symphony No. 5: IV. Adagietto. Sehr Iangsam by Gustav Mahler
  5. Life During Wartime by Talking Heads
  6. Sailing by Christopher Cross
  7. Cortez the Killer by Crazy Horse and Neil Young

Listen to Griffin Dunne’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠.

]]> 2209 no Joan Osborne got famous for 'One of Us' — but finding her own voice took decades If you’ve ever wondered, “What if God was one of us?” you probably have Joan Osborne to thank. But you might not realize that Osborne didn’t actually write her chart-topping hit. In this episode, the singer-songwriter traces her evolution from a Catholic girl in Kentucky singing in church choirs, to accidentally discovering her voice at a New York blues bar covering other artists, to finally writing her own songs and sharing hard-won wisdom with her daughter. Here are her songs: So Long, Farewell - Sound Of Music I Saw Three Ships - The Oxford Trinity Choir God Bless The Child - Billie Holiday How Blue Can You Get - BB King Shine A Light - The Rolling Stones Crazy Baby - Joan Osborne Nobody Owns You - Joan Osborne Tue, 24 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard If you’ve ever wondered, “What if God was one of us?” you probably have Joan Osborne to thank. But you might not realize that Osborne didn’t actually write her chart-topping hit. In this episode, the singer-songwriter traces her evolution from a Catholic girl in Kentucky singing in church choirs, to accidentally discovering her voice at a New York blues bar covering other artists, to finally writing her own songs and sharing hard-won wisdom with her daughter. Here are her songs: So Long, Farewell - Sound Of Music I Saw Three Ships - The Oxford Trinity Choir God Bless The Child - Billie Holiday How Blue Can You Get - BB King Shine A Light - The Rolling Stones Crazy Baby - Joan Osborne Nobody Owns You - Joan Osborne If you’ve ever wondered, “What if God was one of us?” you probably have Joan Osborne to thank. But you might not realize that Osborne didn’t actually write her chart-topping hit.

In this episode, the singer-songwriter traces her evolution from a Catholic girl in Kentucky singing in church choirs, to accidentally discovering her voice at a New York blues bar covering other artists, to finally writing her own songs and sharing hard-won wisdom with her daughter. Here are her songs:

  1. So Long, Farewell - Sound Of Music
  2. I Saw Three Ships - The Oxford Trinity Choir
  3. God Bless The Child - Billie Holiday
  4. How Blue Can You Get - BB King
  5. Shine A Light - The Rolling Stones
  6. Crazy Baby - Joan Osborne
  7. Nobody Owns You - Joan Osborne
]]> 2165 no Death, Sex, Money – and music: The mixtape to podcaster Anna Sale’s life As the creator and host of “Death, Sex & Money" – the hit podcast about "the things we think about a lot and need to talk about more” – Anna Sale has tackled her fair share of tough questions. In this episode, Anna shares the songs that helped her navigate life’s most uncertain moments – from leaving her home in West Virginia for Silicon Valley’s limitless possibilities, to figuring out how a radio reporter in New York City could build a life with a wildlife ecologist in Wyoming, to the moment her beloved show was (briefly) cancelled. Here are her songs: Bill Withers - Lean on Me Luscious Jackson - Here The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize Lucinda Williams - Side of the Road Townes Van Zandt - If I Needed You Sly and The Family Stone - Que Sera Sera Whatever Will Be Will Be Tony Toni Tone - Feels Good Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard As the creator and host of “Death, Sex & Money" – the hit podcast about "the things we think about a lot and need to talk about more” – Anna Sale has tackled her fair share of tough questions. In this episode, Anna shares the songs that helped her navigate life’s most uncertain moments – from leaving her home in West Virginia for Silicon Valley’s limitless possibilities, to figuring out how a radio reporter in New York City could build a life with a wildlife ecologist in Wyoming, to the moment her beloved show was (briefly) cancelled. Here are her songs: Bill Withers - Lean on Me Luscious Jackson - Here The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize Lucinda Williams - Side of the Road Townes Van Zandt - If I Needed You Sly and The Family Stone - Que Sera Sera Whatever Will Be Will Be Tony Toni Tone - Feels Good As the creator and host of “Death, Sex & Money" – the hit podcast about "the things we think about a lot and need to talk about more” – Anna Sale has tackled her fair share of tough questions. In this episode, Anna shares the songs that helped her navigate life’s most uncertain moments – from leaving her home in West Virginia for Silicon Valley’s limitless possibilities, to figuring out how a radio reporter in New York City could build a life with a wildlife ecologist in Wyoming, to the moment her beloved show was (briefly) cancelled. Here are her songs:

  1. Bill Withers - Lean on Me
  2. Luscious Jackson - Here
  3. The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize
  4. Lucinda Williams - Side of the Road
  5. Townes Van Zandt - If I Needed You
  6. Sly and The Family Stone - Que Sera Sera Whatever Will Be Will Be
  7. Tony Toni Tone - Feels Good
]]> 2045 no W. Kamau Bell on fighting white supremacy — but keeping it funny W. Kamau Bell has made a career out of asking uncomfortable questions about race in America – both as a standup comedian and in his award-winning CNN series, United Shades of America. In this episode, Kamau shares the soundtrack to his life story – from bombing onstage as a young standup to inheriting “the family hardware store” of fighting racism. Here are his songs. Wade In The Water - Jireh Gospel Choir Rappers Delight - The Sugarhill Gang Times Up - Living Colour Hit The Road Jack - Ray Charles Swing Low Street Chariot - 103rd Street Gospel Choir Featuring Pat Lewis Head Over Heels - Tears For Fears To Be Young Gifted and Black (2005 Remix) - Nina Simone Listen to W. Kamau Bell's full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠. Tue, 27 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard W. Kamau Bell has made a career out of asking uncomfortable questions about race in America – both as a standup comedian and in his award-winning CNN series, United Shades of America. In this episode, Kamau shares the soundtrack to his life story – from bombing onstage as a young standup to inheriting “the family hardware store” of fighting racism. Here are his songs. Wade In The Water - Jireh Gospel Choir Rappers Delight - The Sugarhill Gang Times Up - Living Colour Hit The Road Jack - Ray Charles Swing Low Street Chariot - 103rd Street Gospel Choir Featuring Pat Lewis Head Over Heels - Tears For Fears To Be Young Gifted and Black (2005 Remix) - Nina Simone Listen to W. Kamau Bell's full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠. W. Kamau Bell has made a career out of asking uncomfortable questions about race in America – both as a standup comedian and in his award-winning CNN series, United Shades of America. In this episode, Kamau shares the soundtrack to his life story – from bombing onstage as a young standup to inheriting “the family hardware store” of fighting racism. Here are his songs.

  1. Wade In The Water - Jireh Gospel Choir
  2. Rappers Delight - The Sugarhill Gang
  3. Times Up - Living Colour
  4. Hit The Road Jack - Ray Charles
  5. Swing Low Street Chariot - 103rd Street Gospel Choir Featuring Pat Lewis
  6. Head Over Heels - Tears For Fears
  7. To Be Young Gifted and Black (2005 Remix) - Nina Simone

Listen to W. Kamau Bell's full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at ⁠lifeinsevensongs.com⁠. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ⁠lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com⁠.

]]> 2137 no The White Lotus’ Natasha Rothwell on the 'angsty' music that shaped her Long before Natasha Rothwell started stealing scenes as Belinda on The White Lotus or Kelli on Insecure, she was a self-described people-pleaser and peacemaker (yes, she’s a Libra). In this episode, Natasha reveals how creating some of the most iconic characters on TV today has been a form of self-discovery – one that has transformed her from a military kid trying to fit in into a creative force who has fallen deeply in love with herself. Here are her songs. Riverside by Kirk Franklin & The Family Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra, Count Basie Oh My God - Jay-Z I Have Nothing - Whitney Houston You Oughta Know - Alanis Morissette She Used to Be Mine (from Waitress) - Sara Bareilles Fix You - Coldplay Listen to Natasha Rothwell’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 13 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Long before Natasha Rothwell started stealing scenes as Belinda on The White Lotus or Kelli on Insecure, she was a self-described people-pleaser and peacemaker (yes, she’s a Libra). In this episode, Natasha reveals how creating some of the most iconic characters on TV today has been a form of self-discovery – one that has transformed her from a military kid trying to fit in into a creative force who has fallen deeply in love with herself. Here are her songs. Riverside by Kirk Franklin & The Family Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra, Count Basie Oh My God - Jay-Z I Have Nothing - Whitney Houston You Oughta Know - Alanis Morissette She Used to Be Mine (from Waitress) - Sara Bareilles Fix You - Coldplay Listen to Natasha Rothwell’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Long before Natasha Rothwell started stealing scenes as Belinda on The White Lotus or Kelli on Insecure, she was a self-described people-pleaser and peacemaker (yes, she’s a Libra). In this episode, Natasha reveals how creating some of the most iconic characters on TV today has been a form of self-discovery – one that has transformed her from a military kid trying to fit in into a creative force who has fallen deeply in love with herself. Here are her songs.

  1. Riverside by Kirk Franklin & The Family
  2. Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra, Count Basie
  3. Oh My God - Jay-Z
  4. I Have Nothing - Whitney Houston
  5. You Oughta Know - Alanis Morissette
  6. She Used to Be Mine (from Waitress) - Sara Bareilles
  7. Fix You - Coldplay

Listen to Natasha Rothwell’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 2133 no How Damian Woetzel jeté-ed his way from ballet phenom to head of The Juilliard School Damian Woetzel got addicted to dance when he was 11 years old. While his “dirty secret” is that ballet was never that hard for him, his experience as a young boy in the world of dance wasn’t always easy. In this episode, Damian takes us backstage on his remarkable journey from being called “twinkle toes” in high school, to becoming a principal dancer and choreographer for the New York City Ballet, to his influential second act as the president of The Juilliard School and an advocate for arts education. Here are his songs. Knee Play 5 - Philip Glass We are the World 1985 - USA for Africa More Than This - Roxy Music Fast Car - Tracy Chapman Tom Traubert’s Blues - Tom Waits Other Song - Caroline Shaw Freedom - Jon Batiste Listen to Damian Woetzel’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Damian Woetzel got addicted to dance when he was 11 years old. While his “dirty secret” is that ballet was never that hard for him, his experience as a young boy in the world of dance wasn’t always easy. In this episode, Damian takes us backstage on his remarkable journey from being called “twinkle toes” in high school, to becoming a principal dancer and choreographer for the New York City Ballet, to his influential second act as the president of The Juilliard School and an advocate for arts education. Here are his songs. Knee Play 5 - Philip Glass We are the World 1985 - USA for Africa More Than This - Roxy Music Fast Car - Tracy Chapman Tom Traubert’s Blues - Tom Waits Other Song - Caroline Shaw Freedom - Jon Batiste Listen to Damian Woetzel’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Damian Woetzel got addicted to dance when he was 11 years old. While his “dirty secret” is that ballet was never that hard for him, his experience as a young boy in the world of dance wasn’t always easy.

In this episode, Damian takes us backstage on his remarkable journey from being called “twinkle toes” in high school, to becoming a principal dancer and choreographer for the New York City Ballet, to his influential second act as the president of The Juilliard School and an advocate for arts education. Here are his songs.

  1. Knee Play 5 - Philip Glass
  2. We are the World 1985 - USA for Africa
  3. More Than This - Roxy Music
  4. Fast Car - Tracy Chapman
  5. Tom Traubert’s Blues - Tom Waits
  6. Other Song - Caroline Shaw
  7. Freedom - Jon Batiste

Listen to Damian Woetzel’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.


]]> 2121 no Embracing ‘amor prohibido’ with singer David Archuleta At the age of 16, David Archuleta captured hearts as the runner-up on American Idol. But behind the charismatic performer on stage was a young man struggling to reconcile his Mormon upbringing with his queer identity. In this episode, David shares how he nearly got married to women several times, contemplated suicide, and ultimately let go of everything he’d been taught it meant to be “good.” Here are his songs: Fast Car - Tracy Chapman Amor Prohibido - Selena It’s Okay To Cry - SOPHIE Jireh - Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music (feat. Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine) If It’s Not God - Maddie Zahm Hell Together - David Archuleta Freedom! - George Michael Listen to David Archuleta's full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard At the age of 16, David Archuleta captured hearts as the runner-up on American Idol. But behind the charismatic performer on stage was a young man struggling to reconcile his Mormon upbringing with his queer identity. In this episode, David shares how he nearly got married to women several times, contemplated suicide, and ultimately let go of everything he’d been taught it meant to be “good.” Here are his songs: Fast Car - Tracy Chapman Amor Prohibido - Selena It’s Okay To Cry - SOPHIE Jireh - Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music (feat. Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine) If It’s Not God - Maddie Zahm Hell Together - David Archuleta Freedom! - George Michael Listen to David Archuleta's full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. At the age of 16, David Archuleta captured hearts as the runner-up on American Idol. But behind the charismatic performer on stage was a young man struggling to reconcile his Mormon upbringing with his queer identity. In this episode, David shares how he nearly got married to women several times, contemplated suicide, and ultimately let go of everything he’d been taught it meant to be “good.” Here are his songs:


  1. Fast Car - Tracy Chapman
  2. Amor Prohibido - Selena
  3. It’s Okay To Cry - SOPHIE
  4. Jireh - Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music (feat. Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine)
  5. If It’s Not God - Maddie Zahm
  6. Hell Together - David Archuleta
  7. Freedom! - George Michael



Listen to David Archuleta's full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1944 no John, Yoko, and a 'beautiful boy': How author David Sheff's life was shaped by three relationships  David Sheff’s memoir Beautiful Boy became a #1 New York Times bestseller and a major film, chronicling his son Nic’s harrowing battle with meth addiction. But before that, David was a music journalist who interviewed legends like John Lennon and Yoko Ono—an encounter that unexpectedly shaped his future as a father. In this episode, David traces how music once brought him joy, then grief—and, ultimately, a way back to his beautiful boy. Here are his songs. Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) - John Lennon  Why - Yoko Ono Strawberry Fields Forever - The Beatles  Astral Weeks - Van Morrison Smells Like Teen Spirit - Patti Smith This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody) - Talking Heads Listen to David Sheff’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard  David Sheff’s memoir Beautiful Boy became a #1 New York Times bestseller and a major film, chronicling his son Nic’s harrowing battle with meth addiction. But before that, David was a music journalist who interviewed legends like John Lennon and Yoko Ono—an encounter that unexpectedly shaped his future as a father. In this episode, David traces how music once brought him joy, then grief—and, ultimately, a way back to his beautiful boy. Here are his songs. Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) - John Lennon  Why - Yoko Ono Strawberry Fields Forever - The Beatles  Astral Weeks - Van Morrison Smells Like Teen Spirit - Patti Smith This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody) - Talking Heads Listen to David Sheff’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.  David Sheff’s memoir Beautiful Boy became a #1 New York Times bestseller and a major film, chronicling his son Nic’s harrowing battle with meth addiction. But before that, David was a music journalist who interviewed legends like John Lennon and Yoko Ono—an encounter that unexpectedly shaped his future as a father. In this episode, David traces how music once brought him joy, then grief—and, ultimately, a way back to his beautiful boy. Here are his songs.


  1. Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) - John Lennon 
  2. Why - Yoko Ono
  3. Strawberry Fields Forever - The Beatles 
  4. Astral Weeks - Van Morrison
  5. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Patti Smith
  6. This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody) - Talking Heads


Listen to David Sheff’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1881 no America, the broken? Richard Misrach photographs the country's splendor and scars Richard Misrach is one of the most influential photographers of his generation, known for his haunting, large-scale images of the American West. His work captures both the region’s breathtaking beauty and the profound ways humans have altered the landscape. His photographs are housed in the collections of MoMA, the Whitney, and the Getty—but for Misrach, they serve a deeper purpose: creating a historical record. Here are his songs. Angel from Montgomery - Bonnie Raitt  Misirlou - Dick Dale & The Del Tones Effendi - McCoy Tyner Trio The Times They Are a-Changin’ - Bob Dylan  Music for 18 Musicians -  Steve Reich   La Vie en Rose - Grace Jones The Garden - Jacob Bloomfield-Misrach Listen to Richard Misrach’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. See some of the art mentioned in this episode here: https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/18/richard-misrach-photographer-life-in-seven-songs/ Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 18 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Richard Misrach is one of the most influential photographers of his generation, known for his haunting, large-scale images of the American West. His work captures both the region’s breathtaking beauty and the profound ways humans have altered the landscape. His photographs are housed in the collections of MoMA, the Whitney, and the Getty—but for Misrach, they serve a deeper purpose: creating a historical record. Here are his songs. Angel from Montgomery - Bonnie Raitt  Misirlou - Dick Dale & The Del Tones Effendi - McCoy Tyner Trio The Times They Are a-Changin’ - Bob Dylan  Music for 18 Musicians -  Steve Reich   La Vie en Rose - Grace Jones The Garden - Jacob Bloomfield-Misrach Listen to Richard Misrach’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. See some of the art mentioned in this episode here: https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/18/richard-misrach-photographer-life-in-seven-songs/ Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Richard Misrach is one of the most influential photographers of his generation, known for his haunting, large-scale images of the American West. His work captures both the region’s breathtaking beauty and the profound ways humans have altered the landscape. His photographs are housed in the collections of MoMA, the Whitney, and the Getty—but for Misrach, they serve a deeper purpose: creating a historical record. Here are his songs.


  1. Angel from Montgomery - Bonnie Raitt 
  2. Misirlou - Dick Dale & The Del Tones
  3. Effendi - McCoy Tyner Trio
  4. The Times They Are a-Changin’ - Bob Dylan 
  5. Music for 18 Musicians -  Steve Reich  
  6. La Vie en Rose - Grace Jones
  7. The Garden - Jacob Bloomfield-Misrach


Listen to Richard Misrach’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com.


See some of the art mentioned in this episode here: https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/18/richard-misrach-photographer-life-in-seven-songs/


Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1781 no Held captive in Iran, Sarah Shourd found solace in a Seal song Journalist, author, and playwright Sarah Shourd shares the songs that helped her though a childhood steeped in violence and poverty, and the 410 days she spent in solitary confinement as a political hostage in Iran. From screaming along to Rage Against the Machine as a teenager to belting out ‘Crazy’ by Seal in her prison cell, Sarah’s always used her voice. Now, she speaks out against the use of solitary confinement in U.S. prisons and mass incarceration. Here are her songs. She’s Got her Ticket - Tracy Chapman  Killing in the Name -  Rage Against the Machine Crazy - Seal At Last - Etta James ELEMENT. - Kendrick Lamar  Suit of Armour - Danika Smith  This Joy - Resistance Revival Chorus Listen to Sarah Shourd’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full The San Francisco Standard Journalist, author, and playwright Sarah Shourd shares the songs that helped her though a childhood steeped in violence and poverty, and the 410 days she spent in solitary confinement as a political hostage in Iran. From screaming along to Rage Against the Machine as a teenager to belting out ‘Crazy’ by Seal in her prison cell, Sarah’s always used her voice. Now, she speaks out against the use of solitary confinement in U.S. prisons and mass incarceration. Here are her songs. She’s Got her Ticket - Tracy Chapman  Killing in the Name -  Rage Against the Machine Crazy - Seal At Last - Etta James ELEMENT. - Kendrick Lamar  Suit of Armour - Danika Smith  This Joy - Resistance Revival Chorus Listen to Sarah Shourd’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Journalist, author, and playwright Sarah Shourd shares the songs that helped her though a childhood steeped in violence and poverty, and the 410 days she spent in solitary confinement as a political hostage in Iran. From screaming along to Rage Against the Machine as a teenager to belting out ‘Crazy’ by Seal in her prison cell, Sarah’s always used her voice. Now, she speaks out against the use of solitary confinement in U.S. prisons and mass incarceration. Here are her songs.


  1. She’s Got her Ticket - Tracy Chapman 
  2. Killing in the Name -  Rage Against the Machine
  3. Crazy - Seal
  4. At Last - Etta James
  5. ELEMENT. - Kendrick Lamar 
  6. Suit of Armour - Danika Smith 
  7. This Joy - Resistance Revival Chorus


Listen to Sarah Shourd’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1942 no Rufus Wainwright’s rough road to becoming ‘the greatest songwriter on the planet’ Over the last three decades, Rufus Wainwright has released 10 studio albums, written two operas, and countless songs for TV and film. He’s been praised for his originality—Elton John once called him the songwriting GOAT. But in this episode, Rufus explains why having the confidence to be himself was really just about survival. Here are his songs: 1. Over the Rainbow -  Judy Garland 2. Heart Like a Wheel - Kate & Anna McGarrigle 3. I'm Losing You -  Kate & Anna McGarrigle 4. Raspberry Beret - Prince 5. Begin the Beguine - Ella Fitzgerald  6. La Donna è Mobile -  Luciano Pavarotti 7. Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen Listen to Rufus Wainwright’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full 20 The San Francisco Standard Over the last three decades, Rufus Wainwright has released 10 studio albums, written two operas, and countless songs for TV and film. He’s been praised for his originality—Elton John once called him the songwriting GOAT. But in this episode, Rufus explains why having the confidence to be himself was really just about survival. Here are his songs: 1. Over the Rainbow -  Judy Garland 2. Heart Like a Wheel - Kate & Anna McGarrigle 3. I'm Losing You -  Kate & Anna McGarrigle 4. Raspberry Beret - Prince 5. Begin the Beguine - Ella Fitzgerald  6. La Donna è Mobile -  Luciano Pavarotti 7. Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen Listen to Rufus Wainwright’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Over the last three decades, Rufus Wainwright has released 10 studio albums, written two operas, and countless songs for TV and film. He’s been praised for his originality—Elton John once called him the songwriting GOAT. But in this episode, Rufus explains why having the confidence to be himself was really just about survival. Here are his songs:


1. Over the Rainbow -  Judy Garland

2. Heart Like a Wheel - Kate & Anna McGarrigle

3. I'm Losing You -  Kate & Anna McGarrigle

4. Raspberry Beret - Prince

5. Begin the Beguine - Ella Fitzgerald 

6. La Donna è Mobile -  Luciano Pavarotti

7. Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen


Listen to Rufus Wainwright’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 2283 no Inside actor Rita Wilson's other life as a singer Actor, producer, and director Rita Wilson is known for her performances in films like “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Now and Then.” Her name can be found on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in credits for massive hits like “Mamma Mia!” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” (She's also been married to one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Tom Hanks, for the past 37 years.) But despite her success, Rita spent her entire career dreaming of a different one—to be a singer-songwriter. In this episode, Rita talks about taking risks later in life, grappling with regret and grief, and finally finding her voice as a musician. Here are her songs. Ode to Billie Joe - Bobbie Gentry  Everything I Own -  Bread  She’s Leaving Home - The Beatles  California - Joni Mitchell  I will Always Love you - Linda Ronstadt Slip Slidin’ Away - Paul Simon Some Things I'll Never Know - Teddy Swims Listen to Rita Wilson’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 04 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full 19 The San Francisco Standard Actor, producer, and director Rita Wilson is known for her performances in films like “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Now and Then.” Her name can be found on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in credits for massive hits like “Mamma Mia!” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” (She's also been married to one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Tom Hanks, for the past 37 years.) But despite her success, Rita spent her entire career dreaming of a different one—to be a singer-songwriter. In this episode, Rita talks about taking risks later in life, grappling with regret and grief, and finally finding her voice as a musician. Here are her songs. Ode to Billie Joe - Bobbie Gentry  Everything I Own -  Bread  She’s Leaving Home - The Beatles  California - Joni Mitchell  I will Always Love you - Linda Ronstadt Slip Slidin’ Away - Paul Simon Some Things I'll Never Know - Teddy Swims Listen to Rita Wilson’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Actor, producer, and director Rita Wilson is known for her performances in films like “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Now and Then.” Her name can be found on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in credits for massive hits like “Mamma Mia!” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” (She's also been married to one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Tom Hanks, for the past 37 years.) But despite her success, Rita spent her entire career dreaming of a different one—to be a singer-songwriter. In this episode, Rita talks about taking risks later in life, grappling with regret and grief, and finally finding her voice as a musician. Here are her songs.


  1. Ode to Billie Joe - Bobbie Gentry 
  2. Everything I Own -  Bread 
  3. She’s Leaving Home - The Beatles 
  4. California - Joni Mitchell 
  5. I will Always Love you - Linda Ronstadt
  6. Slip Slidin’ Away - Paul Simon
  7. Some Things I'll Never Know - Teddy Swims


Listen to Rita Wilson’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 2289 no Director Cord Jefferson on winning an Oscar and writing for love Writer and director Cord Jefferson charts his journey from being a rule-following kid to an angry teenager to an adult with depression. After a lifetime of rejection, Cord shares what helped him finally make "American Fiction," the Oscar-winning film that was always in him. Here are his songs. Flamenco Sketches - Miles Davis The What - Notorious B.I.G. (Feat. Method Man) Boxcar - Jawbreaker My Old School - Steely Dan This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) - Talking Heads If It Makes You Happy - Sheryl Crow  Ben's My Friend - Sun Kil Moon Listen to Cord Jefferson’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 21 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full 18 The San Francisco Standard Writer and director Cord Jefferson charts his journey from being a rule-following kid to an angry teenager to an adult with depression. After a lifetime of rejection, Cord shares what helped him finally make "American Fiction," the Oscar-winning film that was always in him. Here are his songs. Flamenco Sketches - Miles Davis The What - Notorious B.I.G. (Feat. Method Man) Boxcar - Jawbreaker My Old School - Steely Dan This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) - Talking Heads If It Makes You Happy - Sheryl Crow  Ben's My Friend - Sun Kil Moon Listen to Cord Jefferson’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Writer and director Cord Jefferson charts his journey from being a rule-following kid to an angry teenager to an adult with depression. After a lifetime of rejection, Cord shares what helped him finally make "American Fiction," the Oscar-winning film that was always in him. Here are his songs.


  1. Flamenco Sketches - Miles Davis
  2. The What - Notorious B.I.G. (Feat. Method Man)
  3. Boxcar - Jawbreaker
  4. My Old School - Steely Dan
  5. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) - Talking Heads
  6. If It Makes You Happy - Sheryl Crow 
  7. Ben's My Friend - Sun Kil Moon


Listen to Cord Jefferson’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 2176 no Introducing Professional Book Nerds: An Interview with Daniel Handler On this special episode, we’re featuring a conversation from our friends at the Professional Book Nerds podcast, a podcast from the book nerds at OverDrive.   Every week host Joe Skelley chats book recommendations on a theme with his friends and bookish experts, interviews authors and personalities, and encourages people to check out all the amazing resources their library has to offer. Ranked number 5 of the top 100 book podcasts, this is the place for book nerds!  In today’s episode, Joe chats with author Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) LIVE during his book tour for And Then? And Then? What Else? Joe and Daniel talk about Tim Curry, sharing your personal life publicly, and what exactly it’s like being Lemony Snicket.   Listen to more episodes of Professional Book Nerds and follow the podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/professional-book-nerds/id1065515588 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full 17 The San Francisco Standard On this special episode, we’re featuring a conversation from our friends at the Professional Book Nerds podcast, a podcast from the book nerds at OverDrive.   Every week host Joe Skelley chats book recommendations on a theme with his friends and bookish experts, interviews authors and personalities, and encourages people to check out all the amazing resources their library has to offer. Ranked number 5 of the top 100 book podcasts, this is the place for book nerds!  In today’s episode, Joe chats with author Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) LIVE during his book tour for And Then? And Then? What Else? Joe and Daniel talk about Tim Curry, sharing your personal life publicly, and what exactly it’s like being Lemony Snicket.   Listen to more episodes of Professional Book Nerds and follow the podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/professional-book-nerds/id1065515588 On this special episode, we’re featuring a conversation from our friends at the Professional Book Nerds podcast, a podcast from the book nerds at OverDrive.  


Every week host Joe Skelley chats book recommendations on a theme with his friends and bookish experts, interviews authors and personalities, and encourages people to check out all the amazing resources their library has to offer. Ranked number 5 of the top 100 book podcasts, this is the place for book nerds! 


In today’s episode, Joe chats with author Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) LIVE during his book tour for And Then? And Then? What Else? Joe and Daniel talk about Tim Curry, sharing your personal life publicly, and what exactly it’s like being Lemony Snicket.  


Listen to more episodes of Professional Book Nerds and follow the podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/professional-book-nerds/id1065515588

]]> 4010 no Failing publicly and feeling at home with Nextdoor’s Nirav Tolia Cofounder and CEO of Nextdoor, Nirav Tolia, looks back on his childhood in small-town Texas, and how an inner conflict about belonging may have led to him creating the first social network for neighbors. With his commitment to building community, it’s no surprise two of his seven songs include the words ‘home’ and ‘house’ in their titles. Take me Home, Country Roads – John Denver The Reflex –  Duran Duran World in My Eyes –  Depeche Mode Eye of the Tiger – Survivor If My Heart Was a House – Owl City Con Te Partirò – Andrea Bocelli Beautiful Day – U2 Listen to Nirav Tolia’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Tue, 07 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full 16 The San Francisco Standard Cofounder and CEO of Nextdoor, Nirav Tolia, looks back on his childhood in small-town Texas, and how an inner conflict about belonging may have led to him creating the first social network for neighbors. With his commitment to building community, it’s no surprise two of his seven songs include the words ‘home’ and ‘house’ in their titles. Take me Home, Country Roads – John Denver The Reflex –  Duran Duran World in My Eyes –  Depeche Mode Eye of the Tiger – Survivor If My Heart Was a House – Owl City Con Te Partirò – Andrea Bocelli Beautiful Day – U2 Listen to Nirav Tolia’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Cofounder and CEO of Nextdoor, Nirav Tolia, looks back on his childhood in small-town Texas, and how an inner conflict about belonging may have led to him creating the first social network for neighbors. With his commitment to building community, it’s no surprise two of his seven songs include the words ‘home’ and ‘house’ in their titles.


  1. Take me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
  2. The Reflex –  Duran Duran
  3. World in My Eyes –  Depeche Mode
  4. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
  5. If My Heart Was a House – Owl City
  6. Con Te Partirò – Andrea Bocelli
  7. Beautiful Day – U2


Listen to Nirav Tolia’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions?

]]> 1938 no Rock photographer Jay Blakesberg on capturing the souls of legends From Nirvana to BB King, The Rolling Stones to Radiohead, legendary rock photographer Jay Blakesberg has been documenting music icons for nearly 40 years. His work has been published in thousands of magazines, documentaries and books, but what he’s most known for is creating a seminal photographic archive of the Grateful Dead. Here are his songs. Hey Jude – The Beatles  Black Water  – The Doobie Brothers  Wooden Ships – Crosby Stills & Nash  Eyes of The World – Grateful Dead Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On) – Talking Heads  Tangled up in Blue – Bob Dylan Attics of My Life – Grateful Dead  Listen to Jay Blakesberg’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 17 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 15 The San Francisco Standard From Nirvana to BB King, The Rolling Stones to Radiohead, legendary rock photographer Jay Blakesberg has been documenting music icons for nearly 40 years. His work has been published in thousands of magazines, documentaries and books, but what he’s most known for is creating a seminal photographic archive of the Grateful Dead. Here are his songs. Hey Jude – The Beatles  Black Water  – The Doobie Brothers  Wooden Ships – Crosby Stills & Nash  Eyes of The World – Grateful Dead Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On) – Talking Heads  Tangled up in Blue – Bob Dylan Attics of My Life – Grateful Dead  Listen to Jay Blakesberg’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. From Nirvana to BB King, The Rolling Stones to Radiohead, legendary rock photographer Jay Blakesberg has been documenting music icons for nearly 40 years. His work has been published in thousands of magazines, documentaries and books, but what he’s most known for is creating a seminal photographic archive of the Grateful Dead. Here are his songs.


  1. Hey Jude – The Beatles 
  2. Black Water  – The Doobie Brothers 
  3. Wooden Ships – Crosby Stills & Nash 
  4. Eyes of The World – Grateful Dead
  5. Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On) – Talking Heads 
  6. Tangled up in Blue – Bob Dylan
  7. Attics of My Life – Grateful Dead 


Listen to Jay Blakesberg’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1884 no Sandra Bernhard’s ‘risky, beautiful, and heartbreaking’ life From her groundbreaking role playing one of the first openly gay characters on television, to her iconic appearances on David Letterman — where she repeatedly made the host speechless — actor and comedian Sandra Bernhard has always been unapologetically herself. And yet, decades into her career, she says she still discovers new layers every time she performs. Here are her songs. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) – Doris Day Stop! In The Name Of Love – The Supremes Like A Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan People's Parties – Joni Mitchell  You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) – Sylvester  Lose Again –  Linda Ronstadt  Edge Of Seventeen – Stevie Nicks   Listen to Sandra Bernhard’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 15 The San Francisco Standard From her groundbreaking role playing one of the first openly gay characters on television, to her iconic appearances on David Letterman — where she repeatedly made the host speechless — actor and comedian Sandra Bernhard has always been unapologetically herself. And yet, decades into her career, she says she still discovers new layers every time she performs. Here are her songs. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) – Doris Day Stop! In The Name Of Love – The Supremes Like A Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan People's Parties – Joni Mitchell  You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) – Sylvester  Lose Again –  Linda Ronstadt  Edge Of Seventeen – Stevie Nicks   Listen to Sandra Bernhard’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. From her groundbreaking role playing one of the first openly gay characters on television, to her iconic appearances on David Letterman — where she repeatedly made the host speechless — actor and comedian Sandra Bernhard has always been unapologetically herself. And yet, decades into her career, she says she still discovers new layers every time she performs. Here are her songs.


  1. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) – Doris Day
  2. Stop! In The Name Of Love – The Supremes
  3. Like A Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan
  4. People's Parties – Joni Mitchell 
  5. You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) – Sylvester 
  6. Lose Again –  Linda Ronstadt 
  7. Edge Of Seventeen – Stevie Nicks  


Listen to Sandra Bernhard’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 2062 no Chesa Boudin, raised by radicals, on the songs that shaped him Lawyer Chesa Boudin’s professional life has been nearly as tumultuous as his upbringing. He was raised by family friends because his parents—members of the Weather Underground—were incarcerated for crimes committed when he was just 14 months old. Boudin eventually became a progressive San Francisco district attorney representing criminal justice reform. However, he was recalled a few years later. These are his songs. Worlds Apart (1985 Original Broadway Cast) – Daniel Jenkins Fast Car – Tracy Chapman Dear Mama – Tupac Shakur I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be – Free Nina Simone Be (Intro) – Common Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles Baby Shark – Pinkfong Listen to Chesa Boudin’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 08:14:00 -0000 full 1 14 The San Francisco Standard Lawyer Chesa Boudin’s professional life has been nearly as tumultuous as his upbringing. He was raised by family friends because his parents—members of the Weather Underground—were incarcerated for crimes committed when he was just 14 months old. Boudin eventually became a progressive San Francisco district attorney representing criminal justice reform. However, he was recalled a few years later. These are his songs. Worlds Apart (1985 Original Broadway Cast) – Daniel Jenkins Fast Car – Tracy Chapman Dear Mama – Tupac Shakur I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be – Free Nina Simone Be (Intro) – Common Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles Baby Shark – Pinkfong Listen to Chesa Boudin’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Lawyer Chesa Boudin’s professional life has been nearly as tumultuous as his upbringing. He was raised by family friends because his parents—members of the Weather Underground—were incarcerated for crimes committed when he was just 14 months old. Boudin eventually became a progressive San Francisco district attorney representing criminal justice reform. However, he was recalled a few years later. These are his songs.


  1. Worlds Apart (1985 Original Broadway Cast) – Daniel Jenkins
  2. Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
  3. Dear Mama – Tupac Shakur
  4. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be – Free Nina Simone
  5. Be (Intro) – Common
  6. Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
  7. Baby Shark – Pinkfong


Listen to Chesa Boudin’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 2159 Rahsaan “New York” Thomas on breaking barriers behind bars Rahsaan “New York” Thomas spent more than two decades incarcerated before being granted a commutation for his rehabilitation efforts behind bars. He shares how his life was shaped by growing up in Brownsville, “the murder capital of New York,” the music that got him through prison life and what he’s working on now. Here are his songs. Rapper's Delight – The Sugarhill Gang Survival of the Fittest – Mobb Deep Do What I Gotta Do – Ralph Tresvant Good Man – India Arie Black – The-Dream Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down – Alicia Keys Listen to Rahsaan “New York” Thomas’ full playlist on Spotify and also check out the podcast Ear Hustle about life inside prison. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 05 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 1 13 The San Francisco Standard Rahsaan “New York” Thomas spent more than two decades incarcerated before being granted a commutation for his rehabilitation efforts behind bars. He shares how his life was shaped by growing up in Brownsville, “the murder capital of New York,” the music that got him through prison life and what he’s working on now. Here are his songs. Rapper's Delight – The Sugarhill Gang Survival of the Fittest – Mobb Deep Do What I Gotta Do – Ralph Tresvant Good Man – India Arie Black – The-Dream Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down – Alicia Keys Listen to Rahsaan “New York” Thomas’ full playlist on Spotify and also check out the podcast Ear Hustle about life inside prison. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Rahsaan “New York” Thomas spent more than two decades incarcerated before being granted a commutation for his rehabilitation efforts behind bars. He shares how his life was shaped by growing up in Brownsville, “the murder capital of New York,” the music that got him through prison life and what he’s working on now. Here are his songs.


  1. Rapper's Delight – The Sugarhill Gang
  2. Survival of the Fittest – Mobb Deep
  3. Do What I Gotta Do – Ralph Tresvant
  4. Good Man – India Arie
  5. Black – The-Dream
  6. Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down – Alicia Keys


Listen to Rahsaan “New York” Thomas’ full playlist on Spotify and also check out the podcast Ear Hustle about life inside prison. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1900 no Why Kara Swisher loves country music and the military Longtime journalist and media entrepreneur Kara Swisher has been covering Silicon Valley and the Internet since the days of dial-up. She’s taken nearly all of technology's titans to task with a fearless, no-nonsense style. But in this episode, she shows another side of herself: the “San Francisco liberal lesbian who loves country music and wanted to be in the military.” Here are her songs. The Last Great American Dynasty – Taylor Swift Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) – Doris Day Corner Of The Sky – John Rubinstein Landslide – Fleetwood Mac  Jesus, Take the Wheel – Carrie Underwood  Wahine ‘Ilikea – Dennis Kamakahi Quarter Moon – Cheryl Wheeler Listen to Kara Swisher’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full 1 12 The San Francisco Standard Longtime journalist and media entrepreneur Kara Swisher has been covering Silicon Valley and the Internet since the days of dial-up. She’s taken nearly all of technology's titans to task with a fearless, no-nonsense style. But in this episode, she shows another side of herself: the “San Francisco liberal lesbian who loves country music and wanted to be in the military.” Here are her songs. The Last Great American Dynasty – Taylor Swift Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) – Doris Day Corner Of The Sky – John Rubinstein Landslide – Fleetwood Mac  Jesus, Take the Wheel – Carrie Underwood  Wahine ‘Ilikea – Dennis Kamakahi Quarter Moon – Cheryl Wheeler Listen to Kara Swisher’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Longtime journalist and media entrepreneur Kara Swisher has been covering Silicon Valley and the Internet since the days of dial-up. She’s taken nearly all of technology's titans to task with a fearless, no-nonsense style. But in this episode, she shows another side of herself: the “San Francisco liberal lesbian who loves country music and wanted to be in the military.” Here are her songs.


  1. The Last Great American Dynasty – Taylor Swift
  2. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) – Doris Day
  3. Corner Of The Sky – John Rubinstein
  4. Landslide – Fleetwood Mac 
  5. Jesus, Take the Wheel – Carrie Underwood 
  6. Wahine ‘Ilikea – Dennis Kamakahi
  7. Quarter Moon – Cheryl Wheeler


Listen to Kara Swisher’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 2071 no Turns out, Mark Cuban is an emotional guy Billionaire businessman and investor Mark Cuban is known for making — or crushing — entrepreneurs' dreams on the TV show Shark Tank. But in reality, he's a big softie. Here, he talks about getting his start selling trash bags as a kid, opening a bar before he was even 21, and betting on the Internet early. Here are his seven songs, including his life’s “theme” and a song that brings him to tears. Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry Life’s Been Good – Joe Walsh September – Earth, Wind & Fire Fame – DMX Rapper's Delight – The Sugarhill Gang Eminence Front – The Who Listen to Mark Cuban’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 08 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full 11 The San Francisco Standard Billionaire businessman and investor Mark Cuban is known for making — or crushing — entrepreneurs' dreams on the TV show Shark Tank. But in reality, he's a big softie. Here, he talks about getting his start selling trash bags as a kid, opening a bar before he was even 21, and betting on the Internet early. Here are his seven songs, including his life’s “theme” and a song that brings him to tears. Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry Life’s Been Good – Joe Walsh September – Earth, Wind & Fire Fame – DMX Rapper's Delight – The Sugarhill Gang Eminence Front – The Who Listen to Mark Cuban’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Billionaire businessman and investor Mark Cuban is known for making — or crushing — entrepreneurs' dreams on the TV show Shark Tank. But in reality, he's a big softie. Here, he talks about getting his start selling trash bags as a kid, opening a bar before he was even 21, and betting on the Internet early. Here are his seven songs, including his life’s “theme” and a song that brings him to tears.


  1. Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry
  2. Life’s Been Good – Joe Walsh
  3. September – Earth, Wind & Fire
  4. Fame – DMX
  5. Rapper's Delight – The Sugarhill Gang
  6. Eminence Front – The Who


Listen to Mark Cuban’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 2281 no Introducing American Masters: Joseph Gordon-Levitt Can Do That Genre Too! Today we’re sharing an episode of a podcast from our friends at PBS that we think you’ll really like – American Masters: Creative Spark.  It’s a show that interviews iconic artists across disciplines about their creative journeys in a way that is sure to inspire listeners. This episode features an interview between host Joe Skinner and Tony Award-winning actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The actor discusses the vast “spectrum of realism” in his line of work. Whether it’s the recently released Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Lincoln, 3rd Rock From the Sun, The Dark Knight Rises, Mysterious Skin, 500 Days of Summer, or one of the dozens of other projects he’s starred in, Gordon-Levitt really shows his range.  Listen to hear him unpack his creative journey, and find more episodes of American Masters: Creative Spark at https://link.chtbl.com/eOfylsfA?sid=LISS Tue, 01 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full 10 The San Francisco Standard Today we’re sharing an episode of a podcast from our friends at PBS that we think you’ll really like – American Masters: Creative Spark.  It’s a show that interviews iconic artists across disciplines about their creative journeys in a way that is sure to inspire listeners. This episode features an interview between host Joe Skinner and Tony Award-winning actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The actor discusses the vast “spectrum of realism” in his line of work. Whether it’s the recently released Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Lincoln, 3rd Rock From the Sun, The Dark Knight Rises, Mysterious Skin, 500 Days of Summer, or one of the dozens of other projects he’s starred in, Gordon-Levitt really shows his range.  Listen to hear him unpack his creative journey, and find more episodes of American Masters: Creative Spark at https://link.chtbl.com/eOfylsfA?sid=LISS Today we’re sharing an episode of a podcast from our friends at PBS that we think you’ll really like – American Masters: Creative Spark. 


It’s a show that interviews iconic artists across disciplines about their creative journeys in a way that is sure to inspire listeners. This episode features an interview between host Joe Skinner and Tony Award-winning actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The actor discusses the vast “spectrum of realism” in his line of work. Whether it’s the recently released Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Lincoln, 3rd Rock From the Sun, The Dark Knight Rises, Mysterious Skin, 500 Days of Summer, or one of the dozens of other projects he’s starred in, Gordon-Levitt really shows his range. 


Listen to hear him unpack his creative journey, and find more episodes of American Masters: Creative Spark at https://link.chtbl.com/eOfylsfA?sid=LISS

]]> 2369 no OpenAI’s Sam Altman: the human behind the machine Sam Altman is the CEO of OpenAI, the groundbreaking company leading the development of AGI—artificial general intelligence. AGI aims to create machines that can think, learn, and understand the world like humans—or even better than we can. It’s a concept with the potential to transform every aspect of life, for better or worse. But in this episode, a rare glimpse into the human behind superhuman machine intelligence. Here are his songs. Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2 – Sviatoslav Richter What’s My Age Again? – Blink-182 That Was a Crazy Game of Poker – O.A.R. Opus – Eric Prydz Spring 1 – Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons Underwater – Rufus du Sol Your Hand in Mine – Explosions in the Sky Listen to Sam Altman’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full 9 The San Francisco Standard Sam Altman is the CEO of OpenAI, the groundbreaking company leading the development of AGI—artificial general intelligence. AGI aims to create machines that can think, learn, and understand the world like humans—or even better than we can. It’s a concept with the potential to transform every aspect of life, for better or worse. But in this episode, a rare glimpse into the human behind superhuman machine intelligence. Here are his songs. Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2 – Sviatoslav Richter What’s My Age Again? – Blink-182 That Was a Crazy Game of Poker – O.A.R. Opus – Eric Prydz Spring 1 – Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons Underwater – Rufus du Sol Your Hand in Mine – Explosions in the Sky Listen to Sam Altman’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Sam Altman is the CEO of OpenAI, the groundbreaking company leading the development of AGI—artificial general intelligence. AGI aims to create machines that can think, learn, and understand the world like humans—or even better than we can. It’s a concept with the potential to transform every aspect of life, for better or worse. But in this episode, a rare glimpse into the human behind superhuman machine intelligence. Here are his songs.


  1. Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2 – Sviatoslav Richter
  2. What’s My Age Again? – Blink-182
  3. That Was a Crazy Game of Poker – O.A.R.
  4. Opus – Eric Prydz
  5. Spring 1 – Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons
  6. Underwater – Rufus du Sol
  7. Your Hand in Mine – Explosions in the Sky


Listen to Sam Altman’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1830 no How Rhodessa Jones went from nude dancer to theater icon Rhodessa Jones is a performance artist who turned her life as a nude dancer into a theatrical revolution. From her days in a San Francisco peep show, where she danced to Prince’s “Soft and Wet,” Jones crafted her provocative experiences into a one-woman show that shook up the theater world. Ever since, she’s used her art to empower a generation of women to share their own stories. Here are her songs. How I Got Over – Mahalia Jackson Cupid – Sam Cooke I Say A Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin Mr. Tambourine Man – Bob Dylan Soft and Wet – Prince What's Going On – Marvin Gaye A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke Listen to Rhodessa Jones’ full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 10 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full 8 The San Francisco Standard Rhodessa Jones is a performance artist who turned her life as a nude dancer into a theatrical revolution. From her days in a San Francisco peep show, where she danced to Prince’s “Soft and Wet,” Jones crafted her provocative experiences into a one-woman show that shook up the theater world. Ever since, she’s used her art to empower a generation of women to share their own stories. Here are her songs. How I Got Over – Mahalia Jackson Cupid – Sam Cooke I Say A Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin Mr. Tambourine Man – Bob Dylan Soft and Wet – Prince What's Going On – Marvin Gaye A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke Listen to Rhodessa Jones’ full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Rhodessa Jones is a performance artist who turned her life as a nude dancer into a theatrical revolution. From her days in a San Francisco peep show, where she danced to Prince’s “Soft and Wet,” Jones crafted her provocative experiences into a one-woman show that shook up the theater world. Ever since, she’s used her art to empower a generation of women to share their own stories. Here are her songs.


  1. How I Got Over – Mahalia Jackson
  2. Cupid – Sam Cooke
  3. I Say A Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin
  4. Mr. Tambourine Man – Bob Dylan
  5. Soft and Wet – Prince
  6. What's Going On – Marvin Gaye
  7. A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke


Listen to Rhodessa Jones’ full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1781 no How Robert Reich learned to fight bullies A giant in the field of politics, former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich—who stands just under 5 feet tall—has spent a lifetime fighting for, yes, the little guys. He shares how dealing with grade school bullies prepared him to battle for the middle class. Here are his seven songs. Stardust – Hoagy Carmichael Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers Chain Gang – Sam Cooke Baby I Need Your Loving – The Four Tops Lady Madonna – The Beatles Metaphor – The Fantasticks Suzanne – Judy Collins Listen to Robert Reich’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full 7 The San Francisco Standard A giant in the field of politics, former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich—who stands just under 5 feet tall—has spent a lifetime fighting for, yes, the little guys. He shares how dealing with grade school bullies prepared him to battle for the middle class. Here are his seven songs. Stardust – Hoagy Carmichael Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers Chain Gang – Sam Cooke Baby I Need Your Loving – The Four Tops Lady Madonna – The Beatles Metaphor – The Fantasticks Suzanne – Judy Collins Listen to Robert Reich’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. A giant in the field of politics, former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich—who stands just under 5 feet tall—has spent a lifetime fighting for, yes, the little guys. He shares how dealing with grade school bullies prepared him to battle for the middle class. Here are his seven songs.


  1. Stardust – Hoagy Carmichael
  2. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
  3. Chain Gang – Sam Cooke
  4. Baby I Need Your Loving – The Four Tops
  5. Lady Madonna – The Beatles
  6. Metaphor – The Fantasticks
  7. Suzanne – Judy Collins


Listen to Robert Reich’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1937 no What Daniel Handler, aka Lemony Snicket, says about terror Daniel Handler, or Lemony Snicket as you may know him, is the author of more than two dozen books, including the 13-book best-selling saga for young adults called "A Series of Unfortunate Events.” In much of Daniel’s work, terrible things happen to people. In this episode, we unpack why. These are his songs. Symphony No. 3 "Eroica" Mvt III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace - Ludwig van Beethoven Where or When - Julie London Let's Go Crazy - Prince Beethoven (I Love To Listen To) - Eurythmics Enlightenment - Sun Ra The Night You Can't Remember - The Magnetic Fields Main Title and Anatomy of a Murder - Duke Ellington Listen to Daniel Handler’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full 6 The San Francisco Standard Daniel Handler, or Lemony Snicket as you may know him, is the author of more than two dozen books, including the 13-book best-selling saga for young adults called "A Series of Unfortunate Events.” In much of Daniel’s work, terrible things happen to people. In this episode, we unpack why. These are his songs. Symphony No. 3 "Eroica" Mvt III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace - Ludwig van Beethoven Where or When - Julie London Let's Go Crazy - Prince Beethoven (I Love To Listen To) - Eurythmics Enlightenment - Sun Ra The Night You Can't Remember - The Magnetic Fields Main Title and Anatomy of a Murder - Duke Ellington Listen to Daniel Handler’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Daniel Handler, or Lemony Snicket as you may know him, is the author of more than two dozen books, including the 13-book best-selling saga for young adults called "A Series of Unfortunate Events.” In much of Daniel’s work, terrible things happen to people. In this episode, we unpack why. These are his songs.


  1. Symphony No. 3 "Eroica" Mvt III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace - Ludwig van Beethoven
  2. Where or When - Julie London
  3. Let's Go Crazy - Prince
  4. Beethoven (I Love To Listen To) - Eurythmics
  5. Enlightenment - Sun Ra
  6. The Night You Can't Remember - The Magnetic Fields
  7. Main Title and Anatomy of a Murder - Duke Ellington


Listen to Daniel Handler’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 2165 no What inspired the original starchitect, Lord Norman Foster The 89-year-old behind some of the world’s most famous buildings, including Apple’s “Spaceship” headquarters in Cupertino, the Reichstag in Berlin, Wembley Stadium in London and Hearst Tower in New York, shares how growing up in a working-class family and dropping out of school at 16 led to a career transforming workplaces and breaking down class barriers. These are his songs. I'll Walk Beside You — John McCormack Symphony No. 7 "Sinfonia antartica": I. Prelude. Allegro maestoso — Ralph Vaughan Williams West Side Story, Act 1: Prologue (Original Broadway Cast Recording) — Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim The Twist — Chubby Checker Prelude & Fugue No. 12 in F Minor, BWV 857, WTC I — J.S. Bach King Arthur, Z. 628, Act 3: Prelude While Cold Genius Rises - Frost Scene. "What Power Art Thou" — Henry Purcell Bésame Mucho — Andrea Bocelli Listen to Norman Foster’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 30 Jul 2024 10:44:00 -0000 full 5 The San Francisco Standard The 89-year-old behind some of the world’s most famous buildings, including Apple’s “Spaceship” headquarters in Cupertino, the Reichstag in Berlin, Wembley Stadium in London and Hearst Tower in New York, shares how growing up in a working-class family and dropping out of school at 16 led to a career transforming workplaces and breaking down class barriers. These are his songs. I'll Walk Beside You — John McCormack Symphony No. 7 "Sinfonia antartica": I. Prelude. Allegro maestoso — Ralph Vaughan Williams West Side Story, Act 1: Prologue (Original Broadway Cast Recording) — Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim The Twist — Chubby Checker Prelude & Fugue No. 12 in F Minor, BWV 857, WTC I — J.S. Bach King Arthur, Z. 628, Act 3: Prelude While Cold Genius Rises - Frost Scene. "What Power Art Thou" — Henry Purcell Bésame Mucho — Andrea Bocelli Listen to Norman Foster’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. The 89-year-old behind some of the world’s most famous buildings, including Apple’s “Spaceship” headquarters in Cupertino, the Reichstag in Berlin, Wembley Stadium in London and Hearst Tower in New York, shares how growing up in a working-class family and dropping out of school at 16 led to a career transforming workplaces and breaking down class barriers. These are his songs.


  1. I'll Walk Beside You — John McCormack
  2. Symphony No. 7 "Sinfonia antartica": I. Prelude. Allegro maestoso — Ralph Vaughan Williams
  3. West Side Story, Act 1: Prologue (Original Broadway Cast Recording) — Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
  4. The Twist — Chubby Checker
  5. Prelude & Fugue No. 12 in F Minor, BWV 857, WTC I — J.S. Bach
  6. King Arthur, Z. 628, Act 3: Prelude While Cold Genius Rises - Frost Scene. "What Power Art Thou" — Henry Purcell
  7. Bésame Mucho — Andrea Bocelli


Listen to Norman Foster’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1805 no How comedy saved Margaret Cho’s life Raunchy, risk-taking and always hilarious, Margaret Cho has had a legendary career as a stand-up comic, actress and musician. She says her success is because of all the trauma she’s survived, not despite it. These are her songs. (They Long to Be) Close to You — Carpenters Eleanor Rigby — The Beatles Doot-Doot — Freur Our Lips Are Sealed — The Go-Go’s Groove Is in the Heart — Deee-Lite Wonderwall — Oasis Chandelier — Sia Listen to Margaret Cho’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 16 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full 1 4 The San Francisco Standard Raunchy, risk-taking and always hilarious, Margaret Cho has had a legendary career as a stand-up comic, actress and musician. She says her success is because of all the trauma she’s survived, not despite it. These are her songs. (They Long to Be) Close to You — Carpenters Eleanor Rigby — The Beatles Doot-Doot — Freur Our Lips Are Sealed — The Go-Go’s Groove Is in the Heart — Deee-Lite Wonderwall — Oasis Chandelier — Sia Listen to Margaret Cho’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Raunchy, risk-taking and always hilarious, Margaret Cho has had a legendary career as a stand-up comic, actress and musician. She says her success is because of all the trauma she’s survived, not despite it. These are her songs.


  1. (They Long to Be) Close to You — Carpenters
  2. Eleanor Rigby — The Beatles
  3. Doot-Doot — Freur
  4. Our Lips Are Sealed — The Go-Go’s
  5. Groove Is in the Heart — Deee-Lite
  6. Wonderwall — Oasis
  7. Chandelier — Sia


Listen to Margaret Cho’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1929 ‘Life in Seven Songs’ full theme song We’ve received numerous requests from our listeners about our theme music, and we're excited to share the full track with you today! Composed exclusively for 'Life in Seven Songs' by the talented Kate Davis and Zubin Hensler, this music is an integral part of our show. Enjoy! Tue, 09 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000 bonus 1 The San Francisco Standard We’ve received numerous requests from our listeners about our theme music, and we're excited to share the full track with you today! Composed exclusively for 'Life in Seven Songs' by the talented Kate Davis and Zubin Hensler, this music is an integral part of our show. Enjoy! We’ve received numerous requests from our listeners about our theme music, and we're excited to share the full track with you today! Composed exclusively for 'Life in Seven Songs' by the talented Kate Davis and Zubin Hensler, this music is an integral part of our show. Enjoy!

]]> 150 no He shaped the iPhone—so what shaped Jony Ive? You may not know his name, but you certainly know his work. Sir Jony Ive is the former chief design officer for Apple, and the mastermind behind devices most cannot imagine living without—the Macbook, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and more. He joined Apple at just 25 years old, and together with Steve Jobs, transformed what was a financially troubled company into a juggernaut. These are his seven songs. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da – The Police Main Theme / Carter Takes a Train–  Roy Budd Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone –The Temptations Don't You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds Define Dancing – Thomas Newman 40 – U2 This Is The Day – Ivy Listen to Jony Ive’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 02 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full 1 3 The San Francisco Standard You may not know his name, but you certainly know his work. Sir Jony Ive is the former chief design officer for Apple, and the mastermind behind devices most cannot imagine living without—the Macbook, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and more. He joined Apple at just 25 years old, and together with Steve Jobs, transformed what was a financially troubled company into a juggernaut. These are his seven songs. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da – The Police Main Theme / Carter Takes a Train–  Roy Budd Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone –The Temptations Don't You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds Define Dancing – Thomas Newman 40 – U2 This Is The Day – Ivy Listen to Jony Ive’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. You may not know his name, but you certainly know his work. Sir Jony Ive is the former chief design officer for Apple, and the mastermind behind devices most cannot imagine living without—the Macbook, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and more. He joined Apple at just 25 years old, and together with Steve Jobs, transformed what was a financially troubled company into a juggernaut. These are his seven songs.

  1. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da – The Police
  2. Main Theme / Carter Takes a Train–  Roy Budd
  3. Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone –The Temptations
  4. Don't You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds
  5. Define Dancing – Thomas Newman
  6. 40 – U2
  7. This Is The Day – Ivy


Listen to Jony Ive’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 2074 no D’Wayne Wiggins on Tony! Toni! Toné!, Beyoncé and beyond Music producer and musician D’Wayne Wiggins has mentored superstars like Beyoncé, Kehlani and Zendaya, all while touring with his own Grammy award-winning band Tony! Toni! Toné!. In this episode, D’Wayne reveals how he found his sound and helped others do the same. These are his songs. Hot Fun in the Summertime - Sly and the Family Stone Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix Strawberry Letter 23 - The Brothers Johnson Imagination - Earth, Wind & Fire The Jam - Graham Central Station Be Thankful for What You Got - William DeVaughn What's Really Going On (Strange Fruit) - D'Wayne Wiggins Listen to D’Wayne Wiggins’ full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:10:00 -0000 full 1 2 The San Francisco Standard Music producer and musician D’Wayne Wiggins has mentored superstars like Beyoncé, Kehlani and Zendaya, all while touring with his own Grammy award-winning band Tony! Toni! Toné!. In this episode, D’Wayne reveals how he found his sound and helped others do the same. These are his songs. Hot Fun in the Summertime - Sly and the Family Stone Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix Strawberry Letter 23 - The Brothers Johnson Imagination - Earth, Wind & Fire The Jam - Graham Central Station Be Thankful for What You Got - William DeVaughn What's Really Going On (Strange Fruit) - D'Wayne Wiggins Listen to D’Wayne Wiggins’ full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Music producer and musician D’Wayne Wiggins has mentored superstars like Beyoncé, Kehlani and Zendaya, all while touring with his own Grammy award-winning band Tony! Toni! Toné!. In this episode, D’Wayne reveals how he found his sound and helped others do the same. These are his songs.


  1. Hot Fun in the Summertime - Sly and the Family Stone
  2. Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix
  3. Strawberry Letter 23 - The Brothers Johnson
  4. Imagination - Earth, Wind & Fire
  5. The Jam - Graham Central Station
  6. Be Thankful for What You Got - William DeVaughn
  7. What's Really Going On (Strange Fruit) - D'Wayne Wiggins


Listen to D’Wayne Wiggins’ full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1599 no The truth hurts with SF Mayor London Breed Host Sophie Bearman sits down with London Breed, the 45th mayor of San Francisco, and the first Black woman to hold the position. London opens up about how her life was shaped by the challenges that plague San Francisco, how she’s been criticized for being outspoken, and why she says that makes her uniquely qualified for the job. Here's her playlist. Get Me Bodied – Beyoncé Candy Girl – New Edition Push It! – Salt-N-Pepa End of the Road – Boyz II Men I’m Every Woman – Whitney Houston Ex-Factor – Lauryn Hill Truth Hurts – Lizzo Listen to London Breed’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full 1 1 The San Francisco Standard Host Sophie Bearman sits down with London Breed, the 45th mayor of San Francisco, and the first Black woman to hold the position. London opens up about how her life was shaped by the challenges that plague San Francisco, how she’s been criticized for being outspoken, and why she says that makes her uniquely qualified for the job. Here's her playlist. Get Me Bodied – Beyoncé Candy Girl – New Edition Push It! – Salt-N-Pepa End of the Road – Boyz II Men I’m Every Woman – Whitney Houston Ex-Factor – Lauryn Hill Truth Hurts – Lizzo Listen to London Breed’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com. Host Sophie Bearman sits down with London Breed, the 45th mayor of San Francisco, and the first Black woman to hold the position. London opens up about how her life was shaped by the challenges that plague San Francisco, how she’s been criticized for being outspoken, and why she says that makes her uniquely qualified for the job. Here's her playlist.

  1. Get Me Bodied – Beyoncé
  2. Candy Girl – New Edition
  3. Push It! – Salt-N-Pepa
  4. End of the Road – Boyz II Men
  5. I’m Every Woman – Whitney Houston
  6. Ex-Factor – Lauryn Hill
  7. Truth Hurts – Lizzo


Listen to London Breed’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.

]]> 1774 no Introducing ‘Life in Seven Songs’ “Life in Seven Songs” is a new podcast from The San Francisco Standard. In each episode, host Sophie Bearman brings you closer to influential figures through the music that has shaped their lives. “Life in Seven Songs” premieres on June 18, with new episodes released every other Tuesday. Wed, 29 May 2024 23:19:00 -0000 Introducing ‘Life in Seven Songs’ trailer 1 The San Francisco Standard Intimate biographies of some of the world’s most fascinating people, told through the songs that made them who they are “Life in Seven Songs” is a new podcast from The San Francisco Standard. In each episode, host Sophie Bearman brings you closer to influential figures through the music that has shaped their lives. “Life in Seven Songs” premieres on June 18, with new episodes released every other Tuesday. “Life in Seven Songs” is a new podcast from The San Francisco Standard. In each episode, host Sophie Bearman brings you closer to influential figures through the music that has shaped their lives. “Life in Seven Songs” premieres on June 18, with new episodes released every other Tuesday.

]]> 159 no