Laurie Anderson: O Superman (Nuclear Disarmament Science with Zia Mian)

Laurie Anderson joins us live from NYC’s Poster House Museum in conversation with Dr. Zia Mian (Princeton physicist & nuclear policy expert). We explore her iconic 1982 hit “O Superman” and its album Big Science—how it anticipated many of the tensions of the nuclear age and still resonates powerfully in today’s disarmament debates. Together, they challenge the logic of deterrence, unpack how nuclear weapons work, and consider how networks—rather than traditional institutions—might better enact change. Also: the rifts within scientific communities, the role of “Big Science,” and more. Bonus content features producer and radio host Elia Einhorn joining to premiere Kronos Quartet’s Nobel Prize Committee commissioned rendition of “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall” featuring Laurie, Willie Nelson and a host of others.

Sing For Science is a science and music podcast produced with Talkhouse where musicians talk to scientists about science as it connects to their most famous songs. Created and hosted by New York musician, Matt Whyte, the podcast’s goal is to increase science literacy for as many people as possible by reaching a variety of different musicians’ fan bases. Listeners come to the show through their love of music and leave with a new piece of knowledge. Science literacy and respect for expertise are perhaps more vital now than ever before. The show’s chief tenet is that a more science and scientific process literate society can only contribute towards greater support for more fair, evidence-based policy in government. Sing For Science is listener supported; please contribute today at singforscience.org.

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