The Jewish Lives Podcast

According to the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951), philosophy is a “battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language.” This audacious idea changed the way many of its practitioners saw their subject.Join us with Anthony Gottlieb, author of the new biography Ludwig Wittgenstein: Philosophy in the Age of Airplanes, as we explore the life of one of the most influential philosophers of the twentieth century.Music in this episode: Symphony No.3 Poco Allegretto by Johannes Brahms

Philip Roth (1933–2018) is one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century.Join us with Steven J. Zipperstein, author of the groundbreaking biography Philip Roth: Stung by Life, as we explore Roth’s remarkable life and the astonishing range of his self-reflective writings.  

Carole King’s extraordinary career has defined American popular music for more than half a century.Join us with journalist Jane Eisner, author of the new biography Carole King: She Made the Earth Move, as we explore King’s lasting contributions to the great American songbook.

Franz Boas (1858–1942) is widely acknowledged for his pioneering work in the field of cultural anthropology.Join us with Noga Arikha, author of the new biography Franz Boas: In Praise of Open Minds, as we explore how urgently relevant his voice and legacy have become again today.Buy the book hereJoin our mailing list to learn more:https://www.jewishlives.org/subscribe 

Join us with Anthony Julius, author of the new biography Abraham: The First Jew, as we explore the origins of a fundamental struggle within Judaism between skepticism and faith, critique and affirmation, thinking for oneself and thinking under the direction of another.