Episode 431

with Lulu Miller, Sopan Deb, and Moorea Masa

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share the small things that fascinate them; writer and Radiolab co-host Lulu Miller unpacks the problematic practices of turn-of-the-century taxonomist David Starr Jordan; comedian and New York Times contributor Sopan Deb discusses his memoir "Missed Translations" about reconnecting with his immigrant parents; and Moorea Masa performs her latest single "Honey."

Lulu Miller
Author & Journalist

Lulu Miller is a science writer, author, and co-founder of NPR's program Invisibilia, a series focused on the unseen forces that control human behavior. Prior to creating Invisibilia, Lulu produced WNYC'S Radiolab and served as a reporter on the NPR Science Desk. Miller’s wondrous debut book Why Fish Don't Exist seamlessly weaves biography, memoir, and the latest adventures in science, psychology, and philosophy. Taking us on an extraordinary journey, it highlights the life of 19th-century scientist David Starr Jordan in his pursuit to discover and record as many of the world’s fish as he possibly could. Miller's writing and reporting has been recognized by the George Foster Peabody Awards, Third Coast, and The Missouri Review. Website • Twitter

Sopan Deb
Reporter, Comedian, & Memoirist

Sopan Deb has spun the pains and silences of family into heartbreaking yet humorous gold. In his new memoir, Missed Connections: Meeting the Immigrant Parents Who Raised Me, Deb chronicles his literal and emotional journeys to reconnect with his father in India and his mother in New Jersey. Battling years of silence, Deb writes beautifully about the process of forgiveness, building bridges, and creating a new sort of family going forward. A writer for The New York Times as well as a standup comedian, Deb’s experience covering the Trump presidential campaign for CBS spurred him into wanting to reconnect with his family. Deb’s writing uses humor to crack open our hearts - and help us explore how to go forward with those we love most. Twitter

Moorea Masa
Soul Meets Stripped-Back Folk

Moorea Masa is a singer/songwriter/guitarist who has been making music for as long as she can remember. Masa was raised in Portland, the daughter of an Italian immigrant father and an African-American mother. Recently, Masa has been touring with k.d. lang and preparing to release her new full-length LP, Shine a Light. We can't wait to see what the light reveals about this uniquely talented musical local. Website • Twitter • Spotify