Today, November 8, 2024, marks Science Friday’s 33rd broadcast anniversary. One of the most beloved interviewees on Science Friday over the years was the late neurologist and author Dr. Oliver Sacks, who shared his insights into neuroscience, art, and what it means to be human. Recently, Sacks’ long-time collaborator Kate Edgar published a book of Dr. Sacks letters. And earlier this fall, the New York Public Library announced its acquisition of Sacks’ entire archive.
In this segment, Ira revisits a 2007 conversation with Oliver Sacks about his book Musicophilia. They talk about the way music and the brain interact, why music can sometimes remain in the brain long after other memories fade, and why a person with limited language abilities might still be able to sing unimpaired.
Help Us Build Our 33rd Anniversary Broadcast!
If you liked this classic interview, check out this playlist of absolute gems. With a donation of $3, you can help us pick which ones become a part of our anniversary show.
Further Reading
- Read more about what it means for Sacks’ archive to enter the New York Public Library via The New Yorker.
- Watch Sacks deliver a talk about what hallucinations reveal about our minds from 2009.
Donate To Science Friday
Invest in quality science journalism by making a donation to Science Friday.
Segment Guests
Oliver Sacks
Oliver Sacks is the author of Musicophilia (Knopf, 2007) and a professor of neurology at the NYU School of Medicine in New York, New York.
Segment Transcript
The transcript of this segment is being processed. It will be available within one week after the show airs.
Meet the Producers and Host
About Shoshannah Buxbaum
@Shoshannah_BuxShoshannah Buxbaum is a producer for Science Friday. She’s particularly drawn to stories about health, psychology, and the environment. She’s a proud New Jersey native and will happily share her opinions on why the state is deserving of a little more love.
About Ira Flatow
@iraflatowIra Flatow is the host and executive producer of Science Friday. His green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.