Life in Seven Songs
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 other Tuesday.
Tue, April 15, 2025
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, April 01, 2025
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, March 18, 2025
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, March 04, 2025
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, February 18, 2025
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, February 04, 2025
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, January 21, 2025
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, January 14, 2025
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, January 07, 2025
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, December 17, 2024
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, December 03, 2024
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 .
S1 E14 · Tue, November 19, 2024
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 .
S1 E13 · Tue, November 05, 2024
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 .
S1 E12 · Tue, October 22, 2024
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, October 08, 2024
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, October 01, 2024
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, September 24, 2024
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, September 10, 2024
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, August 27, 2024
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, August 13, 2024
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, July 30, 2024
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 .
S1 E4 · Tue, July 16, 2024
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 .
Bonus · Tue, July 09, 2024
‘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!
S1 E3 · Tue, July 02, 2024
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 .
S1 E2 · Tue, June 18, 2024
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 .
S1 E1 · Tue, June 18, 2024
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 .
Trailer · Wed, May 29, 2024
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.
loading...