Life in Seven Songs

• 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 [email protected].

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• 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 [email protected].

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• 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 [email protected].

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• 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 [email protected].

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• 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 [email protected].

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