A Song Called Life

In Episode #274, Argentinian-born artist and producer Malena Zavala sits down with Osi to discuss her latest album If This Life Could Start Again.She reflects on the space between her Argentine roots and life in the UK, and how that in-between feeling shapes both her identity and her music. Moving through questions of independence, creative rhythm, and performing on her own, the album comes into focus as a record of healing, where clarity begins to take shape after a period of change.Malena's music & tour dates: Malena Zavalamalenazavala.comhttps://www.malenazavala.com

In Episode #273, Antwerp-based multi-disciplinary artist Youniss sits down with Osi to unpack his latest album, Good Effort!. The conversation moves between artistic evolution and lived experience, touching on identity, community, and navigating music and life in Belgium, from its political and colonial history to the everyday realities of racism, and how environment shapes the work and the role of the artist.

In Episode #272, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Caleb Hearn joins Osi to talk about his latest album, LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND. They also discuss how early trauma and life’s hardships can shape a creative outlet, the challenge of staying authentic in an industry that often rewards persona, and more.

In Episode #271, Osi is joined by Icelandic singer-songwriter Ásgeir to talk music, particularly his latest album, Julia. They also discuss what it means to Ásgeir to be so deeply embraced by his home country, his past life as an athlete, his creative process, and more.

In Episode #270, Osi sits down with rapper ANoyd to discuss his latest album wtfip?, balancing fatherhood with a creative career, developing his unique style as an artist, honoring the craft, and more.ANoyd, born Dashorn Whitehead, is a prominent hip-hop artist from Bloomfield, Connecticut, known for his powerful storytelling and dynamic stage presence. Growing up with a reggae artist father, ANoyd was immersed in music from a young age, which greatly influenced his artistic journey.

In Episode #269, songwriter and recording artist William Jones joins Osi for a wide-ranging conversation about music and the music industry. They explore lessons learned from their experiences in the industry, whether art can truly be separated from the artist, how AI may shape the future of songwriting, and more.

In Episode #268, Osi sits down with musician Wormy to talk about his new album, Shark River. They discuss how writing songs about the people closest to you can affect real-life relationships, how humor fits into the songwriting process, and more.Wormy is the solo project of Noah Rauchwerk, a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and touring drummer for Samia. His new album, Shark River, is out now on all streaming platforms.

In Episode #267, Osi is joined by artist and producer, Khushi. They discuss the process behind his latest album Love Songs & Other Lies, dealing with perfectionism as an artist, the unique ways that being a producer makes you a better artist, and more.Khushi is a British-Indian artist and twice Grammy-nominated producer from London. His debut album Strange Seasons was described as a ‘mini masterpiece’ by The Sunday Times, ‘stunning’ by NPR, and ‘a work of unexpected depth and feeling’ by Q Magazine He has worked extensively with James Blake, contributing writing and production on his albums Friends That Break Your Heart, Assume Form and Playing Robots Into Heaven and opening for him on his US and European live tours. Blake has also contributed to Khushi’s work - mixing his first album and remixing his expansive and mind-bending track ‘This Is’. Khushi has produced for artists such as A$AP Rocky, Dave, Erick The Architect, Mount Kimbie, Monica Martin & Ruti amongst others He begins 2026 by releasing his sophomore album ‘Love Songs & Other Lies’

In Episode #266, Osi sits down with singer-songwriter Daphne Gale to talk about her latest album, Quietude. Their conversation covers the personal experiences that shaped the record’s concept, along with Daphne’s evolving musical journey.Daphne Gale is a singer, songwriter, and composer based between Brooklyn and Berlin. With a sound that feels both new and familiar, sophisticated and uncluttered, she seamlessly blends folk, jazz, and art song into intimate, stirring music. Her latest album, Quietude, was released on January 9, 2026.

In Episode #265, rapper and musician Travis Thompson sits down with Osi for a wide-ranging conversation about music and life. They talk about his latest album, LIFE IS THE SCARIEST MOVIE, the often-overlooked Pacific Northwest music scene, the lessons he’s picked up along the way in his career, and more.

In Episode #264, Osi sits down with investigative journalist and author Benjamin Wallace to talk about Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin who seemingly vanished from society. They unpack Ben’s 15-year journey chasing the truth, what we actually know today, and why Satoshi Nakamoto’s anonymity still matters.

In Episode #263, Osi is joined by author and journalist Katherine Stewart to discuss her research into the increasingly visible and influential Christian nationalist movement in the United States. What dangers does this movement pose? Who is funding it? Who are the key players? They answer these questions and more.Katherine Stewart is an American journalist and author who writes extensively about the separation of church and state, the rise of religious nationalism, and global movements pushing back against liberal democracy. In her new book, Money, Lies, and God, she asks a troubling question: why have so many Americans turned against democracy? Drawing on deep, on-the-ground reporting, Stewart brings readers into conferences of conspiracy-mongers, closed-door strategy meetings, and services at extremist churches, while introducing us to the people working to tear the system down.

In Episode #262, Osi is joined by author Alexander Douglas for a philosophical conversation on identity. Why are we obsessed with “finding ourselves”? What happens when the identity we’ve built for ourselves starts to fall apart? Is identity actually getting in the way of love, peace, and connection? They tackle these questions and more.Link to Against Identity: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/456203/against-identity-by-douglas-alexander/9780241648216Alexander Douglas is a senior lecturer in philosophy in the School of Philosophical, Anthropological, and Film Studies at the University of St Andrews, and the author of the recent book Against Identity: The Wisdom of Escaping the Self. His teaching and broader academic work are detailed on his university staff page, reflecting his wide-ranging engagement with the field. Douglas’s research centers on the philosophy of the human sciences, with a particular focus on how philosophical ideas about identity shape and illuminate our social interactions.

In Episode #261, musician Mato Wayuhi returns to the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation with Osi about music, creativity, and culture. They dissect Mato’s new album BYGONER, exploring the creative process behind it, discuss the importance of authentic Native representation in media, and more.Mato Wayuhi is an Oglala Lakota artist originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Alongside creating his own work, he also moves fluidly through film and television as an actor, producer, and musical composer. His latest album, BYGONER, is out now on all streaming platforms and at all major music retailers.

In Episode #260, Osi sits down with producer and beatmaker DJ L for a wide-ranging conversation about music’s past, present, and future. They discuss and acknowledge the architects of the Chicago drill sound, the producers who’ve shaped hip-hop the most, and whether AI represents the next natural evolution in music, or an existential threat to the art form.DJ L is a Chicago-based producer and beatmaker whose fingerprints are all over the sound of modern drill. A former marching-band percussionist, he blended that rhythmic foundation with the house and juke music he grew up hearing at Chicago parties, creating a style that helped define an entire movement. His credits stretch across the city and beyond, working with artists like Tink, Lil Jay, G Herbo, Lil Durk, RondoNumbaNine, FBG Duck, Lil Bibby, Lil Reese, DeJ Loaf, Kevin Gates, and many more.

In Episode #259, Osi is joined by international security specialist Steven Holland to discuss what it truly takes to operate and survive the most dangerous places on the planet. Steven shares how his military background shaped his path into private security, firsthand insight from his work in conflict zones such as Gaza and Ukraine, and more.Steven Holland is a security professional with extensive experience operating in some of the world’s most challenging environments. He began his career as an Infantry soldier, where he built the discipline and practical skills that would guide his transition into private security. After his military service, Steven entered the private sector, taking on diplomatic and oil-and-gas security contracts that brought him back to Iraq and Afghanistan. His steady judgment and reliability quickly earned him a reputation as someone who could be trusted to work in high-risk, high-pressure settings. His work has since taken him to conflict zones including Ukraine and Gaza, where he has provided protection for leading journalists covering critical stories on the ground. In addition to his security roles, Steven has supported humanitarian operations in Gaza, helping coordinate essential food supplies and resources for communities in need. Throughout his career, Steven has built a path defined by steadiness, adaptability, and a commitment to keeping people safe.

In Episode #258, rapper Drizzy Tae returns to the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation with Osi about the artistic process. How do you find inspiration when you feel tapped out? How does a young artist navigate the industry without losing themselves? They dig into these questions and more.

In Episode #257, Osi is joined by humanitarian and firefighter Amanda Ainsworth to discuss her evolution from an everyday citizen into a frontline responder supporting major humanitarian crises across Europe. They discuss the experiences that compelled her to take action independently, her time in refugee camps and how it has profoundly changed her perspective, how the growing nationalist sentiment in the UK is fostering public apathy toward people seeking refuge from life-threatening situations, and more.Amanda Ainsworth is a dedicated humanitarian and firefighter whose work has supported several major European humanitarian crises. Her efforts began in 2014 during the refugee crisis, when she traveled to the Calais camp to assess conditions firsthand. Moved by the needs she encountered, she made multiple return trips, independently fundraising, collecting donations, and delivering essential supplies. In 2017, while completing her teaching degree, Amanda volunteered in Greece at the Olive Grove camp beside the Moria site, further expanding her field experience. Her ongoing commitment to crisis response later led her to join Children of Ukraine, founded by Steven Holland, where she now contributes to the organization’s fundraising and media initiatives.

In Episode #256, Osi sits down with visual artist and illustrator FRKO RICO for a wide-ranging conversation. What does getting your big break as an artist look like in real time? How do you balance creative freedom with family life? What does “selling out” actually mean? And is AI something artists should be worried about? Osi and FRKO tackle these questions and more.FRKO, also known as Freako Rico, is an Atlanta-based visual artist whose work bridges street culture, hip-hop, and fine art. His vivid, often irreverent illustrations have defined album covers for artists like Action Bronson and Gucci Mane, while his gallery shows and merch lines push his creative vision beyond music. He grew up in Atlanta during the 1990s, absorbing the city’s art, skate, and hip-hop scenes before studying painting and sculpture at Howard University. FRKO’s art feels like a visual mixtape: loud, funny, raw, and honest. He calls it “hysterical, belligerent art,” a reflection of life as he’s seen and lived it. His story is one of self-definition, building a career from pure originality and hustle without waiting for validation.

In Episode #255, Osi sits down with renowned epidemiologist Michael Osterholm to talk about why it’s so important to start preparing now for the next pandemic. How did politicians and the scientific community fall short during COVID 19, and what lessons do we need to take with us moving forward? When might the next pandemic happen? Osi and Michael dig into these questions and more.Link to The Big One - https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/michael-t-osterholm-phd-mph/the-big-one/9780316258340/Michael Thomas Osterholm is an American epidemiologist, Regents Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, and director of the University’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. He is the author of several books, including his latest, The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics (2025).