Episodes

  • Alexander Neef - Opera: Intimidating or Essential?

    Alexander Neef - Opera: Intimidating or Essential?
    Apr 30 2026
    In this episode of The Gould Standard, Alexander Neef, General Director of the Opéra national de Paris, joins Brian Levine to reframe how we think about opera, and to provide a user-friendly on-ramp for opera-curious newcomers. Beginning with its roots in Renaissance Italy, Neef traces opera’s evolution from courtly entertainment to a global cultural force, one that has continually reflected the deepest tensions, social and cultural trends of its time. From the human dramas of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Giuseppe Verdi to the radical innovations of Richard Wagner, and the trauma-driven experimentation, sense of dislocation and alienation of the twentieth […]
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    57 mins
  • Chris Levine - Finding the Light

    Chris Levine - Finding the Light
    Mar 27 2026

    Artist Chris Levine takes listeners inside the cutting edge of portraiture, where art, science, and spirituality come together. From the technical challenges of holography, where even microscopic vibrations can ruin an image, to the pioneering image making that led to his iconic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, Levine reveals how precision and intuition shape his work.

    He recounts the surreal experience of photographing the Queen, the pressure of reimagining one of the most depicted figures in history, and how a second sitting unlocked the now famous Equanimity image.

    The conversation then turns to Elton John, exploring their creative collaboration, Levine’s contributions to the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and the challenge of capturing both the performer’s flamboyance and inner stillness.

    Blending innovation with introspection, Levine reflects on art as a path to healing, the power of light, and how moments of stillness can reveal something profoundly human beneath the surface.
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Exploring Music's Primal Power with Gabor Maté

    Exploring Music's Primal Power with Gabor Maté
    Dec 4 2025
    Join Dr Gabor Maté and Brian Levine in this enlightening episode of The Gould Standard, as they explore the profound impact of music on the human experience. Delve into topics ranging from the primal elements of music and its role in early childhood development, to the therapeutic potential of music in trauma recovery. Maté and Levine recount powerful anecdotes, share personal experiences, and discuss the universality of music across different cultures. Discover how music, from lullabies to complex symphonies, serves as a profound source of emotional and psychological nourishment.
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    59 mins
  • Dr. Gabor Maté - Trauma, Healing and Music (Part I)

    Dr. Gabor Maté - Trauma, Healing and Music (Part I)
    Nov 20 2025
    Join us for part one of a revelatory conversation (presented at The Promise of Music - The First World Congress on the Social Impact of Music presented by The Glenn Gould Foundation in October 2025). Dr. Gabor Maté is a world-renowned authority on trauma and its wide-ranging harms. Noted for his compassion, wisdom and holistic approach to mind and body, Dr. Maté is a best-selling author, and internationally sought-after speaker. Dr. Maté discusses his foundational understanding of trauma, and its destructive effects on mental and physical health, relationships and society at large. Discover how deep-seated psychic wounds influence physical diseases, addictions, and societal behaviours. The discussion also explores the intergenerational transmission of trauma and its socio-political ramifications, alongside the alternatives offered by different cultures, including those of Indigenous peoples. This episode delves into the unity of mind and body, the profound impact of unresolved trauma, and the broader implications for society and our collective history.
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    40 mins
  • Glenn Gould's First Piano - The Well-travelled Clavier

    Glenn Gould's First Piano - The Well-travelled Clavier
    Jul 24 2025

    Join Brian Levine, Executive Director of The Glenn Gould Foundation, as we look back on the 86th anniversary of Glenn Gould's birth and the first official Glenn Gould Day in Toronto. Featuring sisters Heather Tucker and Susanne Rayner. Discover the origins of Glenn Gould's musical journey through his very first piano—a humble Dominion piano—and learn about the rich history and personal connections between the Gould family and the Morton family. Hear anecdotes about Glenn's early life, his unique bond with the Dominion upright, and the cherished memories shared by those who knew him best.
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    34 mins
  • Stephen Fry - Part 2 - Loveable Legend

    Stephen Fry - Part 2 - Loveable Legend
    Jun 19 2025

    Join host Brian Levine on The Gould Standard podcast as he welcomes back the prolific and insightful Stephen Fry. In this enriching episode, Fry reflects on his roles in 'Wilde,' 'V for Vendetta,' and 'Gosford Park,' and explores the future of art in an AI-dominated world. Touching on themes of creativity, persecution, and the intersection of technology and society, Fry provides thought-provoking insights into both his artistic journey and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Don't miss this captivating conversation filled with humor, wisdom, and a call to cherish and safeguard human ingenuity.

    Stephen Fry:

    • Website: https://www.stephenfry.com/
    • IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000410/
    • X: https://x.com/stephenfry?lang=en
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenfryactually/?hl=en

    The Glenn Gould Foundation:

    • https://www.glenngould.ca
    • https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-glenn-gould-foundation/
    • https://www.youtube.com/@theglenngouldfoundation
    • https://www.facebook.com/TheGlennGouldFoundation/
    • https://twitter.com/GlennGouldFndn
    • https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-glenn-gould-foundation/
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E4NjSP86kUnBxc3iVMQDs
    • Podcast: https://pod.link/thegouldstandard
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Micah Hendler and the Jerusalem Youth Chorus - Healing through Harmony

    Micah Hendler and the Jerusalem Youth Chorus - Healing through Harmony
    Dec 19 2024
    In this episode of the Glenn Gould Podcast, Brian Levine is joined by guest Micah Hendler where we explore the concept of small victories through music—moments of connection and understanding that we can create ourselves, even amidst great divides. Micah Hendler is the founder and artistic director of the Jerusalem Youth Chorus, which follows this principle through its work in Jerusalem, where they use music to serve as a bridge between Israeli and Palestinian youth. The Jerusalem Youth Chorus is unique in that half of its members are Israeli, and the other half are Palestinian. Through music, we’re able to find a way to coexist and foster greater understanding for each other, allowing Israeli and Palestinian youth to connect and share their experiences together.
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Rick Beato - Beato's Verdict

    Rick Beato - Beato's Verdict
    Nov 14 2024
    Rick Beato is a musical and internet phenomenon. On this episode of The Gould Standard, host Brian Levine sits down with Rick, a renowned music educator, producer, and YouTube sensation. Starting with discussion around Rick's early influences, including his classical music background and exposure to jazz. Rick shares his journey from teaching to becoming a successful music producer and YouTuber with 4.5 million subscribers and over 1.5 Billion views. Rick shares the secrets to the success of his popular Youtube series “What Makes This Song Great?,” the vital importance of ear training, the impact of technology on music production, the negative impacts of music streaming services and the irreplaceable importance of live performance. Rick also discusses his interviews with legendary musicians and the role of harmony (musically and emotionally) in creating impactful music. It’s an in-depth and inspiring discussion about one man’s passionate love of music and his dedication to sharing a lifetime of joy, insight and brilliant communication with devoted audiences globally.
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    1 hr and 29 mins