Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness

Lisa Boutin Vitela is Assistant Professor of Art History at Cerritos College. In Jonathan’s words, she’s “most professory about the gorgeous renaissance” so comes by to talk about the Ninja Turtle artists - Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci, plus feminist art trailblazer Artemisia Gentileschi. Find out more about Lisa’s work at Cerritos College - cerritos.edu. She’s on Twitter @LisaBoutin and ProfVitela1474 on Insta. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Also Twitter and Facebook. Watch Jonathan on Queer Eye, streaming now on Netflix.

Karamo Brown joins Jonathan to talk about his childhood, Gay rights, school shootings, The Real World, make-up, self improvement, working for Oprah, and their shared experiences on Queer Eye. Find Karamo on Twitter @KaramoBrown, on Insta @KaramoBrown and at his website KaramoBrown.com. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Also on Twitter @JVN and on Facebook. Our Facebook group is at GettingCurious. Catch Jonathan and Karamo changing lives on Queer Eye, streaming now on Netflix.

Mirai Nagasu was the first American female figure skater to land a triple axel at the Olympics, securing a bronze medal at PyeongChang 2018. Jonathan chokes back tears of love and joy to get deep into the technical, artistic and political aspects of figure skating. Plus Mirai shares what it’s been like losing the skates to compete in Dancing with the Stars: Athletes, which airs from Monday April 30th on ABC. Vote for Mirai by visiting abc.com! Find Mirai on Instagram at mirainagasu, on Twitter @mirai_nagasu, or at mirainagasu.com. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. You can also follow him on Twitter and Facebook. The latest season of Queer Eye is streaming now on Netflix.

Mary O’Hara returns with a Brexit update. What’s actually happened since the 2016 referendum? Is it too late to turn back? Do we love Nicola Sturgeon? And why has Northern Ireland become such a focus of Brexit negotiations? You can find Mary O’Hara’s writing at MaryOHara.eu as well as at The Guardian and on Twitter @MaryOHara1. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN, he's the same on Twitter and Facebook. Don’t miss Jonathan on Queer Eye - streaming now on Netflix.

Professor James Nieh answers Jonathan’s questions about the diseases that are killing off our bees, explains the role bees play in bringing us almonds, and outlines the hierarchies and communication processes going on in hives all over the world. Professor Nieh works out of UC San Diego, researching how natural and man-made stressors affect the biology and behavior of bees. Find out more about Professor Nieh’s work by visiting the Nieh Lab website and following him on Twitter @jnieh1. Jonathan’s on Instagram @JVN. Also Twitter and Facebook. Find Queer Eye streaming now on Netflix.

Dr Natalie Feinblatt explains the 4 criteria an organization needs to meet to be called a cult and looks at how the term can be used and misused in relationship to religions and rehabilitation programs. Plus Jonathan asks about murder porn cults and Wild Wild Country, because that’s what the podcast charts like, right? Find Dr Natalie Feinblatt’s work at DrNatalieFeinblatt.com. She’s on Instagram @Dr_Natalie_F. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Also Twitter and Facebook. Don’t miss Jonathan on Queer Eye, steaming now on Netflix.

Queer Eye co-host, Antoni Porowski joins Jonathan in a wintery New York studio to hang out, share stories from his childhood as a first generation Polish Canadian, and to compare the schooling systems he experienced in Montreal and West Virginia. Follow Antoni on Twitter and Instagram on @Antoni. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Also Twitter and Facebook. Don’t miss Jonathan and Antoni on Queer Eye - available now on Netflix.

Tim Molina, Political Director at Courage Campaign, explains why he’s currently focusing on California bail reform and what exactly he's hoping to change. Tim’s on Twitter @TMMolina, while you’re their he says you should also follow @ColorofChange, @ACLU, and of course @CourageCampaign. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Also Twitter and Facebook. Don’t miss Jonathan on the new Queer Eye which is out now on Netflix.

Ryan Patel is a global business executive and consultant. He was Vice President of Global Development at Pinkberry and came in to tell us about why the Chinese economy is set to take the worldwide #1 spot and what that means for the US. Find out more about Ryan at RyanPatelSpeaks.com. He's also on Twitter @RyanPatelGlobal. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Also Twitter and Facebook. Catch Jonathan on Queer Eye, out now on Netflix.

Dave Holmes tells Jonathan how he went from losing MTV's first Wanna Be a VJ contest to landing his dream job. Plus, why he left the studios before Mariah Carey’s infamous 2001 TRL meltdown, and why the gay media’s love of a topless selfie can get in the way of really serving the community. Sign up for Dave’s e-mail list of cultural recommendations at TheDaveHolmesDiet, follow him on Twitter @DaveHolmes, read his latest stuff for Esquire and buy his book, Party of One and check out his queer relationship and culture podcast, Homophilia. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Also Twitter and Facebook. Don’t miss Jonathan on the new reboot of Queer Eye which is out now on Netflix.

Catherine Cahill is an opioid neuropharmacologist and a professor in UCLA’s Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Studies, specializing in chronic pain. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Jonathan asks Prof. Cath why we experience pain, what makes chronic pain so different and what we can do to treat it. You can find out more about Professor Cahill’s work at UCLA or follow her on Twitter @PainLabQ. Jonathan is on Twitter and Instagram as @JVN and now on Facebook too! Join the Getting Curious group on Facebook here. Don’t miss Jonathan on the new reboot of Queer Eye which is out now on Netflix.

Veteran, actor and veterans rights activist, Linsay Rousseau Burnett joins Jonathan to share her experiences in the military and consider how #MeToo can be applied to the armed forces. Find out more about Linsay at LinsayRousseau.com where you’ll also find links to her social media. She's currently appearing in season 2 of the Deliberations podcast at Delibersationspod.com. Jonathan is on Twitter and Instagram as @JVN, and you can see him in the reboot of Queer Eye which launches this week on Netflix.

Andrew Ti, host of the podcast Yo, Is This Racist?, talks to Jonathan about how Trump’s America isn’t necessarily more racist than Obama’s, and about why we should be challenging ourselves and others on an ongoing basis. Check out Andrew Ti’s Yo, Is This Racist? blog and podcast. He’s on Twitter and Instagram as @ANDREWTI. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Dr Chris Evans talks with Jonathan about how people get addicted to opioids, why addiction is so hard to kick, and what we can do about this national crisis. Dr Evans is Director of the Brain Research Institute at UCLA and of the Hatos Centre for Neuropharmacology. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Dr Teresa Wlasiuk, joins Jonathan to share her expertise in acupuncture and Chinese medicine and outline ways it can help us over the stressful holiday season. You can follow Dr Wlasiuk on Instagram @GoldenNeedleAcupuncture and find her work at GoldenNeedleAcupunture.com. Jonathan’s on Instagram @JVN.

Dr Richard Hovannisian, Professor Emeritus of Armenian History at UCLA, joins Jonathan to outline the history of the Armenian Genocide and to explain why you might not know as much about it as you should. Find more about Dr Richard Hovannisian’s work at UCLA and USC’s Shoah Foundation. You can also find his books on Amazon or at your favorite independent bookshop. Jonathan’s on Instagram @JVN.

Christina Copland outlines the history of Los Angeles and how its early public transit system faltered, leading to today’s “autopia”. Plus Jonathan confesses to a lifelong struggle with remembering how we name centuries. Find Christina Copland’s work at USC. She’s on Twitter @ChristinaCopla1 and blogs at KCET. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Dr Rebecca Simon outlines the history in the Atlantic, from Captain Kidd to Blackbeard. Were pirates into butt stuff? Who were the Adele or Beyonces of the scene and was the golden age of piracy 420 friendly? Find Dr Simon’s work at rebecca-simon.com. She’s on Instagram @beckita85 and on Twitter @beckalex. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Neuroscientist and comedian, Dr. Ori Amir bring us up to speed on A.I., explaining why Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg had a Twitter feud over it, what its benefits and risks might be, and what it’ll mean for all of us over the coming decade. Follow Ori’s work at OriAmir.com, @OriAmir on Twitter and find him at OriXAmir on Instagram. Jonathan is @TheGayOfThrones on Twitter and JVN in Instagram.

Dr James Gelvin (Professor of Middle Eastern History at UCLA) returns to help relaunch the podcast and update us on the current situation in the Middle East. Dr Gelvin’s upcoming book is called “The New Middle East: What Everyone Needs to Know”. Dr. Gelvin doesn't do social media, but you can follow Jonathan on Instagram @JVN and on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones. Getting Curious is produced by Jonathan Van Ness, Colin Anderson and Mary O'Hara.

Jonathan sits down with his mom, Mary Winters, to talk about the way media is changing, childhood costumes, and things you learn on podcasts. And were there ribbon sticks or not?! With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Mary Winters. Edited by Stacey Molski. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Daniel Baruela for MaximumFun.org. You can find Jonathan on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones or follow him on his Instagram @GayOfThrones. You can join the Getting Curious Facebook group here, and you can follow us on Twitter, @Getting_Curious

Jonathan sits down with stand-up comedian Shane Mauss to talk about psychedelics, the pros and cons of edibles, and microdosing. And how was the first time Jonathan did shrooms? With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Shane Mauss Shane Mauss: http://www.shanemauss.com Shane Mauss on Twitter: @shanecomedy Here We Are Podcast: http://www.herewearepodcast.com Produced by Christian Dueñas and Daniel Baruela for MaximumFun.org You can find Jonathan on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones or follow him on his Instagram @GayOfThrones. You can join the Getting Curious Facebook group here, and you can follow us on Twitter, @Getting_Curious

Jonathan sits down with Throwing Shade's Erin Gibson to talk about the difference between hosting a podcast vs. a TV show, cultural appropriation, and the Miss Universe pageant. And why does Turks and Caicos have two names? With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Erin Gibson. You can find Erin on Twitter @gibblertron Throwing Shade the Podcast Throwing Shade on TV Land Produced by Christian Dueñas and Daniel Baruela for MaximumFun.org You can find Jonathan on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones or follow him on his Instagram @GayOfThrones. You can join the Getting Curious Facebook group here, and you can follow us on Twitter, @Getting_Curious

Jonathan sits down with Orlando Soria, Premier Designer for Homepolish, to talk about telling your story through interior design, the quality of The Crown, and how to get out of a midterm. And are accent walls basic af? With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Orlando Soria. You can find Orlando on Instagram @mrorlandosoria. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Daniel Baruela for MaximumFun.org You can find Jonathan on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones or follow him on his Instagram @GayOfThrones. You can join the Getting Curious Facebook group here, and you can follow us on Twitter, @Getting_Curious.

Jonathan sits down with singer, songwriter, recording artist extraordinaire Lizzo to talk about having her heart broken, getting an album named one of the Top 20 of 2016, and who she's obsessed with. And what's the definition of a "bad bitch"? With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Lizzo. You can find Lizzo on Instagram, @LizzoBeEating, and on Twitter, @Lizzo. Edited by Shara Morris. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. You can find Jonathan on Twitter, @TheGayOfThrones, or follow him on his Instagram, @GayOfThrones. You can join the Getting Curious Facebook group here, and you can follow us on Twitter, @Getting_Curious.

Jonathan sits down with writer and actress Zoe Jarman to talk about the ups and downs of 2016. They cover the Olympics, personal goals, and British crime dramas. And how do you pronounce "Anti" anyway? With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Zoe Jarman. You can find Zoe on Twitter @zoeannejarman. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Daniel Baruela for MaximumFun.org You can find Jonathan on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones or follow him on his Instagram @GayOfThrones. You can join the Getting Curious Facebook group here, and you can follow us on Twitter, @Getting_Curious.

Jonathan sits down with hairstylist and social media influencer Kyle Krieger to talk about vulnerability. They discuss authenticity, moving from coast to coast, and being invited to the White House. Plus, Jonathan loves straddling. With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Kyle Krieger. You can find Kyle on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Edited by Kara Hart. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Daniel Baruela for MaximumFun.org You can find Jonathan on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones or follow him on his Instagram @GayOfThrones. You can join the Getting Curious Facebook group here, and you can follow us on Twitter, @Getting_Curious.

Jonathan catches up with Christopher Barnard, freelance writer and hometown friend. They talk about Christopher's path to writing, how to interview somebody famous, and the future of print media. Plus, Chris shares how to stay informed on fashion, even if you live in Bumblefuck, or whatever. With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Christopher Barnard. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Daniel Baruela for MaximumFun.org You can find Jonathan on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones or follow him on his Instagram @GayOfThrones. You can join the Getting Curious Facebook group here, and you can follow us on Twitter, @Getting_Curious.

This week, Jonathan sits down with Wanyi Jiang, Design Director at Marie Claire.  They talk about Wanyi's path to design, what 1990s TV drama is inspiring today's fashion, and the real problem with Millennials.    With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Wanyi Jiang Edited by Kara Hart Produced by Christian Dueñas and Daniel Baruela for MaximumFun.org You can find Jonathan on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones or follow him on his Instagram @GayOfThrones. You can join the Getting Curious Facebook group here, and you can follow us on Twitter, @Getting_Curious.

Jonathan sits down with Policy Consultant Greg Srolestar in a Getting Curious election special! They talk about Citizens United, bans on plastic bags, and why some of these propositions are worded so strangely. Plus, Jonathan professes his love for marijuana. With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Greg Srolestar If you want to get informed on your local propositions, check out Ballotpedia! Produced by Christian Dueñas and Daniel Baruela for MaximumFun.org You can find Jonathan on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones or follow him on his Instagram @GayOfThrones. You can join the Getting Curious Facebook group here, and you can follow us on Twitter, @Getting_Curious.

Jonathan sits down with model and actress Mercedes Yvette to talk about America’s Next Top Model, being diagnosed with lupus, and Ayurveda medicine. Plus, Jonathan falls in love with Mercedes’ amazing dog, Porkchop. Check out Mercedes Yvette’s shop, The Gilded Fox! With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Mercedes Yvette   Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Jonathan sits down with UCLA student Erick Zerecero to talk about what life is like for an undocumented person living in the US and the process of becoming a citizen. Plus, Jonathan cries for the first time on the show and producer Christian makes his debut. With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Erick Zerecero Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Jonathan sits down with model Denise Bidot to talk about the modeling industry, New York Fashion Week, and how to truly embrace your body, curves and all. Plus, Denise tells us how to deal with haters on the internet.   With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Denise Bidot Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Jonathan sits down with therapist and author Stan Tatkin to talk about how we can create meaningful and fulfilling relationships with other human beings. Plus, they discuss dating as a numbers game, the idea of soulmates, and Jonathan asks for love advice on behalf of his friends. With Jonathan Van Ness and Stan Tatkin Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Jonathan sits down with evolutionary biologist Dr. Leryn Gorlitsky to discuss the many mass extinctions that have happened through Earth’s lifetime, why some species survive and why others die, and how humans are the primary cause of the ongoing mass extinction today. With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Leryn Gorlitsky. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Jonathan sits down with Physician Assistant and PrEP Research Clinician Kayla McLaughlin to talk about what PrEP is, how far HIV research has gotten since the 80s, and why HIV is so hard to cure. Plus, Kayla discusses the curious cases of the Mississippi Baby and the Berlin Patient. With Jonathan Van Ness and Kayla McLaughlin Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Jonathan sits down with director Carla Dauden to talk about Brazil's political parties, life in favelas, and Carla's new documentary, The Discarded: A Tale of Two Rios. Plus, Jonathan finds out about the Bernie Sanders of Uruguay. With Jonathan Van Ness and guest Carla Dauden Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

In this special super-sized episode of Getting Curious, Jonathan is joined by Editorial Manager Andrei Berman and Deputy Press Secretary Taylor Maxwell of Everytown for Gun Safety to talk about the second amendment, what exactly the NRA is, and what we can do to help promote gun safety. With Jonathan Van Ness, Taylor Maxwell, and Andrei Berman of Everytown for Gun Safety Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Jonathan sits down with Guardian columnist and author Mary O'Hara to discuss what Brexit is, how it affects British people all around the EU, and why the far right seems to be getting more popular. Also, Jonathan talks about why he had a crush on Tony Blair back in the day.  With Jonathan Van Ness and guest Mary O'Hara Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Jonathan sits down with physics professor Alan Weinstein to discuss gravitational waves, Einstein's theory of relativity, and his work for LIGO. Plus, Jonathan and Alan try to imitate the sound of two black holes merging. It's delightful. With Jonathan Van Ness and Alan Weinstein   Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Jonathan sits down with writer and comedian Byron Lane to talk being diagnosed and treated for testicular cancer and how he was able to write and produce Last Will and Testicle, a comedy web series based on his own experience. With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Byron Lane.   Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Jonathan sits down with comedian and host of United Shades of America, W. Kamau Bell to talk about racism in the US, interracial relationships, and what exactly white privilege is. Plus, Jonathan gives us an example of when it’s okay to overcharge for hairdressing.    With Jonathan Van Ness and W. Kamau Bell Produced By Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Jonathan sits down with Scarlett Wang in NYC to talk about moving to America, why certain websites are blocked in China, and how their elections are similar to how America’s Next Top Model works. With Jonathan Van Ness and Scarlett Wang  Produced by Christian Dueñas

Jonathan is joined by comedian and actor Ian Harvie to talk about moving to Los Angeles, Transparent, and what it means to truly be comfortable with your gender identity.

Jonathan sits down with Dr. Lina Nih to talk about what causes strokes, how to detect a possible stroke, and what medical researchers are doing to better treat stroke victims. With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Lina Nih. Produced by Colin Anderson and Christian Duenas for MaximumFun.org

Jonathan is joined by Ilona Varo, a marriage and family therapist intern specializing in eating disorders. With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Ilona Varo. You can find Jonathan on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones or follow him on his Instagram Gay of Thrones. The Getting Curious Facebook group is here and you can follow us on Twitter @Getting_Curious on Twitter. Produced by Colin Anderson & Christian Dueñas. Support our show by donating at MaximumFun.org.

Margaret Cho joins Jonathan to get curious about comedy, dogs, charity and cannabis. With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Margaret Cho. You can find Jonathan on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones or follow him on his Instagram Gay of Thrones. The Getting Curious Facebook group is here. Produced by Colin Anderson & Christian Dueñas.

Jonathan is joined by Brad Damaré (Professor in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures at USC) to uncover the true story behind the 1997 animated film Anastasia. With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Brad Damaré. You can find Jonathan on Twitter @TheGayOfThrones or follow him on his Instagram Gay of Thrones. The Getting Curious Facebook group is here and you can follow us on Twitter @Getting_Curious on Twitter. Produced by Colin Anderson & Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Jonathan sits down with Academy Award nominated film director Courtney Marsh. He wants to find out more about the chemical Agent Orange and about Chau, the subject of Courtney's documentary short, Chau: Beyond the Lines. The film profiles Chau, a teenager living in a Vietnamese care center for young people disabled by Agent Orange, struggling with the reality of his dream to one day become a professional artist. Find Courtney on Instagram, Twitter and at CourtneyNMarsh.com . You can view and commission Chau's art work at BeyondTheLinesFilm.com. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Jonathan sits down with writer Elizabeth Kaye to talk about all things Bernie Sanders. His policies, beliefs, and his past. It's all here.  With Jonathan Van Ness and guest, Elizabeth Kaye. Produced by Colin Anderson and Christian Duenas for MaximumFun.org.