The Infinite Mind
| Genre | Health and science national, weekly public radio program. |
|---|---|
| Running time | 60 mins |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Language(s) | English |
| Syndicates | Lichtenstein Creative Media |
| Starring | John Hockenberry, Fred Goodwin, and Peter Kramer. |
| Created by | Bill Lichtenstein, Lichtenstein Creative Media. |
| Produced by | June Peoples (Show producer), Marit Haahr; Emily Fisher; Dempsey Rice, Devorah Klahr, Mary Carmichael, Eva Neuberg, Sharon Lerner, Jennifer Chu, Jennifer Ehrlich. |
| Executive producer(s) | Bill Lichtenstein (1998 - 2004; 2006 - 2008); June Peoples (2003 - 2005); |
| Original release | December 20, 1997 (pilot) – November 20, 2008 |
| Opening theme | The Infinite Mind theme, by Art Labriola. |
| Ending theme | The Infinite Mind closing theme, by Art Labriola |
| Website | LCMedia.com |
| Podcast | Webstore |
The Infinite Mind was a weekly one-hour radio series that aired on NPR (National Public Radio) between 1998 and 2008 in the United States. The show focused on aspects of mental health, neuroscience, and the biology of human behaviour and was independently produced and distributed by Lichtenstein Creative Media.
The program was first hosted by Frederick K. Goodwin in 1998 and then by Peter D. Kramer until 2008, with John Hockenberry providing weekly commentary. Goodwin also served as guest host on various shows during this latter time period. The series was a non-profit production with a team of 10, including three producers, and was reportedly budgeted for approximately $20,000 per episode. Lichtenstein Creative Media's president, Bill Lichtenstein, was the show's creator and executive producer. June Peoples served as show producer.
According to the show's producers, "The Infinite Mind" looked at "how the brain works, and why it sometimes does not, covering mental health, neuroscience and the mind/body connection from scientific, cultural and policy perspectives." The program examined many aspects of neuroscience, mental health and the mind. At its peak, it had nearly one million listeners weekly, and it received 30 major journalism honors, including a UN Media Award for a program on "War", five National Headliner Awards, and three Gracie Awards.
The program was dropped from NPR's satellite feed after news stories reported that Goodwin had a conflict of interest. Though Goodwin drew on his thirty-plus years of clinical experience when interviewing guests and discussing pharmaceutical treatments for mental illness, it was revealed that he had been receiving financial compensation from pharmaceutical companies for consulting and physician education.