The Colbert Report Season 4 Episode 62 Hasan Elahi, George Johnson

Hasan Elahi and George Johnson join Stephen Colbert on The Colbert Report season 4 episode 62. Elahi, an interdisciplinary artist, and Johnson, a science writer tackling race, genetics, and the intersection of science and society, share their expertise with Colbert in an enlightening and entertaining conversation.

Elahi first gained national attention after he was erroneously placed on the FBI's terrorist watchlist in 2002. Rather than flee or fight, he opted for a different approach: he started sharing every aspect of his life publicly online, creating a self-surveillance project called "Tracking Transience." He details how he created this project and the ways in which he has used it to interrogate state surveillance, national borders, and personal privacy. The story of how he ended up on the FBI's watchlist is especially interesting, and he shares how he used his art to respond to the surreal situation.

George Johnson, on the other hand, is a science writer and the author of several books about science (including the acclaimed "The Cancer Chronicles"). He and Colbert delve into the complex and contentious world of race and genetics, breaking down concepts like ancestry testing and genetic markers in a way that is both accessible and surprising. They also discuss Johnson's writing career and the ways in which he uses storytelling to make science more approachable to the layperson.

Throughout the episode, Colbert plays his usual role of both interviewer and jester, joking and riffing off his guests while also asking them insightful and thoughtful questions. He manages to weave together the seemingly disparate subjects of art, surveillance, race, and genetics into a cohesive and thought-provoking conversation.

Overall, The Colbert Report season 4 episode 62 stands out as a standout installment of the series, thanks to its engaging guests and Colbert's deft interviewing skills. Whether you're interested in surveillance art, science writing, or the intersection of race and genetics, there's something here for everyone.