Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
Dr. Reza Aslan's bachelor's degree is in religious studies, with an emphasis on scripture and traditions (which at Santa Clara University means the New Testament). His minor was in biblical Greek. He has a master of theological studies degree from Harvard University, in world religions, and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in the sociology of religions. UCSB's doctoral program is an interdisciplinary one that draws from religion, history, philosophy, and sociology, among other fields. Aslan's doctorate in the sociology of religions encompasses expertise in the history of religion. Reza also has a master of fine arts degree from the University of Iowa. Dr. Aslan is currently professor of creative writing at the University of California, Riverside, with a joint appointment in the department of religion, and he teaches in both disciplines. He was previously Wallerstein Distinguished Visiting Professor at Drew University, where he taught from 2012 to 2013, and assistant visiting professor of religion at the University of Iowa, where he taught from 2000 to 2003. He has written three books on religion.
Jill Soloway details how the experiences of her own family led to the characters in the hit show Transparent. Reza’s featured guest is Jill Soloway, Emmy-nominated writer and Emmy-winning director of Transparent (Amazon), and writer on Six Feet Under, and United States of Tara. Jill’s musical guest include Silver Lake fixtures, The Local Natives. Additionally, several actors and writers from Transparent join in on the green room conversation, chatting with The Local Natives band members, and Jill’s own family (son, sister and mother). It’s a family affair, Silver Lake-style.
