What does it mean to truly understand the world around us? That’s the question at the heart of Wisdom Keepers, a new PBS series premiering tonight (June 9) at 10 p.m. Executive produced by Case Western Reserve University alumnus Bill Baker (ADL ’66; GRS ’68, ’72, communication sciences; HON ’20), this series brings together some of the world’s leading thinkers—philosophers, ethicists, scientists and others—to explore life’s deepest questions.
And for viewers in Cleveland, there’s even more reason to watch: Part of the series was filmed on the Case Western Reserve campus, where interviews with university faculty add a local touch to this thought-provoking global exploration.
The project, five years in the making, has its roots firmly planted in Baker’s long relationship with CWRU. An emeriti trustee and triple alumnus of the university, Baker holds degrees in communication sciences and psychology and received an honorary degree in 2020, when he also served as commencement speaker for that year’s graduating class.
Baker sought to bring together some of the brightest minds from diverse fields to discuss the big questions we often overlook in our daily lives.
“CWRU shaped my approach,” Baker explained. “It’s a place that encourages critical thinking and philosophical inquiry, and I wanted to bring that spirit into the project.”
One of the filming locations was the university’s Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center at the Temple–Tifereth Israel, a space Baker was particularly fond of and saw as an ideal setting to interview several CWRU faculty members. Those interviews—which will appear in later episodes—feature Julie Exline, Shannon French and Timothy Beal. Cleveland-based playwright Michael Oatman also is featured.
Wisdom Keepers also features a wide range of prominent voices, including internationally known theologian and author Father Richard Rohr, Rabbi Rachel Timoner, Baptist minister A.R. Bernard, and philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah, among others. While each brings a unique perspective, together they tackle the universal challenges of finding meaning and purpose in today’s complex world.
While Wisdom Keepers marks his latest project, Baker brings decades of experience in media and broadcasting to the series. Before serving as president of New York Public Television for more than two decades, he was president of Westinghouse Television and chair of its cable and programming companies for 10 years. There, he launched five cable networks—including the Discovery Channel and the Disney Channel—created the PM Magazine evening show and introduced Oprah Winfrey to the world as a talk-show host.
In addition to its national broadcast, Wisdom Keepers will remain available for streaming on PBS.org, with eight extended episodes offering viewers even deeper dives into the conversations. Baker hopes the series sparks ongoing reflection and dialogue.
“It’s more than a TV show,” he pointed out. “It’s an opportunity to reflect on our world and our place in it.”