Top 5 Shows In 2012: Arwen Nicks' Favorite Conversations

I feel extremely fortunate that I get to work on The Conversation with Ross Reynolds and David Hyde (and the interns — hi interns!) But! I've been tasked with picking a mere five conversations that are my favorite from 2012 and thus, in no particular order here are my favorites.

1. There is a joke around here that if a book has been written about the way the brain works, I will pitch a show on it. It is funny because it is true. My very favorite interview from the year was when Ross sat down with neuroscientist Simon LeVay to talk about his book on the science of sexual orientation, "Gay, Straight and the Reasons Why."

2. Oh look! Another interview with a neuroscientist! Though known best for his writing on atheism, neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris spoke with Ross about his latest book, "Free Will" in which he makes the argument that it doesn't exist at all. It is up to you whether you listen to it — or is it?

3. One of the benefits of working on The Conversation is hearing from the listeners and back in June, David filled in for Ross for one of my favorite call-in segments of the year, "Hitchhiking: Tales From The Literal Road." Spoiler alert: You will get to hear Ross talk about his first date with his wife.

4. Stranger vs. Seattle Weekly: It's black and white and red all over. Tim Keck and Mike Seely came into the studios to talk about the climate for the local weekly and it was one of the most quotable conversations from the show all year, including Mike Seely talking about how blogging can allow writers to get their "creative rocks off."

5. And last, but certainly not least, was author and New York Times business reporter Charles Duhigg talking about why we do the things we do when he spoke with Ross about his latest effort, "The Power of Habit."