In this interview, Arthur Bienstock discusses his life and career. Topics discussed include: growing up in New York City; time at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, noting his interest in physics; pursuing his Ph.D. at Harvard University; his marriage; work at the Bureau of Standards; postdoc at Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell; the birth of his daughter Amy and his commitment to women in academics; his recruitment to Stanford, joint appointment in Materials Science and Applied Physics, and time as vice provost, including his work with affirmative action; development of the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL), noting its funders, primarily the Department of Energy; his work on Facilities Initiatives for US national laboratories; SSRLs relationship with Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) and his work with SLACs directors; his work on the Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid Committee and the Committee for Research, including the indirect cost controversy; his appointment as Associate Director for Science in the Office of Science and Technology Policy; his return to Stanford, including the Materials Research Council, the Geballe Lab for Advanced Materials, and his work with the Wallenberg Foundation.