Special Programs

WAMU 88.5
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WAMU 88.5 airs programs that we produce as well as programs from National Public Radio (NPR), Public Radio International (PRI), American Public Media (APM), the BBC, and other broadcasters from around the world. All times are Eastern Time (ET).

Learn more about upcoming special programs.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

"To the Best of Our Knowledge" is a program that cracks open the world and the ideas that fuel its engine.

Peace Talks Radio

Hidden Kitchens

Hidden Kitchens heard on Morning Edition, explores the world of secret, unexpected, below the radar cooking across America.

Moment Of Silence

WAMU will observe a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings at 2:50 p.m. ET Monday, exactly a week after the attack.

Boston Marathon Bombings — Special Coverage From WBUR

Live special coverage from WBUR 90.9 in Boston on the latest developments in the Boston Marathon bombings, hosted by Deborah Becker.

Wits

"Wits," a live public radio program, brings comedians, actors and musicians to the stage of the Fitzgerald Theater.

America Abroad — A Decade At War

This hour-long broadcast of America Abroad examines the important lessons learned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dick Spottswood’s Irish Music Special

WAMU 88.5 presents an Irish music special in recognition of St. Patrick's Day, hosted by Dick Spottswood.

Engineers Of The New Millennium: Life In 2030

"Life in 2030," a one-hour special from The Engineers of the New Millennium, explores the latest advances in science and technology.

Humankind: The Diet-Climate Connection, Episode 2

In this episode of the Diet-Climate Connection, a public health expert explains the global warming impact of our personal food choices.

Maya Angelou's Black History Month Special

In this Black History Month special, Maya Angelou offers a unique, poetic and historical portrait of iconic African Americans such as Oprah Winfrey, Kofi Annan, Jennifer Hudson, Regina Taylor and Alicia Keys.

Humankind: Rubin Carter's Hurricane

Rubin "Hurricane" Carter was a successful prize fighter who was exonerated for murder after spending nearly two decades in prison. His memoir tells the story of emerging not only from physical incarceration, but also an emotional prison.

NPR Coverage Of The 2013 State Of The Union

NPR will provide live coverage of President Barack Obama's 2013 State of the Union address.

State Of The Re:Union: Bayard Rustin, Who Is This Man?

Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have A Dream" speech has become shorthand for the civil rights movement, but we might never have heard it if not for a man who's largely been forgotten by history: Bayard Rustin.

The Kitchen Sisters: Stories Of Black Visionaries, Seekers And Entrepreneurs

Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress Alfre Woodard hosts this richly-produced and deeply-layered special that resonates for Black History Month.

Lean & Hungry Theater: Taming Of The Shrew

Lean & Hungry Theater presents a Spanish-infused adaptation of William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew."

Meet Your Mind

Peace Talks: MLK's Path to Nonviolence

How did Martin Luther King Jr. come to be one of the great voices of the 20th century? Two women who knew the man weigh in.

NPR Coverage Of 57th Presidential Inauguration

For the second inauguration of President Barack Obama, NPR will be providing live coverage and commentary.

Morning Edition

Renée Montagne and Steve Inskeep host NPR's morning news magazine.

A New Year's Big Broadcast

Celebrate the New Year with Ed Walker and the Big Broadcast.

Hot Jazz New Year's Eve

Hot Jazz Host Rob Bamberger brings WAMU’s New Year’s Eve tradition to life with six glorious hours of vintage jazz, swing, and big band recordings from the '20s, '30s, and '40s.

Special Coverage Of The Fiscal Cliff

WAMU 88.5 will air special coverage of President Obama's remarks on fiscal cliff negotiations this afternoon instead of Tell Me More.

Programming Alert: Special Coverage Of Fiscal Cliff Talks

WAMU 88.5 will air special coverage at 3 p.m. of the fiscal cliff talks between President Barack Obama and Congressional leaders.

A Season's Griot

Hosted for the last 19 years by acclaimed storyteller Madafo Lloyd Wilson, this annual one-hour special captures tales and traditions of African-American and African peoples.

The Big Broadcast: Christmas Special

WAMU 88.5 continues The Big Broadcast: Holiday Recollections Christmas night tradition.

The Blue Carbuncle: A Christmas Adventure of Sherlock Holmes

During Yuletide, Holmes and Watson face several Dickensian Londoners, a dusty hat, a famous gem and a goose. We’ll hear one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s rare comic tales.

Hearing Voices Christmas Mashup

Hearing Voices offers a variety of Christmas songs from around the world.

The Stones By The Stones

Paul Sexton has been interviewing legendy rock band The Rolling Stones for decades, and he pulls some of his favorite highlights.

A Christmas Carol (A Ghost Story For Christmas)

From the novella by Charles Dickens, WAMU 88.5 presents "A Christmas Carol (A Ghost Story for Christmas)."

Paul McCartney at the BBC

A portrait is drawn of Sir Paul McCartney, from the breakup of The Beatles through the present.

Beatleland

The legacy of Liverpool never left The Beatles, even years after they left.

Tinsel Tales

These programs feature collections of the best and most requested holiday stories from NPR voices past and present, such as David Sedaris, Bailey White and John Henry Faulk.

The Big Broadcast: Christmas Eve Special

WAMU 88.5 invites listeners to spend Christmas Eve with The Big Broadcast starting at 8 p.m.

Tinsel Tales 2

WAMU 88.5 brings another collection of NPR’S most requested holiday stories in Tinsel Tales 2.

Comedians Of Christmas Comedy Special

This American Life's "Comedians of Christmas Comedy Special" is a seasonal pick-me-up of holiday humor featuring comedians Wyatt Cenac, Mike Birbiglia, Julian McCullough, Jenny Slate, Gabe Liedman and Edith Zimmerman.

This American Life

Ira Glass hosts this show that features documentary-like stories about everyday life.

Programming Alert: Special Coverage Of Newtown Memorial

President Obama is scheduled to travel to Newtown, Conn. to join families and friends at an interfaith vigil at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Hanukkah Lights

Hanukkah Lights features Hanukkah stories and memoirs written by acclaimed authors expressly for the show.

Bullseye

Bullseye is a public radio show about things that are awesome. Each week on the show, host Jesse Thorn hosts in-depth discussions with personalities from the world of entertainment and the arts.

The Big Broadcast Thanksgiving Special

Join Ed Walker for a special Thanksgiving edition of the The Big Broadcast.

The Splendid Table's Turkey Confidential

Lynne Rossetto Kasper, host of "The Splendid Table," will be available to answer listener questions for a live, two-hour Thanksgiving special.

America's Test Kitchen Thanksgiving Special

America's Test Kitchen is holding a one-hour Thanksgiving special that will include cooking and food preparation advice for the big feast.

The Diane Rehm Show

In this special segment of The Diane Rehm Show, we'll discuss why a growing number of teens are living on the streets.

Out On The Streets

This award-winning show features stories of 2 queer kids abandoned by their parents to the streets.

Out On The Streets

This award-winning show features stories of two kids abandoned by their parents to the streets. One story profiles the the life of a young, black lesbian living on the streets of Portland, Oregon. The other story is about a counselor and an HIV positive homeless gay men in Phoenix, Arizona.

Helping Homeless Veterans, A Family Affair

Radio host Chuck Wolfe talks with a father-daughter volunteering team who work to bring homeless veterans in off the streets and find them meaningful employment.

BackStory

BackStory is a public radio program that brings historical perspective to the events happening around us today.

The Retro Cocktail Hour Halloween Spook-tacular

A special featuring all the hip-shakin', finger-snappin' Halloween music you can handle.

NPR Coverage Of The Third Presidential Debate

We air the third presidential debate between President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, in its entirety Oct. 22.

Rebroadcast: Diane Rehm Interviews George McGovern

Former Sen. and Democratic Presidential candidate George McGovern died Sunday at the age of 90. Diane Rehm spoke with the late Senator last year.

Burn: The Power Of One

This special two-hour edition of BURN will feature stories about how the power of one person can affect the nation's search for greater energy independence.

NPR Coverage Of The Second Presidential Debate

We air the second presidential debate between President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, in its entirety Oct. 16.

NPR Coverage Of The Vice Presidential Debate

We will air the vice presidential debate between Vice President Joe Biden and the challenger, Rep. Paul Ryan, in its entirety, Oct. 11 starting at 9 p.m.

Rebroadcast: Interview With Singer Andy Williams

Legendary singer Andy Williams died Tuesday at the age of 84. We remember him in a 2009 interview with Diane Rehm.

WAMU's Bluegrass Country Presents 'The DC-Nashville Connection'

WAMU's Bluegrass Country presents "The DC - Nashville Connection," on WAMU 88.5, Sunday, Sept. 23.

The Diet Climate Connection

“The Diet-Climate Connection,” examines how our food choices affect our living environment and planet.

NPR Coverage of the Democratic National Convention

WAMU will carry NPR's live coverage every day of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. from Sept. 4-6.

Democratic National Convention Previews With Brian Lehrer

NPR Coverage of the Republican National Convention

WAMU will carry NPR's live coverage every day of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. from Aug. 27-30.

Republican National Convention Previews With Brian Lehrer

WNYC's Brian Lehrer previews each night of the GOP convention, with special analysts, including WAMU reporters.

Democracy: A Short History Of A Big Idea

Do you really know what Democracy means? From The Velvet Revolution to the Arab Spring, it means more than just voting.

Rebroadcast: Interview With Composer Marvin Hamlisch

One of America's most famous composers, Marvin Hamlisch, passed Monday at the age of 68. In this 2004 interview, the Emmy, Grammy and Tony-award winner speaks with Diane Rehm in 2004 about his career.

Go For It: Life Lessons From Girl Boxers

Go For It: Life Lessons from Girl Boxers, is a one hour special that tells the story of women for whom boxing is an expression of ambition, drive, strength and – yes – aggression, qualities often admired in men and sometimes discouraged in women.

Rebroadcast: Interview With Author Gore Vidal

Gore Vidal, the talented novelist, playwright, historian and all around iconoclast, died at the age of 86. In his honor, WAMU is rebroadcasting an interview he did with Kojo Nnamdi in 2000.

Rebroadcast: Interview With Astronaut Sally Ride

Guest host Steve Roberts interviewed Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, in 2010. Ride died Monday at the age of 61.

Doc Watson: The Blind Bard from North Carolina

This hour long program, hosted by WAMU Bluegrass Country's Dick Spottswood, celebrates the life and legacy of Doc Watson and his music.

Bye Bye Darlin: Remembering Tom 'Cat' Reeder

WAMU 88.5 remembers Tom "Cat" Reeder, a host on Bluegrass Country 105.5 who passed away Saturday June 30 at the age of 77.

NPR's Supreme Court Health Care Decision Wrap

At 9 p.m., NPR hosts an hour-long evening wrap program on the Supreme Court decision on the landmark health care law.

WAMU 88.5's Teacher Town Hall

Dozens of teachers joined WAMU host Matt McCleskey for a town hall discussion about the D.C. region's drop-out crisis.

Ask Me Another

"Ask Me Another" is a rambunctious hour that blends brainteasers and local pub trivia night with comedy and music.

Sound Sessions: Doc Watson

Host Sam Litzinger and archivist Jeff Place pay homage to American roots music legend Doc Watson, who died Tuesday.

TED Radio Hour

TED Radio Hour, a new program from NPR and TED, is a journey through fascinating ideas, astonishing inventions, and new ways to think and create.

Rebroadcast: Diane Rehm Interviews Maurice Sendak

Tonight at 9, we present a special rebroadcast of The Diane Rehm Show, featuring an 1991 interview with renowned children's author Maurice Sendak, who has died at age 83.

Fighting The Odds: Inside D.C.'s Dropout Crisis

In a special one-hour documentary, WAMU 88.5 News follows one of the lowest-performing schools in the District as it struggles to improve.

The Drop Out Dilemma

KALW teamed up with a group of eight students from Mills College to look into the forces driving kids out of school in Oakland. These student reporters spent months in the schools the result is this documentary.

President Obama Addressing Nation From Afghanistan

President Barack Obama will make a live address to the nation from Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan on the one-year anniversary of the death of Osama Bin Laden.

American RadioWorks: Put To The Test

A look at the impacts of the expanding use of standardized testing on the American school system, using one North Carolina school as a case study.

A Sense Of Place: Hollow Victory

The people of West Virginia fight back against Big Coal and their attempts to destroy their homes in places slated for "mountaintop removal."

Hunting For Oil

What became of all the oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico two years ago?

Diane Rehm's 2005 Interview With Mike Wallace

In an interview from 2005, Diane Rehm spoke with legendary journalist Mike Wallace about his life, work, and career highlights.

NPR Supreme Court Healthcare Wraps

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments about the constitutionality of the Affordable Healthcare Act.

Intelligence Squared: Does China Do Capitalism Better Than America?

The Intelligence Square team takes on China's approach to capitalism in the latest installment of its Oxford-style debates.

Bullied: Teen Stories from Generation PRX

From being called "Osama" in a Boston classroom, to looking at whether bullying prevention programs really work in Anchorage, youth producers from around the globe help show what many don’t we understand – but need to – about bullying.

The Tempest and Post Performance Discussion

Following the one-hour radio play, we hear a post-performance discussion, taped in front of an live audience.

Particles: Nuclear Power After Fukushima

A one-year anniversary special for broadcast March 11, 2012 examines the future of nuclear power after the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan.

America Abroad: The Rise of the Islamists

After decades of repression by secular rulers, Islamists are the new power brokers in the Arab world. What do they plan to do with that power?

NPR's Coverage of Super Tuesday

NPR will have coverage of the Republican primaries on Super Tuesday, supplemented by local reports from WAMU News reporters.

NPR's Coverage of Arizona, Michigan Republican Primaries

NPR will be reporting live from the Arizona and Michigan Republican presidential primaries on Tuesday, February 28.

Soundprint

Soundprint is "the aural equivalent of photojournalism," a show that engages the listener's mind, imagination and heart.

DC Bluegrass Festival

The Boxcars, Sierra Hull and Highway 111 will be headlining the two-day DC Bluegrass Festival. The event features a band competition Friday night, and a full day of instrument workshops, jamming and more on Saturday.

Mind the Gap: Why Good Schools are Failing Black Students

This documentary tells the story of a suburban high school with lots of resources and a diverse student body that is struggling to close the minority achievement gap.

A Tribute to WAMU's Jerry Gray

In honor of beloved WAMU 88.5 host Jerry Gray, who passed away last week, we have a special tribute featuring excerpts from his shows and tributes from WAMU personalities.

State of Siege: Mississippi Whites and the Civil Rights Movement

We'll examine how the civil rights movement prevailed against hateful opposition in Mississippi.

Humankind: Rubin Carter's Hurricane

Rubin "Hurricane" Carter recently published a spiritual memoir on his life and experience of wrongful conviction and imprisonment for murder.

NPR Florida Presidential Primary Coverage

Robert Siegel and Audie Cornish will co-host NPR's coverage of the Florida presidential primary

NPR Coverage of the State of the Union Address

Melissa Block will host live as President Obama delivers his last State of the Union before facing the 2012 president re-election campaign.

King's Last March from American RadioWorks

On April 4, 1967, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a landmark speech from the pulpit of Riverside Church in New York -- one year before he would be assassinated. Listen to the speech that had him roundly condemned -- by the mainstream press, by other civil rights activists, and by President Lyndon Johnson.

Who Is This Man? A State Of The Re:Union Special

The "I Have a Dream" speech has become the shorthand of the Civil Rights movement but we might never have heard it, if it weren't for Bayard Rustin.

Freakonomics Radio

Levitt and Dubner Freakonomics is a radio show spin-off of their popular book about cheating teachers, bizarre baby names, self-dealing Realtors, and other seeming economic absurdities. This program runs from Jan. 15 through Feb. 11.

NPR New Hampshire Presidential Primary Coverage

Melissa Block will host the New Hampshire presidential primary special featuring candidate speeches, newsmaker interviews, and expert analysis.

New Hampshire Primary Night Coverage from NHPR

New Hampshire Public Radio is offering live coverage of the New Hampshire presidential primary.

Toast Of The Nation

Ring in the New Year with WBGO's Rhonda Hamilton, as she hosts a live musical countdown to 2013.

Third Coast, Hour One

Documentary winners of the 11th annual TC / Richard H. Driehaus Foundation competition, demonstrate just how powerful radio storytelling can be.

Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me: A Royal Pain in the News

A year-end edition of Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me that highlights the highlights (and low-lights) of 2011. Featuring special guests, including award-winning writer Neil Gaiman.

The Big Broadcast: Christmas Night

Join Ed Walker as he hosts a holiday special, featuring classic, Christmas-themed programming.

A Christmas Carol

From the novella by Charles Dickens, we present Charles Dickens' classic “A Christmas Carol.”

The Big Broadcast: Christmas Eve

WAMU 88-5 invites you to spend your Christmas Eve with The Big Broadcast starting at 8 p.m.

Songs Of Snow And Light

Jenn Hitt, host of Capital Americana on Bluegrass County, presents an hour of acoustic-focused seasonal musical celebration featuring songs of snow and light from a variety of musical disciplines.

The State of the Re:Union

State of the Re:Union has set out to explore how a particular American city or town creates community, the ways people transcend challenging circumstances and the vital cultural narratives that give an area its uniqueness.

Latitudes: Play!

Why is play so important, regardless of where we grow up?

The Hidden World of Girls: Girls and the Women They Become

Tina Fey comes to public radio to host The Hidden World of Girls, two new hour-long specials that take us into the secret life of girls and they women they become.

The Animal House

The Animal House is a weekly discussion that explores the latest in animal science, pet behavior, and wildlife conservation.

Day 6

A weekly news magazine offering a wrap up of the week's news, pop culture, and entertainment from different perspectives.

Lean & Hungry Theater

Lean & Hungry Theater is a non-profit educational radio drama company. Drawing primarily on the works of William Shakespeare, Lean & Hungry provides adaptations of classic dramatic works to underserved areas, in established or improvised venues.

Snap Judgment

Snap Judgment is a themed, weekly NPR storytelling show. We focus on presenting compelling personal stories - mixing tall tales with killer beats to produce cinematic, dramatic radio.

Radiolab

Radiolab is a show where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries between science, philosophy and human experience are blurred.

WAMU 88.5 50th Anniversary Documentary

Listen to some of the most important figures in WAMU 88.5 history describe its growth from a station of two people into the vibrant news and education resource it is today.

Intelligence Squared

Bringing Oxford-style debates to New York City, Intelligence Squared presents debates on a variety of provocative topics.

The Breakdown: What's Working in the Job Market

This month's unemployment report is arguably the most important of the year. What does it mean for those hoping to work?

Latitudes

Latitudes is an hour-long radio show that takes you into the lives of everyday people around the world. The stories are unexpected, rich in sound and riveting to hear -- they engage the intellect, the conscience and the imagination. They feature people who are finding constructive solutions to some of life’s toughest challenges.

President Obama's Address to a Joint Session of Congress

President Obama will address a joint session of Congress to talk about the economy and his jobs creation plan.

The Kojo Nnamdi Show: Architecture and Security, 3 p.m.

The Diane Rehm Show: Sheila Bair Rebroadcast

Rebroadcast: Diane Rehm Interviews Sheila Bair

Diane Rehm talks with Sheila Bair, who recently stepped down as chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Reflecting on the tumultuous period she served, Bair said the FDIC's job is "to protect bank customers, not banks."

We Remember: Storycorps Stories From 9/11, Sun., Sept. 11, 6 p.m.

We Remember takes an intimate look at lives forever changed by the attacks on 9/11.

Voices From Afghanistan, Sun., Sept 11, 1 p.m.

Voices From Afghanistan is an hour-long special marking a decade of U.S. troop engagement in Afghanistan. The program offers snapshots of life in Afghanistan today and looks forward to the future.

Joined by War: Afghanistan 10 Years Later, Sun., Sept. 11, 2 p.m.

People from the U.S. and Afghanistan participate in a candid conversation about how our world has changed since 9/11.

rlpaulproductions: We Were On Duty

A first-person oral history of the September 11th attack on the Pentagon.

Special Extended Weekend Edition Sunday, Sun., Sept. 11, 8 a.m.

Weekend Edition captures the days events that transformed our world a decade ago.

Couscous and Cultural Diplomacy, Sun., Sept. 11, 6:30 a.m.

What's it like to be the only Muslim in the only U.S. town named after an Arab Muslim?

The Dick Spottswood Show: Labor Day Special

A special Labor Day edition of The Dick Spottswood Show, WAMU's weekly bluegrass show on Bluegrass Country.

A Shortcut Back To 9/11, Sun., Sept. 11, 6 a.m.

With sounds from the street, eyewitnesses and news reports, this program features actualities from that morning mixed with music. Remix also contains 2001 year-end commentary from various eyewitnesses who wondered about the future.

BackStory With The American History Guys

The hosts of BackStory take at history in a new, engaging way.

The Moth

True stories that dissolve socio-economic barriers, expose vulnerabilities, and quietly suggest ways to overcome challenges and see with new eyes.

Global Perspective

Global Perspective is an international documentary series produced in cooperation with broadcasters from around the world: BBC World Service, Australian Broadcast Corporation, Canadian Broadcast Corporation, RTE (Ireland), Radio Television Hong Kong, Radio New Zealand, and SAFM Radio South Africa.

The Big Fix

Get your original idea heard by policy makers and influencers on Capitol Hill. The Big Fix provides a forum for people to present their new domestic policy ideas to big thinkers of different political backgrounds.

Our second channel, WAMU's Bluegrass Country, is available on HD Radio at 88.5-2 and online at bluegrasscountry.org.

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Our third channel, WAMU-3, available on HD Radio at 88.5-3, provides news and talk programs not available on the flagship channel.

Learn more about upcoming special programs.

Intelligence Squared

Bringing Oxford-style debates to New York City, Intelligence Squared presents debates on a variety of provocative topics.

Moment Of Silence

WAMU will observe a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings at 2:50 p.m. ET Monday, exactly a week after the attack.

Special Coverage: Boston Manhunt

NPR Coverage Of President Obama's Statement On Spending Cuts

NPR will provide live coverage of President Barack Obama's statement on proposed cuts to federal spending.

Special Coverage Of The Fiscal Cliff

WAMU 88.5 will air special coverage of President Obama's remarks on fiscal cliff negotiations this afternoon instead of Tell Me More.

Lean & Hungry Theater

Talk of the Nation Science Friday

Ira Flatow hosts this science-focused call-in show every Friday afternoon.

The Diane Rehm Show

In this special segment of The Diane Rehm Show, we'll discuss why a growing number of teens are living on the streets.

Rebroadcast: Interview With Singer Andy Williams

Legendary singer Andy Williams died Tuesday at the age of 84. We remember him in a 2009 interview with Diane Rehm.

XPoNential Radio

With a unique mix of emerging and heritage contemporary musicians, XPoNential serves up an eclectic blend of blues, rock, world, folk, and alternative country.

Ask Me Another

"Ask Me Another" is a rambunctious hour that blends brainteasers and local pub trivia night with comedy and music.

TED Radio Hour

TED Radio Hour, a new program from NPR and TED, is a journey through fascinating ideas, astonishing inventions, and new ways to think and create.

Particles: Nuclear Power After Fukushima

A one-year anniversary special for broadcast March 11, 2012 examines the future of nuclear power after the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan.

Newshour

The one-hour daily flagship program that, seven days a week, provides the latest news and interviews with newsmakers, eyewitnesses, correspondents, and analysts. Offering the best BBC reportage and features, debate and discussion, it's global in reach, authoritative in style.

NPR South Carolina Primary Coverage

We provide full NPR Coverage of the South Carolina primaries.

The Big Broadcast: Christmas Eve

WAMU 88-5 invites you to spend your Christmas Eve with The Big Broadcast starting at 8 p.m.

BBC News: Libya Special Coverage

We'll carry BBC coverage of unfolding events in Libya surrounding the alleged capture and killing of former President Muammar Gadhafi.

Global Perspective

88.3 Ocean City -- NPR news and information on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Learn more about upcoming special programs.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

"To the Best of Our Knowledge" is a program that cracks open the world and the ideas that fuel its engine.

Peace Talks Radio

Hidden Kitchens

Hidden Kitchens heard on Morning Edition, explores the world of secret, unexpected, below the radar cooking across America.

Boston Marathon Bombings — Special Coverage From WBUR

Live special coverage from WBUR 90.9 in Boston on the latest developments in the Boston Marathon bombings, hosted by Deborah Becker.

Wits

"Wits," a live public radio program, brings comedians, actors and musicians to the stage of the Fitzgerald Theater.

America Abroad — A Decade At War

This hour-long broadcast of America Abroad examines the important lessons learned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dick Spottswood’s Irish Music Special

WAMU 88.5 presents an Irish music special in recognition of St. Patrick's Day, hosted by Dick Spottswood.

Engineers Of The New Millennium: Life In 2030

"Life in 2030," a one-hour special from The Engineers of the New Millennium, explores the latest advances in science and technology.

Humankind: The Diet-Climate Connection, Episode 2

In this episode of the Diet-Climate Connection, a public health expert explains the global warming impact of our personal food choices.

Maya Angelou's Black History Month Special

Humankind: Rubin Carter's Hurricane

NPR Coverage Of The 2013 State Of The Union

NPR will provide live coverage of President Barack Obama's 2013 State of the Union address.

State Of The Re:Union: Bayard Rustin, Who Is This Man?

The Kitchen Sisters: Stories Of Black Visionaries, Seekers And Entrepreneurs

Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress Alfre Woodard hosts this richly-produced and deeply-layered special that resonates for Black History Month.

Lean & Hungry Theater: Taming Of The Shrew

Lean & Hungry Theater presents a Spanish-infused adaptation of William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew."

Meet Your Mind

Peace Talks: MLK's Path to Nonviolence

How did Martin Luther King Jr. come to be one of the great voices of the 20th century? Two women who knew the man weigh in.

NPR Coverage Of 57th Presidential Inauguration

For the second inauguration of President Barack Obama, NPR will be providing live coverage and commentary.

Morning Edition

Renée Montagne and Steve Inskeep host NPR's morning news magazine.

A New Year's Big Broadcast

Celebrate the New Year with Ed Walker and the Big Broadcast.

Hot Jazz New Year's Eve

Hot Jazz Host Rob Bamberger brings WAMU’s New Year’s Eve tradition to life with six glorious hours of vintage jazz, swing, and big band recordings from the '20s, '30s, and '40s.

Freakonomics Radio

A Season's Griot

Hosted for the last 19 years by acclaimed storyteller Madafo Lloyd Wilson, this annual one-hour special captures tales and traditions of African-American and African peoples.

The Big Broadcast: Christmas Special

WAMU 88.5 continues The Big Broadcast: Holiday Recollections Christmas night tradition.

The Blue Carbuncle: A Christmas Adventure of Sherlock Holmes

During Yuletide, Holmes and Watson face several Dickensian Londoners, a dusty hat, a famous gem and a goose. We’ll hear one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s rare comic tales.

Hearing Voices Christmas Mashup

Hearing Voices offers a variety of Christmas songs from around the world.

The Stones By The Stones

Paul Sexton has been interviewing legendy rock band The Rolling Stones for decades, and he pulls some of his favorite highlights.

A Christmas Carol (A Ghost Story For Christmas)

From the novella by Charles Dickens, WAMU 88.5 presents "A Christmas Carol (A Ghost Story for Christmas)."

Paul McCartney at the BBC

A portrait is drawn of Sir Paul McCartney, from the breakup of The Beatles through the present.

Beatleland

The legacy of Liverpool never left The Beatles, even years after they left.

Tinsel Tales

These programs feature collections of the best and most requested holiday stories from NPR voices past and present, such as David Sedaris, Bailey White and John Henry Faulk.

The Big Broadcast: Christmas Eve Special

WAMU 88.5 invites listeners to spend Christmas Eve with The Big Broadcast starting at 8 p.m.

Tinsel Tales 2

WAMU 88.5 brings another collection of NPR’S most requested holiday stories in Tinsel Tales 2.

Comedians Of Christmas Comedy Special

This American Life

Ira Glass hosts this show that features documentary-like stories about everyday life.

Programming Alert: Special Coverage Of Newtown Memorial

President Obama is scheduled to travel to Newtown, Conn. to join families and friends at an interfaith vigil at 7 p.m. Sunday.

The Big Fix

Hanukkah Lights

Hanukkah Lights features Hanukkah stories and memoirs written by acclaimed authors expressly for the show.

Bullseye

Bullseye is a public radio show about things that are awesome. Each week on the show, host Jesse Thorn hosts in-depth discussions with personalities from the world of entertainment and the arts.

The State of the Re:Union

The Big Broadcast Thanksgiving Special

Join Ed Walker for a special Thanksgiving edition of the The Big Broadcast.

The Splendid Table's Turkey Confidential

Lynne Rossetto Kasper, host of "The Splendid Table," will be available to answer listener questions for a live, two-hour Thanksgiving special.

America's Test Kitchen Thanksgiving Special

America's Test Kitchen is holding a one-hour Thanksgiving special that will include cooking and food preparation advice for the big feast.

Out On The Streets

This award-winning show features stories of 2 queer kids abandoned by their parents to the streets.

Out On The Streets

Helping Homeless Veterans, A Family Affair

Radio host Chuck Wolfe talks with a father-daughter volunteering team who work to bring homeless veterans in off the streets and find them meaningful employment.

BackStory

BackStory is a public radio program that brings historical perspective to the events happening around us today.

The Retro Cocktail Hour Halloween Spook-tacular

A special featuring all the hip-shakin', finger-snappin' Halloween music you can handle.

NPR Coverage Of The Third Presidential Debate

We air the third presidential debate between President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, in its entirety Oct. 22.

Rebroadcast: Diane Rehm Interviews George McGovern

Former Sen. and Democratic Presidential candidate George McGovern died Sunday at the age of 90. Diane Rehm spoke with the late Senator last year.

Burn: The Power Of One

This special two-hour edition of BURN will feature stories about how the power of one person can affect the nation's search for greater energy independence.

NPR Coverage Of The Second Presidential Debate

We air the second presidential debate between President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, in its entirety Oct. 16.

NPR Coverage Of The Vice Presidential Debate

We will air the vice presidential debate between Vice President Joe Biden and the challenger, Rep. Paul Ryan, in its entirety, Oct. 11 starting at 9 p.m.

WAMU's Bluegrass Country Presents 'The DC-Nashville Connection'

WAMU's Bluegrass Country presents "The DC - Nashville Connection," on WAMU 88.5, Sunday, Sept. 23.

NPR Coverage of the Democratic National Convention

WAMU will carry NPR's live coverage every day of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. from Sept. 4-6.

Democratic National Convention Previews With Brian Lehrer

NPR Coverage of the Republican National Convention

WAMU will carry NPR's live coverage every day of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. from Aug. 27-30.

Republican National Convention Previews With Brian Lehrer

WNYC's Brian Lehrer previews each night of the GOP convention, with special analysts, including WAMU reporters.

Democracy: A Short History Of A Big Idea

Do you really know what Democracy means? From The Velvet Revolution to the Arab Spring, it means more than just voting.

Rebroadcast: Interview With Composer Marvin Hamlisch

Go For It: Life Lessons From Girl Boxers

Rebroadcast: Interview With Author Gore Vidal

Gore Vidal, the talented novelist, playwright, historian and all around iconoclast, died at the age of 86. In his honor, WAMU is rebroadcasting an interview he did with Kojo Nnamdi in 2000.

Rebroadcast: Interview With Astronaut Sally Ride

Guest host Steve Roberts interviewed Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, in 2010. Ride died Monday at the age of 61.

Snap Judgment

Snap Judgment is a themed, weekly NPR storytelling show. We focus on presenting compelling personal stories - mixing tall tales with killer beats to produce cinematic, dramatic radio.

Doc Watson: The Blind Bard from North Carolina

This hour long program, hosted by WAMU Bluegrass Country's Dick Spottswood, celebrates the life and legacy of Doc Watson and his music.

Bye Bye Darlin: Remembering Tom 'Cat' Reeder

WAMU 88.5 remembers Tom "Cat" Reeder, a host on Bluegrass Country 105.5 who passed away Saturday June 30 at the age of 77.

NPR's Supreme Court Health Care Decision Wrap

At 9 p.m., NPR hosts an hour-long evening wrap program on the Supreme Court decision on the landmark health care law.

Intelligence Squared

Bringing Oxford-style debates to New York City, Intelligence Squared presents debates on a variety of provocative topics.

WAMU 88.5's Teacher Town Hall

Dozens of teachers joined WAMU host Matt McCleskey for a town hall discussion about the D.C. region's drop-out crisis.

Ask Me Another

"Ask Me Another" is a rambunctious hour that blends brainteasers and local pub trivia night with comedy and music.

Sound Sessions: Doc Watson

Host Sam Litzinger and archivist Jeff Place pay homage to American roots music legend Doc Watson, who died Tuesday.

TED Radio Hour

TED Radio Hour, a new program from NPR and TED, is a journey through fascinating ideas, astonishing inventions, and new ways to think and create.

Rebroadcast: Diane Rehm Interviews Maurice Sendak

Tonight at 9, we present a special rebroadcast of The Diane Rehm Show, featuring an 1991 interview with renowned children's author Maurice Sendak, who has died at age 83.

Fighting The Odds: Inside D.C.'s Dropout Crisis

In a special one-hour documentary, WAMU 88.5 News follows one of the lowest-performing schools in the District as it struggles to improve.

President Obama Addressing Nation From Afghanistan

President Barack Obama will make a live address to the nation from Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan on the one-year anniversary of the death of Osama Bin Laden.

American RadioWorks: Put To The Test

A look at the impacts of the expanding use of standardized testing on the American school system, using one North Carolina school as a case study.

A Sense Of Place: Hollow Victory

The people of West Virginia fight back against Big Coal and their attempts to destroy their homes in places slated for "mountaintop removal."

Hunting For Oil

What became of all the oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico two years ago?

Diane Rehm's 2005 Interview With Mike Wallace

In an interview from 2005, Diane Rehm spoke with legendary journalist Mike Wallace about his life, work, and career highlights.

NPR Supreme Court Healthcare Wraps

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments about the constitutionality of the Affordable Healthcare Act.

Intelligence Squared: Does China Do Capitalism Better Than America?

The Intelligence Square team takes on China's approach to capitalism in the latest installment of its Oxford-style debates.

Bullied: Teen Stories from Generation PRX

Particles: Nuclear Power After Fukushima

A one-year anniversary special for broadcast March 11, 2012 examines the future of nuclear power after the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan.

The Tempest and Post Performance Discussion

Following the one-hour radio play, we hear a post-performance discussion, taped in front of an live audience.

America Abroad: The Rise of the Islamists

After decades of repression by secular rulers, Islamists are the new power brokers in the Arab world. What do they plan to do with that power?

NPR's Coverage of Super Tuesday

NPR will have coverage of the Republican primaries on Super Tuesday, supplemented by local reports from WAMU News reporters.

Lean & Hungry Theater

NPR's Coverage of Arizona, Michigan Republican Primaries

NPR will be reporting live from the Arizona and Michigan Republican presidential primaries on Tuesday, February 28.

Soundprint

Soundprint is "the aural equivalent of photojournalism," a show that engages the listener's mind, imagination and heart.

Mind the Gap: Why Good Schools are Failing Black Students

This documentary tells the story of a suburban high school with lots of resources and a diverse student body that is struggling to close the minority achievement gap.

A Tribute to WAMU's Jerry Gray

In honor of beloved WAMU 88.5 host Jerry Gray, who passed away last week, we have a special tribute featuring excerpts from his shows and tributes from WAMU personalities.

State of Siege: Mississippi Whites and the Civil Rights Movement

We'll examine how the civil rights movement prevailed against hateful opposition in Mississippi.

Humankind: Rubin Carter's Hurricane

Rubin "Hurricane" Carter recently published a spiritual memoir on his life and experience of wrongful conviction and imprisonment for murder.

King's Last March from American RadioWorks

Who Is This Man? A State Of The Re:Union Special

The "I Have a Dream" speech has become the shorthand of the Civil Rights movement but we might never have heard it, if it weren't for Bayard Rustin.

NPR New Hampshire Presidential Primary Coverage

Melissa Block will host the New Hampshire presidential primary special featuring candidate speeches, newsmaker interviews, and expert analysis.

New Hampshire Primary Night Coverage from NHPR

New Hampshire Public Radio is offering live coverage of the New Hampshire presidential primary.

Toast Of The Nation

Ring in the New Year with WBGO's Rhonda Hamilton, as she hosts a live musical countdown to 2013.

Third Coast, Hour One

Documentary winners of the 11th annual TC / Richard H. Driehaus Foundation competition, demonstrate just how powerful radio storytelling can be.

Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me: A Royal Pain in the News

A year-end edition of Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me that highlights the highlights (and low-lights) of 2011. Featuring special guests, including award-winning writer Neil Gaiman.

The Big Broadcast: Christmas Night

Join Ed Walker as he hosts a holiday special, featuring classic, Christmas-themed programming.

A Christmas Carol

From the novella by Charles Dickens, we present Charles Dickens' classic “A Christmas Carol.”

Latitudes: Play!

Why is play so important, regardless of where we grow up?

The Animal House

The Animal House is a weekly discussion that explores the latest in animal science, pet behavior, and wildlife conservation.

Day 6

A weekly news magazine offering a wrap up of the week's news, pop culture, and entertainment from different perspectives.

Radiolab

Radiolab is a show where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries between science, philosophy and human experience are blurred.

The Breakdown: What's Working in the Job Market

This month's unemployment report is arguably the most important of the year. What does it mean for those hoping to work?

Latitudes

President Obama's Address to a Joint Session of Congress

President Obama will address a joint session of Congress to talk about the economy and his jobs creation plan.

The Kojo Nnamdi Show: Architecture and Security, 3 p.m.

The Diane Rehm Show: Sheila Bair Rebroadcast

We Remember: Storycorps Stories From 9/11, Sun., Sept. 11, 6 p.m.

We Remember takes an intimate look at lives forever changed by the attacks on 9/11.

Voices From Afghanistan, Sun., Sept 11, 1 p.m.

Voices From Afghanistan is an hour-long special marking a decade of U.S. troop engagement in Afghanistan. The program offers snapshots of life in Afghanistan today and looks forward to the future.

Joined by War: Afghanistan 10 Years Later, Sun., Sept. 11, 2 p.m.

People from the U.S. and Afghanistan participate in a candid conversation about how our world has changed since 9/11.

rlpaulproductions: We Were On Duty

A first-person oral history of the September 11th attack on the Pentagon.

Special Extended Weekend Edition Sunday, Sun., Sept. 11, 8 a.m.

Weekend Edition captures the days events that transformed our world a decade ago.

Couscous and Cultural Diplomacy, Sun., Sept. 11, 6:30 a.m.

What's it like to be the only Muslim in the only U.S. town named after an Arab Muslim?

The Dick Spottswood Show: Labor Day Special

A special Labor Day edition of The Dick Spottswood Show, WAMU's weekly bluegrass show on Bluegrass Country.

A Shortcut Back To 9/11, Sun., Sept. 11, 6 a.m.

BackStory With The American History Guys

The hosts of BackStory take at history in a new, engaging way.

The Moth

True stories that dissolve socio-economic barriers, expose vulnerabilities, and quietly suggest ways to overcome challenges and see with new eyes.

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