Talk of the Nation

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When Americans want to be a part of the national conversation, they turn to Talk of the Nation, NPR's midday news-talk show.

Journalist Neal Conan leads a productive exchange of ideas and opinions on the issues that dominate the news landscape. From politics and public service to education, religion, music and health care, Talk of the Nation offers call-in listeners the opportunity to join enlightening discussions with decision-makers, authors, academicians, and artists from around the world.

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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Candidates Sink Or Swim In Numerous Debates

There's nearly a year to go till the 2012 Presidential election and already the Republican field has faced off for at least ten debates since May. That intense schedule has helped boost the campaigns of more polished candidates, while sinking the public perception of those who stumble.

Binges Of 'High-Beta Rich' Shake Up U.S. Economy

"The rich are not only getting richer, they are becoming more dangerous," Robert Frank writes in his new book The High-Beta Rich: How the Manic Wealthy Will Take Us to the Next Boom, Bubble and Bust. The spending binges of the top 1%, he says, are "the most unstable force in the economy."

'Small-Press Author' After Winning The Book Award

A literary agent once told Jaimy Gordon she was a "small-press" author at heart. But in 2010, she won the National Book Award for fiction for her book, 'Lord Of Misrule.' Gordon talks about what the award has meant for her career.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Businesses Reeling In Wake Of NBA Lockout

After weeks of game postponements, the NBA league made a final offer to players — and the players rejected it. Canceling games affects players and fans, but it can also be devastating for the many businesses that revolve around the industry.

Op-Ed: GOP Should Recast Its Message On Inequality

Occupy Wall Street and reports on the nation's growing income gap have helped rally the political left, argues Matthew Continetti of The Weekly Standard. It is not the government's responsibility to redress wealth disparities, he says, and the GOP must do a better job of communicating that message.

Re-Telling The Story Of 'The Trail Of Tears'

The forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans in the 1830s is taught in most classrooms, but few know the full story. In An American Betrayal: Cherokee Patriots and the Trail of Tears, Daniel Blake Smith documents the series of decisions leading up the relocation, coming not only from the federal government, but from within the Cherokee nation itself.

Meeting Child Victims' Needs After Sexual Abuse

In the wake of high-profile child sex abuse scandals, the public often focuses on the accused. Victims and their needs often draw far less attention. Experts who work with young victims explain how children respond to abuse, and what treatment options can help them cope with the aftermath.

Letters: Reporting Abuse, Finding Personal Renewal

NPR's Brian Naylor reads from listener comments on previous show topics, including a recommendations for places to find personal and artistic renewal, and the reasons some people do — or do not — report sexual abuse.

Monday, November 14, 2011

'Meaning Of Everything' Often Lost In Translation

There are words for light and dark blue in Russian, but no word for a general shade of blue. So when a translator needs to translate "blue" into Russian, he or she must choose which shade to use. In his new book, Is That a Fish in Your Ear?, David Bellos explores the complexity of translation.

Op-Ed: Cultivate Innovation To Kick-Start Economy

Republicans and Democrats alike are focused on one major issue: jobs. But inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen argues they're missing the bigger picture. To bolster the economy, he says, requires passion, innovation and risk.

Company Towns, After The Company Leaves Town

Huntsville, Alabama is known to many as "Rocket City." Nearly half of the city's jobs are connected to space and defense funding. Now, with NASA and the Pentagon facing significant cuts, Huntsville faces an uncertain future. Newton, Iowa, went through similar straits when Maytag left town in 2007.

Abrams And Nolan Nab A 'Person Of Interest'

The new CBS crime drama Person of Interest tells the story of two men who help stop crimes before they happen. It's been praised for raising questions about the role of surveillance in society. Jonathan Nolan created the show, and J.J. Abrams, the man behind Lost, is executive producer.

Friday, November 11, 2011

'Steve Jobs': Profiling An Ingenious Perfectionist

For years, Steve Jobs courted biographer Walter Isaacson to write the definitive story of his life. When Isaacson learned how sick Jobs really was, he accepted. Here he discusses profiling the tech visionary, a task that often involved reconciling Jobs' recollections with those of his friends, family and colleagues.

Rethinking How Kids Learn Science

How important are museums, TV shows and after school clubs to teaching kids science? Ira Flatow and guests look at "informal science education" and what researchers are learning about learning science. Plus, what's the best way to keep undergraduate science majors in science?

Cure Winter Blues With Light Therapy

Or The Beach — Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder, affects some five percent of Americans in the winter as daily sunlight hours dwindle. Psychiatrist Richard A. Friedman discusses the evolutionary origins of the winter blues, and treatments ranging from light therapy to a trip to the beach.

Pages

Arts & Culture

NPR

'Arrested Development' Leads The Charge For Old Brands In New Media

Brands that found their original audiences in traditional, old-media platforms are finding ways to keep going in the world of new media.

Food

NPR

Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame

The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.

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Talk of the Nation

Arts & Culture

'Arrested Development' Leads The Charge For Old Brands In New Media

Food

Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame

Politics

Eric Garcetti Wins L.A. Mayor's Race

Technology

'Arrested Development' Leads The Charge For Old Brands In New Media

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