Talk of the Nation

Schedule

88.5-3

Monday - Thursday

2:00 pm

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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Monday, March 4, 2013

The Papal Conclave And The Future Of The Catholic Church

More than 100 Cardinals from around the world started meeting Monday at the Vatican to begin the process of choosing a new pope. This comes after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. The Cardinals are tasked with choosing the man who could reshape the future of the Catholic Church.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Mapping The Effects Of The Sequester On Science

On Friday March 1, automatic cuts known as the 'sequester' go into effect across the federal budget. Michael Lubell of the American Physical Society discusses what scientific programs will likely be affected, in fields from medical research to renewable energy development.

Talking Science With The House Committee Chair

Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, discusses the nation's top science priorities, including the importance of research on how to protect Earth from dangerous asteroids. But in a tight budgetary climate, who will pay?

A Natural Particle Accelerator, Far Above The Planet

In 1958, James Van Allen described two belts of radiation that surround Earth. Daniel Baker says that when a satellite was launched to study the belts in 2012, it saw a third belt form, which lasted for about a month before being blasted away by an interplanetary shock wave.

Seeking A Grain Of Truth In "Whole Grain" Labels

Whole wheat, stone-ground, multi-grain. Have food labels got you confused? Joanne Slavin, a nutrition professor at the University of Minnesota, and David Ludwig, a pediatrician and obesity doctor at Boston Children's Hospital, discuss the meaning of "whole grain," and whether intact grains like wheat berries pack more nutritional punch than their ground-up counterparts, such as whole wheat flour.

Robert Langer, Father Of Invention

Biotech pioneer Robert Langer has over 800 patents to his name and has launched two dozen companies, which develop everything from tumor-fighting nanoparticles to anti-frizz hair products. Yet Langer says his proudest accomplishment is teaching some 500 students and post-docs, now professors and start-up leaders themselves.

Rap Nerdy To Me

MC Frontalot, aka Damian Hess, makes a living rapping about data encryption, rare diseases, video games and the nerd life. He describes Nerdcore, his name for the genre, as "the inversion of the shame of geekery... into pride." Frontalot joins Ira Flatow and Flora Lichtman to chat about the intersection of nerdiness and hip-hop and shares some of his songs.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Reporter's Notebook: The Agony Of Syria's Civil War

Secretary of State John Kerry announced plans to provide $60 million in aid to Syrian rebels. With the country engulfed in civil war, an important battle is underway in the northwest, where rebels may soon control all of Idlib province. NPR's Kelly McEvers reports on her trip to the region.

On Heels Of Sequestration, The Business Of Spending Cuts

With automatic budget cuts set to take effect Mar. 1, politicians are jockeying to control the message about sequestration and what it will mean for their constituents. Meanwhile, the cuts may create economic choke points that could affect industries from agriculture to air travel.

A Case For Conciseness: Short Poems That Speak Volumes

Is it possible to get a message across in under ten words? Some of the best poets have done it in just three. In a piece for The New Yorker's Page-Turner blog, poet and novelist Brad Leithauser makes the case for brevity. He explains why short poems can make such big impressions.

After The Spill: The Environment And Economy Of The Gulf

In July 2010, the oil spill caused by the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion fouled beaches and wetlands, killed wildlife, and ruined seafood businesses. Nearly three years later, as the civil trial against BP begins, those who live and work in the area continue to feel the disaster's effects.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

How Italy's Election Slatemate Is Playing Out On The Streets

Italy's recent elections left the country in political gridlock. Italian columnist Beppe Severgnini breaks down the election results and austerity measures, and shares what Italians are talking about in a country that some are calling "ungovernable."

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The Trayvon Martin Case And The National Conversation

The death of Trayvon Martin spurred new conversations about race in America. It was also a turning point for The Race Project, where NPR's Michele Norris collects six-word reflections on race, culture and identity. Norris discusses the poignant conversations she's had since Martin's death.

Letters: Chicago Violence, 3-D Printing

NPR's Neal Conan reads from listener comments on previous show topics, including violence in Chicago, the possibilities of 3-D printing, and religious exemptions.

The Conservative Case For Gay Marriage

Dozens of Republicans signed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of gay marriage, just weeks before the Court is expected to hear arguments on a case challenging the legality of the Defense of Marriage Act. Some say this represents a significant shift within the Republican Party.

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Talk of the Nation

Arts & Culture

'That's That': A Memoir Of Loving And Leaving Northern Ireland

Food

'Picture Cook': Drawings Are The Key Ingredients In These Recipes

Politics

Highly Charged IRS Case Pulls In Political Agendas

Technology

Book News: Amazon May Be Called Before Parliament Over Taxes

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Talk of the Nation

Monday, March 4, 2013

Friday, March 1, 2013

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

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