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.

Find more information about Talk of the Nation.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The Art And Anatomy Of The Cinematic Trailer

Before films hit theaters they are heralded by trailers that can either drive people to the box office or keep them away. Stephen Garrett, owner of the trailer house Jump Cut Creative, talks about what it takes to lure audiences without spoiling a film.

The Future Of The House And Chicago Politics

NPR's Political Junkie Ken Rudin recaps the week in politics. Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, shares the Democratic strategy to retake the House of Representatives in 2014. Political consultant Don Rose discusses the future of Chicago politics.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

After Horse Meat Scandal, Why Is Some Food Taboo?

The discovery of horse meat in European beef products created an international uproar. James A. Serpell, director of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society, explains why some foods that are forbidden in some cultures are considered delicacies in others.

Op-Ed: It's Time To Recognize The Valor Of Cyber Warriors

Outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced that the military will award a new medal to recognize exceptional accomplishments in areas including drone and cyber warfare. Brookings Institution senior fellow Peter Singer argues that this is an important step in recognizing the changing nature of war.

Social Media And Work: Is It Ever OK To Complain Online?

Many employees lost their jobs in recent years after posting negative comments about work on social media sites. A recent decision by the National Labor Relations Board may give workers more freedom to talk and complain about work on social media.

What's Driving The Violence In Chicago

More than 500 homicides were reported in Chicago in 2012, 16 percent more than in 2011. After the murder of Hadiya Pendleton, the Chicago teen shot a week after attending the inauguration, more attention has been focused on urban violence.

Friday, February 15, 2013

A New View Of Newton in "Isaac's Eye"

What would Isaac Newton be like if he had been born a few centuries later? A new play "Isaac's Eye" reimagines Newton and his scientific rival Robert Hooke. Playwright Lucas Hnath and actors Haskell King and Michael Louis Serafin-Wells join Ira Flatow to talk about the play.

Tracking A Space Rock's Streak Past Earth

Asteroid 2012 DA14 is half the size of a football field, and whizzing towards the Earth at over 17,000 miles per hour. Don't worry, it won't hit us. But on Friday, February 15th it makes its closest approach, scraping by the Earth's surface closer than many satellites. Join Ira Flatow and Flora Lichtman for special live coverage of this near encounter, with first-hand reports from astronomers around the world.

Author Katherine Bouton Opens Up About Going Deaf

After going deaf at the age of 30, writer Katherine Bouton's entire life changed. In her new book, "Shouting Won't Help," Bouton shares how she came to terms with hearing loss, and why more attention needs to be paid to a condition that affects nearly 50 million Americans.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

A Valentine's Campaign To End Violence

This Valentine's Day, people in more than 200 countries are participating in One Billion Rising, a call to rise up and dance to bring awareness to violence against women worldwide. Eve Ensler, author of The Vagina Monologues and founder of the V-Day antiviolence campaign, talks about her work to fund crisis centers and shelters for victims around the globe.

'Zero Dark Thirty' Renews Torture Debate

The critically acclaimed film Zero Dark Thirty has reinvigorated the debate around the interrogation techniques used during the Bush administration's war on terror. Host Neal Conan discusses the film's depiction of interrogations and what U.S. and international law says about the techniques used during the Bush era.

Will The US-American Merger Make The Skies Less Friendly?

The announcement of a merger between American Airlines and US Airways on Thursday represents the culmination of a decades-long shake-up in the commercial airline industry. What does the merger mean for employees, consumers and a changing industry?

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

World Radio Day: Share Your Story

UNESCO declared Feb. 13 World Radio Day to recognize the crucial role radio plays in organizing and informing communities. To celebrate the day, we'd like to hear from our listeners: What's the radio moment that changed your life?

Search For Ex-L.A. Cop May Be Over

The week-long manhunt for ex-L.A. police officer Christopher Dorner, recently led to a cabin in Big Bear, which, after an exchange of gunfire, burst into flames, leaving a body inside. Host Neal Conan discusses law enforcement tactics employed and how social media was used during the search.

Unpacking State of the Union Night Addresses

NPR's Political Junkie Ken Rudin discusses Tuesday night's big speeches — President Obama's State of the Union; Sen. Marco Rubio's GOP response and GOP Sen. Rand Paul's Tea Party take — with Paul Glastris, editor-in-chief of The Washington Monthly and Peter Robinson of the Hoover Institution.

Pages

Arts & Culture

NPR

Where's Jimmy Hoffa? Everywhere And Nowhere

FBI agents believe they have a credible lead on the whereabouts of Jimmy Hoffa's body. If they're right, it will solve a longstanding mystery, which will also deflate Hoffa's resonance in popular culture.

Food

NPR

The Mystery Of the Ridiculously Pricey Bag Of Potatoes

Did a 10-pound bag of potatoes really cost $15 back in 2008? We get to the bottom of some puzzling numbers in the lawsuit alleging America's potato growers have become a spud cartel.

Politics

NPR

House Passes Bill That Would Ban Abortions After 20 Weeks

The legislation is one of the most far-reaching abortion bills in decades and follows the May murder convictions of Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell. The bill, which would ban nearly all abortions starting 20 weeks after fertilization, is unlikely to ever become law.

Technology

NPR

Amazon Cuts Ties In Minnesota Ahead Of New Sales Tax

Amazon ends the contracts of people and businesses that are paid for sending customers to the retailer. The company has taken similar steps in other states that have passed laws like Minnesota's new sales tax legislation.

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Talk of the Nation

Arts & Culture

Where's Jimmy Hoffa? Everywhere And Nowhere

Food

The Mystery Of the Ridiculously Pricey Bag Of Potatoes

Politics

House Passes Bill That Would Ban Abortions After 20 Weeks

Technology

Amazon Cuts Ties In Minnesota Ahead Of New Sales Tax

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