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.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Dung Beetles Use Cosmic GPS to Find Their Way

When the sun goes down, dung beetles rely on a galactic source--light from the Milky Way--to navigate, according to a recent report in Current Biology. Study co-author Eric Warrant, of Lund University in Sweden, explains how dung beetles see the starry night sky.

Are We Losing The Race Against Climate Change?

China burns nearly as much coal as the rest of the world combined--and has 300 more coal plants in the works. But China also leads the world in solar panel exports and wind farms, and has a national climate change policy in place. Is the U.S. falling behind on climate? Ira Flatow and guests discuss how the world is tackling global warming--with or without us--and what it might take to change the climate on Capitol Hill.

How Owls Turn Heads

A mystery of the animal kingdom: how do owls turn their heads 270 degrees without damaging their blood vessels? At last an answer, published this week in Science. Fabian de Kok-Mercado and Philippe Gailloud dissected and x-rayed owls to discover how the birds do the twist.

Preserving Science News In An Online World

How can journalists and bloggers avoid some of the pitfalls of communicating science in an online world? Should a website's comments section be moderated, or removed altogether? How has social media changed the blogosphere? A panel of experts joins Ira Flatow to discuss.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Letters: Inauguration, Memory Loss, National Geographic

NPR's Neal Conan reads from listener comments on previous show topics, including the challenges of memory loss, snapshots from around the country on Inauguration Day, and the 125th anniversary of the National Geographic Society.

After Benghazi Attack, Improving American Security Abroad

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told Fox News that Secretary of State Hilary Clinton "got away with murder" for her handling of the attacks on the U.S. consulate in Libya. Ambassador Thomas Pickering, who led the independent investigation into the attacks, talks about the future of diplomatic security.

'Distant Witness': Social Media's 'Journalism Revolution'

When protests broke out across the Arab world, NPR senior strategist Andy Carvin followed the events in real time online. In his book Distant Witness, Carvin explains how he cultivated social media sources into a new form of journalism where people on the ground controlled the news.

The Coming Fight Over Immigration Policy

President Barack Obama says he hopes that the immigration reform plan designed out by a bipartisan Senate committee will become a bill as soon as March. The president also warned, that this debate will become more heated and emotional as it moves ahead.

What The 'New York Times' Hack Tells Us About China

The New York Times announced late Wednesday that they have been warding off cyber attacks from Chinese hackers since September. Wired senior reporter Kim Zetter explains who the hackers target, how they do it, and why.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

The Controversy Surrounding Hagel's Confirmation

In an interview with former Middle East peace negotiator Aaron David Miller in 2006, then-Sen. Chuck Hagel made a controversial statement about the "Jewish lobby." On the eve of Hagel's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Miller argues that it's time to let those comments go.

Balancing Work, Medication And Mental Illness

After Elyn Saks was diagnosed with schizophrenia, she thought she'd never be able to hold a job. Saks explains how she went on to become a law professor at the University of Southern California. Dr. Richard Friedman, of Weill Cornell Medical College, discusses balancing work and mental illness.

The Role For The U.S. In The East China Sea Dispute

The territorial dispute over islands in the East China Sea continues to create tensions between China and Japan. Joseph Nye, former chair of the National Intelligence Council, says that the U.S. efforts in the region are seen as an extension of the Cold War containment policy.

Immigration, Gun Legislation And The Shakeup In Iowa

NPR's Ken Rudin recaps the week in politics, from the new proposals for immigration policy, to the Senate testimony on gun control legislation. Kathie Obradovich, political columnist for the Des Moines Register, about the retirement of Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and the politics of Iowa in 2014.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The Challenges To Democracy In Egypt

Egypt's defense minister warned that the rising conflicts and chaos in the country could result in "the collapse of the state." Ongoing violence highlights the continued tensions between the government and the opposition, and raises questions about the prospects of Egypt's transition into a democracy.

War And Foreign Policy Through The Eyes Of Vietnam Veterans

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmed Sen. John Kerry as the next Secretary of State. Former Sen. Chuck Hagel is set to become the next Secretary of Defense. Critics and supporters of the men point to their service in Vietnam as critical qualifications.

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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