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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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The Race For South Carolina's Congressional Seat

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford will face Elizabeth Colbert Busch in a special election for South Carolina's first district congressional seat May 7. NPR's Ken Rudin, NPR's Kathy Lohr and Robert Oldendick, University of South Carolina, discuss the candidates, the debate and the district.

Luring Doctors And Lawyers To Rural America

Rural brain drain is not a new phenomenon, but some rural communities are trying to attract doctors and lawyers in new ways. In March, South Dakota became the first state to pass a law that offers annual subsidies to lawyers who agree to live and work in rural areas.

The Quiet Strength Of Introverts In The Workplace

Extroverted job candidates may have an easier time impressing prospective employers. A study finds that once extroverts are in the workplace, their overall team performance can disappoint. USA Today "On the Job" columnist Anita Bruzzese discusses how bosses can harness the strengths of introverts.

The Strategy Of Putting Politics On TV

The last couple of years have seen a proliferation of politically-themed television, including Scandal, Veep and House of Cards. Reporter, columnist and TV analyst Jonathan Alter talks about his new political satire Alpha House, and what's changed in how entertainment television does politics.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

An Intimate Portrait Of The Tsarnaev Family

As the investigation into the Boston Marathon bombings continues, countless questions remain about the suspects Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Washington Post senior editor Marc Fisher, discusses his in-depth profile of the Tsarnaevs and their journey to the U.S.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Diplomacy, Sanctions And A Nearing Red Line With Iran

Sanctions have hurt the Iranian economy, but have so far failed to convince Tehran to abandon nuclear ambitions. A report from the Iran Project argues that it's time to re-examine the balance of sanctions and diplomacy. Others argue it's time to consider military options.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Great Salt Lake Is No 'Dead Sea'

Parts of Utah's Great Salt Lake are 10 times saltier than the ocean. But the lake is host to plenty of life, including salt-loving microbes that can turn the lake's water bubblegum pink. Bonnie Baxter, director of the Great Salt Lake, discusses how the bugs might hold the secrets to better sunscreen, hydrogen fuel cells--even life on Mars.

The Bird That Struts Its Stuff

The Greater sage-grouse is a large bird that makes its living in sagebrush habitats across the western U.S. and Canada. Every year at this time, male sage-grouse perform a striking dance routine each morning at dawn. Jason Robinson, upland game coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, breaks down the dance and describes challenges the birds face in Utah.

James Webb Space Telescope Wings It

The James Webb Space Telescope will succeed Hubble in 2018, boasting modern computers and a mirror with seven times the viewing area. Bob Hellekson, ATK Program Manager for the telescope, discusses the telescope's newly constructed wings, designed to support the telescope's folding mirror, and astrophysicist Stacy Palen talks about what the telescope may reveal about the cosmos.

Studying Earth To Learn About Mars

Southern Utah's landscape looks a lot like images from the Mars rovers. Marjorie Chan explains how Utah geology might help explain data sent back from Mars missions. Charles Killian describes how people are simulating what it might be like to one day live and work on Mars.

Utah's Fossil Finds Describe an Ancient World

Once upon a time, giants roamed the planet — many of them in what is now Utah. A panel of paleontology experts describes some of the state's ancient treasures, from massive long-necked sauropods to the Utahraptor, a predator that would put those in Jurassic Park to shame.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Surviving Tragedy: The Various Paths Beyond

Survivors of sudden, unexpected events, like the bombings at the Boston Marathon, the explosion in West, Texas and natural disasters, may deal with a wide variety of emotions. Some may discover a newfound appreciation for life, while others may experience extreme feelings of guilt.

When Conscience Conflicts With Constituents

Last week, the Senate voted against a proposal for background checks on gun buyers. Several senators from states with strong pro-gun constituencies cast votes supporting the checks despite voter polls. On divisive issues, politicians may often face a choice between personal and public opinion.

Deadly Strain Of Bird Flu Is 'Most Lethal' Flu Virus Yet

At a briefing in Beijing Wednesday, World Health Organization officials called the H7N9 bird flu that's emerged in China one of the "most lethal" flu viruses so far. NPR science correspondent Richard Knox talks about what we know, and the questions that remain about the deadly strain.

Getting The Gig: The Life Of A Career Poet

Like many poets, Charles Simic has a day job, teaching in the English Department at the University of New Hampshire. The Pulitzer Prize winner and former poet laureate has traveled the road for over 50 years — giving hundreds of readings at schools, book stores, jazz clubs and abandoned malls.

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Talk of the Nation

Arts & Culture

Dan Brown: 'Inferno' Is 'The Book That I Would Want To Read'

Food

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

Politics

Ken Cuccinelli Wins GOP Nomination For Virginia Governor

Technology

Book News: Amazon May Be Called Before Parliament Over Taxes

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Talk of the Nation

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Monday, April 29, 2013

Friday, April 26, 2013

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

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