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, April 26, 2013

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.

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.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

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.

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.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

'Talk Of The Nation' Remembers Folk Singer Richie Havens

Legendary folk singer Richie Havens died Monday at the age of 72. The Brooklyn-born singer is famous opening act at the 1969 Woodstock music festival. Talk of the Nation remembers him by listening back to a 2004 performance chat around the release of his 26th album Grace of the Sun.

How Chemical Weapons Could Change Strategy For Syria

British, French and Israeli officials say they have evidence that the Syrian government repeatedly used chemical weapons against civilians. Though the U.S. hasn't confirmed the allegations, the Obama administration previously said that the use of chemical weapons could provoke a stronger response.

Letters: Marathon Spectators, Governing During Crisis

NPR's Jennifer Ludden reads from listener comments on previous show topics, including the effects spectators have on marathon runners, the ways political leaders govern during crises and how ethnicity and identity intersect.

Making The Most Of MOOCs: The Ins And Outs Of E-Learning

Don't ever email the professor. Never friend the teacher on Facebook. Those are some of the rules A.J. Jacobs learned when he joined the ranks of millions enrolled in massive open online courses, MOOCs. Harvard, MIT and Stanford are among universities offering virtual classes free of charge.

Volunteer Firefighters: Facing The Flames And The Mundane

A week after a massive explosion at the West Chemical and Fertilizer Company in West, Texas 14 bodies have been recovered from the area. A number of those killed were volunteer firefighters responding to the scene. Volunteer firefighters represent nearly 70 percent of the country's fire service.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Breaking Into The 'Department Of Mad Scientists'

What happens when scientific research borders on science fiction? Michael Belfiore, author of the new book The Department of Mad Scientists, talks about the bizarre projects happening behind the scenes at DARPA — the secretive research arm of the Department of Defense.

Robert Ballard: 50 Years Exploring Deep Waters

Deep-sea voyager Robert Ballard has discovered everything from 10-foot-tall tube worms to the Titanic on his ocean expeditions around the world. Ballard discusses his underwater finds and how new robotic technology allows scientists to explore the sea from ashore.

Pages

Arts & Culture

NPR

China Builds Museums ... But Will The Visitors Come?

China is on a spree to build world-class museums and has opened about 100 of them annually in recent years. Two of the biggest opened on the same day last fall on opposite banks of Shanghai's Huangpu River. But filling these museums — with both art and visitors — is proving more challenging.

Food

NPR

Washington State Butcher Spikes Pig Feed With Weed

Despite its name, the "pot pig" experiment isn't an attempt to develop a new meaty treat for stoners. Instead, a Seattle butcher is feeding marijuana seeds, stems and root bulbs to swine as a cheeky money-saving measure.

Politics

NPR

Why Don't We Pay (More/Any) Attention To Los Angeles Mayoral Elections?

After eight years of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles voters will pick a, shall we say, more charismatically-challenged successor.

Technology

NPR

Airbnb Stays Are Illegal In New York, Court Rules

People who use Airbnb, the web company that pairs travelers with residents who rent out their homes on a short-term basis, are breaking New York City's laws, according to an administrative law judge. The vacation rental business was found to run afoul of the city's occupancy code.

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Talk of the Nation

Arts & Culture

China Builds Museums ... But Will The Visitors Come?

Food

Washington State Butcher Spikes Pig Feed With Weed

Politics

Why Don't We Pay (More/Any) Attention To Los Angeles Mayoral Elections?

Technology

Airbnb Stays Are Illegal In New York, Court Rules

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