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, May 30, 2012

Texas Vote Boosts Romney Amid 'Birther' Revival

Mitt Romney says his win in the Texas primary puts him over the top in the delegate count and secures his nomination as the Republican candidate for president. Meanwhile, Donald Trump resurrected the "birther" debate at a Las Vegas fundraiser for Romney.

With Prostate Cancer, Is It Better Not To Know?

A federal task force has recommended against routine use of the PSA test, a common method of screening for prostate cancer. The panel concluded that the potential for harm outweighs any benefit, as many men undergo procedures that are unnecessary and can lead to serious side effects.

Remembering Doc Watson With 'Tennessee Stud'

Legendary folk singer and guitarist Doc Watson died on Tuesday, at the age of 89. Long considered one of America's greatest musicians, Watson was blind from the age of one, and taught himself to play music. NPR's Neal Conan remembers the life and career of Doc Watson with a song: "Tennessee Stud."

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Egyptian Election Marred By Violence

Election results set the stage for a runoff vote between the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi and Ahmed Shafik, the last prime minister under former President Mubarak. International monitors called the election one of Egypt's most transparent, but violent protests broke out after the final tally.

Journalist Interviews, Films 'Al Qaeda In Yemen'

Ghaith Abdul-Ahad traveled deep into al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) territory to find out what the organization has to say for itself for his documentary, Al Qaeda In Yemen. He shares AQAP's response to U.S. and Yemeni military attacks and how the group controls the city of Jaar.

Few Good Options Remain To End Syrian Attacks

The U.S. joined Britain, Germany, and other Western countries in expelling senior diplomats from Syria in response to the weekend assault that killed more than 100 civilians. Syria's government denies any responsibility for the attacks, the latest in a year-long struggle for control of the country.

Letters: Organ Donations And Changing Hospitals

NPR's Neal Conan reads from listeners' comments on previous Talk of the Nation topics, including whether or not to compensate for organ donations and changing hospital practices to better serve patients.

'How Soldiers Die': A History Of Combat Deaths

In The Last Full Measure: How Soldiers Die In Battle, Michael Stephenson traces the history of combat and how soldiers die in the line of duty. He describes how soldiers fight and die, how those who have lived deal with the experience of combat, and what it reveals about warfare and human nature.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Cycle Of Deployment Strains Military Marriage

As he rose through the ranks, Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Faris saw his marriage to his wife, Lisa, slowly unravel. In 2009, the two decided to try to make their marriage work. Now they tour the country, sharing the lessons they've learned with troops. Originally broadcast on May 10, 2012.

From 'App' To 'Tea': English Examined In '100 Words'

Linguist David Crystal believes every word has a story to tell, even the ones as commonplace as "and." In The Story of English in 100 Words, he compiles a collection of words — classic words like "tea" and new words like "app" — that explain how the English language has evolved.

Watching Your Child Go Off To War

With pride and sadness, writer David Freed watched his son go off to the war in Afghanistan. In the Los Angeles Times, Freed suggests that politicians who vote or make orders to deploy service members don't understand what it means to have a loved one serve. Originally broadcast April 4, 2012.

Get Onboard: It's Time To Stop Hating The Bus

Everyone loves to hate the bus, but in a piece for Salon.com, Will Doig argues that the bus is actually mass transit's best hope. He offers high- and low-tech solutions to help the oft-maligned bus system improve its image and its efficiency.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Humans, The World's 'Superomnivores'

In his book The Omnivorous Mind: Our Evolving Relationship with Food, neuroanthropologist John S. Allen discusses the history of human eating, from foraged foods on the savannah to four-star meals cooked by celebrity chefs, and discusses why crunchy foods like tempura and fried chicken have universal appeal.

Tick Talk: Lyme Disease Under The Microscope

Banking giant JPMorgan's multibillion-dollar trading loss is blamed on an executive's absence due to Lyme disease. And a mild winter has some scientists predicting a busy tick season ahead. A panel of experts discuss how the infection is contracted, why it's often misdiagnosed and the most effective treatment options.

Monster Turtle Fossil Discovered In Colombian Mine

Reporting in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, researchers write of discovering a car-sized turtle they named Carbonemys cofrinii. Edwin Cadena, who found the fossil, describes the giant reptile's lifestyle 60 million years ago, and what it may have dined on--like baby alligators.

Pages

Arts & Culture

NPR

From Classic Toys To New Twists, Kids Go Back To Blocks

NPR's Neda Ulaby investigates a trend in toys that sounds awfully familiar: Manufacturers are finding new ways to get kids interested in playing with blocks, both real and virtual.

Food

NPR

And The Winner Of The World Food Prize Is ... The Man From Monsanto

The prize is sometimes called the "Nobel Prize for food and agriculture." And this year's winners include Monsanto executive Robert Fraley, a pioneer in genetically engineered crops. If there's a single person who personifies the company's controversial role in American agriculture, it's probably Fraley.

Politics

NPR

The Penultimate Edition Of The Political Junkie

Ken Rudin recaps the week in politics. Boston Globe political reporter Jim O'Sullivan previews the special election between Mass. Senate candidates Edward Markey and Gabriel Gomez on June 25. NPR senior Washington editor Ron Elving looks to the future of Congress.

Technology

NPR

FBI Director Says Agency Is Using Drones Over The U.S.

Robert Mueller told the Senate the FBI used drones rarely and for surveillance proposes. The DEA and the ATF had both revealed they possessed drones.

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Talk of the Nation

Arts & Culture

From Classic Toys To New Twists, Kids Go Back To Blocks

Food

And The Winner Of The World Food Prize Is ... The Man From Monsanto

Politics

The Penultimate Edition Of The Political Junkie

Technology

FBI Director Says Agency Is Using Drones Over The U.S.

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