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.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

A Look Ahead To The Future Of Afghanistan

Twelve years after the war began, Afghanistan's president announced Tuesday that Afghan forces officially assumed control of security for the country. U.S. and NATO troops will remain until the 2014 deadline, but the Afghan military is now expected to fight without NATO support.

When A Language Dies, What Happens To Culture?

Nearly half of the 7,000 languages spoken in the world are expected to vanish in the next 100 years. One of them is Athabaskan, a language of the Siletz tribe in the Pacific Northwest. Bud Lane, vice chairman of Siletz tribal council, explains the importance of language diversity.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Reflections On 30 Years Of NYC: A Look Ahead With Margot Adler

From the AIDS movement to the Sept. 11 attacks to Occupy Wall Street, NPR's Margot Adler has covered important issues facing New York City for more than three decades. As part of TOTN's "Looking Ahead" series, Adler reflects on her years in the business and the future of New York City.

Is Big Change Ahead In Iran? A Biography Of The President Elect

Iranians elected Hasan Rowhani, a reformist-backed cleric, as president — a surprise to many who expected an ultraconservative candidate to win. Former NPR foreign correspondent Mike Shuster provides analysis and responds to opinion pieces about what has changed after the election.

'Cows' To The Rescue! Soil's Secrets For Saving The Earth

In her book Cows Save the Planet, journalist Judith Schwartz argues that soil is the key to addressing carbon issues and climate change. It's not only where food is created and where waste decays, but it could also hold the key to solving a long list of environmental problems.

After SCOTUS DNA Ruling, What Changes For Police?

The Supreme Court ruled in June that police can routinely take DNA samples from people who are arrested for comparison against a national database. The decision raises major questions about how law enforcement and criminal justice processes will change.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

A Superpower And An Emerging Rival: A Look Ahead At China

U.S.-China relations have deteriorated in recent years, amid growing concerns about cybersecurity and human rights. As part of TOTN's "Looking Ahead" series, The Economist's China editor Rob Gifford talks about the future relations between the world's two biggest economies.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Life Resumes: Looking Ahead With Suleika Jaouad

Two years after Suleika Jaouad was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, she is cancer free. A month out from her 25th birthday, she is starting to travel again and beginning to think about her career. As part of TOTN's "Looking Ahead" series, Jaouad reflects on regaining a bit of normalcy.

Fighting To Breathe: Living With COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that slowly robs sufferers of the ability to breathe. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., surpassed only by cancer and heart disease. There are treatments, but no cure for the disease.

The Legacy Of Watergate And The Semantics Of Scandals

Political Junkie Ken Rudin talks with former committee member Senator Lowell Weicker at the 40th anniversary of the Senate committee hearings on the Watergate scandal. Former White House speechwriters Paul Glastris and Peter Robinson talk about writing speeches during political scandals.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

As An Indie Musician, Chad Lawson Finds 'The Space Between'

Musician and composer Chad Lawson began his career as a pianist in his own jazz trio before switching to solo classical piano. With his latest album, The Space Between, experiments and takes his music outside the realm of "pretty sounding piano."

Justice And Jury Selection: Judging Jurors Before A Trial

Jury selection is underway in the George Zimmerman trial. Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty to the second-degree murder in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida in 2012. Lawyers on both sides are questioning candidates for the high-profile case.

'One And Only': The Argument For Raising Just One

In 1907, the first president of the American Psychological Association called only children "sickly, selfish, strange, and stupid." In her book One and Only, journalist Lauren Sandler, an only child and mother of one, takes on these stereotypes and explains the joys of raising just one.

Unhappy Endings: When Our TV Show Worlds Get Rocked

The second to last episode of the third season of the HBO series Game of Thrones enraged many viewers. Writer George R.R. Martin says he isn't afraid to end any character's life. The American Prospect's Paul Waldman talks about what happens when our narrative expectations are turned upside down.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Strengthening Buildings In Tornado Alley

Scenes of destroyed homes and businesses were common following the recent Oklahoma tornadoes. David Prevatt, a structural engineer at the University of Florida, says that improving resistance to tornadoes will require better building materials and techniques, plus a strong dose of political will.

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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