More than 80 countries are convening in Germany on Monday to discuss Afghanistan as international troops prepare to withdraw in 2014. Fariba Nawa has documented the devastating effects of the opium trade on Afghanistan — her home country. She speaks with host Michel Martin about the conference and her hopes and fears for Afghanistan's future.
Holiday shopping means lots of trinkets for loved one, but it can also mean lots of debt. To learn whether Americans should save more and spend less, host Michel Martin speaks with NPR's Senior Business Editor Marilyn Geewax and Princeton Professor Sheldon Garon. Garon's new book is Beyond Our Means: Why America Spends While the World Saves.
Tell Me More begins its series "In Limbo" with the story of a man who illegally crossed the U.S. - Mexico border by literally jumping over a fence. He picked tomatoes, shoveled sulfur and scraped fish lard before becoming one of America's most respected neurosurgeons. Host Michel Martin speaks with Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa.
Catholics leaders are roiled by President Obama's heath care overhaul that will require insurance plans to cover free contraceptives. And some priests and parishioners are wondering if a new liturgy, one moving closer to Latin, will bring people closer to God. Host Michel Martin speaks with Michael Sean Winters of the National Catholic Reporter.
The Barbershop guys discuss the child molestation allegations against Syracuse University's former assistant basketball coach. They also look at the new NBA season. Host Michel Martin hears from author Jimi Izrael, attorney Arsalan Iftikhar, columnist Ruben Navarrette and sports writer Kevin Blackistone. (Advisory: This segment contains language that may not be suitable for all audiences.)
GOP presidential hopefuls Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich are battling for the lead as they approach the Iowa caucuses in 2012. But Iowa has historically boosted dark horse candidates. Host Michel Martin discusses the latest political news with former Obama administration staff member Corey Ealons and GOP strategist Ron Christie.
Tell Me More editor Ammad Omar and host Michel Martin comb through listener feedback on Martin's commentary about courage, and the program's recent coverage of a teen's critical tweet about the Kansas governor. Listeners took issue with a contributor's remark on the 'Occupy' movement. There are also updates on Haiti's Wyclef Jean.
Silicon Valley is largely seen as dominated by white men. Host Michel Martin speaks with two African-American women who broke the mold: Angela Benton, founder and CEO of Black Web Media, and LaToya Drake, digital correspondent for AOL.
During Wednesday's Grammy nominations announcement, pop singers Bruno Mars and Adele scored big, but other notables didn't get as much recognition as many critics expected. Host Michel Martin discusses the Grammys and how musicians are upping 'Occupy' support. She hears from music journalists Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Ann Powers and Jasmine Garsd.
The bill would give the state broad authority to classify certain information as secret. Viewing or leaking such documents could lead to imprisonment. To learn what this could mean for press freedom, host Michel Martin speaks with Nic Dawes, editor of South Africa's Mail and Guardian newspaper, and journalist Charlene Smith.
The global HIV infection rate dropped about 21 percent from 1997 to 2010, says the U.N. But only 28 percent of carriers in the U.S. are getting effective treatment, according to the CDC. Host Michel Martin speaks with Jose Ramirez, a gay Latino who lives with HIV and works with a non-profit health center. (Advisory: This segment contains language that may not be suitable for all audiences.)
Emma Sullivan recently sent a tweet criticizing Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. She refused to apologize, despite demands from her school and the governor's office. She and her mother speak with host Michel Martin about the line between manners and free speech. (Advisory: This segment contains language that may not be suitable for all audiences.)
The Beautyshop women discuss Republican Herman Cain's reassessment of his White House bid, and news of a 200-pound third grader who was placed in foster care after officials said his mother wasn't doing enough to control his weight. Host Michel Martin hears from two political bloggers and the head of the Bernard Center for Women, Politics and Public Policy.
Amid continued political gridlock in Washington, New York Times Columnist Anand Giridharadas says governments should depoliticize the economy. He recently reported in Brazil, where he says jobs and yacht sales are up, and young locals are ecstatic about the future. He speaks with host Michel Martin.
AJ Russell began racing when he got his first dirt bike at age five. He's now part of the first racing team to have both a Native American owner and driver. He recently debuted in NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series. As part of Native American Heritage Month, host Michel Martin speaks with Russell about race car driving and embracing his ancestry.