Stream OS Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:49:07 +0000 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:49:07 +0000 http://www.xmradio.com en podcasts@xmradio.com (XM Radio) podcasts@xmradio.com (XM Radio) Bob Edwards Weekend is a two-hour interview showcase, in which celebrated host Bob Edwards highlights the life and work of interesting people, from newsmakers, historians, and authors to artists, actors, and regular folks too. Society 2007 http://www.xmradio.com/images/podcast/podcast_cover_bobedwards.jpg http%3A%2F%2Fwww.xmradio.com%2Fimages%2Fpodcast%2Fpodcast_cover_bobedwards.jpg 100 100 Bob Edwards Weekend is a two-hour interview showcase, in which celebrated host Bob Edwards highlights the life and work of interesting people, from newsmakers, historians, and authors to artists, actors, and regular folks too. Bob Edwards Weekend is a two-hour interview showcase, in which celebrated host Bob Edwards highlights the life and work of interesting people, from newsmakers, historians, and authors to artists, actors, and regular folks too. Bob Edwards Weekend no no XM Radio XM, Radio, Bob, Edwards, Weekend, NPR, Morning, Edition, PRI podcasts@xmradio.com (XM Radio) podcasts@xmradio.com (XM Radio) Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio DAVE ZIRIN, sports editor of The Nation, gives Bob a preview of Super Bowl XLIV. Then, Bob talks with KEITH CAMPBELL, older brother of producer Chad Campbell, and life-long New Orleans resident, about the Super Bowl. The Saints are appearing in that contest for the first time. When Vince Lombardi became coach of the Green Bay Packers, the franchise was in a tail spin. It was the laughingstock of the National Football League – community owned, cheaply run, and outclassed on the field. When coaches and owners of other teams wanted to scare a little hard work into their own players, they threatened to ship the miscreants to Green Bay. In Lombardi's first season with the Packers, he returned the team to respectability and began to lay the groundwork for his now legendary coaching ability. Sportswriter and author JOHN EISENBERG talks with Bob about Lombardi. Eisenberg's book is titled, "That First Season." SEGMENT 2-C: DAVID KIPEN Entertainment critic and former National Endowment for the Arts Director of Literature DAVID KIPEN talks about what's new in theaters and about the passing of writer J. D. Salinger. Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:56:50 +0000 00:51:26 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Dave Zirin about the Super Bowl. Then, Bob talks with Keith Campbell about anticipation of the big game in New Orleans. Later, Bob talks with John Eisenberg about Vince Lombardi. Finally, David Kipen remembers J. D. Salinger. no no DAVE ZIRIN, sports editor of The Nation, gives Bob a preview of Super Bowl XLIV. Then, Bob talks with KEITH CAMPBELL, older brother of producer Chad Campbell, and life-long New Orleans resident, about the Super Bowl. The Saints are appearing in that contest for the first time. When Vince Lombardi became coach of the Green Bay Packers, the franchise was in a tail spin. It was the laughingstock of the National Football League – community owned, cheaply run, and outclassed on the field. When coaches and owners of other teams wanted to scare a little hard work into their own players, they threatened to ship the miscreants to Green Bay. In Lombardi's first season with the Packers, he returned the team to respectability and began to lay the groundwork for his now legendary coaching ability. Sportswriter and author JOHN EISENBERG talks with Bob about Lombardi. Eisenberg's book is titled, "That First Season." SEGMENT 2-C: DAVID KIPEN Entertainment critic and former National Endowment for the Arts Director of Literature DAVID KIPEN talks about what's new in theaters and about the passing of writer J. D. Salinger. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio With concerns about mounting national debt so intense now that President Obama has called for a partial spending freeze, Bob turns to DAVID WALKER for fiscal opinion and analysis. Walker is a former Comptroller General of the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office, and he has just written "Comeback America: Turning the Country Around and Restoring Fiscal Responsibility." The Berlin Airlift has been called the first battle of the cold war. For almost a year, young men flew old planes over Berlin dropping food, fuel, medicine -- even candy -- to the two million people below. In his new book "Daring Young Men," historian RICHARD REEVES tells the stories of the civilian airmen who carried out one of history's largest humanitarian campaigns. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with curator DAN GEDIMAN about the essay of Ben Lucien Burman. Author, journalist, and World War I veteran, Burman wrote 22 books, including the bestselling Catfish Bend series about life in a fictitious Louisiana river town. Several of his books became movies, including "Steamboat Round the Bend," which starred Will Rogers. Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:49:55 +0000 00:51:26 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with David Walker about the national deficit. Then, Bob talks with Richard Reeves about the pilots who brough supplies across enemy lines during the Berlin Airlift. Finally, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of Ben Lucien Burman. no no With concerns about mounting national debt so intense now that President Obama has called for a partial spending freeze, Bob turns to DAVID WALKER for fiscal opinion and analysis. Walker is a former Comptroller General of the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office, and he has just written "Comeback America: Turning the Country Around and Restoring Fiscal Responsibility." The Berlin Airlift has been called the first battle of the cold war. For almost a year, young men flew old planes over Berlin dropping food, fuel, medicine -- even candy -- to the two million people below. In his new book "Daring Young Men," historian RICHARD REEVES tells the stories of the civilian airmen who carried out one of history's largest humanitarian campaigns. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with curator DAN GEDIMAN about the essay of Ben Lucien Burman. Author, journalist, and World War I veteran, Burman wrote 22 books, including the bestselling Catfish Bend series about life in a fictitious Louisiana river town. Several of his books became movies, including "Steamboat Round the Bend," which starred Will Rogers. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Barack Obama made history by being the first African American elected to the nation's highest office, a feat no woman has yet accomplished. We'll spend the hour discussing that topic, first with journalist ANNE KORNBLUT. She covered the last presidential election for the Washington Post, and she's the author of "Notes from the Cracked Ceiling: Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, and What It Will Take for a Woman to Win." Bob talks with former vice presidential candidate GERALDINE FERRARO about the advances women have made and the obstacles that still remain on the political battlefield. Bob spends the rest of the hour with Wall Street Journal reporter SUSAN DAVIS and women's studies professor BONNIE MORRIS, who share their observations on the successes and failures of women in politics. Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:51:27 +0000 00:51:27 Sirius XM Radio Bob spends the hour analyzing the status of women in politics, talking with Anne Kornblut, Geraldine Ferraro, Susan Davis, and Bonnie Morris. no no Barack Obama made history by being the first African American elected to the nation's highest office, a feat no woman has yet accomplished. We'll spend the hour discussing that topic, first with journalist ANNE KORNBLUT. She covered the last presidential election for the Washington Post, and she's the author of "Notes from the Cracked Ceiling: Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, and What It Will Take for a Woman to Win." Bob talks with former vice presidential candidate GERALDINE FERRARO about the advances women have made and the obstacles that still remain on the political battlefield. Bob spends the rest of the hour with Wall Street Journal reporter SUSAN DAVIS and women's studies professor BONNIE MORRIS, who share their observations on the successes and failures of women in politics. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Social thinker and author JEREMY RIFKIN'S latest book looks at emerging scientific studies that show humans are not naturally aggressive and self-interested, but fundamentally empathetic. Rifkin's book, "The Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis," is a new interpretation of the history of civilization, focusing on the development of human empathy. Folklorists NANCY GROCE and STEVE WINICK from the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress are back to share songs and audio relating to the theme of "Sickness & Health." In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with curator DAN GEDIMAN about the essay of Ahmad Zaki Abu Shadi. He was born in Cairo, studied medicine in London, and returned to Egypt to research bacteriology and teach. Also an accomplished artist, Shadi published several collections of poetry, wrote scripts for operas and painted. He immigrated to the United States in 1946. Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:34:17 +0000 00:51:27 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Jeremy Rifkin about the importance of empathy in society. Then, folklorists Nancy Groce and Steve Winick share archival recordings about sickness and health. Finally, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of Ahmad Zaki Abu Shadi. no no Social thinker and author JEREMY RIFKIN'S latest book looks at emerging scientific studies that show humans are not naturally aggressive and self-interested, but fundamentally empathetic. Rifkin's book, "The Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis," is a new interpretation of the history of civilization, focusing on the development of human empathy. Folklorists NANCY GROCE and STEVE WINICK from the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress are back to share songs and audio relating to the theme of "Sickness & Health." In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with curator DAN GEDIMAN about the essay of Ahmad Zaki Abu Shadi. He was born in Cairo, studied medicine in London, and returned to Egypt to research bacteriology and teach. Also an accomplished artist, Shadi published several collections of poetry, wrote scripts for operas and painted. He immigrated to the United States in 1946. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Bob spends the hour with cultural reporter PETER AMES CARLIN. A few years ago, Carlin wrote an extensive biography of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson. Bob had Carlin on the program for an interview packed with great stories set to a great soundtrack. Now Carlin has turned his attention to Paul McCartney, whom he argues was always the Beatles' musical director, even teaching Lennon how to play guitar chords and tune his instrument properly. "Paul McCartney: A Life" is based on years of research and presents a textured portrait of one of music's living icons. Sat, 23 Jan 2010 04:26:12 +0000 00:51:26 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with biographer Peter Ames Carlin about Paul McCartney no no Bob spends the hour with cultural reporter PETER AMES CARLIN. A few years ago, Carlin wrote an extensive biography of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson. Bob had Carlin on the program for an interview packed with great stories set to a great soundtrack. Now Carlin has turned his attention to Paul McCartney, whom he argues was always the Beatles' musical director, even teaching Lennon how to play guitar chords and tune his instrument properly. "Paul McCartney: A Life" is based on years of research and presents a textured portrait of one of music's living icons. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio The widespread tragedy in Haiti has as much to do with severe poverty and a dysfunctional government as it does with the recent earthquake. The country has a volatile history, especially when compared to neighbors like the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, yet is stable. MARK SCHNEIDER is a Senior Vice President and Special Adviser on Latin America at the International Crisis Group. He describes the people, government and culture of Haiti, and how its citizens can rebuild a stronger country. In 2008, Georges Anglade founded the Haitian chapter of PEN, the international organization that seeks freedom for writers. In a country where more than half the population is illiterate and corruption is a historical norm, Anglade had taken on a challenging but important role. Unfortunately, he and his wife were victims of the recent earthquake. JOHN RALSTON SAUL is the president of International PEN. He talks with Bob about his friend and colleague. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with curator DAN GEDIMAN about the essay of Pearl Buck. She won the 1938 Nobel Prize for Literature for her writings, including "The Good Earth." Born in West Virginia to missionary parents, Buck lived in China for 40 years. She wrote more than 100 works and advocated for adoption of homeless Asian children. Sat, 23 Jan 2010 04:19:33 +0000 00:51:26 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Mark Schneider about Haiti's history and future. Then, Bob talks with John Ralston Saul about the writer Georges Anglade, who was killed in the earthquake. Finally, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of Pearl Buck. no no The widespread tragedy in Haiti has as much to do with severe poverty and a dysfunctional government as it does with the recent earthquake. The country has a volatile history, especially when compared to neighbors like the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, yet is stable. MARK SCHNEIDER is a Senior Vice President and Special Adviser on Latin America at the International Crisis Group. He describes the people, government and culture of Haiti, and how its citizens can rebuild a stronger country. In 2008, Georges Anglade founded the Haitian chapter of PEN, the international organization that seeks freedom for writers. In a country where more than half the population is illiterate and corruption is a historical norm, Anglade had taken on a challenging but important role. Unfortunately, he and his wife were victims of the recent earthquake. JOHN RALSTON SAUL is the president of International PEN. He talks with Bob about his friend and colleague. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with curator DAN GEDIMAN about the essay of Pearl Buck. She won the 1938 Nobel Prize for Literature for her writings, including "The Good Earth." Born in West Virginia to missionary parents, Buck lived in China for 40 years. She wrote more than 100 works and advocated for adoption of homeless Asian children. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Pop artist JAMES ROSENQUIST arrived in New York City as a young art student of great promise in 1955. Over his 50-year career, Rosenquist surpassed his early expectations to become one of the most important pop artists of his generation. "Painting Below Zero: Notes on a Life in Art" is his own account of the highs and lows of his remarkable career. HERMAIN KHAN is a first-generation Pakistani American and ANA CISNEROS is an Ecuadorian American. When they were 17-year-old high school students, Khan and Cisneros competed in the nation's oldest, most prestigious science competition, The Intel Science Talent Search. Now they're featured in a new documentary called "Whiz Kids" directed by TOM SHEPARD. The film is a coming-of-age story framed by the competition. Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:22:45 +0000 00:51:27 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with pop artist James Rosenquist about his long career. Then, Bob talks with young scientists featured the documentary, "Whiz Kids." no no Pop artist JAMES ROSENQUIST arrived in New York City as a young art student of great promise in 1955. Over his 50-year career, Rosenquist surpassed his early expectations to become one of the most important pop artists of his generation. "Painting Below Zero: Notes on a Life in Art" is his own account of the highs and lows of his remarkable career. HERMAIN KHAN is a first-generation Pakistani American and ANA CISNEROS is an Ecuadorian American. When they were 17-year-old high school students, Khan and Cisneros competed in the nation's oldest, most prestigious science competition, The Intel Science Talent Search. Now they're featured in a new documentary called "Whiz Kids" directed by TOM SHEPARD. The film is a coming-of-age story framed by the competition. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Close to a million people will attend the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In addition to the more than 700 new models on display, attendees will see an industry transformed. Since last year's show, General Motors and Chrysler have gone in and out of bankruptcy. Toyota announced its first loss in almost 60 years. PAUL INGRASSIA spent 31 years with The Wall Street Journal, eight of those as the Detroit Bureau Chief. He won a Pulitzer Prize for coverage of GM and has written a number of books about the auto industry. His latest is called "Crash Course: The American Automobile Industry's Road from Glory to Disaster." According to anthropologist CATHERINE LUTZ, Americans spend an average of 18 and a half hours a week in their cars. Lutz is the author of "Carjacked: The Culture of the Automobile & Its Effect on Our Lives." The book pairs statistics with stories to explore what the American love affair with the car gets us -- and what it costs us. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with curator DAN GEDIMAN about the essay of actress Phyllis Kirk. She starred with Vincent Price in the horror film "House of Wax," and with Peter Lawford in "The Thin Man" television series. Throughout her career, Kirk was active in various social and civil liberties causes. Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:03:33 +0000 00:51:26 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Paul Ingrassia about the future of the car industry in America. Then, Bob dissects the American love affair with cars with Catherine Lutz. Finally, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of actress Phyllis Kirk. no no Close to a million people will attend the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In addition to the more than 700 new models on display, attendees will see an industry transformed. Since last year's show, General Motors and Chrysler have gone in and out of bankruptcy. Toyota announced its first loss in almost 60 years. PAUL INGRASSIA spent 31 years with The Wall Street Journal, eight of those as the Detroit Bureau Chief. He won a Pulitzer Prize for coverage of GM and has written a number of books about the auto industry. His latest is called "Crash Course: The American Automobile Industry's Road from Glory to Disaster." According to anthropologist CATHERINE LUTZ, Americans spend an average of 18 and a half hours a week in their cars. Lutz is the author of "Carjacked: The Culture of the Automobile & Its Effect on Our Lives." The book pairs statistics with stories to explore what the American love affair with the car gets us -- and what it costs us. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with curator DAN GEDIMAN about the essay of actress Phyllis Kirk. She starred with Vincent Price in the horror film "House of Wax," and with Peter Lawford in "The Thin Man" television series. Throughout her career, Kirk was active in various social and civil liberties causes. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio In 1993, Chad Campbell was a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill. CARL KASELL was visiting his alma mater and agreed to an interview. A version of this interview aired on WXYC’s "Feedback," a college radio news and arts program. Sun, 10 Jan 2010 05:34:47 +0000 00:12:59 Sirius XM Radio Producer Chad Campbell interviews Carl Kasell in 1993 at the University of North Carolina, their alma mater. no no In 1993, Chad Campbell was a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill. CARL KASELL was visiting his alma mater and agreed to an interview. A version of this interview aired on WXYC’s "Feedback," a college radio news and arts program. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Based on the books by Victorian novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, "Cranford" debuted on PBS's Masterpiece Classic in 2008. With an ensemble cast that included Judi Dench, Julia McKenzie, and Imelda Staunton, "Cranford" followed the lives of the residents of a fictional English town in the 1840s. Now the cast is back in "Return to Cranford," debuting on PBS this weekend. Bob talks with producer and "Cranford" miniseries creator SUE BIRTWISTLE. Guitarist and singer CHUCK PROPHET discusses the recording of his latest CD in Mexico City -- during the height of Swine Flu hysteria. The record is called "Let Freedom Ring!" and Prophet also performs a few tracks from the album in our studio. Sat, 09 Jan 2010 02:43:33 +0000 00:51:26 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Sue Birtwistle about the television miniseries "Return to Cranford." Then Bob talks with Chuck Prophet about his latest album, "Let Freedom Ring!" no no Based on the books by Victorian novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, "Cranford" debuted on PBS's Masterpiece Classic in 2008. With an ensemble cast that included Judi Dench, Julia McKenzie, and Imelda Staunton, "Cranford" followed the lives of the residents of a fictional English town in the 1840s. Now the cast is back in "Return to Cranford," debuting on PBS this weekend. Bob talks with producer and "Cranford" miniseries creator SUE BIRTWISTLE. Guitarist and singer CHUCK PROPHET discusses the recording of his latest CD in Mexico City -- during the height of Swine Flu hysteria. The record is called "Let Freedom Ring!" and Prophet also performs a few tracks from the album in our studio. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio CARL KASELL just retired from anchoring NPR newscasts, a job he held for more than 30 years. For nearly 25 of those years, Bob and Carl worked together on NPR's Morning Edition. We'll hear the two old friends swap stories and revisit highlights from Kasell's long radio career. Kasell's new role with NPR is as a "public radio ambassador" and he continues as the official judge and scorekeeper of the NPR quiz program "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with DAN GEDIMAN about the essay of Arthur E. Morgan, a self taught civil engineer and educator. He served as the first chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority, and as president of Antioch College in Ohio. We also hear from Lee Morgan, who reflects on his grandfather's essay and updates Bob on efforts to continue Arthur Morgan's vision for Antioch. Sat, 09 Jan 2010 02:32:46 +0000 00:51:26 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Carl Kassel about his long career as a radio newscaster. Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of Dan Gediman. no no CARL KASELL just retired from anchoring NPR newscasts, a job he held for more than 30 years. For nearly 25 of those years, Bob and Carl worked together on NPR's Morning Edition. We'll hear the two old friends swap stories and revisit highlights from Kasell's long radio career. Kasell's new role with NPR is as a "public radio ambassador" and he continues as the official judge and scorekeeper of the NPR quiz program "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with DAN GEDIMAN about the essay of Arthur E. Morgan, a self taught civil engineer and educator. He served as the first chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority, and as president of Antioch College in Ohio. We also hear from Lee Morgan, who reflects on his grandfather's essay and updates Bob on efforts to continue Arthur Morgan's vision for Antioch. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Historian SUSAN REIGLER talks about one of Kentucky's most famous exports on location at Bourbons Bistro in Louisville. Reigler is the author of "The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book." Bob talks with sculptor ED HAMILTON in his Louisville studio about his newest projects. His works include The Spirit of Freedom, The Amistad Memorial and The Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront Park in Louisville. Within the art world, American photographer ROBERT BERGMAN has long been known for his intimate, often surprising street portraiture. As interested in his subjects' psychological state as in their physical look, Bergman's portraits reveal the strength and of ordinary people. The National Gallery of Art is hosting Bergman's first major solo exhibition through January 10th. Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:02:33 +0000 00:51:25 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Susan Reigler about the history of bourbon. Then, Bob visits with sculptor Ed Hamilton in his Louisville studio. Finally, Bob talks with photographer Robert Bergman about his long career. no no Historian SUSAN REIGLER talks about one of Kentucky's most famous exports on location at Bourbons Bistro in Louisville. Reigler is the author of "The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book." Bob talks with sculptor ED HAMILTON in his Louisville studio about his newest projects. His works include The Spirit of Freedom, The Amistad Memorial and The Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront Park in Louisville. Within the art world, American photographer ROBERT BERGMAN has long been known for his intimate, often surprising street portraiture. As interested in his subjects' psychological state as in their physical look, Bergman's portraits reveal the strength and of ordinary people. The National Gallery of Art is hosting Bergman's first major solo exhibition through January 10th. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio DAVID KIRBY believes it's time for a reassessment of Little Richard's career. In "Little Richard: The Birth of Rock and Roll," Kirby argues that our most popular musical genre began with the song Tutti Frutti. As a poet, a Florida State University English professor, and the author of 30 books, Kirby is uniquely qualified to give the proper literary attention to Little Richard's opening salutation: "A wop bop a loo mop, a lop bam boom." In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from JOHN DAVIS DRUMMEY. He had a long career in advertising and public relations despite being a disabled veteran of World War II. Drummey also was a cartoonist for several publications and wrote "The Observant Bostonian" column for Boston Magazine for many years. Fri, 01 Jan 2010 01:55:17 +0000 00:51:26 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with David Kirby about the influence of Little Richard on the evolution of rock and roll. Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of John Davis Drummey. no no DAVID KIRBY believes it's time for a reassessment of Little Richard's career. In "Little Richard: The Birth of Rock and Roll," Kirby argues that our most popular musical genre began with the song Tutti Frutti. As a poet, a Florida State University English professor, and the author of 30 books, Kirby is uniquely qualified to give the proper literary attention to Little Richard's opening salutation: "A wop bop a loo mop, a lop bam boom." In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from JOHN DAVIS DRUMMEY. He had a long career in advertising and public relations despite being a disabled veteran of World War II. Drummey also was a cartoonist for several publications and wrote "The Observant Bostonian" column for Boston Magazine for many years. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio According to the FBI, Latinos are the most targeted ethnic group of violent attacks. Since 2003, the number has increased so that 64 percent of all ethnically motivated attacks are against Hispanics. In the worst of those crimes, three Latino men were murdered last year based on their physical appearance. We focus on the life and death of one of those men, killed in November of 2008 on Long Island. Authorities believe that less severe attacks go unreported because the victims are either afraid of local police or simply because they have come to accept the attacks and humiliation as a cost of living in the United States. But that price is just too much to bear for the family of Marcelo Lucero, the Ecuadorean immigrant killed last year in Patchogue, New York. For the full hour, "Hating Marcelo: America's Growing Rage Against Latinos" a look at why Hispanics are hated and what that hate does to a community. Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:36:31 +0000 00:51:27 Sirius XM Radio Our documentary "Hating Marcelo: America's Growing Rage Against Latinos" explores the community and racial tensions that of rising Latino populations. no no According to the FBI, Latinos are the most targeted ethnic group of violent attacks. Since 2003, the number has increased so that 64 percent of all ethnically motivated attacks are against Hispanics. In the worst of those crimes, three Latino men were murdered last year based on their physical appearance. We focus on the life and death of one of those men, killed in November of 2008 on Long Island. Authorities believe that less severe attacks go unreported because the victims are either afraid of local police or simply because they have come to accept the attacks and humiliation as a cost of living in the United States. But that price is just too much to bear for the family of Marcelo Lucero, the Ecuadorean immigrant killed last year in Patchogue, New York. For the full hour, "Hating Marcelo: America's Growing Rage Against Latinos" a look at why Hispanics are hated and what that hate does to a community. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Today we take a look back at 2009. First DAVID BRODER of "The Washington Post" talks about the year in political news. Then we hear from blogger and sports editor of "The Nation" DAVE ZIRIN about the biggest sports stories of the year. Rolling Stone contributing editor ANTHONY DECURTIS offers his personal list of 2009's top ten CDs, including albums by The Avett Brothers, Grizzly Bear, Levon Helm, Norah Jones and Chuck Prophet. You can find the complete list at www.bobedwardsradio.com. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Susan Parker Cobbs. She was a teacher of Latin and Greek as well as the Dean of Women at Swarthmore College. A native of Anniston, Alabama, Cobbs studied the classics at New York University and the University of Chicago. Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:24:54 +0000 00:51:27 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with David Broder and Dave Zirin about the top stories of 2009. Then, Bob talks with Anthony DeCurtis about his favorite albums of the year. Finally, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of Susan Parker Cobbs. no no Today we take a look back at 2009. First DAVID BRODER of "The Washington Post" talks about the year in political news. Then we hear from blogger and sports editor of "The Nation" DAVE ZIRIN about the biggest sports stories of the year. Rolling Stone contributing editor ANTHONY DECURTIS offers his personal list of 2009's top ten CDs, including albums by The Avett Brothers, Grizzly Bear, Levon Helm, Norah Jones and Chuck Prophet. You can find the complete list at www.bobedwardsradio.com. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Susan Parker Cobbs. She was a teacher of Latin and Greek as well as the Dean of Women at Swarthmore College. A native of Anniston, Alabama, Cobbs studied the classics at New York University and the University of Chicago. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio TERRY GILLIAM'S new movie, "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," is a fantastical morality tale set in the present. The film stars Christopher Plummer as the title character, musician Tom Waits as the devil, and Heath Ledger as a mysterious stranger. Ledger died during filming but Gilliam decided to have three other actors (Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell) fill in and share the role. Gilliam is also one of the founding members of Monty Python, the comedy troupe that celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this year. REY FRESCO is a new band made up of old high school friends from southern California. Bob talks to the members about their multicultural backgrounds, their catchy sound and their unusual instrumentation. The band's lead instrument is a 36 string harp played by an ethnomusicologist, while the drummer taught himself to play AND to make his own drums from surfboard fiberglass. Rey Fresco's debut CD is called "The People" and it features reggae, pop, country, Latin and soul influences. Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:30:16 +0000 00:51:27 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Terry Gilliam about his latest film and the 40th anniversary of Monty Python. Then, Bob talks with the members of the California band Rey Fresco. no no TERRY GILLIAM'S new movie, "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," is a fantastical morality tale set in the present. The film stars Christopher Plummer as the title character, musician Tom Waits as the devil, and Heath Ledger as a mysterious stranger. Ledger died during filming but Gilliam decided to have three other actors (Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell) fill in and share the role. Gilliam is also one of the founding members of Monty Python, the comedy troupe that celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this year. REY FRESCO is a new band made up of old high school friends from southern California. Bob talks to the members about their multicultural backgrounds, their catchy sound and their unusual instrumentation. The band's lead instrument is a 36 string harp played by an ethnomusicologist, while the drummer taught himself to play AND to make his own drums from surfboard fiberglass. Rey Fresco's debut CD is called "The People" and it features reggae, pop, country, Latin and soul influences. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio SEAN LENNON recently released a new CD, a soundtrack for a low budget vampire flick called "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Undead." Lennon composed the moody, instrumental score on his home computer, and he runs Chimera Music out of his kitchen. Lennon is the only child of John Lennon and Yoko Ono and he talks with Bob about vampires, music, working with his mom, memories of his father and the highs and lows of being the famous son of very famous parents. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from stage, film and radio actor Lionel Barrymore. He won an Academy Award for "A Free Soul" in 1931. Barrymore appeared in more than 200 movies, including "It's a Wonderful Life" where he starred as Mr. Potter. Barrymore was also an accomplished author, composer, artist and director. Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:20:06 +0000 00:51:27 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Sean Lennon about his musical career and his famous parents. Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of Lionel Barrymore. no no SEAN LENNON recently released a new CD, a soundtrack for a low budget vampire flick called "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Undead." Lennon composed the moody, instrumental score on his home computer, and he runs Chimera Music out of his kitchen. Lennon is the only child of John Lennon and Yoko Ono and he talks with Bob about vampires, music, working with his mom, memories of his father and the highs and lows of being the famous son of very famous parents. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from stage, film and radio actor Lionel Barrymore. He won an Academy Award for "A Free Soul" in 1931. Barrymore appeared in more than 200 movies, including "It's a Wonderful Life" where he starred as Mr. Potter. Barrymore was also an accomplished author, composer, artist and director. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio President of the Natural Resources Defense Council, FRANCES BEINECKE, discusses the climate change legislation making its way through the Senate, the role of the United States at the Copenhagen Climate Conference, and explains why our national security depends on our ability to curb carbon emissions. Beinecke is also the author of a new book - "Clean Energy Common Sense: An American Call to Action on Global Climate Change." PAUL NICKLEN grew up on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. He became a biologist who liked to take pictures. Pictures won out. Nicklen uses photography to document the effects of global warming on the animals of the Arctic and Antarctic. His new book of photography is called "Polar Obsession," and it features stunning photographs of penguins, narwhals and polar bears. It's published by National Geographic. Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:04:01 +0000 00:51:19 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Frances Beinecke about legislation to limit U.S. carbon emissions. Then, Bob talks with Paul Nicklen about photographing -- and befriending -- polar animals. no no President of the Natural Resources Defense Council, FRANCES BEINECKE, discusses the climate change legislation making its way through the Senate, the role of the United States at the Copenhagen Climate Conference, and explains why our national security depends on our ability to curb carbon emissions. Beinecke is also the author of a new book - "Clean Energy Common Sense: An American Call to Action on Global Climate Change." PAUL NICKLEN grew up on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. He became a biologist who liked to take pictures. Pictures won out. Nicklen uses photography to document the effects of global warming on the animals of the Arctic and Antarctic. His new book of photography is called "Polar Obsession," and it features stunning photographs of penguins, narwhals and polar bears. It's published by National Geographic. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio In "Enemies of the People: My Family's Journey to America," journalist KATI MARTON describes life in communist Hungary. Her parents were reporters for Western wire services, and their truth-telling attracted the attention of Hungary's Stalinst regime. Marton's parents were monitored by the secret police and eventually imprisoned for two years. Marton searched the archives of the secret police to piece together her family's history and their escape from Eastern Europe in the mid 1950s. She discovered secret love affairs and countless betrayals by friends who doubled as informers. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Norman Cousins. He was editor of The Saturday Review. A noted author, Cousins detailed his fight against two life-threatening diseases in "Anatomy of An Illness" and "The Healing Heart." In addition to his literary career, he became an ardent critic of the nuclear arms race and the Vietnam War. Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:29:29 +0000 00:51:19 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Kati Marton about her parents' struggles against the communist regime in Hungary. Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of journalist and peace advocate Norman Cousins. no no In "Enemies of the People: My Family's Journey to America," journalist KATI MARTON describes life in communist Hungary. Her parents were reporters for Western wire services, and their truth-telling attracted the attention of Hungary's Stalinst regime. Marton's parents were monitored by the secret police and eventually imprisoned for two years. Marton searched the archives of the secret police to piece together her family's history and their escape from Eastern Europe in the mid 1950s. She discovered secret love affairs and countless betrayals by friends who doubled as informers. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Norman Cousins. He was editor of The Saturday Review. A noted author, Cousins detailed his fight against two life-threatening diseases in "Anatomy of An Illness" and "The Healing Heart." In addition to his literary career, he became an ardent critic of the nuclear arms race and the Vietnam War. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio In "Hollowing Out The Middle," authors PATRICK CARR and Maria Kefalas examine the exodus from America's small towns. To do this, the two moved to a small town in Iowa where they conducted over a hundred interviews to determine why some young people leave and others stay, despite the worsening opportunities for good-paying jobs. DOUGLAS GAYETON, a multimedia artist and champion of the Slow Food movement, combined his two passions in his new book "Slow: Life in a Tuscan Town." With an introduction by Alice Waters, this illustrated memoir and lesson in regional cuisine focuses on the small villages in Tuscany where the Slow Food movement, which started as a backlash against fast food, is simply a way of life. Rolling Stone contributing editor ANTHONY DECURTIS talks about "Blues and Chaos," a collection of pieces written by legendary music critic Robert Palmer. The articles, which appeared originally in Rolling Stone and the New York Times, were arranged thematically and edited by DeCurtis. Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:34:36 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Patrick Carr about the challenges faced by small towns. Then Bob talks with Douglas Gayeton about capturing the Slow Food movement with photographs. Finally, Bob talks with Anthony DeCurtis about his fellow music critic, Robert Palmer. no no In "Hollowing Out The Middle," authors PATRICK CARR and Maria Kefalas examine the exodus from America's small towns. To do this, the two moved to a small town in Iowa where they conducted over a hundred interviews to determine why some young people leave and others stay, despite the worsening opportunities for good-paying jobs. DOUGLAS GAYETON, a multimedia artist and champion of the Slow Food movement, combined his two passions in his new book "Slow: Life in a Tuscan Town." With an introduction by Alice Waters, this illustrated memoir and lesson in regional cuisine focuses on the small villages in Tuscany where the Slow Food movement, which started as a backlash against fast food, is simply a way of life. Rolling Stone contributing editor ANTHONY DECURTIS talks about "Blues and Chaos," a collection of pieces written by legendary music critic Robert Palmer. The articles, which appeared originally in Rolling Stone and the New York Times, were arranged thematically and edited by DeCurtis. Sirius XM Radio Ever the Englishman, writer, actor, and comedian STEPHEN FRY traveled across the United States in a black London cab, visiting all 50 states to experience first-hand what makes America unique. Fry picked lobster pots in Maine, observed the primary election season in New Hampshire and participated in some improv on stage at Second City in Chicago. Fry's book is appropriately titled, "Stephen Fry in America: Fifty States and the Man Who Set Out to See Them All." He also talks about his frequent collaborations with his college friend Hugh Laurie, including their roles as Jeeves and Wooster. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Oscar and Esther Hirschmann. They lived in New York City, where Oscar was a poet writing under the pen name of Oliver Hale. Their essay was the only statement on the original This I Believe series to be delivered by two people. Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:27:48 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with British actor Stephen Fry about exploring America. Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of Oscar and Esther Hirschmann. no no Ever the Englishman, writer, actor, and comedian STEPHEN FRY traveled across the United States in a black London cab, visiting all 50 states to experience first-hand what makes America unique. Fry picked lobster pots in Maine, observed the primary election season in New Hampshire and participated in some improv on stage at Second City in Chicago. Fry's book is appropriately titled, "Stephen Fry in America: Fifty States and the Man Who Set Out to See Them All." He also talks about his frequent collaborations with his college friend Hugh Laurie, including their roles as Jeeves and Wooster. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Oscar and Esther Hirschmann. They lived in New York City, where Oscar was a poet writing under the pen name of Oliver Hale. Their essay was the only statement on the original This I Believe series to be delivered by two people. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio As Americans start shoping for the holidays, the investigative journalism website globalpost.com is taking a closer look at conditions for workers in some of the factories that make the components for the hottest electronic gadgets this season. Bob talks with Global Post Managing Editor THOMAS MUCHA about their special series, "Silicon Sweatshops." WERNER HERZOG'S film career began in the 1960s and includes more than fifty films. His newest is a drama titled "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans." It shares a title with a 1992 movie, but Herzog insists that his film is NOT a remake or a sequel of that "Bad Lieutenant." Herzog's movie stars Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes and Val Kilmer and is set in the Crescent City soon after Hurricane Katrina. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Charles Henry Parrish. As a professor of sociology at the University of Louisville, Parrish was the first African American to be appointed to the faculty of a white, southern university. Then Bob speaks with one of Parrish's former students. Blaine Hudson is now Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at his alma mater. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:17:12 +0000 00:51:16 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Thomas Mucha about working conditions at electronics factories. Then Bob talks with Werner Herzog about his latest film. Finally, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of Charles Parrish. no no As Americans start shoping for the holidays, the investigative journalism website globalpost.com is taking a closer look at conditions for workers in some of the factories that make the components for the hottest electronic gadgets this season. Bob talks with Global Post Managing Editor THOMAS MUCHA about their special series, "Silicon Sweatshops." WERNER HERZOG'S film career began in the 1960s and includes more than fifty films. His newest is a drama titled "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans." It shares a title with a 1992 movie, but Herzog insists that his film is NOT a remake or a sequel of that "Bad Lieutenant." Herzog's movie stars Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes and Val Kilmer and is set in the Crescent City soon after Hurricane Katrina. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Charles Henry Parrish. As a professor of sociology at the University of Louisville, Parrish was the first African American to be appointed to the faculty of a white, southern university. Then Bob speaks with one of Parrish's former students. Blaine Hudson is now Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at his alma mater. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Perhaps no one in the history of American entertainment is more influential and tragic than Orson Welles, the young auteur who created shocking dramas on stage, on the air, and on screen. Welles struggled to live up to his early successes, and at the end of his life was seen as a caricature, lending his famous voice to TV commercials, and releasing few films in this country. Bob talks with CHRIS WELLES FEDER about her father, his devotion to his art and his distance from his family. Welles Feder is the author of the new book, "In My Father's Shadow." TOM RUSSELL is a visual artist, an author and an accomplished musician. He's also a songwriter whose tunes have been covered by the likes of Johnny Cash, Guy Clark and Ramblin' Jack Elliott. But Russell isn't just an artist: he holds a masters degree in criminology, he taught in Nigeria during a civil war, and he drove a cab in New York -- among many other jobs. Tom Russell joins Bob to discuss his life and to play songs from his new CD "Blood and Candle Smoke." Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:50:46 +0000 00:51:18 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Chris Welles Feder about her father, Orson Welles. Then, Bob talks with musician Tom Russell about his latest album and his autobiographical songwriting. no no Perhaps no one in the history of American entertainment is more influential and tragic than Orson Welles, the young auteur who created shocking dramas on stage, on the air, and on screen. Welles struggled to live up to his early successes, and at the end of his life was seen as a caricature, lending his famous voice to TV commercials, and releasing few films in this country. Bob talks with CHRIS WELLES FEDER about her father, his devotion to his art and his distance from his family. Welles Feder is the author of the new book, "In My Father's Shadow." TOM RUSSELL is a visual artist, an author and an accomplished musician. He's also a songwriter whose tunes have been covered by the likes of Johnny Cash, Guy Clark and Ramblin' Jack Elliott. But Russell isn't just an artist: he holds a masters degree in criminology, he taught in Nigeria during a civil war, and he drove a cab in New York -- among many other jobs. Tom Russell joins Bob to discuss his life and to play songs from his new CD "Blood and Candle Smoke." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963 and one of the most recent books about JFK just came out. It's titled "Jack Kennedy: The Illustrated Life of a President." The book features intimate photos, personal memorabilia, and history-making documents. It also includes a CD of some of JFK's most famous speeches. Presidential scholar and author CHUCK WILLS discusses his research for the book. In her new book, "The Year of the Flood," MARGARET ATWOOD has created a dystopian world that can be read as a commentary on religion, politics, science, and the environment. Atwood has written 15 books of poetry but she's best known for her novels including "The Handmaid's Tale" and "The Blind Assassin." In the early 1990's, Maryland artist Billy Pappas set out to draw the impossible. For the next eight years, Pappas worked to capture what is normally unseen in portraiture: each pore, each individual strand of hair. His obsession was matched only by his obsessive pursuit to show his opus to the acclaimed modern artist David Hockney. JULIE CHECKOWAY is the director of a film about Pappas. She talks with Bob about "Waiting for Hockney" which debuts on the Sundance Channel on Monday. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:25:49 +0000 00:51:19 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Chuck Wills about John F. Kennedy. Then, Bob talks with Margaret Atwood about her latest novel. Finally, Bob talks with Julie Checkoway about her documentary that follows the portrait artist Billy Pappas. no no President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963 and one of the most recent books about JFK just came out. It's titled "Jack Kennedy: The Illustrated Life of a President." The book features intimate photos, personal memorabilia, and history-making documents. It also includes a CD of some of JFK's most famous speeches. Presidential scholar and author CHUCK WILLS discusses his research for the book. In her new book, "The Year of the Flood," MARGARET ATWOOD has created a dystopian world that can be read as a commentary on religion, politics, science, and the environment. Atwood has written 15 books of poetry but she's best known for her novels including "The Handmaid's Tale" and "The Blind Assassin." In the early 1990's, Maryland artist Billy Pappas set out to draw the impossible. For the next eight years, Pappas worked to capture what is normally unseen in portraiture: each pore, each individual strand of hair. His obsession was matched only by his obsessive pursuit to show his opus to the acclaimed modern artist David Hockney. JULIE CHECKOWAY is the director of a film about Pappas. She talks with Bob about "Waiting for Hockney" which debuts on the Sundance Channel on Monday. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio HAL HOLBROOK is known for his iconic portrayal of Mark Twain. His first performance in the solo act about the famous writer was in 1954. More than fifty years later, Holbrook is still at it and nobody can bring Mark Twain alive like he can. Now Holbrook stars in "That Evening Sun," a Southern Gothic film about a man refusing to face the waning years of his life and his worth. Holbrook is joined by the film's director, SCOTT TEEMS. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Barry Bingham, Sr. He was the long-time owner, editor and publisher of The Courier Journal and The Louisville Times. The Bingham family's leadership of the newspapers as well as radio and TV properties in Kentucky led to numerous journalism awards including multiple Pulitzer Prizes. Then, Bob is joined by MOLLY BINGHAM, one of Barry's grandchildren. She recalls some favorite memories of her grandfather and describes how his example of journalistic courage prompted her to become a photojournalist and documentarian. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:59:07 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Hal Holbrook and Scott Teems about the film, "That Evening Sun." Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay by newspaper publisher Barry Bingham, who is also remembered by his granddaughter Molly Bingham. no no HAL HOLBROOK is known for his iconic portrayal of Mark Twain. His first performance in the solo act about the famous writer was in 1954. More than fifty years later, Holbrook is still at it and nobody can bring Mark Twain alive like he can. Now Holbrook stars in "That Evening Sun," a Southern Gothic film about a man refusing to face the waning years of his life and his worth. Holbrook is joined by the film's director, SCOTT TEEMS. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Barry Bingham, Sr. He was the long-time owner, editor and publisher of The Courier Journal and The Louisville Times. The Bingham family's leadership of the newspapers as well as radio and TV properties in Kentucky led to numerous journalism awards including multiple Pulitzer Prizes. Then, Bob is joined by MOLLY BINGHAM, one of Barry's grandchildren. She recalls some favorite memories of her grandfather and describes how his example of journalistic courage prompted her to become a photojournalist and documentarian. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio In the new film, "The Messenger," WOODY HARRELSON and BEN FOSTER portray members of the Army's Casualty Notification service, representatives of the military who must deliver the news of fallen soldiers to the next of kin. Harrelson, Foster and screenwriter and director OREN MOVERMAN discuss the film, and describe the tense, improvisational scenes of notification. Harrelson and Foster didn't know what their fellow actors planned to do to show their grief. Writer BARBARA KINGSOLVER is one of America's most respected novelists. She is the author of "The Bean Trees," "The Poisonwood Bible," and "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle," a non-fiction account of her family's attempt to eat locally grown food. Kingsolver's new book, "The Lacuna," is her first novel in nine years. It's follows a Mexican American writer who travels between Mexico City and South Carolina, mixing historical events with fiction. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:05:46 +0000 00:51:19 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Woody Harrleson, Ben Foster, and Oren Moverman about the new film, "The Messenger." Then, Bob talks with Barbara Kingsolver about her new novel, "The Lacuna." no no In the new film, "The Messenger," WOODY HARRELSON and BEN FOSTER portray members of the Army's Casualty Notification service, representatives of the military who must deliver the news of fallen soldiers to the next of kin. Harrelson, Foster and screenwriter and director OREN MOVERMAN discuss the film, and describe the tense, improvisational scenes of notification. Harrelson and Foster didn't know what their fellow actors planned to do to show their grief. Writer BARBARA KINGSOLVER is one of America's most respected novelists. She is the author of "The Bean Trees," "The Poisonwood Bible," and "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle," a non-fiction account of her family's attempt to eat locally grown food. Kingsolver's new book, "The Lacuna," is her first novel in nine years. It's follows a Mexican American writer who travels between Mexico City and South Carolina, mixing historical events with fiction. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio We visit the Army's billion-dollar NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER at Ft. Irwin and meet some of the people who help prepare our troops for combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Covering more than a thousand square miles of California's Mojave Desert, the NTC includes realistic mock villages populated by role-playing Iraqi nationals and military wives who aim to give the soldiers a taste of what's to come overseas. We witness a group of Army reservists for the 244th Engineers training in a "trauma lane." Amid IED blasts and sniper fire, the untested medics encounter role players pretending to be the enemy, frightened villagers demanding their attention, and actual amputees who pretend to be injured in explosions. The commander of the 244th, SERGEANT FIRST CLASS BERTRAN SCHULTZ, describes the action and gives a blow by blow account of what his men are getting right and wrong. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Percy Lee. She served four terms as the national president of the League of Women Voters from 1950 to 1958. The daughter of the inventor of the Maxim gun silencer, Lee passed up college to marry at age 19 and raise a family. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:27:26 +0000 01:06:16 Sirius XM Radio We begin with our documentary about the soldiers and civilians who work at the National Training Center. Then Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of Percy Maxim Lee, who served four terms as president of the League of Women Voters. no no We visit the Army's billion-dollar NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER at Ft. Irwin and meet some of the people who help prepare our troops for combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Covering more than a thousand square miles of California's Mojave Desert, the NTC includes realistic mock villages populated by role-playing Iraqi nationals and military wives who aim to give the soldiers a taste of what's to come overseas. We witness a group of Army reservists for the 244th Engineers training in a "trauma lane." Amid IED blasts and sniper fire, the untested medics encounter role players pretending to be the enemy, frightened villagers demanding their attention, and actual amputees who pretend to be injured in explosions. The commander of the 244th, SERGEANT FIRST CLASS BERTRAN SCHULTZ, describes the action and gives a blow by blow account of what his men are getting right and wrong. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Percy Lee. She served four terms as the national president of the League of Women Voters from 1950 to 1958. The daughter of the inventor of the Maxim gun silencer, Lee passed up college to marry at age 19 and raise a family. Sirius XM Radio For three years, director JOE BERLINGER gathered footage for his new documentary "Crude." In the classic battle between the "haves" and the "have nots," the film examines both sides of the legal case known as the "Amazon Chernobyl." Thirty thousand residents of the Ecuadorian Amazon rain forest claimed that the American oil giant Chevron contaminated an area roughly the size of Rhode Island, resulting in high levels of cancer, birth defects, and other health problems. Salon.com book critic LAURA MILLER shares some of her favorite new books, including "Blame" by Michelle Huneven, "The Children's Book" by A.S. Byatt, "The Magicians" by Lev Grossman and "Chronic City" by Jonathan Lethem. JONATHAN LETHEM describes his new novel this way: "It's set on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, it's strongly influenced by Saul Bellow, Philip K. Dick, Charles G. Finney and Hitchcock's 'Vertigo,' and it concerns a circle of friends including a faded child actor, a cultural critic, a hack ghost writer of autobiographies, and a city official. And it's long and strange." "Chronic City" is Lethem's seventh novel. His previous books include the bestsellers, "Fortress of Solitude" and "Motherless Brooklyn." Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:07:51 +0000 00:00:00 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Joe Berlinger about environmental contamination known as the "Amazon Chernobyl." Then, book critic Laura Miller shares a few of her new favorite novels. Finally, Bob talks with Jonathan Lethem about his new novel, "Chronic City." no no For three years, director JOE BERLINGER gathered footage for his new documentary "Crude." In the classic battle between the "haves" and the "have nots," the film examines both sides of the legal case known as the "Amazon Chernobyl." Thirty thousand residents of the Ecuadorian Amazon rain forest claimed that the American oil giant Chevron contaminated an area roughly the size of Rhode Island, resulting in high levels of cancer, birth defects, and other health problems. Salon.com book critic LAURA MILLER shares some of her favorite new books, including "Blame" by Michelle Huneven, "The Children's Book" by A.S. Byatt, "The Magicians" by Lev Grossman and "Chronic City" by Jonathan Lethem. JONATHAN LETHEM describes his new novel this way: "It's set on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, it's strongly influenced by Saul Bellow, Philip K. Dick, Charles G. Finney and Hitchcock's 'Vertigo,' and it concerns a circle of friends including a faded child actor, a cultural critic, a hack ghost writer of autobiographies, and a city official. And it's long and strange." "Chronic City" is Lethem's seventh novel. His previous books include the bestsellers, "Fortress of Solitude" and "Motherless Brooklyn." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio PAUL D. MILLER, better known as DJ SPOOKY, is a conceptual artist, spoken word artist, writer and musician whose work has appeared in the Whitney Biennial, the Andy Warhol Museum and the Village Voice. He "re-mixed" a famous 1915 silent film about race relations in America. His updated version is called "RE-birth of a Nation." Last year he traveled to Antarctica for a new, large scale multimedia performance piece. Miller discusses those projects, his book titled "Sound Unbound," and his new album, "The Secret Song," which he describes as "meditation on hip hop and electronic music's relationship to philosophy, economics and the science of sound." In this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from General Lucius D. Clay. During World War II, Gen. Clay was Director of Material for the Army. After the war he was U.S. Military Governor of Germany. Clay ordered and organized the massive airlift to feed people in Soviet blockaded Berlin. Then Bob talks with Don Whitford, a veteran of the Korean War who won an Army sponsored This I Believe essay contest in the 1950s. Finally, we offer a sneak preview of next weekend's program, a behind-the-scenes documentary about the Army's National Training Center at Ft. Irwin, California. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:40 +0000 00:00:00 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky, about his art and music. Then Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of General Lucius D. Clay. Later, Bob talks with Korean War veteran about winning a This I Believe essay contest. no no PAUL D. MILLER, better known as DJ SPOOKY, is a conceptual artist, spoken word artist, writer and musician whose work has appeared in the Whitney Biennial, the Andy Warhol Museum and the Village Voice. He "re-mixed" a famous 1915 silent film about race relations in America. His updated version is called "RE-birth of a Nation." Last year he traveled to Antarctica for a new, large scale multimedia performance piece. Miller discusses those projects, his book titled "Sound Unbound," and his new album, "The Secret Song," which he describes as "meditation on hip hop and electronic music's relationship to philosophy, economics and the science of sound." In this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from General Lucius D. Clay. During World War II, Gen. Clay was Director of Material for the Army. After the war he was U.S. Military Governor of Germany. Clay ordered and organized the massive airlift to feed people in Soviet blockaded Berlin. Then Bob talks with Don Whitford, a veteran of the Korean War who won an Army sponsored This I Believe essay contest in the 1950s. Finally, we offer a sneak preview of next weekend's program, a behind-the-scenes documentary about the Army's National Training Center at Ft. Irwin, California. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio The 2010 Census is slated to begin soon. And 18 months ago, as required by law, the Census Bureau submitted to Congress the exact wording of each of the 10 questions that would be included on the survey. But now Louisiana Republican Senator David Vitter has introduced an amendment that would require an 11th question: "Are you an American citizen?" PATRICIA MURPHY writes "The Capitolist" column for Politics Daily and explains the controversy over the proposed 11th question. With everyone from the environmental movement to big business "going green," oceanographer SYLVIA EARLE urges us to remember the blue. In her new book, "The World is Blue," Earle describes the deteriorating health of our oceans and how their decline affects other animals, including humans. Earle is a National Geographic Society explorer in residence and she led the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from 1990-1992. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:03:28 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Patricia Murphy about a Congressional proposal to add a question about citizenship to the census. Then, Bob talks with Sylvia Earle about the importance of the world's imperiled oceans. no no The 2010 Census is slated to begin soon. And 18 months ago, as required by law, the Census Bureau submitted to Congress the exact wording of each of the 10 questions that would be included on the survey. But now Louisiana Republican Senator David Vitter has introduced an amendment that would require an 11th question: "Are you an American citizen?" PATRICIA MURPHY writes "The Capitolist" column for Politics Daily and explains the controversy over the proposed 11th question. With everyone from the environmental movement to big business "going green," oceanographer SYLVIA EARLE urges us to remember the blue. In her new book, "The World is Blue," Earle describes the deteriorating health of our oceans and how their decline affects other animals, including humans. Earle is a National Geographic Society explorer in residence and she led the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from 1990-1992. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Beginning in the late 1960s, Charles Kuralt headed out with a small crew to document unusual and overlooked stories from America's back roads. Logging more than a million miles and going through several motor homes, the resulting vignettes became "On the Road," and dozens of those segments are now available on DVD. ISADORE (IZZY) BLECKMAN was Kuralt's cameraman for more than two decades, and he shares his stories from the road. In this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from Robbins Milbank. A Princeton graduate and son of a prominent New England family, Milbank worked as a logger in British Columbia for six years. He later moved into advertising, becoming a vice president for his agency, and he wrote docudrama scripts for television. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:56:13 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Izzy Bleckman about the twenty-five years he spent on hte road with Charles Kurault. Then, Dan Gedmian shares the This I Believe essay of ad man Robbins Milbank. no no Beginning in the late 1960s, Charles Kuralt headed out with a small crew to document unusual and overlooked stories from America's back roads. Logging more than a million miles and going through several motor homes, the resulting vignettes became "On the Road," and dozens of those segments are now available on DVD. ISADORE (IZZY) BLECKMAN was Kuralt's cameraman for more than two decades, and he shares his stories from the road. In this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from Robbins Milbank. A Princeton graduate and son of a prominent New England family, Milbank worked as a logger in British Columbia for six years. He later moved into advertising, becoming a vice president for his agency, and he wrote docudrama scripts for television. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio RAFE ESQUITH teaches fifth grade at Hobart Elementary in Los Angeles. He's the only teacher ever to win the National Medal of the Arts and he returns to the show to discuss his new book, "Lighting Their Fires: Raising Extraordinary Children in a Mixed-up, Muddled-up, Shook-up World." His students not only graduate high school and go on to college, but they attend some of the country's best universities. Esquith's first book was a guide for fellow teachers, while this latest one is meant for parents. Any fan of Libby Gelman-Waxner's monthly column, "If You Ask Me," in Premiere magazine (1987-2007) could tell you all about Libby's home life and her hilarious observations on Hollywood and films. But many of those fans never knew that "Libby" was actually a pseudonym for screenwriter, playwright, and novelist PAUL RUDNICK, one of America's greatest humorists. Rudnick's most recent book is a memoir about his work in the theater world, titled, "I Shudder: And Other Reactions to Life, Death, and New Jersey." Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:22:46 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Rafe Esquith about motivating elementary school students. Then, Bob talks with Paul Rudnick about his adventures as a New York playwright. no no RAFE ESQUITH teaches fifth grade at Hobart Elementary in Los Angeles. He's the only teacher ever to win the National Medal of the Arts and he returns to the show to discuss his new book, "Lighting Their Fires: Raising Extraordinary Children in a Mixed-up, Muddled-up, Shook-up World." His students not only graduate high school and go on to college, but they attend some of the country's best universities. Esquith's first book was a guide for fellow teachers, while this latest one is meant for parents. Any fan of Libby Gelman-Waxner's monthly column, "If You Ask Me," in Premiere magazine (1987-2007) could tell you all about Libby's home life and her hilarious observations on Hollywood and films. But many of those fans never knew that "Libby" was actually a pseudonym for screenwriter, playwright, and novelist PAUL RUDNICK, one of America's greatest humorists. Rudnick's most recent book is a memoir about his work in the theater world, titled, "I Shudder: And Other Reactions to Life, Death, and New Jersey." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio The number 350, as in parts per million, is the level scientists have identified as the safe limit for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Environmentalist BILL MCKIBBEN talks about his latest project, www.350.org and why this year is so crucial to scientists concerned about climate change, and what the group has planned for this weekend. October 24th is the International Day of Climate Action. Author Kurt Vonnegut is gone but not forgotten. His works are celebrated for their satirical humor and a startling creativity that experimented with traditional narratives. A new book collects some of Vonnegut's previously unpublished short stories. It's called "Look at the Birdie." Vonnegut's longtime friend SIDNEY OFFIT wrote the forward, and he joins Bob to reminisce about Vonnegut's early career. A writer himself, Offit is the author of two novels and two memoirs, and serves as the curator of the George Polk Awards in Journalism. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Bobby Doerr. He was the second baseman for the Boston Red Sox from 1937 to 1951, played in nine All Star Games and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986. Doerr now lives in Oregon on land he bought when he was a teenager. That's where we reached him by phone to reflect on the essay he recorded decades ago. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:08:47 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Bill McKibben about the International Day of Climate Action. Then, Bob talks with Sidney Offit about newly published stories by Kurt Vonnegut. Finally, Dan Gediman shares the latest essay in our series, "This I Believe." no no The number 350, as in parts per million, is the level scientists have identified as the safe limit for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Environmentalist BILL MCKIBBEN talks about his latest project, www.350.org and why this year is so crucial to scientists concerned about climate change, and what the group has planned for this weekend. October 24th is the International Day of Climate Action. Author Kurt Vonnegut is gone but not forgotten. His works are celebrated for their satirical humor and a startling creativity that experimented with traditional narratives. A new book collects some of Vonnegut's previously unpublished short stories. It's called "Look at the Birdie." Vonnegut's longtime friend SIDNEY OFFIT wrote the forward, and he joins Bob to reminisce about Vonnegut's early career. A writer himself, Offit is the author of two novels and two memoirs, and serves as the curator of the George Polk Awards in Journalism. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Bobby Doerr. He was the second baseman for the Boston Red Sox from 1937 to 1951, played in nine All Star Games and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986. Doerr now lives in Oregon on land he bought when he was a teenager. That's where we reached him by phone to reflect on the essay he recorded decades ago. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Novelist NICK HORNBY has made a career of writing about the issues facing many contemporary men. "High Fidelity," "About A Boy" and "Fever Pitch" were best-selling books, and each was also made into a successful movie. Hornby's latest book, "Juliet, Naked," tells the story of an obsessive music fan named Duncan, who discovers an unplugged version of one of his favorite albums and his effort to connect with the record's now washed up creator. Danish director LONE SCHERFIG is best known for her film "Italian For Beginners." Her most recent film, "An Education," is based on a memoir by English journalist Lynn Barber and adapted for the screen by the previous guest, Nick Hornby. This young English girl's coming-of-age tale won the Audience Choice and Cinematography awards at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Ten years after his first album, Nashville favorite PAUL BURCH continues to write honky tonk music that even the most staid of Yankees can't help but enjoy. His latest album, "Still Your Man," showcases new music from this musician who is proud to include Marianne Faithful and Chet Atkins in his fanbase. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:51:59 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Nick Hornby about his latest book, and the new film, "An Education," directed by Lone Scherfig. Scherfig is best known for the film "Italian for Beginners." Finally, Bob talks with musican Paul Burch about his latest album. no no Novelist NICK HORNBY has made a career of writing about the issues facing many contemporary men. "High Fidelity," "About A Boy" and "Fever Pitch" were best-selling books, and each was also made into a successful movie. Hornby's latest book, "Juliet, Naked," tells the story of an obsessive music fan named Duncan, who discovers an unplugged version of one of his favorite albums and his effort to connect with the record's now washed up creator. Danish director LONE SCHERFIG is best known for her film "Italian For Beginners." Her most recent film, "An Education," is based on a memoir by English journalist Lynn Barber and adapted for the screen by the previous guest, Nick Hornby. This young English girl's coming-of-age tale won the Audience Choice and Cinematography awards at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Ten years after his first album, Nashville favorite PAUL BURCH continues to write honky tonk music that even the most staid of Yankees can't help but enjoy. His latest album, "Still Your Man," showcases new music from this musician who is proud to include Marianne Faithful and Chet Atkins in his fanbase. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio As one reviewer put it, "If you think classical music is boring, you haven't met MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS." Thomas is doing for classical music today what Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts did in the 1950s and 60s. Thomas is music director of the San Francisco Symphony and the host of the PBS program, "Keeping Score." The program was created in 2006 to make a general audience "more comfortable" with classical music. This month, three new episodes are scheduled, highlighting Shostakovich's "Symphony No. 5," Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique" and Ives' "The Holidays Symphony." In this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from critic, journalist, novelist and feminist Rebecca West. She is known for her reporting on the Nazi war crimes trials at Nuremburg, for which President Harry Truman called her "the world's best reporter." In 1959, West was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire, the female equivalent of an honorary knighthood. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:43:24 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Michael Tilson Thomas about making classical music more accessible. Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of feminist and writer Rebecca West. no no As one reviewer put it, "If you think classical music is boring, you haven't met MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS." Thomas is doing for classical music today what Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts did in the 1950s and 60s. Thomas is music director of the San Francisco Symphony and the host of the PBS program, "Keeping Score." The program was created in 2006 to make a general audience "more comfortable" with classical music. This month, three new episodes are scheduled, highlighting Shostakovich's "Symphony No. 5," Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique" and Ives' "The Holidays Symphony." In this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from critic, journalist, novelist and feminist Rebecca West. She is known for her reporting on the Nazi war crimes trials at Nuremburg, for which President Harry Truman called her "the world's best reporter." In 1959, West was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire, the female equivalent of an honorary knighthood. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio The Diary of A Young Girl by Anne Frank is required reading for many junior high and high school students, but most fail to revisit the work in adulthood. When author and critic FRANCINE PROSE reread Anne Frank’s famous diary, she realized it was the work of a great writer. In Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife, Prose examines the words and cultural effects of this young woman’s writings. When ROSANNE CASH was 18-years-old, her father made a list of 100 essential songs she should hear and appreciate. Luckily, Johnny Cash’s daughter saved that piece of paper and performs her versions of some of those tunes on a new CD called “The List.” Sat, 10 Oct 2009 04:55:54 +0000 00:51:57 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Francine Prose about Anne Frank as a gifted writer. Then Bob talks with Rosanne Cash about her new versions of Americana music mainstays she first heard at her father's urging. no no The Diary of A Young Girl by Anne Frank is required reading for many junior high and high school students, but most fail to revisit the work in adulthood. When author and critic FRANCINE PROSE reread Anne Frank’s famous diary, she realized it was the work of a great writer. In Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife, Prose examines the words and cultural effects of this young woman’s writings. When ROSANNE CASH was 18-years-old, her father made a list of 100 essential songs she should hear and appreciate. Luckily, Johnny Cash’s daughter saved that piece of paper and performs her versions of some of those tunes on a new CD called “The List.” Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Last month, another new school year started for students at the FRANK SINATRA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS in Astoria, New York. The difference is now they have a brand new, state-of-the-art building in a vibrant neighborhood. Bob talks with TONY BENNETT and his wife, SUSAN BENEDETTO about their work in founding and funding the school. Then, Bob tours the new building with student body president ALEX LENDOR. In this week’s installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Martha Graham. In seven decades as a dancer and choreographer, Graham created hundreds of ballets. A founder of modern dance, she is known for her collaborations with other leading artists, including composer Aaron Copland. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 04:46:40 +0000 01:04:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Tony Bennett about his career, and the opening of the permanent home of the performing arts school in Queens that he helped found. Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of Martha Graham. no no Last month, another new school year started for students at the FRANK SINATRA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS in Astoria, New York. The difference is now they have a brand new, state-of-the-art building in a vibrant neighborhood. Bob talks with TONY BENNETT and his wife, SUSAN BENEDETTO about their work in founding and funding the school. Then, Bob tours the new building with student body president ALEX LENDOR. In this week’s installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Martha Graham. In seven decades as a dancer and choreographer, Graham created hundreds of ballets. A founder of modern dance, she is known for her collaborations with other leading artists, including composer Aaron Copland. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio JUAN GABRIEL VASQUEZ grew up in Colombia, was educated in Paris at the Sorbonne, and lives in Barcelona. His short stories and novels have been translated into nine languages and now for the first time published in the United States. "The Informers" is a novel set in Colombia during World War II and tells the story of a man who publicly betrays his son and how long-buried family secrets come to light. MIKE FAY is an explorer and conservationist who specializes in long journeys. In 1999, he hiked 2,000 miles across the Congo River Basin to take an ecological census of the area. His latest journey was through the redwood forests of the Pacific coast. Along the trek, Fay met loggers, environmentalists and ecologists who are developing “enlightened forestry.” Photographer MICHAEL "NICK" NICHOLS accompanied Fay on the journey, and their work is in October’s edition of National Geographic Magazine. The journey is also featured in “Climbing Redwood Giants” on the National Geographic Channel’s “Explorer” program. Bob talks with entertainment critic DAVID KIPEN about new movies in theaters this weekend : "Capitalism: A Love Story" ; "Zombieland" ; "Bright Star" Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:49:25 +0000 00:51:59 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Juan Gabriel Vasquez about spying and the culture of fear in 1940s Colombia. Then Bob talks with Mike fay and Michael Nichols about their journey through California's redwood forests. Finally, Bob talks with David Kipen about new movies. no no JUAN GABRIEL VASQUEZ grew up in Colombia, was educated in Paris at the Sorbonne, and lives in Barcelona. His short stories and novels have been translated into nine languages and now for the first time published in the United States. "The Informers" is a novel set in Colombia during World War II and tells the story of a man who publicly betrays his son and how long-buried family secrets come to light. MIKE FAY is an explorer and conservationist who specializes in long journeys. In 1999, he hiked 2,000 miles across the Congo River Basin to take an ecological census of the area. His latest journey was through the redwood forests of the Pacific coast. Along the trek, Fay met loggers, environmentalists and ecologists who are developing “enlightened forestry.” Photographer MICHAEL "NICK" NICHOLS accompanied Fay on the journey, and their work is in October’s edition of National Geographic Magazine. The journey is also featured in “Climbing Redwood Giants” on the National Geographic Channel’s “Explorer” program. Bob talks with entertainment critic DAVID KIPEN about new movies in theaters this weekend: "Capitalism: A Love Story" ; "Zombieland" ; "Bright Star" Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Journalist ALLISON HOOVER-BARTLETT investigated the world of rare book collecting, getting to know several book dealers and John Charles Gilkey, the thief who stole from them. Bartlett’s book "The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession" ties their stories together, and offers a glimpse into the exclusive world of book collectors. In this week’s installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from William O. Douglas. He was an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1939 to 1975. As a boy, he hiked the Cascade Mountains near his home in Washington to strengthen legs weakened by polio. Douglas’ prolific career on the bench was marked by controversy and two attempts to impeach him. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:43:01 +0000 00:51:59 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Allison Hoover-Bartlett about the little-publicized scourge of rare book theft. Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas. no no Journalist ALLISON HOOVER-BARTLETT investigated the world of rare book collecting, getting to know several book dealers and John Charles Gilkey, the thief who stole from them. Bartlett’s book "The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession" ties their stories together, and offers a glimpse into the exclusive world of book collectors. In this week’s installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from William O. Douglas. He was an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1939 to 1975. As a boy, he hiked the Cascade Mountains near his home in Washington to strengthen legs weakened by polio. Douglas’ prolific career on the bench was marked by controversy and two attempts to impeach him. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Documentary filmmaker KEN BURNS is back with a majestic and sweeping documentary for PBS. "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" charts the history and current status of the country's most treasured real eastate. Bob talks with Burns and writer and co-producer DAYTON DUNCAN about the ten years they spent on the project. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from television and film actress Julia Adams. Her career has spanned more than 50 years. She is best known for her role in "Creature From the Black Lagoon." Adams has starred with movie icons John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Charlton Heston and many others. More recently, she has appeared on TV shows "Lost" and "Cold Case." Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:23:58 +0000 00:51:58 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan about their new six-part documentary that details the history of America's National Parks. Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of actress Julia Adams. no no Documentary filmmaker KEN BURNS is back with a majestic and sweeping documentary for PBS. "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" charts the history and current status of the country's most treasured real eastate. Bob talks with Burns and writer and co-producer DAYTON DUNCAN about the ten years they spent on the project. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from television and film actress Julia Adams. Her career has spanned more than 50 years. She is best known for her role in "Creature From the Black Lagoon." Adams has starred with movie icons John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Charlton Heston and many others. More recently, she has appeared on TV shows "Lost" and "Cold Case." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Bob first talked with JILL MCCORKLE at the beginning of her career. Now, they're back together to discuss "Going Away Shoes," her ninth book. It's a collection of short stories that McCorkle describes as a litter she was nursing. The characters confront unhappy marriages, loneliness and loss, and therapy, but McCorkle manages to inject a lot of humor into those dark subjects. CHRIS SMITHER is a musician with a reputation for storytelling, weaving catchy melodies and intricate lyrics together. Smither mixes the blues with folk to create his recognizable style, and it's one that has influenced other artists, like Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris. Smither's latest album is called "Time Stands Still," and it includes his own songs and covers from Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:30:17 +0000 00:51:59 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Jill McCorkle about her new collection of short stories, called "Going Away Shoes." Then, Bob talks with Chris Smither about his new album, "Time Stands Still." no no Bob first talked with JILL MCCORKLE at the beginning of her career. Now, they're back together to discuss "Going Away Shoes," her ninth book. It's a collection of short stories that McCorkle describes as a litter she was nursing. The characters confront unhappy marriages, loneliness and loss, and therapy, but McCorkle manages to inject a lot of humor into those dark subjects. CHRIS SMITHER is a musician with a reputation for storytelling, weaving catchy melodies and intricate lyrics together. Smither mixes the blues with folk to create his recognizable style, and it's one that has influenced other artists, like Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris. Smither's latest album is called "Time Stands Still," and it includes his own songs and covers from Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio JAMES WOOD is a literary critic and staff writer for The New Yorker and a professor of English and American literature at Harvard University. In his book "How Fiction Works," Wood examines the alchemy of fiction, questioning why some literary devices work, while others fall out of fashion. Director JANE CAMPION'S new film "Bright Star" tells the story of the final three years of English Romantic poet John Keats' life. Keats had a secret love affair with his neighbor Fanny Brawne which, in keeping with the Romantic Age's sensibilities, ended tragically. Campion directed 1993's "The Piano," winning an Oscar for Best Screenplay, and she was the second woman in Oscar history to secure a nomination for Best Director. Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:32:24 +0000 00:51:19 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with James Wood about the art and theory of literary criticism. Then, Bob talks with Jane Campion about her new film, "Bright Star." no no JAMES WOOD is a literary critic and staff writer for The New Yorker and a professor of English and American literature at Harvard University. In his book "How Fiction Works," Wood examines the alchemy of fiction, questioning why some literary devices work, while others fall out of fashion. Director JANE CAMPION'S new film "Bright Star" tells the story of the final three years of English Romantic poet John Keats' life. Keats had a secret love affair with his neighbor Fanny Brawne which, in keeping with the Romantic Age's sensibilities, ended tragically. Campion directed 1993's "The Piano," winning an Oscar for Best Screenplay, and she was the second woman in Oscar history to secure a nomination for Best Director. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Drawing on her heritage, journalistic experience, and lack of loyalty to any one media brand or format, MOLLY BINGHAM is setting out to change the way we think about media. She explains it all to Bob, including her new project "The Global Council for Media Transformation," which she will introduce at next week's Clinton Global Initiative hosted by former President Bill Clinton. As a city councilman, CORY BOOKER moved into a tent pitched in front of one of Newark's most notorious housing projects. He was trying to draw attention to an open air drug market thriving there. Booker is now the mayor of Newark and he's the subject of a new five part documentary series on the Sundance Channel called "Brick City." Bob talks with Mayor Booker about trying to reinvent a city saddled with a history of violence, corruption and poverty. In this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from Will Thomas. He was born in Kansas City and worked as a newspaper writer, editor and prizefighter. Thomas eventually settled in Vermont with his wife and three children. His book, "The Seeking," details the family's integration to the all-white community of Westford. Bob also talks with Anne Smith, the eldest child of Will Thomas, about her father's essay. Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:22:59 +0000 00:51:19 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Molly Bingham about transmorming traditional media. Then, Bob talks with Mayor Cory Booker about transforming Newark. Finally, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of writer Will Thomas. no no Drawing on her heritage, journalistic experience, and lack of loyalty to any one media brand or format, MOLLY BINGHAM is setting out to change the way we think about media. She explains it all to Bob, including her new project "The Global Council for Media Transformation," which she will introduce at next week's Clinton Global Initiative hosted by former President Bill Clinton. As a city councilman, CORY BOOKER moved into a tent pitched in front of one of Newark's most notorious housing projects. He was trying to draw attention to an open air drug market thriving there. Booker is now the mayor of Newark and he's the subject of a new five part documentary series on the Sundance Channel called "Brick City." Bob talks with Mayor Booker about trying to reinvent a city saddled with a history of violence, corruption and poverty. In this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from Will Thomas. He was born in Kansas City and worked as a newspaper writer, editor and prizefighter. Thomas eventually settled in Vermont with his wife and three children. His book, "The Seeking," details the family's integration to the all-white community of Westford. Bob also talks with Anne Smith, the eldest child of Will Thomas, about her father's essay. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court did something it hadn't done in 50 years. It ordered a stay of execution and a new court hearing for an inmate attempting to prove his innocence. Since 1991, Troy Davis has been on death row in Georgia, convicted of shooting an off-duty cop. Even though seven of the nine eyewitnesses who testified against him have come forward to say they either were mistaken or deliberately lied, no court has let them testify with this information. NINA MORRISON of the Innocence Project joins STEPHEN BRIGHT of the Southern Center for Human Rights to talk about the case and what it could mean for other wrongful convictions in death penalty cases. Bob speaks to adventurer and author TORI MURDEN MCCLURE in front of an audience at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. McClure was the first woman, and first American, to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She began her successful crossing ten years ago this weekend. McClure has written a book about her experience called "A Pearl in the Storm." Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:13:44 +0000 00:51:19 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Nina Morrison and Stephen Bright about a death row inmate spared by the United States Supreme Court. Then, Bob talks with Tori Murden McClure about her journey across the Atlantic Ocean in a rowboat. no no Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court did something it hadn't done in 50 years. It ordered a stay of execution and a new court hearing for an inmate attempting to prove his innocence. Since 1991, Troy Davis has been on death row in Georgia, convicted of shooting an off-duty cop. Even though seven of the nine eyewitnesses who testified against him have come forward to say they either were mistaken or deliberately lied, no court has let them testify with this information. NINA MORRISON of the Innocence Project joins STEPHEN BRIGHT of the Southern Center for Human Rights to talk about the case and what it could mean for other wrongful convictions in death penalty cases. Bob speaks to adventurer and author TORI MURDEN MCCLURE in front of an audience at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. McClure was the first woman, and first American, to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She began her successful crossing ten years ago this weekend. McClure has written a book about her experience called "A Pearl in the Storm." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio DAVIS GUGGENHEIM is best known as the director of "An Inconvenient Truth" which won an Oscar in 2007. Now he has a new, lighter documentary called "It Might Get Loud." The film chronicles the meeting of three masters of the electric guitar: The Edge of U2, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, and Jack White. The movie opens widely across the country this weekend. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Julien Bryan. He was a documentary filmmaker who made educational movies exploring cultures as diverse as the nomadic tribes in Saudi Arabia and the mountain families of Appalachia. He documented the Nazi siege of Warsaw in 1939, and toured the Soviet Union. Bryan's films were translated into 40 languages and shown around the world. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:01:59 +0000 00:51:19 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Davis Guggenheim about his latest documentary, "It Might Get Loud." Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of filmmaker Julien Bryan. no no DAVIS GUGGENHEIM is best known as the director of "An Inconvenient Truth" which won an Oscar in 2007. Now he has a new, lighter documentary called "It Might Get Loud." The film chronicles the meeting of three masters of the electric guitar: The Edge of U2, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, and Jack White. The movie opens widely across the country this weekend. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Julien Bryan. He was a documentary filmmaker who made educational movies exploring cultures as diverse as the nomadic tribes in Saudi Arabia and the mountain families of Appalachia. He documented the Nazi siege of Warsaw in 1939, and toured the Soviet Union. Bryan's films were translated into 40 languages and shown around the world. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Today, we feature the last of a three part series about education reform. After focusing on the specific changes that have been made in New York City and Washington, DC, we’ll discuss broader issues such as the value of national standards and how to implement them locally. Bob first talks to Rafe Esquith, a fifth grade teacher at Hobart Elementary in central Los Angeles. His students, who consistently outperform their peers, ranking in the top five percent in the nation, often continue their education at Ivy League universities. Later, Bob talks with Sara Mead, the Director of the Early Education Initiative at the New America Foundation about the dramatic difference pre-kindergarten makes for students, especially from low-income families. Then Bob talks to Paul Griffin, founder of City at Peace, an after school theater program he established in Washington, DC. Finally, Bob talks to Howard Gardner, professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Gardner explains his theory of multiple types of intelligence and how it can be used to help teach all students in the classroom. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:29:51 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Rafe Esquith, Sara Meadis, Paul Griffin, and other educators pursuing innovative teaching strategies. no no Today, we feature the last of a three part series about education reform. After focusing on the specific changes that have been made in New York City and Washington, DC, we’ll discuss broader issues such as the value of national standards and how to implement them locally. Bob first talks to Rafe Esquith, a fifth grade teacher at Hobart Elementary in central Los Angeles. His students, who consistently outperform their peers, ranking in the top five percent in the nation, often continue their education at Ivy League universities. Later, Bob talks with Sara Mead, the Director of the Early Education Initiative at the New America Foundation about the dramatic difference pre-kindergarten makes for students, especially from low-income families. Then Bob talks to Paul Griffin, founder of City at Peace, an after school theater program he established in Washington, DC. Finally, Bob talks to Howard Gardner, professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Gardner explains his theory of multiple types of intelligence and how it can be used to help teach all students in the classroom. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio FDR’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded four arts program. One of those, the Federal Writer’s Project, employed thousands of writers and started the careers of some of America’s most famous authors like Studs Terkel, Ralph Ellison, Richard Wright, and Zora Neale Hurston. Bob talks with writer DAVID BRADLEY about a new documentary that tells the story of the Federal Writer’s Project. “Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story” premiers on the Smithsonian Channel this weekend. Frances Perkins was FDR’s Secretary of Labor and his moral conscience. The very first woman to hold a cabinet level position, it was Perkins who created and guided many of the New Deal programs. Perkins’ ideas became some of the country’s most important laws. Journalist KIRSTIN DOWNEY has written the first biography about Perkins. It’s titled The Woman Behind the New Deal. In this week’s installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from James Carey. Called “Labor’s Boy Wonder,” Carey was still in his 20s when he was elected national secretary of the Congress of Industrial Organizations. By age 40, Carey founded and became the first president of the International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:20:16 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with David Bradley about the Federal Writers Project. Then Bob talks with Kirstin Downey, FDR's Labor Secretary. Finally, Dan Gediman shares the latest essay in our series This I Believe. no no FDR’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded four arts program. One of those, the Federal Writer’s Project, employed thousands of writers and started the careers of some of America’s most famous authors like Studs Terkel, Ralph Ellison, Richard Wright, and Zora Neale Hurston. Bob talks with writer DAVID BRADLEY about a new documentary that tells the story of the Federal Writer’s Project. “Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story” premiers on the Smithsonian Channel this weekend. Frances Perkins was FDR’s Secretary of Labor and his moral conscience. The very first woman to hold a cabinet level position, it was Perkins who created and guided many of the New Deal programs. Perkins’ ideas became some of the country’s most important laws. Journalist KIRSTIN DOWNEY has written the first biography about Perkins. It’s titled The Woman Behind the New Deal. In this week’s installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from James Carey. Called “Labor’s Boy Wonder,” Carey was still in his 20s when he was elected national secretary of the Congress of Industrial Organizations. By age 40, Carey founded and became the first president of the International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio In part two of a three week series on EDUCATION REFORM, we focus on the nation’s capital. Washington, DC Public School Chancellor Michelle Rhee is the protégé of Joel Klein, chancellor of New York City Public Schools, who was featured last week. However, Rhee has probably been even more controversial than her mentor. Rhee and Randi Weingarten, the President of the American Federation of Teachers, will discuss issues related to No Child Left Behind and teacher pay. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:32:01 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Michelle Rhee, Randi Weingarten, and others about strategies for improving public education. no no In part two of a three week series on EDUCATION REFORM, we focus on the nation’s capital. Washington, DC Public School Chancellor Michelle Rhee is the protégé of Joel Klein, chancellor of New York City Public Schools, who was featured last week. However, Rhee has probably been even more controversial than her mentor. Rhee and Randi Weingarten, the President of the American Federation of Teachers, will discuss issues related to No Child Left Behind and teacher pay. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio In the classroom, her one-woman play, and her book, Revenge of the Women's Studies Professor, BONNIE MORRIS tries to convince her audience that even though she teaches women's history, she's NOT a "feminazi." That term was coined in the early 90s by a well-known conservative talk show host, but the name stuck. Even in 2009 Morris says most students at George Washington University where she teaches will not take a woman's studies class due to the lingering stigma. Morris will share insightful and humorous stories -- and maybe just a little bit of women's history -- in a chat about academic sexism. In this week’s installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Margaret Sanger. She was the founder and president of the American Birth Control League, which later became Planned Parenthood. She organized the first World Population Conference in Geneva in 1927. Even into her 80s, Sanger traveled the world helping to establish birth control clinics. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:25:39 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Bonie Morris about popular misconceptions of feminists and women's history. Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay written by Maragert Sanger. no no In the classroom, her one-woman play, and her book, Revenge of the Women's Studies Professor, BONNIE MORRIS tries to convince her audience that even though she teaches women's history, she's NOT a "feminazi." That term was coined in the early 90s by a well-known conservative talk show host, but the name stuck. Even in 2009 Morris says most students at George Washington University where she teaches will not take a woman's studies class due to the lingering stigma. Morris will share insightful and humorous stories -- and maybe just a little bit of women's history -- in a chat about academic sexism. In this week’s installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Margaret Sanger. She was the founder and president of the American Birth Control League, which later became Planned Parenthood. She organized the first World Population Conference in Geneva in 1927. Even into her 80s, Sanger traveled the world helping to establish birth control clinics. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio This week is the first of a three part series on EDUCATION REFORM. The focus is on New York City, the origin of many of the reforms being tested and proposed for other cities. Joel Klein is the chancellor of New York City Public Schools. Diane Ravitch is a former Assistant Secretary of Education and now a research professor at New York University. In this hour, Klein and Ravitch discuss the issues facing New York, including mayoral control, transparency, and accountability within the school administration. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:01:03 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Joel Klein, Diane Ravitch and others about strategies for improving public education. no no This week is the first of a three part series on EDUCATION REFORM. The focus is on New York City, the origin of many of the reforms being tested and proposed for other cities. Joel Klein is the chancellor of New York City Public Schools. Diane Ravitch is a former Assistant Secretary of Education and now a research professor at New York University. In this hour, Klein and Ravitch discuss the issues facing New York, including mayoral control, transparency, and accountability within the school administration. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio New York Times reporter SARAH LYALL moved to London 15 years ago, sending back reports on the habits and and eccentricities of her new neighbors. She's collected her observations in the book, "The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British." Lyall' writes about England's personality and the social changes that are altering it. Her book comes out in paperback on Tuesday. In this week’s installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from George Mardikian, an Armenian immigrant. His first job in America was washing dishes in a San Francisco cafeteria; he eventually bought the place and built it into a renowned restaurant. For his work to improve food service for combat troops in Korea, Mardikian was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award an American can receive. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:54:31 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Sarah Lyall about the peculiar habits of the British. Then, Dan Gediman shares the latest essay in our ongoing series This I Believe. no no New York Times reporter SARAH LYALL moved to London 15 years ago, sending back reports on the habits and and eccentricities of her new neighbors. She's collected her observations in the book, "The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British." Lyall' writes about England's personality and the social changes that are altering it. Her book comes out in paperback on Tuesday. In this week’s installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from George Mardikian, an Armenian immigrant. His first job in America was washing dishes in a San Francisco cafeteria; he eventually bought the place and built it into a renowned restaurant. For his work to improve food service for combat troops in Korea, Mardikian was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award an American can receive. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Every night, there are up to 200,000 homeless veterans and not nearly enough shelters to house them. Of that total, 4,000 served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bob visits a shelter in Washington, DC dedicated to supporting homeless veterans to talk directly to former military men and women and the social workers trying to help them. Sat, 15 Aug 2009 05:07:29 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with counselors, advocates, and veterans themselves about the role mental illness plays in their homelessness. no no Every night, there are up to 200,000 homeless veterans and not nearly enough shelters to house them. Of that total, 4,000 served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bob visits a shelter in Washington, DC dedicated to supporting homeless veterans to talk directly to former military men and women and the social workers trying to help them. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Bob pays tribute to legendary guitarist Les Paul. Now hailed as one of the 20th Century's guitar masters and innovators, Les Paul has influenced countless musicians. In 2008, Bob visited Paul at Iridium, the club where he played a weekly gig with his trio. Les Paul died Thursday at the age of 94. Then, one of the most legendary moments in rock-n-roll history started with an ad placed in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal: "Young men with unlimited capital looking for interesting, legitimate investment opportunities and business propositions." The 40th anniversary of what was billed as "An Aquarian Exposition" is this weekend. GREG WALTER worked on the backstage crew of Woodstock and came away with more than his share of stories, which he includes in his book "Woodstock: A New Look," along with photographs he shot during the festival. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Bernard Baruch. He rose to prominence as a financier and member of the New York Stock Exchange. Baruch advised Presidents Woodrow Wilson during World War I, Franklin Roosevelt during the New Deal and World War II, and Harry Truman in the post-war era. Sat, 15 Aug 2009 05:00:22 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob remembers Les Paul with portions of an interview recorded last year. Then, Bob talks with Greg Walter about Woodstock. Finally, Dan Gediman shares the latest essay for This I Believe. no no Bob pays tribute to legendary guitarist Les Paul. Now hailed as one of the 20th Century's guitar masters and innovators, Les Paul has influenced countless musicians. In 2008, Bob visited Paul at Iridium, the club where he played a weekly gig with his trio. Les Paul died Thursday at the age of 94. Then, one of the most legendary moments in rock-n-roll history started with an ad placed in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal: "Young men with unlimited capital looking for interesting, legitimate investment opportunities and business propositions." The 40th anniversary of what was billed as "An Aquarian Exposition" is this weekend. GREG WALTER worked on the backstage crew of Woodstock and came away with more than his share of stories, which he includes in his book "Woodstock: A New Look," along with photographs he shot during the festival. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Bernard Baruch. He rose to prominence as a financier and member of the New York Stock Exchange. Baruch advised Presidents Woodrow Wilson during World War I, Franklin Roosevelt during the New Deal and World War II, and Harry Truman in the post-war era. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio The theory of evolution was introduced 150 years ago by Charles Darwin. Yet most medical schools do not teach how the human body and mind evolved during and since the Stone Age. DR. WILLIAM MELLER has spent the bulk of his career studying evolutionary medicine and spending time in countries such as Bhutan, Myanmar, and Peru to study ancient methods of healing. Meller discusses evolutionary medicine and how scientists can better learn through the study of anthropology. His book on the subject is titled "Evolution Rx." Most people would have found JULIE KLAM'S childhood enviable. Her mother often kept her out of school to spend the day shopping at Bloomingdale's and eating lavish lunches. But Klam would soon learn that her glamorous life growing up in New York's wealthy Westchester County did little to prepare her for the real world. In her memoir, "Please Excuse My Daughter," Klam records her successes and failures with humor, wit, and self-effacing grace. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 05:09:35 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with William Meller about evolutionary medicine. Then, Bob talks with Julie Klam about her transition from a childhood of privilege to the responsibilities of adulthood. no no The theory of evolution was introduced 150 years ago by Charles Darwin. Yet most medical schools do not teach how the human body and mind evolved during and since the Stone Age. DR. WILLIAM MELLER has spent the bulk of his career studying evolutionary medicine and spending time in countries such as Bhutan, Myanmar, and Peru to study ancient methods of healing. Meller discusses evolutionary medicine and how scientists can better learn through the study of anthropology. His book on the subject is titled "Evolution Rx." Most people would have found JULIE KLAM'S childhood enviable. Her mother often kept her out of school to spend the day shopping at Bloomingdale's and eating lavish lunches. But Klam would soon learn that her glamorous life growing up in New York's wealthy Westchester County did little to prepare her for the real world. In her memoir, "Please Excuse My Daughter," Klam records her successes and failures with humor, wit, and self-effacing grace. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio This summer, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer BONNIE RAITT and Blues Hall of Famer TAJ MAHAL are traveling the country together on the "BonTaj Roulet" tour. "This tour is just what the doctor ordered," Raitt says. "Taj and I have so much in common, but there's so much unexplored territory between us." There's a charitable element to the "BonTaj Roulet" tour as well. A portion of ticket sales will go to charities voted on by the fans. In this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from Iowa native Anne Heywood. She held 34 different jobs before founding the Career Changing Clinic in New York City to help troops returning from World War II find work. Heywood is the author of "There Is a Right Job for Every Woman." Fri, 07 Aug 2009 05:03:17 +0000 00:51:21 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal about their upcoming joint tour. Then, Dan Gediman shares the essay by Anne Heywood for our series This I Believe. no no This summer, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer BONNIE RAITT and Blues Hall of Famer TAJ MAHAL are traveling the country together on the "BonTaj Roulet" tour. "This tour is just what the doctor ordered," Raitt says. "Taj and I have so much in common, but there's so much unexplored territory between us." There's a charitable element to the "BonTaj Roulet" tour as well. A portion of ticket sales will go to charities voted on by the fans. In this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from Iowa native Anne Heywood. She held 34 different jobs before founding the Career Changing Clinic in New York City to help troops returning from World War II find work. Heywood is the author of "There Is a Right Job for Every Woman." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio ANDY BICHLBAUM and MIKE BONANNO have made a career out of humiliating greedy corporations and corrupt government agencies that they feel dishonor human life. Their exploits are documented in a new film called "The Yes Men Fix the World." The documentary has won standing ovations and audience awards at festivals across the country, and it's airing this weekend on HBO. One night in 2001, aspiring actor Charlie Todd was out with his friends at a Greenwich Village bar when they decided to pretend that Charlie was the famous musician Ben Folds. After an evening of signing autographs and getting free drinks, Todd realized New York City was the ultimate stage for his craft, and from there dreamed up his group Improv Everywhere. Now eight years old, Improv Everywhere continues to live up to its mission statement: "we cause scenes." Founder CHARLIE TODD and fellow agent ALEX SCORDELLIS recount their finest missions in the new book "Causing a Scene: Extraordinary Pranks in Ordinary Places with Improv Everywhere." Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:18:49 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with The Yes Men, two pranksters whose goal is to embarass badly behaving corporations. Then, Bob talks with two members of the group Imrov Everywhere, which stages good-natured performance art in New York. no no ANDY BICHLBAUM and MIKE BONANNO have made a career out of humiliating greedy corporations and corrupt government agencies that they feel dishonor human life. Their exploits are documented in a new film called "The Yes Men Fix the World." The documentary has won standing ovations and audience awards at festivals across the country, and it's airing this weekend on HBO. One night in 2001, aspiring actor Charlie Todd was out with his friends at a Greenwich Village bar when they decided to pretend that Charlie was the famous musician Ben Folds. After an evening of signing autographs and getting free drinks, Todd realized New York City was the ultimate stage for his craft, and from there dreamed up his group Improv Everywhere. Now eight years old, Improv Everywhere continues to live up to its mission statement: "we cause scenes." Founder CHARLIE TODD and fellow agent ALEX SCORDELLIS recount their finest missions in the new book "Causing a Scene: Extraordinary Pranks in Ordinary Places with Improv Everywhere." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio WENDELL POTTER was an executive with the insurance company Cigna for almost 20 years. Now, he's speaking out against the health insurance industry. Several weeks ago, Potter testified in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation about what he sees as an industry corrupted by Wall Street greed and investor expectations. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Eleanor Roosevelt. She was the wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt, was active in Democratic politics and helped shape her husband's New Deal programs. Considered one of the most active and influential first ladies in U.S. history, Roosevelt advocated for racial equality, women's rights and world peace. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:12:34 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Wendell Potter about the insurance industry and healthcare reform. Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay from Eleanor Roosevelt. no no WENDELL POTTER was an executive with the insurance company Cigna for almost 20 years. Now, he's speaking out against the health insurance industry. Several weeks ago, Potter testified in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation about what he sees as an industry corrupted by Wall Street greed and investor expectations. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Eleanor Roosevelt. She was the wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt, was active in Democratic politics and helped shape her husband's New Deal programs. Considered one of the most active and influential first ladies in U.S. history, Roosevelt advocated for racial equality, women's rights and world peace. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with environmental scientist James Lovelock about his latest book The Vanishing Face of Gaia. Lovelock argues that itâs already far too late to stop global warming, and that we should be committing our resources to surviving in the new hotter world to come instead of trying to stop it. Then, for millions of women, the books they read (and re-read) as young girls helped them become the women they are today. Lizzie Skurnick writes the column âFine Linesâ for Jezebel.com, and blogs about books on her website Old Hag. Her book Shelf Discovery: The Teen Classics We Never Stopped Reading explores why the books of so many womenâs youth continue to inspire, inform, and mold them well into adulthood. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:19:35 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob speaks with environmental scientist James Lovelock and writer/blogger Lizzie Skurnick. no no Bob talks with environmental scientist James Lovelock about his latest book The Vanishing Face of Gaia. Lovelock argues that itâs already far too late to stop global warming, and that we should be committing our resources to surviving in the new hotter world to come instead of trying to stop it. Then, for millions of women, the books they read (and re-read) as young girls helped them become the women they are today. Lizzie Skurnick writes the column âFine Linesâ for Jezebel.com, and blogs about books on her website Old Hag. Her book Shelf Discovery: The Teen Classics We Never Stopped Reading explores why the books of so many womenâs youth continue to inspire, inform, and mold them well into adulthood. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller met as teenagers in Los Angeles in 1950, forming a songwriting team that churned out hits for early rhythm & blues artistsâand later for Elvis Presley, The Drifters, The Coasters, Peggy Lee and many more. Their partnership even extends to a joint autobiography titled, Hound Dog. Then, in this weekâs installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from James A. Michener. He wrote his Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Tales of the South Pacific, during his naval service in World War II after winning a transfer from a desk job in Washington to the Pacific theater. Michenerâs literary career spanned 50 years and 40 books. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:38:03 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks to songwriting team Leiber no no Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller met as teenagers in Los Angeles in 1950, forming a songwriting team that churned out hits for early rhythm & blues artistsâand later for Elvis Presley, The Drifters, The Coasters, Peggy Lee and many more. Their partnership even extends to a joint autobiography titled, Hound Dog. Then, in this weekâs installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from James A. Michener. He wrote his Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Tales of the South Pacific, during his naval service in World War II after winning a transfer from a desk job in Washington to the Pacific theater. Michenerâs literary career spanned 50 years and 40 books. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio A trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council for more than three decades, Robert Redford has dedicated nearly as much of his life to the environment as he has to acting and filmmaking. Redford joins Bob on stage at the Lincoln Center in front of a live audience to talk about his film career and the many NRDC campaigns he has supported in the past â and why that work will still be needed for years to come. Then, in this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from anthropologist Margaret Mead (1901-1978). She spent many years in Polynesia studying native cultures there. She also worked as an associate curator at the American Museum of Natural History, professor at Columbia University, and president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:12:07 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob speaks with Robert Redford, then Margaret Mead shares her essay for our 'This I Believe' series. A trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council for more than three decades, Robert Redford has dedicated nearly as much of his life to the environment as he has to acting and filmmaking. Redford joins Bob on stage at the Lincoln Center in front of a live audience to talk about his film career and the many NRDC campaigns he has supported in the past â and why that work will still be needed for years to come. Then, in this weekâs installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from anthropologist Margaret Mead (1901-1978). She spent many years in Polynesia studying native cultures there. She also worked as an associate curator at the American Museum of Natural History, professor at Columbia University, and president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. no no A trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council for more than three decades, Robert Redford has dedicated nearly as much of his life to the environment as he has to acting and filmmaking. Redford joins Bob on stage at the Lincoln Center in front of a live audience to talk about his film career and the many NRDC campaigns he has supported in the past â and why that work will still be needed for years to come. Then, in this weekâs installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with executive director Dan Gediman about the essay from anthropologist Margaret Mead (1901-1978). She spent many years in Polynesia studying native cultures there. She also worked as an associate curator at the American Museum of Natural History, professor at Columbia University, and president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio New York Times diplomatic correspondent Helene Cooper talks with Bob about her book, The House at Sugar Beach. Cooper was born into a society of wealth and privilege in Liberia, as a descendant of one of the first settlers in the African country. In 1980, her life was forever changed when the Liberian government was overthrown and her family was forced to flee to America. Cooper tells the story of how she reconnected with her Liberian roots years after she left the country. Her book is just coming out in paperback. Then, the Academy Award-winning documentary When We Were Kings chronicled the 1974 fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire, giving only supporting mention of the epic 12-hour, three-night concert show-casing prominent African-American and African musicians of the day. Now, director Jeffrey Levy-Hinte, who edited When We Were Kings, has released 35-year old footage of the concert, featuring Celia Cruz, James Brown, BB King, and Bill Withers, among other artists. Soul Power documents the musical performances and the effects of this once in a lifetime event. Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:10:38 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob speaks with memoirist Helene Cooper and director Jeffrey Levy-Hinte about his film "Soul Power." no no New York Times diplomatic correspondent Helene Cooper talks with Bob about her book, The House at Sugar Beach. Cooper was born into a society of wealth and privilege in Liberia, as a descendent of one of the first settlers in the African country. In 1980, her life was forever changed when the Liberian government was overthrown and her family was forced to flee to America. Cooper tells the story of how she reconnected with her Liberian roots years after she left the country. Her book is just coming out in paperback. Then, the Academy Award-winning documentary When We Were Kings chronicled the 1974 fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire, giving only supporting mention of the epic 12-hour, three-night concert show-casing prominent African-American and African musicians of the day. Now, director Jeffrey Levy-Hinte, who edited When We Were Kings, has released 35-year old footage of the concert, featuring Celia Cruz, James Brown, BB King, and Bill Withers, among other artists. Soul Power documents the musical performances and the effects of this once in a lifetime event. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Writer JANCEE DUNN explores the dichotomy of being a successful professional who, when she visits her parents, immediately reverts back to her teenaged self. Her new book, "Why Is My Mother Getting A Tattoo And Other Questions I Wish I Never Had To Ask" wonders if we ever really grow up, and chronicles Dunn's attempt to come to grips with getting older. After MELODY GARDOT was seriously injured in a bicycle accident at age nineteen, she used music therapy as a way to rebuild her cognitive skills. Though permanently disabled, her therapy resulted in critical acclaim as a jazz and blues artist. She talks with Bob about her latest album, "My One and Only Thrill." Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:23:20 +0000 00:51:21 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Jancee Dunn about her new memoir. Then Bob talks with Melody Gardot about her new album. no no Writer JANCEE DUNN explores the dichotomy of being a successful professional who, when she visits her parents, immediately reverts back to her teenaged self. Her new book, "Why Is My Mother Getting A Tattoo And Other Questions I Wish I Never Had To Ask" wonders if we ever really grow up, and chronicles Dunn's attempt to come to grips with getting older. After MELODY GARDOT was seriously injured in a bicycle accident at age nineteen, she used music therapy as a way to rebuild her cognitive skills. Though permanently disabled, her therapy resulted in critical acclaim as a jazz and blues artist. She talks with Bob about her latest album, "My One and Only Thrill." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley came to be hated in his native New York, loved in Los Angeles and was called one of the most notorious baseball owner in sports history for moving the Brooklyn Dodgers across the country after the 1957 season. MICHAEL D'ANTONIO has writen a new biography called "Forever Blue: The True Story of Walter O'Malley, Baseball's Most Controversial Owner, and the Dodgers of Brooklyn and Los Angeles." In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Jackie Robinson. In 1947, Robinson became the first black player in Major League Baseball. During his 10 seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson played on six World Series teams and was voted the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1949. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:02:48 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Michael D'Antonio about the man who moved the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. Then, Dan Gediman shares the This I Believe essay of Jackie Robinson. no no Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley came to be hated in his native New York, loved in Los Angeles and was called one of the most notorious baseball owner in sports history for moving the Brooklyn Dodgers across the country after the 1957 season. MICHAEL D'ANTONIO has writen a new biography called "Forever Blue: The True Story of Walter O'Malley, Baseball's Most Controversial Owner, and the Dodgers of Brooklyn and Los Angeles." In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Jackie Robinson. In 1947, Robinson became the first black player in Major League Baseball. During his 10 seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson played on six World Series teams and was voted the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1949. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio For the past 30 years, travel guru RICK STEVES has advocated for thoughtful and informed traveling in his public television series, his radio show, and his best-selling guide books. His new book," Travel as a Political Act," teaches readers how to become travelers, not tourists. PETER CARLSON isn't sure which anecdote turned him into a Khrushchev-in-America buff. It could have been the one about the irascible Soviet leader throwing a fit because he wasn't allowed to go to Disneyland. Or it could have been Khrushchev's suspicion that Camp David was really a leper colony. Or it could have been Khrushchev arguing with Nixon over which kind of animal dung smelled the worst. Carlson includes those stories and many more in "K Blows Top," a book about Nikita Khrushchev's great American road trip of 1959. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:55:46 +0000 00:51:21 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Rick Steves about travel as a political act. Then, Bob talks with Peter Carslon about Nikita Krushchev's 1959 tour of the United States. no no For the past 30 years, travel guru RICK STEVES has advocated for thoughtful and informed traveling in his public television series, his radio show, and his best-selling guide books. His new book," Travel as a Political Act," teaches readers how to become travelers, not tourists. PETER CARLSON isn't sure which anecdote turned him into a Khrushchev-in-America buff. It could have been the one about the irascible Soviet leader throwing a fit because he wasn't allowed to go to Disneyland. Or it could have been Khrushchev's suspicion that Camp David was really a leper colony. Or it could have been Khrushchev arguing with Nixon over which kind of animal dung smelled the worst. Carlson includes those stories and many more in "K Blows Top," a book about Nikita Khrushchev's great American road trip of 1959. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Writer LUIS ALBERTO URREA'S latest novel, "Into The Beautiful North," tells the epic journey of 19-year-old Nayeli, as she sets out from her native Mexico to find her own "Magnificent Seven" to save her village from the drug dealers who have taken over the town. Inspired by the 1960 film, Nayeli travels to America in search of protection. Urrea was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and has won an American Book Award, among many other honors. His previous books include "The Hummingbird's Daughter" and "The Devil's Highway." Then, cowboy poet BAXTER BLACK shares his thoughts about America this holiday weekend. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Maximilian Hodder, who worked in the movie industries of Eastern Europe before World War Two. While serving in the Polish Army, he was captured by the Soviets but later escaped. Hodder came to the United States in 1949 to work in Hollywood, and he writes about the generosity and freedom he found in this country. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:36:48 +0000 00:51:22 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Louis Urrea about his latest novel. Then, Baxter Black comments on the Fourth of July. Finally, Dan Gediman shares the essay of Maximilian Hodder for "This I Believe." no no Writer LUIS ALBERTO URREA'S latest novel, "Into The Beautiful North," tells the epic journey of 19-year-old Nayeli, as she sets out from her native Mexico to find her own "Magnificent Seven" to save her village from the drug dealers who have taken over the town. Inspired by the 1960 film, Nayeli travels to America in search of protection. Urrea was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and has won an American Book Award, among many other honors. His previous books include "The Hummingbird's Daughter" and "The Devil's Highway." Then, cowboy poet BAXTER BLACK shares his thoughts about America this holiday weekend. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Maximilian Hodder, who worked in the movie industries of Eastern Europe before World War Two. While serving in the Polish Army, he was captured by the Soviets but later escaped. Hodder came to the United States in 1949 to work in Hollywood, and he writes about the generosity and freedom he found in this country. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Six months after he left the White House in 1953, former president Harry Truman drove with his wife Bess from Independence, Missouri to the east coast and back again, stopping at motels and diners just like any other tourists. MATTHEW ALGEO retraces the excursion in "Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip." This Sunday would have been the Trumans' 90th wedding anniversary. The Library of Congress adds 25 recordings deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" to the National Recording Registry each year. EUGENE DEANNA, head of the Recorded Sound Section at the Library, joins Bob to discuss this year's selections, which include Marian Anderson's 1939 recital at the Lincoln Memorial; the sounds of the ivory-billed woodpecker in the Louisiana swamp; Etta James' "At Last"; and "My Generation" by The Who. Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:11:05 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Matthew Algeo about Harry Truman's post presidential road trip across America. Then Bob talks with Eugene DeAnna about new additions to the National Recording Registry. no no Six months after he left the White House in 1953, former president Harry Truman drove with his wife Bess from Independence, Missouri to the east coast and back again, stopping at motels and diners just like any other tourists. MATTHEW ALGEO retraces the excursion in "Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip." This Sunday would have been the Trumans' 90th wedding anniversary. The Library of Congress adds 25 recordings deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" to the National Recording Registry each year. EUGENE DEANNA, head of the Recorded Sound Section at the Library, joins Bob to discuss this year's selections, which include Marian Anderson's 1939 recital at the Lincoln Memorial; the sounds of the ivory-billed woodpecker in the Louisiana swamp; Etta James' "At Last"; and "My Generation" by The Who. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio A new exhibit opened this weekend at the Chelsea Art Museum in New York City. "Iran Inside/Out" presents the work of more than 50 contemporary artists living both inside and outside of Iran. The curators describe the context and intent of the show, and four of the artists discuss their art, the challenges they faced mounting this exhibit, and the importance of self-expression in the face of a repressive government. Neuroscientist DANIEL LEVITIN is the author of books like "This is Your Brain on Music" and "The World in Six Songs." Now he's also the co-host of a new documentary airing on PBS called "The Music Instinct: Science & Song." The program investigates the connections between music and the human mind and explores musical universals across time and cultures. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Louise Dickinson Rich. Her life in northern Maine became the inspiration for her best-selling book, "We Took to the Woods." Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:40:51 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with the curators and artists of "Iran Inside/Out" at the Chelsea Art Museum. Then Bob talks with Daniel Levitin about the PBS program, "The Music Instinct." Finally, Dan Gediman shares the essay of Louise Dickinson Rich for "This I Believe." no no A new exhibit opened this weekend at the Chelsea Art Museum in New York City. "Iran Inside/Out" presents the work of more than 50 contemporary artists living both inside and outside of Iran. The curators describe the context and intent of the show, and four of the artists discuss their art, the challenges they faced mounting this exhibit, and the importance of self-expression in the face of a repressive government. Neuroscientist DANIEL LEVITIN is the author of books like "This is Your Brain on Music" and "The World in Six Songs." Now he's also the co-host of a new documentary airing on PBS called "The Music Instinct: Science & Song." The program investigates the connections between music and the human mind and explores musical universals across time and cultures. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Louise Dickinson Rich. Her life in northern Maine became the inspiration for her best-selling book, "We Took to the Woods." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Vin Scully has been calling baseball games on radio and television for almost 60 years now. He began in the booth with the legendary Red Barber in 1950, then moved with the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles for the 1958 season. Author CURT SMITH joins Bob to discuss his long-overdue biography called "Pull Up a Chair: The Vin Scully Story." Just in time for Father's Day, Bob talks with MICHAEL LEWIS about his new book "Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood." Lewis kept a journal for the first few years after the birth of each of his three children. The essays are true, hilarious, insightful and portray the disappointments and eventual joys of being a dad. Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:56:52 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Curt Smith about Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully. Then Bob talks with Michael Lewis about the challenges of fatherhood. no no Vin Scully has been calling baseball games on radio and television for almost 60 years now. He began in the booth with the legendary Red Barber in 1950, then moved with the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles for the 1958 season. Author CURT SMITH joins Bob to discuss his long-overdue biography called "Pull Up a Chair: The Vin Scully Story." Just in time for Father's Day, Bob talks with MICHAEL LEWIS about his new book "Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood." Lewis kept a journal for the first few years after the birth of each of his three children. The essays are true, hilarious, insightful and portray the disappointments and eventual joys of being a dad. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Playwright, screenwriter, and director ARTHUR LAURENTS has 50 years of Broadway experiences and memories. Among his notable accomplishments are directing newcomer Barbra Streisand in "I Can Get It for You Wholesale" and directing "La Cage aux Folles," Broadway's first openly gay musical. Laurents also wrote the books for "West Side Story" and "Gypsy," which remain two of Broadway's legendary musicals. His memoir is called "Mainly on Directing: Gypsy, West Side Story and Other Musicals." In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from actor and director John Cromwell. He directed dozens of films and is the father of actor JAMES CROMWELL, who is also our guest and reacts to hearing his father's essay for the first time. Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:48:43 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Arthur Laurents about his long career on Broadway. Then Dan Gediman shares the essay of movie director John Cromwell for This I Believe. no no Playwright, screenwriter, and director ARTHUR LAURENTS has 50 years of Broadway experiences and memories. Among his notable accomplishments are directing newcomer Barbra Streisand in "I Can Get It for You Wholesale" and directing "La Cage aux Folles," Broadway's first openly gay musical. Laurents also wrote the books for "West Side Story" and "Gypsy," which remain two of Broadway's legendary musicals. His memoir is called "Mainly on Directing: Gypsy, West Side Story and Other Musicals." In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from actor and director John Cromwell. He directed dozens of films and is the father of actor JAMES CROMWELL, who is also our guest and reacts to hearing his father's essay for the first time. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio In the tradition of the 1973 classic book "The Boys on the Bus," journalist ERIC BOEHLERT offers "Bloggers on the Bus: How the Internet Changed Politics and the Press." Boehlert uses the 2008 presidential race to show how bloggers influenced voters, the candidates, and their campaigns. The new film "Food, Inc." presents an enlightening and sometimes disturbing view of the American food system. Director ROBERT KENNER and co-producer MICHAEL POLLAN join Bob to talk about their new documentary and to discuss some of the problems of modern food, as well as some solutions. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Walter White. He was executive secretary of the NAACP from 1931 to 1955. As a writer and activist, White lobbied for federal anti-lynching laws and the desegregation of the United States armed forces. Although fair-skinned with blonde hair and blue eyes, White considered himself an African-American. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:02:34 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Eric Boehlert about political bloggers. Then Bob talks with Robert Kenner and Michael Pollan about food production in America. Finally, Dan Gediman shares this week's This I Believe essay. no no In the tradition of the 1973 classic book "The Boys on the Bus," journalist ERIC BOEHLERT offers "Bloggers on the Bus: How the Internet Changed Politics and the Press." Boehlert uses the 2008 presidential race to show how bloggers influenced voters, the candidates, and their campaigns. The new film "Food, Inc." presents an enlightening and sometimes disturbing view of the American food system. Director ROBERT KENNER and co-producer MICHAEL POLLAN join Bob to talk about their new documentary and to discuss some of the problems of modern food, as well as some solutions. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Walter White. He was executive secretary of the NAACP from 1931 to 1955. As a writer and activist, White lobbied for federal anti-lynching laws and the desegregation of the United States armed forces. Although fair-skinned with blonde hair and blue eyes, White considered himself an African-American. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Director STEPHAN ELLIOTT talks with Bob about adapting playwright Noel Coward's classic "Easy Virtue" for the big screen. This comedy of manners has a glamorous American woman disrupting the quiet world of her new husband's prim British family. JORMA KAUKONEN is one of the most accomplished guitar players in America. His intricate finger-style melodies are well known to fans that have followed his career from The Jefferson Airplane to Hot Tuna to solo work. Kaukonen joins Bob in our performance studio to play a few tunes and to talk about his latest CD, "River of Time." Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:01:50 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Stephan Elliot about his film adaptation of Noel Coward's play "Easy Virtue." Then Bob talks with finger-style guitarist Jorma Kaukonen. no no Director STEPHAN ELLIOTT talks with Bob about adapting playwright Noel Coward's classic "Easy Virtue" for the big screen. This comedy of manners has a glamorous American woman disrupting the quiet world of her new husband's prim British family. JORMA KAUKONEN is one of the most accomplished guitar players in America. His intricate finger-style melodies are well known to fans that have followed his career from The Jefferson Airplane to Hot Tuna to solo work. Kaukonen joins Bob in our performance studio to play a few tunes and to talk about his latest CD, "River of Time." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Musician ELVIS COSTELLO is adding television host to his resume. Beginning December 3rd, the Sundance Channel will air a series called "Spectacle" in which Costello interviews and performs with celebrities including Sir Elton John, Tony Bennett, Lou Reed, Julian Schnabel and Bill Clinton. Folklorists NANCY GROCE and STEVE WINICK from the Library of Congress dip into the archive of the American Folklife Center and bring along songs, poems, and stories about food. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:57:23 +0000 00:51:20 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Elvis Costello about his career and his program on the Sundance Channel. Then Bob talks with Steve Winick and Nancy Groce about songs and poems inspired by food. no no Musician ELVIS COSTELLO is adding television host to his resume. Beginning December 3rd, the Sundance Channel will air a series called "Spectacle" in which Costello interviews and performs with celebrities including Sir Elton John, Tony Bennett, Lou Reed, Julian Schnabel and Bill Clinton. Folklorists NANCY GROCE and STEVE WINICK from the Library of Congress dip into the archive of the American Folklife Center and bring along songs, poems, and stories about food. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States, and with a new commander-in-chief comes a new administration. Chicago native and Princeton University political science professor MELISSA HARRIS-LACEWELL talks about what an Obama administration might look like. And our political roundtable will analyze the results of this historic election. Bob talks with Washington Post columnist DAVID BRODER, REBECCA ROBERTS of XM's presidential channel and with RON WALTERS, Director of the African-American Leadership Center at the University of Maryland. Bob talks with Washington Post reporter JEFFREY SMITH about the Bush Administration's last push to weaken environmental regulations. STEVE WINICK and TODD HARVEY, folklorists with the Library of Congress, share historic musical field recordings that served as the basis of pop hits when they were later covered by contemporary artists. Hear how Feist, Led Zeppelin, and Moby were inspired by what they heard in the American Folklife Center. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:50:50 +0000 00:51:21 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Melissa Harris-Lacewell, David Broder, Rebecca Roberts, and Ron Walters about the presidential election. Then Bob talks with Jeffrey Smith about environmental regulations. Finally, Bob talks with folklorists about field recordings. no no Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States, and with a new commander-in-chief comes a new administration. Chicago native and Princeton University political science professor MELISSA HARRIS-LACEWELL talks about what an Obama administration might look like. And our political roundtable will analyze the results of this historic election. Bob talks with Washington Post columnist DAVID BRODER, REBECCA ROBERTS of XM's presidential channel and with RON WALTERS, Director of the African-American Leadership Center at the University of Maryland. Bob talks with Washington Post reporter JEFFREY SMITH about the Bush Administration's last push to weaken environmental regulations. STEVE WINICK and TODD HARVEY, folklorists with the Library of Congress, share historic musical field recordings that served as the basis of pop hits when they were later covered by contemporary artists. Hear how Feist, Led Zeppelin, and Moby were inspired by what they heard in the American Folklife Center. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio The Red Orchestra was a group of ordinary Germans who tried to bring down the Nazi regime from within Germany. After years of research and exclusive interviews, ANNE NELSON has published her findings in a book called "Red Orchestra: The Story of the Berlin Underground and the Circle of Friends Who Resisted Hitler." Cat Stevens was one of the most beloved songwriters of his generation. But at the height of his fame in 1977 (and with 8 gold records under his belt), Stevens converted to Islam, changed his name to YUSUF ISLAM, and left music to do philanthropic work in the Muslim community. He returned to music in 1995, and now has a new album titled "Roadsinger." Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:07:44 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Anne Nelson about Germans who tried to overthrow the Nazis. Then Bob talks with Yusuf Islam, the musician formerly known as Cat Stevens. no no The Red Orchestra was a group of ordinary Germans who tried to bring down the Nazi regime from within Germany. After years of research and exclusive interviews, ANNE NELSON has published her findings in a book called "Red Orchestra: The Story of the Berlin Underground and the Circle of Friends Who Resisted Hitler." Cat Stevens was one of the most beloved songwriters of his generation. But at the height of his fame in 1977 (and with 8 gold records under his belt), Stevens converted to Islam, changed his name to YUSUF ISLAM, and left music to do philanthropic work in the Muslim community. He returned to music in 1995, and now has a new album titled "Roadsinger." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Historian, professor and author SIMON SCHAMA didn't look too far back in time for his latest book "The American Future: A History." Using the 2008 presidential election as a reference point, Schama examines the history of four on-going social debates in America: war, religion, race and immigration, and economic division. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Helen Keller. As an infant, Keller was struck by a fever that left her deaf and blind. With the guidance of her teacher Anne Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate with and learn about the rest of the world. Keller became a renowned and radical author, activist, and lecturer. Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:55:37 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Simon Schama about the past and future of America. Then Bob talks with Dan Gediman for our series "This I Believe." no no Historian, professor and author SIMON SCHAMA didn't look too far back in time for his latest book "The American Future: A History." Using the 2008 presidential election as a reference point, Schama examines the history of four on-going social debates in America: war, religion, race and immigration, and economic division. In this week's installment of our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Helen Keller. As an infant, Keller was struck by a fever that left her deaf and blind. With the guidance of her teacher Anne Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate with and learn about the rest of the world. Keller became a renowned and radical author, activist, and lecturer. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Pete Seeger was banned from American commercial television for more than 17 years, after topping the pop charts and being blacklisted. Seeger wrote or co-wrote many of our most iconic folk songs. Now almost 90, Seeger is still performing and still writing. He's publishing a new songbook this year and the PBS program American Masters pays tribute on February 27th with "Pete Seeger: The Power of Song." Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:47:36 +0000 00:50:35 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Pete Seeger about his long, influential career as a musician and activist. no no Pete Seeger was banned from American commercial television for more than 17 years, after topping the pop charts and being blacklisted. Seeger wrote or co-wrote many of our most iconic folk songs. Now almost 90, Seeger is still performing and still writing. He's publishing a new songbook this year and the PBS program American Masters pays tribute on February 27th with "Pete Seeger: The Power of Song." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio A third of all pet owners admit to buying birthday presents for their furry friends. Many groomers now offer pet pedicures as part of their routine service. And if your dog is deemed to be suffering from separation anxiety, your vet might prescribe puppy Prozac. MICHAEL SHAFFER has written a new book about our pet-obsessed culture. It's called "One Nation Under Dog." Author and journalist PETER LAUFER tells Bob all about his new book "The Dangerous World of Butterflies: The Startling Subculture of Criminals, Collectors, and Conservationists." It touches on the relationships between butterflies and organized crime, ecological devastation, species depletion, the integrity of natural history museum collections and the role butterflies play in the art world. Fri, 29 May 2009 20:34:42 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Michael Shaffer about the pampered lives of pets. Then, Bob talks with Peter Laufer about the dangerous world of butterflies. no no A third of all pet owners admit to buying birthday presents for their furry friends. Many groomers now offer pet pedicures as part of their routine service. And if your dog is deemed to be suffering from separation anxiety, your vet might prescribe puppy Prozac. MICHAEL SHAFFER has written a new book about our pet-obsessed culture. It's called "One Nation Under Dog." Author and journalist PETER LAUFER tells Bob all about his new book "The Dangerous World of Butterflies: The Startling Subculture of Criminals, Collectors, and Conservationists." It touches on the relationships between butterflies and organized crime, ecological devastation, species depletion, the integrity of natural history museum collections and the role butterflies play in the art world. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio For his editorial cartoons, MIKE LUCKOVICH has won two Pulitzer Prizes - which he calls "the ultimate coloring contest." Luckovich is the staff editorial cartoonist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His work is also syndicated to hundred of papers nationwide and regularly appears in Time, Newsweek, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. RUTH REICHL is editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine, a former food critic for both the New York and the Los Angeles Times, and the author of three best-selling memoirs. Her latest, "Not Becoming My Mother and Other Things She Taught Me Along the Way," is a tribute to her mother Miriam, whose larger-than-life personality dominated Reichl's younger years. In this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with Dan Gediman about the essay from Herbert Lehman. He co-founded the Lehman Brothers investment banking firm in 1908 and served in the Army during World War I, rising to the rank of colonel. Lehman was governor of New York from 1933 to 1942 and served as a U.S. Senator from 1949 until 1957. Fri, 29 May 2009 17:31:51 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Mike Luckovich about transforming news events into editorial cartoons. Then Bob talks with Ruth Reichl about investigating her mother's life. Finally, Bob talks with Dan Gediman about This I Believe. no no For his editorial cartoons, MIKE LUCKOVICH has won two Pulitzer Prizes - which he calls "the ultimate coloring contest." Luckovich is the staff editorial cartoonist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His work is also syndicated to hundred of papers nationwide and regularly appears in Time, Newsweek, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. RUTH REICHL is editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine, a former food critic for both the New York and the Los Angeles Times, and the author of three best-selling memoirs. Her latest, "Not Becoming My Mother and Other Things She Taught Me Along the Way," is a tribute to her mother Miriam, whose larger-than-life personality dominated Reichl's younger years. In this week's installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with Dan Gediman about the essay from Herbert Lehman. He co-founded the Lehman Brothers investment banking firm in 1908 and served in the Army during World War I, rising to the rank of colonel. Lehman was governor of New York from 1933 to 1942 and served as a U.S. Senator from 1949 until 1957. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio It's been more than forty years since many Americans were shipped to and died in the jungles of Vietnam. For this Memorial Day weekend, we pay tribute to our service men and women with an encore presentation of our award-winning show STORIES FROM THIRD MED: SURVIVING A JUNGLE ER. The documentary features stories from the men of the Navy's Third Medical Battalion, which served alongside the Third Marine Division. They were based near the DMZ, close to North Vietnam. Four decades later, the doctors and corpsmen recount the horrific experiences they can never forget. Fri, 22 May 2009 21:10:26 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with several members of the Navy's Third Medical Battalion who served in Vietnam. no no It's been more than forty years since many Americans were shipped to and died in the jungles of Vietnam. For this Memorial Day weekend, we pay tribute to our service men and women with an encore presentation of our award-winning show STORIES FROM THIRD MED: SURVIVING A JUNGLE ER. The documentary features stories from the men of the Navy's Third Medical Battalion, which served alongside the Third Marine Division. They were based near the DMZ, close to North Vietnam. Four decades later, the doctors and corpsmen recount the horrific experiences they can never forget. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio To environmentalists, green building methods are forward-thinking and socially responsible. But the construction workers who actually build the structures are a tough sell. The new documentary "The Greening of Southie" records the ascent of The McCallen Building in South Boston. The film is narrated by architects, project managers, and formerly skeptical construction workers. Filmmakers CURT ELLIS and IAN CHENEY join Bob to discuss their new documentary and the green building movement. For the latest installment in our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from educator and folklorist J. Frank Dobie. Along with writing numerous books and articles about vanishing ways of life on the ranches of his native Texas, Dobie also taught in the English department at the University of Texas and lectured on U.S. history at Cambridge during World War II. Fri, 22 May 2009 20:53:42 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Curt Ellis and Ian Cheney about their new documentary about "green" buildings in Boston. Then, Bob talks with Dan Gediman in our series, This I Believe. no no To environmentalists, green building methods are forward-thinking and socially responsible. But the construction workers who actually build the structures are a tough sell. The new documentary "The Greening of Southie" records the ascent of The McCallen Building in South Boston. The film is narrated by architects, project managers, and formerly skeptical construction workers. Filmmakers CURT ELLIS and IAN CHENEY join Bob to discuss their new documentary and the green building movement. For the latest installment in our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from educator and folklorist J. Frank Dobie. Along with writing numerous books and articles about vanishing ways of life on the ranches of his native Texas, Dobie also taught in the English department at the University of Texas and lectured on U.S. history at Cambridge during World War II. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio E. ETHELBERT MILLER is a poet, though "literary activist" is the term he uses to describe himself. He's also a baseball fan, and nearing 60 years of age, figures he's in "The 5th Inning.". That's the title of his second memoir in which he uses baseball as a metaphor for measuring his life so far. Mike Tyson was once boxing's biggest star. He was dominant in the ring, but the same inner demons that propelled Tyson's ferocity eventually led to his downfall. After serving time in prison and falling into bankruptcy, Mike Tyson tells his own story in the new documentary, "Tyson." Bob speaks with director JAMES TOBACK about his film and his friendship with the boxer. One simple question sent journalist and running enthusiast CHRISTOPHER MCDOUGALL across the globe: Why does my foot hurt? In his quest, McDougall ran endurance races across America, visited science labs at Harvard, and spent time with a tribe in Mexico's Copper Canyons, whose speed and health could match any Olympic marathoner. McDougall's book is titled "Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen." Sat, 16 May 2009 01:31:56 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with E. Ethelbert Miller about his latest memoir. Then Bob talks with James Toback about his friendship with Mike Tyson. Finally, Bob talks with Christopher McDougall about a tribe of native people who run great distances. no no E. ETHELBERT MILLER is a poet, though "literary activist" is the term he uses to describe himself. He's also a baseball fan, and nearing 60 years of age, figures he's in "The 5th Inning.". That's the title of his second memoir in which he uses baseball as a metaphor for measuring his life so far. Mike Tyson was once boxing's biggest star. He was dominant in the ring, but the same inner demons that propelled Tyson's ferocity eventually led to his downfall. After serving time in prison and falling into bankruptcy, Mike Tyson tells his own story in the new documentary, "Tyson." Bob speaks with director JAMES TOBACK about his film and his friendship with the boxer. One simple question sent journalist and running enthusiast CHRISTOPHER MCDOUGALL across the globe: Why does my foot hurt? In his quest, McDougall ran endurance races across America, visited science labs at Harvard, and spent time with a tribe in Mexico's Copper Canyons, whose speed and health could match any Olympic marathoner. McDougall's book is titled "Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with political strategist and author JAMES CARVILLE about his new book "40 More Years: How the Democrats Will Rule the Next Generation." Actor and director KENNETH BRANAGH is best known for performing the plays of Shakespeare, but now he's starring as the scruffy Swedish detective Kurt Wallander in the new Masterpiece Mystery! miniseries. "Wallander" is based on the bestselling novels by Henning Mankell, and it airs Sunday evenings on PBS through the end of the month. For the latest installment in our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Marty Mann. Born into a wealthy Chicago family, Mann worked as a magazine editor, art critic and photographer. She was the first woman to join Alcoholics Anonymous, and she also created the National Committee on Alcoholism. Sat, 16 May 2009 01:22:42 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with James Carville about the future of the Democratic party. Then Bob talks with Kenneth Branagh about his role as a Swedish police detective. Finally, it's another installment in our ongoing series, This I Believe. no no Bob talks with political strategist and author JAMES CARVILLE about his new book "40 More Years: How the Democrats Will Rule the Next Generation." Actor and director KENNETH BRANAGH is best known for performing the plays of Shakespeare, but now he's starring as the scruffy Swedish detective Kurt Wallander in the new Masterpiece Mystery! miniseries. "Wallander" is based on the bestselling novels by Henning Mankell, and it airs Sunday evenings on PBS through the end of the month. For the latest installment in our ongoing series THIS I BELIEVE, Bob talks with executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Marty Mann. Born into a wealthy Chicago family, Mann worked as a magazine editor, art critic and photographer. She was the first woman to join Alcoholics Anonymous, and she also created the National Committee on Alcoholism. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio In his new novel, ARTHUR PHILLIPS uses our modern culture's preoccupation with iPods, cell phones, and the Internet to question whether we are actually closer as a society or further apart. The book is called, "The Song Is You." Phillips is also the author of the best-selling novels "Angelica," "The Egyptologist" and "Prague." JONAH LEHRER'S newest book examines how the human brain makes decisions. Lehrer describes how scientists use experiments and fMRI machines to determine which parts of our brains are active as we solve riddles or choose which toothpaste to buy. Lehrer says decision making is a constant tug of war between the rational mind and our gut instincts. Lehrer's book is called "How We Decide." Finally, essayist TOM BODETT describes his decision to join the online social network Twitter. Fri, 08 May 2009 19:26:39 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Arthur Phillips about his latest novel. Then, Bob talks with Jonah Lehrer about what happens in our brains as we make decisions. Finally, Tom Bodett speaks about tweeting. no no In his new novel, ARTHUR PHILLIPS uses our modern culture's preoccupation with iPods, cell phones, and the Internet to question whether we are actually closer as a society or further apart. The book is called, "The Song Is You." Phillips is also the author of the best-selling novels "Angelica," "The Egyptologist" and "Prague." JONAH LEHRER'S newest book examines how the human brain makes decisions. Lehrer describes how scientists use experiments and fMRI machines to determine which parts of our brains are active as we solve riddles or choose which toothpaste to buy. Lehrer says decision making is a constant tug of war between the rational mind and our gut instincts. Lehrer's book is called "How We Decide." Finally, essayist TOM BODETT describes his decision to join the online social network Twitter. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio As the first American woman in space, SALLY RIDE inspired a generation of young girls to get interested in science. In 2001, she founded Sally Ride Science, a company that creates entertaining science programs and books for kids, with a particular focus on girls. Ride's latest books -- "Mission: Planet Earth" and "Mission: Save the Planet" -- teach kids about global warming and how to become responsible energy consumers. In 2007, Russian President Vladimir Putin named American-born George Koval a Hero of the Russian Federation. Putin revealed that Koval, who worked at the U.S. military research center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed along nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union. Journalist MICHAEL WALSH writes about George Koval for Smithsonian Magazine's May edition in the article "Iowa-Born, Soviet-Trained." We continue airing classic audio essays from the original THIS I BELIEVE series. This weekend, Bob talks with This I Believe, Inc. executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Edward R. Murrow, who hosted the original series from 1951 to 1955. The newsman gained acclaim for his CBS Radio broadcasts during World War II. Later, his television series tackled subjects ranging from Joseph McCarthy to farm worker rights. In his essay, Murrow describes the fear and uncertainty Americans felt in the early 1950s. Fri, 08 May 2009 19:19:31 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Sally Ride about her work to get girls interested in science. Then, Bob talks with Michael Walsh about a Soviet spy who infiltrated the Manhattan Project. Finally, Bob talks with Dan Gediman in our series of classic "This I Believe" essays. no no As the first American woman in space, SALLY RIDE inspired a generation of young girls to get interested in science. In 2001, she founded Sally Ride Science, a company that creates entertaining science programs and books for kids, with a particular focus on girls. Ride's latest books -- "Mission: Planet Earth" and "Mission: Save the Planet" -- teach kids about global warming and how to become responsible energy consumers. In 2007, Russian President Vladimir Putin named American-born George Koval a Hero of the Russian Federation. Putin revealed that Koval, who worked at the U.S. military research center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed along nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union. Journalist MICHAEL WALSH writes about George Koval for Smithsonian Magazine's May edition in the article "Iowa-Born, Soviet-Trained." We continue airing classic audio essays from the original THIS I BELIEVE series. This weekend, Bob talks with This I Believe, Inc. executive director DAN GEDIMAN about the essay from Edward R. Murrow, who hosted the original series from 1951 to 1955. The newsman gained acclaim for his CBS Radio broadcasts during World War II. Later, his television series tackled subjects ranging from Joseph McCarthy to farm worker rights. In his essay, Murrow describes the fear and uncertainty Americans felt in the early 1950s. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio No one in American culture has been immune from JOE QUEENAN'S scathing observations. Now the satirist and critic has set his sights on the life of a poor young man, the son of an alcoholic high school dropout, who grew up in a Philadelphia housing project. Queenan picks apart his own life in his new memoir, called "Closing Time." Bob talks with Queenan about his search for surrogate father figures, and the ways he tried to escape his household. In the mid-1920s, thousands of Jewish immigrant garment workers moved out of Manhattan ghettos by pooling their resources to build four cooperative apartment complexes in the Bronx. Even though most were first generation and Communist, the strength of that community helped propel them socially and economically. Producer MICHAL GOLDMAN discusses the families and the challenges they faced. The stories are told in her documentary, "At Home in Utopia" which airs this weekend on PBS. Fri, 01 May 2009 20:07:03 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Joe Queenan about his difficult childhood in Philadelphia. Then, Bob talks with Michal Goldman about immigrants who formedco-ops in the Bronx during the 1920s. no no No one in American culture has been immune from JOE QUEENAN'S scathing observations. Now the satirist and critic has set his sights on the life of a poor young man, the son of an alcoholic high school dropout, who grew up in a Philadelphia housing project. Queenan picks apart his own life in his new memoir, called "Closing Time." Bob talks with Queenan about his search for surrogate father figures, and the ways he tried to escape his household. In the mid-1920s, thousands of Jewish immigrant garment workers moved out of Manhattan ghettos by pooling their resources to build four cooperative apartment complexes in the Bronx. Even though most were first generation and Communist, the strength of that community helped propel them socially and economically. Producer MICHAL GOLDMAN discusses the families and the challenges they faced. The stories are told in her documentary, "At Home in Utopia" which airs this weekend on PBS. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Politics, religion, and natural resources help shape the economies of nations. In "False Economy: A Surprising Economic History of the World," author ALAN BEATTIE compares economically successful countries with those that have faltered. Beattie explains how the history of economic development can teach us to address our current economic woes. Beginning this weekend, we're airing classic essays from Edward R. Murrow's 1950s THIS I BELIEVE radio series. Each week, Bob will talk with This I Believe, Inc. executive director DAN GEDIMAN about a featured essayist and play the essay as originally broadcast more than 50 years ago. In addition to Edward R. Murrow's personal essay, in the weeks to come you'll hear essays by baseball legend Jackie Robinson; writer and activist Helen Keller; and Walter White, the long-time executive secretary of the NAACP. Fri, 01 May 2009 19:57:26 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Alan Beattie about the political and cultural forces that shape economic history. Then, Bob talks with Dan Gediman about Edward R. Murrow's "This I Believe." no no Politics, religion, and natural resources help shape the economies of nations. In "False Economy: A Surprising Economic History of the World," author ALAN BEATTIE compares economically successful countries with those that have faltered. Beattie explains how the history of economic development can teach us to address our current economic woes. Beginning this weekend, we're airing classic essays from Edward R. Murrow's 1950s THIS I BELIEVE radio series. Each week, Bob will talk with This I Believe, Inc. executive director DAN GEDIMAN about a featured essayist and play the essay as originally broadcast more than 50 years ago. In addition to Edward R. Murrow's personal essay, in the weeks to come you'll hear essays by baseball legend Jackie Robinson; writer and activist Helen Keller; and Walter White, the long-time executive secretary of the NAACP. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio ANDREW BACEVICH is a unique observer of American politics. He is a retired Army colonel, a self-described conservative Catholic, a history professor at Boston University and the father of a soldier who was killed while fighting in Iraq. Bob talks with Bacevich about his book, "The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism." It comes out in paperback April 28th. Then, Bob talks with LAURA WATERS HINSON, director of the documentary, "As We Forgive." The movie tells the stories of survivors of Rwandan genocide as they prepare to face the men who slaughtered their families. It comes out on DVD in May. In honor of Holocaust Awareness Month, MARTIN GOLDSMITH, host of Sirius XM's Symphony Hall, discusses the musicians and composers who died in the Nazi concentration camp Terezin. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:38:55 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Andrew Bacevich about the limits of America's power. Then, Bob talks with Laura Waters Hinson about reconcilliation in Rwanda. Finally, Bob talks with Martin Goldsmith about musicians murdered during the Holocaust. no no ANDREW BACEVICH is a unique observer of American politics. He is a retired Army colonel, a self-described conservative Catholic, a history professor at Boston University and the father of a soldier who was killed while fighting in Iraq. Bob talks with Bacevich about his book, "The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism." It comes out in paperback April 28th. Then, Bob talks with LAURA WATERS HINSON, director of the documentary, "As We Forgive." The movie tells the stories of survivors of Rwandan genocide as they prepare to face the men who slaughtered their families. It comes out on DVD in May. In honor of Holocaust Awareness Month, MARTIN GOLDSMITH, host of Sirius XM's Symphony Hall, discusses the musicians and composers who died in the Nazi concentration camp Terezin. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio At the end of 2006, more than one million highly skilled immigrant professionals and their families were waiting for permanent resident visas in the United States. But only 120,000 visas are given out every year. A new study by VIVEK WADHWA shows that instead of continuing to wait, foreign-born engineers, scientists and doctors are returning home. Wadhwa explains the cause of the brain drain and why it matters to the U.S. economy. FRANZ WISNER became famous when his would-be bride dumped him just before their wedding. Wisner wrote a best-selling book about the experience called "Honeymoon With My Brother." Now Wisner has taken his brother Kurt on another global adventure and written "How the World Makes Love...And What It Taught a Jilted Groom." Singer-songwriter ELLIOTT MURPHY has released 29 albums since his 1973 debut, "Aquashow." But he's not a household name, maybe because he was one of the first American artists to go independent -- and because he's lived in France since 1989. Murphy talks with Bob about his music, his life on the road and his books. Murphy has written five, including a semi-autobiography, "Cold and Electric," and the novel, "Where the Men are Rich and the Women are Naked." His latest CD is "Notes from the Underground." Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:23:12 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Vivek Wadhwa about skilled immigrants leaving the United States. Then Bob talks with Franz Wisner about courtship in other countries. Finally, Bob talks with Elliott Murphy about writing music and novels. no no At the end of 2006, more than one million highly skilled immigrant professionals and their families were waiting for permanent resident visas in the United States. But only 120,000 visas are given out every year. A new study by VIVEK WADHWA shows that instead of continuing to wait, foreign-born engineers, scientists and doctors are returning home. Wadhwa explains the cause of the brain drain and why it matters to the U.S. economy. FRANZ WISNER became famous when his would-be bride dumped him just before their wedding. Wisner wrote a best-selling book about the experience called "Honeymoon With My Brother." Now Wisner has taken his brother Kurt on another global adventure and written "How the World Makes Love...And What It Taught a Jilted Groom." Singer-songwriter ELLIOTT MURPHY has released 29 albums since his 1973 debut, "Aquashow." But he's not a household name, maybe because he was one of the first American artists to go independent -- and because he's lived in France since 1989. Murphy talks with Bob about his music, his life on the road and his books. Murphy has written five, including a semi-autobiography, "Cold and Electric," and the novel, "Where the Men are Rich and the Women are Naked." His latest CD is "Notes from the Underground." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio As the Discovery channel's hit show "Mythbusters" starts its seventh season, JAMIE HYNEMAN and ADAM SAVAGE talk with Bob about the hard but entertaining work of using science to confirm or expose popular myths. EVAN WRIGHT was embedded with the Marines for the first forty days of the Iraq War. His articles were printed in "Rolling Stone" and became the basis for the HBO miniseries called "Generation Kill." Wright's latest book, "Hella Nation," draws on detailed observations of members of the underbelly of American culture, from skinheads to taxi dancers. Writer Eudora Welty is best known as a chronicler of the American south, especially for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Optimist's Daughter." She was also a photographer. During the Great Depression, Welty drove around Mississippi, recording the details of everyday life in what she called her "snapshots." Bob talks with journalist TOM FRAIL about his article "The Writer's Eye" which details Welty's photgraphic work and appears in the April issue of "Smithsonian" magazine. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:55:38 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman about busting urban legends. Then Bob talks with Evan Wright about Americans on the fringes of society. Finally, Bob talks with Tom Frail about Eudora Welty. no no As the Discovery channel's hit show "Mythbusters" starts its seventh season, JAMIE HYNEMAN and ADAM SAVAGE talk with Bob about the hard but entertaining work of using science to confirm or expose popular myths. EVAN WRIGHT was embedded with the Marines for the first forty days of the Iraq War. His articles were printed in "Rolling Stone" and became the basis for the HBO miniseries called "Generation Kill." Wright's latest book, "Hella Nation," draws on detailed observations of members of the underbelly of American culture, from skinheads to taxi dancers. Writer Eudora Welty is best known as a chronicler of the American south, especially for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Optimist's Daughter." She was also a photographer. During the Great Depression, Welty drove around Mississippi, recording the details of everyday life in what she called her "snapshots." Bob talks with journalist TOM FRAIL about his article "The Writer's Eye" which details Welty's photgraphic work and appears in the April issue of "Smithsonian" magazine. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio The $160 million in bonuses paid to AIG employees angered politicians in Washington and citizens across the country. But other companies also handed out huge bonuses after getting bailed out, attracting far less negative attention. Washington Post reporter AMIT PALEY discusses who is getting help from the federal government, and why many lawmakers are perplexed by the complicated rules related to executive compensation during the financial crisis. JESSE WINCHESTER went to Canada in 1967 to avoid the Vietnam War. While in Montreal, he wrote songs that were recorded by other artists, but his career as a performer suffered because he could not tour in the United States. Only after Presidential amnesty in 1977 could Winchester return to the U.S. to perform for his American fans. Winchester talks about some of his earliest songs, like "Yankee Lady" and "Brand New Tennessee Waltz." Bob talks with music reviewer ANTHONY DECURTIS about "Love Filling Station," the new CD from Jesse Winchester. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:48:24 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Amit Paley about controversies over federal bailout money. Later, Bob talks with Jesse Winchester about his life and career in music. Anthony DeCurtis reviews the new CD by Winchester. no no The $160 million in bonuses paid to AIG employees angered politicians in Washington and citizens across the country. But other companies also handed out huge bonuses after getting bailed out, attracting far less negative attention. Washington Post reporter AMIT PALEY discusses who is getting help from the federal government, and why many lawmakers are perplexed by the complicated rules related to executive compensation during the financial crisis. JESSE WINCHESTER went to Canada in 1967 to avoid the Vietnam War. While in Montreal, he wrote songs that were recorded by other artists, but his career as a performer suffered because he could not tour in the United States. Only after Presidential amnesty in 1977 could Winchester return to the U.S. to perform for his American fans. Winchester talks about some of his earliest songs, like "Yankee Lady" and "Brand New Tennessee Waltz." Bob talks with music reviewer ANTHONY DECURTIS about "Love Filling Station," the new CD from Jesse Winchester. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Newsweek columnist ELLIS COSE's new public radio series, "Against the Odds," focuses on stories of individuals who endured terrible events, but have made positive contributions to the world. One of the hour-long programs is titled "Hope on a Pile of Bones," and examines how the small country of Rwanda is pulling itself back together after the 1994 genocide. It all started 15 years ago this month, and before the killing stopped in July, nearly a million Rwandans were dead. CORNEILLE is a young R&B artist who was born in Germany, raised in Rwanda, lives in Canada, and sings in English and French. His sound has been compared to Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Sam Cooke. Although he's sold millions of records in both France and Canada, Corneille is relatively unknown in the US. Motown Records plans to change that with the release of his latest CD titled "The Birth of Cornelius." And if the music doesn't move people, the back-story will: Corneille's parents and many members of his extended family were killed in the Rwandan genocide. Sat, 11 Apr 2009 05:10:27 +0000 00:51:18 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Ellis Cose about his radio documentaries that follow people who have survived terrible events. Later, Bob talks with Corneille, a young R no no Newsweek columnist ELLIS COSE's new public radio series, "Against the Odds," focuses on stories of individuals who endured terrible events, but have made positive contributions to the world. One of the hour-long programs is titled "Hope on a Pile of Bones," and examines how the small country of Rwanda is pulling itself back together after the 1994 genocide. It all started 15 years ago this month, and before the killing stopped in July, nearly a million Rwandans were dead. CORNEILLE is a young R&B artist who was born in Germany, raised in Rwanda, lives in Canada, and sings in English and French. His sound has been compared to Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Sam Cooke. Although he's sold millions of records in both France and Canada, Corneille is relatively unknown in the US. Motown Records plans to change that with the release of his latest CD titled "The Birth of Cornelius." And if the music doesn't move people, the back-story will: Corneille's parents and many members of his extended family were killed in the Rwandan genocide. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Writer THOMAS CAHILL first met Dominique Green in December 2003. Green had spent twelve years on death row in Texas for a murder he said he didn't commit. Cahill pleaded for Green's life, even recruiting Archbishop Desmond Tutu to help, saying Green had "a level of goodness, peace, and enlightenment that few human beings ever attain." That fight ended on October 26, 2004 when the 30-year-old inmate was executed by lethal injection. But Thomas Cahill continues to tell Green's story in his book titled "A Saint on Death Row." Sirius XM classical music host MARTIN GOLDSMITH explains some of George Frideric Handel's musical trickery in his masterpiece "Messiah." Its performance is now associated with Christmas, but Handel first composed it to be played during Lent and Easter services. Sat, 11 Apr 2009 05:01:46 +0000 00:51:18 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Thomas Cahill about a Texas death row inmate who was wrongfully executed. Later, Bob talks with Martin Goldsmith about Handel's oratorio, "Messiah." no no Writer THOMAS CAHILL first met Dominique Green in December 2003. Green had spent twelve years on death row in Texas for a murder he said he didn't commit. Cahill pleaded for Green's life, even recruiting Archbishop Desmond Tutu to help, saying Green had "a level of goodness, peace, and enlightenment that few human beings ever attain." That fight ended on October 26, 2004 when the 30-year-old inmate was executed by lethal injection. But Thomas Cahill continues to tell Green's story in his book titled "A Saint on Death Row." Sirius XM classical music host MARTIN GOLDSMITH explains some of George Frideric Handel's musical trickery in his masterpiece "Messiah." Its performance is now associated with Christmas, but Handel first composed it to be played during Lent and Easter services. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio In recent years, the Guantanamo Bay detention facility has become a lightning rod for controversy, symbolizing both freedoms protected and human rights denied. The crew for the National Geographic Television film "Inside Guantanamo" was allowed unprecedented access inside the camp, and Bob talks with director BONNI COHEN and coordinating producer KATHRYN WALLACE about Guantanamo's day-to-day operations, life as a Gitmo guard, and what closing this facility will mean to the U.S. and the detainees. Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:45:38 +0000 00:39:18 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Bonni Cohen and Kathryn Wallace about their documentary "Inside Guantanamo." no no In recent years, the Guantanamo Bay detention facility has become a lightning rod for controversy, symbolizing both freedoms protected and human rights denied. The crew for the National Geographic Television film "Inside Guantanamo" was allowed unprecedented access inside the camp, and Bob talks with director BONNI COHEN and coordinating producer KATHRYN WALLACE about Guantanamo's day-to-day operations, life as a Gitmo guard, and what closing this facility will mean to the U.S. and the detainees. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio This year marks the 25th anniversary of the publication of SANDRA CISNEROS' seminal work, "The House on Mango Street." This slim book of vignettes about a young Latina girl is one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed books of the 20th century. In July 2005, SCOTT HICKS began filming a documentary about Philip Glass. Hicks had unprecedented access to the composer, following him across three continents -- from New York City to his vacation property in Nova Scotia to the world premiere of his new opera in Germany and to a solo performance in Australia. On April 8th, "Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts" premieres on the PBS program American Masters. Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:50:32 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Sandra Cisneros about her place in American literature. Later, Bob talks with Scott Hicks about his documentary of composer Philip Glass. no no This year marks the 25th anniversary of the publication of SANDRA CISNEROS' seminal work, "The House on Mango Street." This slim book of vignettes about a young Latina girl is one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed books of the 20th century. In July 2005, SCOTT HICKS began filming a documentary about Philip Glass. Hicks had unprecedented access to the composer, following him across three continents -- from New York City to his vacation property in Nova Scotia to the world premiere of his new opera in Germany and to a solo performance in Australia. On April 8th, "Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts" premieres on the PBS program American Masters. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio When the US Military deposed Saddam Hussein, many Iraqis celebrated the brutal regime's downfall. However, the ensuing power vacuum created an environment of violent instability, forcing millions of Iraqis to flee for their safety. Iraqi refugees registered with the UN in hopes of being relocated, sometimes halfway around the world. Charlottesville, Virginia is the new hometown of one Iraqi woman and part of her family. In our documentary, IRAQI REFUGEES IN AMERICA, we meet "Leila" and her family as they try to build a new life in Virginia, and we'll hear officials of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) about the process of refugee resettlement in the United States. Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:15:45 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with political refugees and those who try to find them homes and jobs in the United States. no no When the US Military deposed Saddam Hussein, many Iraqis celebrated the brutal regime's downfall. However, the ensuing power vacuum created an environment of violent instability, forcing millions of Iraqis to flee for their safety. Iraqi refugees registered with the UN in hopes of being relocated, sometimes halfway around the world. Charlottesville, Virginia is the new hometown of one Iraqi woman and part of her family. In our documentary, IRAQI REFUGEES IN AMERICA, we meet "Leila" and her family as they try to build a new life in Virginia, and we'll hear officials of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) about the process of refugee resettlement in the United States. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Newsweek magazine's HOWARD FINEMAN joins Bob to talk about the role of faith in government, the limits of individualism, debt and the dollar, and other recurring issues in American political discourse. Fineman writes about those issues in "The Thirteen Arguments: Enduring Debates that Define and Inspire Our Country." It's just been released in paperback. Later, you know "snark" when you hear it: biting, mean, condescension disguised as high-brow teasing. Maureen Dowd is very good at it - so was Cicero. New Yorker film critic DAVID DENBY says it's "spreading like pinkeye through the media" and weakening the public discourse. Denby's new book is titled "Snark." Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:48:03 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Howard Fineman about the enduring debates of American politics. Then, Bob talks with David Denby about the explosion of snarky comments on television and the Internet. no no Newsweek magazine's HOWARD FINEMAN joins Bob to talk about the role of faith in government, the limits of individualism, debt and the dollar, and other recurring issues in American political discourse. Fineman writes about those issues in "The Thirteen Arguments: Enduring Debates that Define and Inspire Our Country." It's just been released in paperback. Later, you know "snark" when you hear it: biting, mean, condescension disguised as high-brow teasing. Maureen Dowd is very good at it - so was Cicero. New Yorker film critic DAVID DENBY says it's "spreading like pinkeye through the media" and weakening the public discourse. Denby's new book is titled "Snark." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Bob spends the hour with CAROL KAYE and her bass guitar. Kaye was the top session bassist of the 1960s and 70s, playing on dozens and dozens of hits for the likes of The Beach Boys, Ritchie Valens, Ray Charles, The Righteous Brothers and The Monkees. It's estimated that Kaye has played on more than ten thousand recording sessions in her career. Kaye is also responsible for the distinctive bass notes of the "Mission Impossible" theme and for many other familiar songs from TV shows and movies. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:41:07 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Carol Kaye about her many studio recordings playing bass with everyone from Sam Cooke to The Beach Boys to Joe Cocker. no no Bob spends the hour with CAROL KAYE and her bass guitar. Kaye was the top session bassist of the 1960s and 70s, playing on dozens and dozens of hits for the likes of The Beach Boys, Ritchie Valens, Ray Charles, The Righteous Brothers and The Monkees. It's estimated that Kaye has played on more than ten thousand recording sessions in her career. Kaye is also responsible for the distinctive bass notes of the "Mission Impossible" theme and for many other familiar songs from TV shows and movies. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Writer and literary commentator ELAINE SHOWALTER talks about the history of American female writers from 1650 to 2000. Her new book is called "A Jury of Her Peers: American Women Writers from Anne Bradstreet to Annie Proulx." Showalter chose both famous and obscure authors for her book. The AMERICAN SPIRITUAL ENSEMBLE was founded by EVERETT MCCORVEY in 1995 and is based in Lexington, Kentucky. McCorvey and twenty-five members of the Ensemble discuss and perform examples of the American negro spiritual -- music with African roots and biblical text. Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:33:22 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Elaine Showalter about the history of women writers in America. Then Bob talks with Everett McCorvey about his operatic take on spirituals. no no Writer and literary commentator ELAINE SHOWALTER talks about the history of American female writers from 1650 to 2000. Her new book is called "A Jury of Her Peers: American Women Writers from Anne Bradstreet to Annie Proulx." Showalter chose both famous and obscure authors for her book. The AMERICAN SPIRITUAL ENSEMBLE was founded by EVERETT MCCORVEY in 1995 and is based in Lexington, Kentucky. McCorvey and twenty-five members of the Ensemble discuss and perform examples of the American negro spiritual -- music with African roots and biblical text. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Public radio reporter PAT DUGGINS updates us on NASA and Space Shuttle Discovery's mission. One task is to pick up astronaut Sandy Magnus from the International Space Station. She's been up there since mid-November following the launch of Endeavour, which we covered on this program. Then Bob talks with astronauts SANDY MAGNUS and MIKE FINCKE as they orbit the Earth aboard the International Space Station. MICHELLE PERCHONOK of the Space Food Systems Lab joins Bob to chat about how foods are prepared, stored, re-heated and eaten during space travel. Bob will also taste some of NASA's astro-delicacies. Scientist ALAN BOSS is one of the world's leading scholars on the formation of stars and planets. His latest book, "The Crowded Universe: The Search for Living Planets," details the strides contemporary science has made in locating signs of life outside our own solar system. Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:27:02 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Pat Duggins about NASA, then with Sandy Magnus and Mike Fincke about life in orbit. Later, Bob talks with Michelle Perchonok about space food. Finally, Bob talks with Alan Boss about the search for new planets. no no Public radio reporter PAT DUGGINS updates us on NASA and Space Shuttle Discovery's mission. One task is to pick up astronaut Sandy Magnus from the International Space Station. She's been up there since mid-November following the launch of Endeavour, which we covered on this program. Then Bob talks with astronauts SANDY MAGNUS and MIKE FINCKE as they orbit the Earth aboard the International Space Station. MICHELLE PERCHONOK of the Space Food Systems Lab joins Bob to chat about how foods are prepared, stored, re-heated and eaten during space travel. Bob will also taste some of NASA's astro-delicacies. Scientist ALAN BOSS is one of the world's leading scholars on the formation of stars and planets. His latest book, "The Crowded Universe: The Search for Living Planets," details the strides contemporary science has made in locating signs of life outside our own solar system. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Most people have no idea that New York City has its own spy agency with twice as many Arabic speakers as the FBI. CHRISTOPHER DICKEY has covered international terrorism for more than twenty-five years and writes about the NYPD's counterterrorism force in "Securing the City." Then, one morning JOEL BERGER watched a pack of wolves approach a herd of elk at Yellowstone National Park. The elk had enjoyed 60 years of predator-free living at the park, but wolves had been reintroduced, and the elk had forgotten their fear. The carnage that morning prompted Berger's book, "The Better to Eat You With: Fear in the Animal World." Finally, when CHAZZ PALMINTERI was having trouble landing a good role, he decided to write one for himself. "A Bronx Tale" is based on his life -- growing up in New York, caught between the worlds of his family and the neighborhood wise guys. Palminteri performed his one-man show on Broadway, where Robert DeNiro saw it. The two made a movie of "A Bronx Tale" in 1993. Now Palminteri is taking the one-man show on the road. Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:21:29 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Charles Dickey about the NYPD's counterterrorism divison. Then Bob talks with Joel Berger about the ways animals learn to fear their predators. Finally, Bob talks with Chazz Paminteri about "A Bronx Tale." no no Most people have no idea that New York City has its own spy agency with twice as many Arabic speakers as the FBI. CHRISTOPHER DICKEY has covered international terrorism for more than twenty-five years and writes about the NYPD's counterterrorism force in "Securing the City." Then, one morning JOEL BERGER watched a pack of wolves approach a herd of elk at Yellowstone National Park. The elk had enjoyed 60 years of predator-free living at the park, but wolves had been reintroduced, and the elk had forgotten their fear. The carnage that morning prompted Berger's book, "The Better to Eat You With: Fear in the Animal World." Finally, when CHAZZ PALMINTERI was having trouble landing a good role, he decided to write one for himself. "A Bronx Tale" is based on his life -- growing up in New York, caught between the worlds of his family and the neighborhood wise guys. Palminteri performed his one-man show on Broadway, where Robert DeNiro saw it. The two made a movie of "A Bronx Tale" in 1993. Now Palminteri is taking the one-man show on the road. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Retired Marine General James L. Jones is the new National Security Advisor. MAC DESTLER talks about the history and responsibilities of the job. Destler is a professor at the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland and the author of numerous books on American foreign policy. His newest is "In the Shadow of the Oval Office." Later, the story of three men who were taken hostage by a leftist guerrilla group. MARC GONSALVES, KEITH STANSELL, and TOM HOWES were captured by the FARC after their plane crashed in the mountainous jungle of southern Colombia in 2003. At the time of ther capture, they were working to gather counter-narcotic intelligence for the US Department of Defense. The three men are now free after being held hostage for more than five years. They've co-written a new book about their experience called "Out of Captivity: Surviving 1,967 Days in the Colombian Jungle." Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:13:28 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Mac Destler about the role of the National Security Advisor. Then Bob talks with Marc Gonsalves, Keith Stansell, and Tom Howes about their experiences as hostages of a Colombian guerilla group. no no Retired Marine General James L. Jones is the new National Security Advisor. MAC DESTLER talks about the history and responsibilities of the job. Destler is a professor at the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland and the author of numerous books on American foreign policy. His newest is "In the Shadow of the Oval Office." Later, the story of three men who were taken hostage by a leftist guerrilla group. MARC GONSALVES, KEITH STANSELL, and TOM HOWES were captured by the FARC after their plane crashed in the mountainous jungle of southern Colombia in 2003. At the time of ther capture, they were working to gather counter-narcotic intelligence for the US Department of Defense. The three men are now free after being held hostage for more than five years. They've co-written a new book about their experience called "Out of Captivity: Surviving 1,967 Days in the Colombian Jungle." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio News outlets are cutting reporters and closing foreign desks, but a new website has hired more than 60 foreign correspondents to report from 40 countries. Global Post.com was started by veteran foreign correspondent CHARLES SENNOTT and media entrepreneur PHILIP BALBONI. They explain how they hope to revive America's interest in news from other countries. Later, BELA FLECK is probably the best known banjo player in the world, and he's been lauded for stretching the instrument's repertoire with his band The Flecktones. Fleck's latest project centers on a musical pilgrimage to Africa to trace the roots of the banjo. "Throw Down Your Heart" is the title of his new album and a documentary film, both recorded during the trip. Now, Bela Fleck is preparing a U.S. tour with some of the African musicians featured in the project. Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:01:54 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Charles Sennott and Philip Balboni about covering foreign news online. Later, Bob talks with Bela Fleck about recording music in Africa. no no News outlets are cutting reporters and closing foreign desks, but a new website has hired more than 60 foreign correspondents to report from 40 countries. Global Post.com was started by veteran foreign correspondent CHARLES SENNOTT and media entrepreneur PHILIP BALBONI. They explain how they hope to revive America's interest in news from other countries. Later, BELA FLECK is probably the best known banjo player in the world, and he's been lauded for stretching the instrument's repertoire with his band The Flecktones. Fleck's latest project centers on a musical pilgrimage to Africa to trace the roots of the banjo. "Throw Down Your Heart" is the title of his new album and a documentary film, both recorded during the trip. Now, Bela Fleck is preparing a U.S. tour with some of the African musicians featured in the project. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Ninety percent of the developing world's sewage is dumped - untreated - into oceans, rivers and lakes. Inadequate sanitation kills more people in developing nations than AIDS, tuberculosis, or malaria. In her book, "The Big Necessity," journalist ROSE GEORGE argues that the way a society disposes of its sewage tells you a lot about its economy, politics and religion. Then, Bob first spoke with MIKE BIRBIGLIA a couple of years ago, when the comedian was touring the country. Now Birbiglia is being hailed by everyone from Nathan Lane to Ira Glass for his off-Broadway one-man show, titled "Sleepwalk With Me." In the show, Birbiglia mixes humor and pathos as he describes his adventures in sleepwalking, anxiety over relationships, and uncertainty about growing up. Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:55:28 +0000 00:51:18 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Rose George about what to do with the world's sewage. Then, for something completely different, Bob talks with Mike Birbiglia about his one-man show, "Sleepwalk With Me." no no Ninety percent of the developing world's sewage is dumped - untreated - into oceans, rivers and lakes. Inadequate sanitation kills more people in developing nations than AIDS, tuberculosis, or malaria. In her book, "The Big Necessity," journalist ROSE GEORGE argues that the way a society disposes of its sewage tells you a lot about its economy, politics and religion. Then, Bob first spoke with MIKE BIRBIGLIA a couple of years ago, when the comedian was touring the country. Now Birbiglia is being hailed by everyone from Nathan Lane to Ira Glass for his off-Broadway one-man show, titled "Sleepwalk With Me." In the show, Birbiglia mixes humor and pathos as he describes his adventures in sleepwalking, anxiety over relationships, and uncertainty about growing up. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio LOUIS FERRANTE fought his way up the mafia ranks, earning himself a spot in the Gambino clan. Then, as an inmate in federal prison, he traded in the thrill of the heist for the thrill of a great piece of literature. Bob talks to Ferrante about his memoir, "Unlocked," which has just been released in paperback. Later, Bob talks with ALEX ELLIS about his youth outreach program Tied to Greatness, which enlists successful African American men in local communities to connect with and mentor black high school boys in need of positive role models. Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:02:02 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Louis Ferrante about life in the mafia, and in prison. Later, Bob talks with Alex Ellis about helping young African American males choose good role models. no no LOUIS FERRANTE fought his way up the mafia ranks, earning himself a spot in the Gambino clan. Then, as an inmate in federal prison, he traded in the thrill of the heist for the thrill of a great piece of literature. Bob talks to Ferrante about his memoir, "Unlocked," which has just been released in paperback. Later, Bob talks with ALEX ELLIS about his youth outreach program Tied to Greatness, which enlists successful African American men in local communities to connect with and mentor black high school boys in need of positive role models. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio In "So Much Damn Money: The Triumph of Lobbying and the Corrosion of American Government," Washington Post reporter ROBERT KAISER explains how things really work in Washington today -- and why they largely don't. Later, Bob talks with ELVIS MITCHELL about "The Black List: Volume 2." Mitchell produced the HBO documentary, which features interviews with prominent African Americans about what it's like to be black in America. Some of the people featured in the film include actor Laurence Fishburne, activist Angela Davis, musician Charley Pride and actress Maya Rudolph. Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:54:07 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Robert Kaiser about lobbyists and lawmakers. Later, Bob talks with Elvis Mitchell about the experiences of black people in America. no no In "So Much Damn Money: The Triumph of Lobbying and the Corrosion of American Government," Washington Post reporter ROBERT KAISER explains how things really work in Washington today -- and why they largely don't. Later, Bob talks with ELVIS MITCHELL about "The Black List: Volume 2." Mitchell produced the HBO documentary, which features interviews with prominent African Americans about what it's like to be black in America. Some of the people featured in the film include actor Laurence Fishburne, activist Angela Davis, musician Charley Pride and actress Maya Rudolph. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio CHRISTOPHER GUEST is known for his "mockumentary" films, including "A Mighty Wind," which poked fun at folk music -- something Guest knows a lot about. Guest plays the mandolin, mandocello, clarinet and guitar. And Guest's band, the Beyman Brothers, has released its first album. Guest and childhood friend DAVID NICHTERN talk about the release, "Memories of Summer as a Child." Then, DAVID HARRISON studies languages that are dying. He travels to the most remote parts of the world to find and interview the last known speakers of threatened languages. His quest is told in a documentary called "The Linguists." Bob is joined in the studio by Harrison, and by two of the film's three directors, JEREMY NEWBERGER and SETH KRAMER. They explain why documenting dying languages is important. Finally, JEFF CAMPBELL runs a non-profit organization called Hungry for Music. It provides musical instruments to disadvantaged children across the country, and it's funded with proceeds from the CDs of baseball music he produces. Campbell has two discs out now in the series he calls "Diamond Cuts." Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:03:48 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Christopher Guest and David Nichtern about their new album. Then Bob talks with David Harrison, Jeremy Newberger and Seth Kramer about documenting dying languages. Bob talks with Jeff Campbell about music inspired by baseball. no no CHRISTOPHER GUEST is known for his "mockumentary" films, including "A Mighty Wind," which poked fun at folk music -- something Guest knows a lot about. Guest plays the mandolin, mandocello, clarinet and guitar. And Guest's band, the Beyman Brothers, has released its first album. Guest and childhood friend DAVID NICHTERN talk about the release, "Memories of Summer as a Child." Then, DAVID HARRISON studies languages that are dying. He travels to the most remote parts of the world to find and interview the last known speakers of threatened languages. His quest is told in a documentary called "The Linguists." Bob is joined in the studio by Harrison, and by two of the film's three directors, JEREMY NEWBERGER and SETH KRAMER. They explain why documenting dying languages is important. Finally, JEFF CAMPBELL runs a non-profit organization called Hungry for Music. It provides musical instruments to disadvantaged children across the country, and it's funded with proceeds from the CDs of baseball music he produces. Campbell has two discs out now in the series he calls "Diamond Cuts." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Bob talks with Los Angeles Times film critic KENNETH TURAN about his picks in this year's Academy Awards. Then, Bob talks with director STEPHEN DALDRY about the movie, "The Reader," which is nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. "The Reader" is based on a novel of the same name by the German writer Bernhard Schlink. It's part mystery, part love story, and part historical confession. Finally, a song that united enemy soldiers during World War II. "Lili Marlene" was played every night by German-controlled Radio Belgrade, and became known as the unofficial anthem of World War II. Writers LIEL LEIBOVITZ and MATTHEW MILLER recount its history in "Lili Marlene: The Soldier's Song of World War II." Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:57:00 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Kenneth Turan about the Academy Awards. Then, Bob talks with Stephen Daldry about the movie, "The Reader." Finally, Bob talks with Liel Leibovitz and Matthew Miller about the song, "Lili Marlene." no no Bob talks with Los Angeles Times film critic KENNETH TURAN about his picks in this year's Academy Awards. Then, Bob talks with director STEPHEN DALDRY about the movie, "The Reader," which is nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. "The Reader" is based on a novel of the same name by the German writer Bernhard Schlink. It's part mystery, part love story, and part historical confession. Finally, a song that united enemy soldiers during World War II. "Lili Marlene" was played every night by German-controlled Radio Belgrade, and became known as the unofficial anthem of World War II. Writers LIEL LEIBOVITZ and MATTHEW MILLER recount its history in "Lili Marlene: The Soldier's Song of World War II." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Singer-songwriter GRAHAM NASH has released a boxed set for the first time in his career. It features four decades of music from his solo career, his work with The Hollies and with Crosby, Stills and Young. "Reflections" also features several previously unissued tracks. Later, an observation of Felix Mendelssohn's 200th birthday. Bob talks with Sirius XM classical music host MARTIN GOLDSMITH about why Mendelssohn is a composer worth celebrating. Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:30:03 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Graham Nash about his long career in music. Later, Bob talks with Martin Goldsmith about the 200th birthday of the composer Felix Mendelssohn. no no Singer-songwriter GRAHAM NASH has released a boxed set for the first time in his career. It features four decades of music from his solo career, his work with The Hollies and with Crosby, Stills and Young. "Reflections" also features several previously unissued tracks. Later, an observation of Felix Mendelssohn's 200th birthday. Bob talks with Sirius XM classical music host MARTIN GOLDSMITH about why Mendelssohn is a composer worth celebrating. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Washington Post Book World editor RACHEL SHEA talks with Bob about the Post's recent decision to close down the print version of "Book World." This weekend will be its last as a stand-alone section in the paper. Later, two interviews about the life of Charles Darwin, 200 years after his birth. First, JAMES MOORE discusses Darwin's background in the abolitionist movement, and how his objection to slavery helped shape his theory of evolution. Moore's book is titled "Darwin's Sacred Cause." Then Bob talks with professor of molecular biology and author SEAN CARROLL. His new book "Remarkable Creatures: Epic Adventures in the Search for the Origins of Species" places Darwin in context with the pioneering naturalists who came before and after him. Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:22:12 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Rachel Shea about the end of the Washington Post's book review section. Later, Bob talks with two biographers of Charles Darwin. First, James Moore and then Sean Carroll. no no Washington Post Book World editor RACHEL SHEA talks with Bob about the Post's recent decision to close down the print version of "Book World." This weekend will be its last as a stand-alone section in the paper. Later, two interviews about the life of Charles Darwin, 200 years after his birth. First, JAMES MOORE discusses Darwin's background in the abolitionist movement, and how his objection to slavery helped shape his theory of evolution. Moore's book is titled "Darwin's Sacred Cause." Then Bob talks with professor of molecular biology and author SEAN CARROLL. His new book "Remarkable Creatures: Epic Adventures in the Search for the Origins of Species" places Darwin in context with the pioneering naturalists who came before and after him. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio When the brother of Iraqi-born artist WAFAA BILAL was killed in Iraq by a remote-controlled aircraft, the artist channeled the experience into a performance piece. For a month, Bilal lived in an art studio, in the line of fire of a remote-controlled paintball gun. A camera connected him to the internet where people could watch him, chat with him and shoot at him -- 24 hours a day. The piece was titled "Domestic Tension," and The Chicago Tribune called it "one of the sharpest works of political art to be seen in a long time." Bilal has written about his experiences in a book titled "Shoot an Iraqi: Art, Life and Resistance Under the Gun." Later, Bob talks with our music reviewer ANTHONY DECURTIS about a new CD collection titled "Let Freedom Sing: The Music of the Civil Rights Movement." It features music from Marvin Gaye, Billie Holiday, and Gill Scott-Heron. Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:06:57 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Wafaa Bilal about his controversial performance art. Later, Bob talks with Anthony DeCurtis about music of the Civil Rights Movement. no no When the brother of Iraqi-born artist WAFAA BILAL was killed in Iraq by a remote-controlled aircraft, the artist channeled the experience into a performance piece. For a month, Bilal lived in an art studio, in the line of fire of a remote-controlled paintball gun. A camera connected him to the internet where people could watch him, chat with him and shoot at him -- 24 hours a day. The piece was titled "Domestic Tension," and The Chicago Tribune called it "one of the sharpest works of political art to be seen in a long time." Bilal has written about his experiences in a book titled "Shoot an Iraqi: Art, Life and Resistance Under the Gun." Later, Bob talks with our music reviewer ANTHONY DECURTIS about a new CD collection titled "Let Freedom Sing: The Music of the Civil Rights Movement." It features music from Marvin Gaye, Billie Holiday, and Gill Scott-Heron. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio The FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA) was passed into law in 1993 to protect the rights of workers who need to take time off for medical reasons. But almost half of working Americans do not qualify for that leave, and of those who do, most opt not to take it because they can't afford to. Additionally, changes implemented last month by the outgoing Bush administration make it more difficult to qualify for FMLA leave. We'll hear from advocates for workers, the business community, and workers themselves as a part of this special feature. Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:58:13 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards speaks with labor experts and workers about the Family Medical Leave Act. no no The FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA) was passed into law in 1993 to protect the rights of workers who need to take time off for medical reasons. But almost half of working Americans do not qualify for that leave, and of those who do, most opt not to take it because they can''t afford to. Additionally, changes implemented last month by the outgoing Bush administration make it more difficult to qualify for FMLA leave. We''ll hear from advocates for workers, the business community, and workers themselves as a part of this special feature. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio JOHN UPDIKE died Jan. 27th of lung cancer. He was 76. In remembrance of the award-winning writer, here is a portion of an interview that first aired in 2006, after the publication of Updike's novel, "Terrorist." Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:19:29 +0000 00:28:38 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with John Updike (1932 - 2009) about his life and long writing career. no no JOHN UPDIKE died Jan. 27th of lung cancer. He was 76. In remembrance of the award-winning writer, here is a portion of an interview that first aired in 2006, after the publication of Updike's novel, "Terrorist." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio This year marks the 40th anniversary of "Sesame Street." To celebrate, Bob talks with MICHAEL DAVIS, author of a new book titled "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street." Davis conducted more than 200 interviews over five years to tell the story of the beloved children's television show. Later, Bob talks with DAVE ZIRIN. Zirin writes the weekly online column "Edge of Sports." In his newest book, Zirin tracks an alternative history of our country as seen through the sports and games Americans have played. The book is called "A People's History of Sports in the United States." Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:45:11 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Michael Davis about the history of "Sesame Street." Later, Bob talks with Dave Zirin about the history of sports in the United States. no no This year marks the 40th anniversary of "Sesame Street." To celebrate, Bob talks with MICHAEL DAVIS, author of a new book titled "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street." Davis conducted more than 200 interviews over five years to tell the story of the beloved children's television show. Later, Bob talks with DAVE ZIRIN. Zirin writes the weekly online column "Edge of Sports." In his newest book, Zirin tracks an alternative history of our country as seen through the sports and games Americans have played. The book is called "A People's History of Sports in the United States." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Bob tours an exhibition titled "Looking In: Robert Frank's The Americans" with SARAH GREENOUGH, the Curator of Photography at the National Gallery of Art. It's been 50 years since Robert Frank published his landmark photo essay in a book called "The Americans." Later, Bob talks with ROBERT FRANK, himself. In 1955, Frank received a Guggenheim grant to document American society as he saw it. After a few years traveling the country and shooting almost 30,000 pictures, Frank chose 83 images to include in "The Americans." Frank's photographs were embraced by young artists and some critics, but the book was generally loathed by the public as a cruel and unsympathetic look at the country. Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:29:58 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Sarah Greenough, curator of a Robert Frank exhibition at the National Gallery of Art. Later, Bob talks with photographer Robert Frank, himself. no no Bob tours an exhibition titled "Looking In: Robert Frank's The Americans" with SARAH GREENOUGH, the Curator of Photography at the National Gallery of Art. It's been 50 years since Robert Frank published his landmark photo essay in a book called "The Americans." Later, Bob talks with ROBERT FRANK, himself. In 1955, Frank received a Guggenheim grant to document American society as he saw it. After a few years traveling the country and shooting almost 30,000 pictures, Frank chose 83 images to include in "The Americans." Frank's photographs were embraced by young artists and some critics, but the book was generally loathed by the public as a cruel and unsympathetic look at the country. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Joseph Priestley was a prominent philosopher and amateur scientist in the Eighteenth Century. Author STEVEN JOHNSON uses Priestley's writings to examine the ways revolutionary ideas emerge and spread. Johnson's book is "The Invention of Air: A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution, and the Birth of America" Later, Bob talks with writer MARK HARRIS about his book, "Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood." Harris profiles the five Oscar nominees for best picture of 1967. In the Heat of the Night beat out Bonnie and Clyde, The Graduate, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and Doctor Dolittle. Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:55:21 +0000 00:51:18 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Steven Johnson about the ways revolutionary ideas spread through a culture. Later, Bob talks with Mark Harris about the five Best Picture nominees of 1967. no no Joseph Priestley was a prominent philosopher and amateur scientist in the Eighteenth Century. Author STEVEN JOHNSON uses Priestley's writings to examine the ways revolutionary ideas emerge and spread. Johnson's book is "The Invention of Air: A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution, and the Birth of America" Later, Bob talks with writer MARK HARRIS about his book, "Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood." Harris profiles the five Oscar nominees for best picture of 1967. In the Heat of the Night beat out Bonnie and Clyde, The Graduate, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and Doctor Dolittle. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio DAVID SANGER is the chief Washington correspondent for "The New York Times" and the author of "The Inheritance." Sanger talks with Bob about foreign policy challenges the Obama administration will face. Later, Bob talks with EUGENE JARECKI. His documentary "Why We Fight" was about the inner-workings of the military-industrial complex. Jarecki spent the next few years building on the ideas in the film and has written a book called "The American Way of War: Guided Missiles, Misguided Men, and a Republic in Peril." Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:46:30 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with David Sanger about current foreign policy challenges. Later, Bob talks with Eugene Jarecki about the military-industrial complex. no no DAVID SANGER is the chief Washington correspondent for "The New York Times" and the author of "The Inheritance." Sanger talks with Bob about foreign policy challenges the Obama administration will face. Later, Bob talks with EUGENE JARECKI. His documentary "Why We Fight" was about the inner-workings of the military-industrial complex. Jarecki spent the next few years building on the ideas in the film and has written a book called "The American Way of War: Guided Missiles, Misguided Men, and a Republic in Peril." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio In honor of the 200th anniversary of poet and writer Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, writer PETER ACKROYD talks with Bob about his new book "Poe: A Life Cut Short." Later, Bob talks with singer and musician BOZ SCAGGS about his expansive career and his latest CD, "Speak Low." On it, Scaggs sings standards from the likes of Johnny Mercer, Rodgers and Hart and Duke Ellington. Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:05:43 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Peter Ackroyd about Edgar Allan Poe. Later, Bob talks with Boz Scaggs about his new album of standards. no no In honor of the 200th anniversary of poet and writer Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, writer PETER ACKROYD talks with Bob about his new book "Poe: A Life Cut Short." Later, Bob talks with singer and musician BOZ SCAGGS about his expansive career and his latest CD, "Speak Low." On it, Scaggs sings standards from the likes of Johnny Mercer, Rodgers and Hart and Duke Ellington. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio In her 2003 best-seller "Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books," AZAR NAFISI wrote about the lives of women in Iran. Now she tells her own life story in "Things I've Been Silent About." Nafisi's new memoir is a historical portrait of a family and country leading up to the Islamic Revolution. Later, Bob talks to EDWARD ZWICK, director of the new film "Defiance." It tells the true story of three Jewish brothers who led an armed resistance against the Nazis and saved the lives of more than 1,200 Jews at the end of World War Two. Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:58:03 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Azar Nafisi about her childhood in Iran. Later, Bob talks with Edward Zwick about his film "Defiance." no no In her 2003 best-seller "Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books," AZAR NAFISI wrote about the lives of women in Iran. Now she tells her own life story in "Things I've Been Silent About." Nafisi's new memoir is a historical portrait of a family and country leading up to the Islamic Revolution. Later, Bob talks to EDWARD ZWICK, director of the new film "Defiance." It tells the true story of three Jewish brothers who led an armed resistance against the Nazis and saved the lives of more than 1,200 Jews at the end of World War Two. Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio There's a new documentary about the history of comedy in America. LAURENCE MASLON and MICHAEL KANTOR are two of the people behind "Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America." It features stories, interviews and jokes with some of our funniest comedians. Later, Bob talks with film critic DAVID STERRITT about some of cinema's under appreciated movies. Sterritt is the co-author of "The B List: The National Society of Film Critics on the Low-Budget Beauties, Genre-Bending Mavericks, and Cult Classics We Love." Finally, we hear a lot about the imminent demise of newspapers, but in 1835, when most Americans were not daily readers, the fledgling New York Sun printed a remarkable story that made newspapers a must read for millions. Author MATTHEW GOODMAN explores how and why that happened in his new book titled "The Sun and The Moon: The Remarkable True Account of Hoaxers, Showmen, Dueling Journalists, and Lunar Man-Bats in Nineteenth-Century New York." Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:25:51 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Laurence Maslon and Michael Kantor about their comedic documentary. Then Bob talks with David Sterritt about important B-movies. Finally, Bob talks with Matthew Goodman about the birth of the penny press. no no There's a new documentary about the history of comedy in America. LAURENCE MASLON and MICHAEL KANTOR are two of the people behind "Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America." It features stories, interviews and jokes with some of our funniest comedians. Later, Bob talks with film critic DAVID STERRITT about some of cinema's under appreciated movies. Sterritt is the co-author of "The B List: The National Society of Film Critics on the Low-Budget Beauties, Genre-Bending Mavericks, and Cult Classics We Love." Finally, we hear a lot about the imminent demise of newspapers, but in 1835, when most Americans were not daily readers, the fledgling New York Sun printed a remarkable story that made newspapers a must read for millions. Author MATTHEW GOODMAN explores how and why that happened in his new book titled "The Sun and The Moon: The Remarkable True Account of Hoaxers, Showmen, Dueling Journalists, and Lunar Man-Bats in Nineteenth-Century New York." Society & Culture Sirius XM Radio Middlebury College professor JAY PARINI is well-known for his poetry, biographies, and fiction. Parini tells Bob about his latest book, "Promised Land: Thirteen Books That Changed America." Some of the titles include "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "On the Road." Later, almost 97 percent of newspaper articles, TV shows, blogs and radio programs quote statistics. If you believe that tidbit, then you really need to listen to Bob's interview with JOEL BEST. Best is a professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Delaware. He's created a guide for seeing through faulty statistics, with his book "Stat-Spotting: A Field Guide to Identifying Dubious Data." Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:25:49 +0000 00:51:17 Sirius XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Jay Parini about books that changed America. Later, Bob talks with Joel Best about dubious statistics. no no Middlebury College professor JAY PARINI is well-known for his poetry, biographies, and fiction. Parini tells Bob about his latest book, "Promised Land: Thirteen Books That Changed America." Some of the titles include "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "On the Road." Later, almost 97 percent of newspaper articles, TV shows, blogs and radio programs quote statistics. If you believe that tidbit, then you really need to listen to Bob's interview with JOEL BEST. Best is a professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Delaware. He's created a guide for seeing through faulty statistics, with his book "Stat-Spotting: A Field Guide to Identifying Dubious Data." XM Radio 00:51:18 XM Radio XM Radio 00:51:16 XM Radio XM Radio 00:51:18 XM Radio XM Radio 00:51:18 XM Radio Society & Culture XM Radio Bob Edwards spent an entire afternoon with WALLY MCRAE at his ranch in Montana. Here is more of their interview about cowboy poetry and environmental issues. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:15:39 +0000 00:30:36 XM Radio Here are extra portions of Bob Edwards' interview with cowboy poet and rancher Wally McRae no no Bob Edwards spent an entire afternoon with WALLY MCRAE at his ranch in Montana. Here is more of their interview about cowboy poetry and environmental issues. Society & Culture XM Radio Every day, we all create a digital trail of information that forms a picture of who we are, what we buy and where we go. Bob talks with journalist and author STEPHEN BAKER about THE NUMERATI -- the statisticians who translate that raw data into highly targeted ads for consumers and voters. Bob visits with cowboy poet, rancher and environmentalist WALLY MCRAE at his ranch outside of Colstrip, Montana. McRae's family has been raising cattle near Little Big Horn for four generations. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:11:54 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Stephen Baker about his book, The Numerati. Later, Bob talks with rancher, environmentalist, and cowboy poet Wally McRae. no no Every day, we all create a digital trail of information that forms a picture of who we are, what we buy and where we go. Bob talks with journalist and author STEPHEN BAKER about THE NUMERATI -- the statisticians who translate that raw data into highly targeted ads for consumers and voters. Bob visits with cowboy poet, rancher and environmentalist WALLY MCRAE at his ranch outside of Colstrip, Montana. McRae's family has been raising cattle near Little Big Horn for four generations. Society & Culture XM Radio Journalist JONATHAN CURIEL explains how everyone from Ralph Waldo Emerson to Dick Dale were influenced by Muslims. Curiel's book is titled AL' AMERICA: TRAVELS THROUGH AMERICA'S ARAB AND ISLAMIC ROOTS. Newsweek editor JON MEACHAM discusses his latest book, which chronicles the life of Andrew Jackson. AMERICAN LION sheds light on the myth surrounding America's seventh President and examines Jackson's personal struggles and political philosophies. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:02:39 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Jonathan Curiel about his book, Al' America. Later, Bob talks with Jon Meacham about his Andrew Jackson biography, American Lion. no no Journalist JONATHAN CURIEL explains how everyone from Ralph Waldo Emerson to Dick Dale were influenced by Muslims. Curiel's book is titled AL' AMERICA: TRAVELS THROUGH AMERICA'S ARAB AND ISLAMIC ROOTS. Newsweek editor JON MEACHAM discusses his latest book, which chronicles the life of Andrew Jackson. AMERICAN LION sheds light on the myth surrounding America's seventh President and examines Jackson's personal struggles and political philosophies. Society & Culture XM Radio Bob spends the hour with one of public radio's favorite personalities. In 1971, Susan Stamberg was a writer and producer on the original staff of NPR's All Things Considered. A year later, Stamberg started hosting and became the first woman in the US to anchor a nightly news program. Bob talks with Stamberg about her experience as a radio pioneer, what she feels makes a great interview and the true story behind her mother-in-law's Thanksgiving cranberry relish. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:58:26 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with public radio pioneer Susan Stamberg Bob spends the hour with one of public radio's favorite personalities. In 1971, Susan Stamberg was a writer and producer on the original staff of NPR's All Things Considered. A year later, Stamberg started hosting and became the first woman in the US to anchor a nightly news program. Bob talks with Stamberg about her experience as a radio pioneer, what she feels makes a great interview and the true story behind her mother-in-law's Thanksgiving cranberry relish. no no Bob spends the hour with one of public radio's favorite personalities. In 1971, Susan Stamberg was a writer and producer on the original staff of NPR's All Things Considered. A year later, Stamberg started hosting and became the first woman in the US to anchor a nightly news program. Bob talks with Stamberg about her experience as a radio pioneer, what she feels makes a great interview and the true story behind her mother-in-law's Thanksgiving cranberry relish. Society & Culture XM Radio Gary Myers is a former Navy JAG officer and now an attorney who works to protect the civil rights of US troops and veterans. Bob talks with Myers about his experience working on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder cases and how PTSD affects troops in all of our military branches. The Iranian-born photographer Reza has spent his professional life viewing the beauty of humanity and the horror of war through his camera lens. These days, he takes pictures for National Geographic. A retrospective of Reza's career has recently been published in the form of a stunning new book titled War and Peace. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:08:25 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Gary Meyers about PTSD and the Iranian-born photographer Reza Gary Myers is a former Navy JAG officer and now an attorney who works to protect the civil rights of US troops and veterans. Bob talks with Myers about his experience working on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder cases and how PTSD affects troops in all of our military branches. The Iranian-born photographer Reza has spent his professional life viewing the beauty of humanity and the horror of war through his camera lens. These days, he takes pictures for National Geographic. A retrospective of Reza's career has recently been published in the form of a stunning new book titled War and Peace. no no Gary Myers is a former Navy JAG officer and now an attorney who works to protect the civil rights of US troops and veterans. Bob talks with Myers about his experience working on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder cases and how PTSD affects troops in all of our military branches. The Iranian-born photographer Reza has spent his professional life viewing the beauty of humanity and the horror of war through his camera lens. These days, he takes pictures for National Geographic. A retrospective of Reza's career has recently been published in the form of a stunning new book titled War and Peace. Society & Culture XM Radio Bob talks with writer Kate DiCamillo who has written four young adult novels. Her works have received some of the genre's most prestigious honors, including the Newberry Award. DiCamillo's third novel, The Tale of Despereaux, is being released as an animated film this weekend. Then, Bob talks with Annie Leibovitz, perhaps the world's most famous photographer. Leibovitz has been the featured portrait photographer for Vanity Fair magazine since 1983, and her images of celebrities and public figures have reached an iconic status. Her latest book, Annie Leibovitz At Work, features some favorite portraits taken throughout the span of her career. Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:41:25 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with author Kate DiCamillo about her book and new movie The Tales of Despereaux and world renowned photographer Annie Lebovitz about her new book Annie Leibovitz at Work Bob talks with writer Kate DiCamillo who has written four young adult novels. Her works have received some of the genre's most prestigious honors, including the Newberry Award. DiCamillo's third novel, The Tale of Despereaux, is being released as an animated film this weekend. Then, Bob talks with Annie Leibovitz, perhaps the world's most famous photographer. Leibovitz has been the featured portrait photographer for Vanity Fair magazine since 1983, and her images of celebrities and public figures have reached an iconic status. Her latest book, Annie Leibovitz At Work, features some favorite portraits taken throughout the span of her career. no no Bob talks with writer Kate DiCamillo who has written four young adult novels. Her works have received some of the genre's most prestigious honors, including the Newberry Award. DiCamillo's third novel, The Tale of Despereaux, is being released as an animated film this weekend. Then, Bob talks with Annie Leibovitz, perhaps the world's most famous photographer. Leibovitz has been the featured portrait photographer for Vanity Fair magazine since 1983, and her images of celebrities and public figures have reached an iconic status. Her latest book, Annie Leibovitz At Work, features some favorite portraits taken throughout the span of her career. Society & Culture XM Radio For years, Ron Howard was known as Opie from "The Andy Griffith Show" and then as Richie from "Happy Days." Now he's known as one of Hollywood's most renowned filmmakers. Howard has directed and produced more than 20 films and won an Academy Award for 2001's A Beautiful Mind. His newest project, Frost/Nixon, chronicles the interviews between British television host David Frost, played by Michael Sheen and President Richard Nixon, played by Frank Langella. Bob talks with Ron Howard and Peter Morgan, who created the original stage play, and wrote the screenplay for the new film. Next, Salon.com book critic Laura Miller recommends books for holiday gift giving. Finally, Bob talks with music reviewer Anthony DeCurtis about the best music of 2008 that we somehow managed to overlook this year. The list can be found at www.bobedwardsradio.com and includes some up-and-coming artists, and some well-established stars like Lucinda Williams and David Byrne. Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:33:44 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Ron Howard and Peter Morgan about the new film Frost/Nixon, Salon.com book critic Laura Miller about holiday book giving and music critic Anthony DeCurtis about music stocking stuffers For years, Ron Howard was known as Opie from "The Andy Griffith Show" and then as Richie from "Happy Days." Now he's known as one of Hollywood's most renowned filmmakers. Howard has directed and produced more than 20 films and won an Academy Award for 2001's A Beautiful Mind. His newest project, Frost/Nixon, chronicles the interviews between British television host David Frost, played by Michael Sheen and President Richard Nixon, played by Frank Langella. Bob talks with Ron Howard and Peter Morgan, who created the original stage play, and wrote the screenplay for the new film. Next, Salon.com book critic Laura Miller recommends books for holiday gift giving. Finally, Bob talks with music reviewer Anthony DeCurtis about the best music of 2008 that we somehow managed to overlook this year. The list can be found at www.bobedwardsradio.com and includes some up-and-coming artists, and some well-established stars like Lucinda Williams and David Byrne. no no For years, Ron Howard was known as Opie from "The Andy Griffith Show" and then as Richie from "Happy Days." Now he's known as one of Hollywood's most renowned filmmakers. Howard has directed and produced more than 20 films and won an Academy Award for 2001's A Beautiful Mind. His newest project, Frost/Nixon, chronicles the interviews between British television host David Frost, played by Michael Sheen and President Richard Nixon, played by Frank Langella. Bob talks with Ron Howard and Peter Morgan, who created the original stage play, and wrote the screenplay for the new film. Next, Salon.com book critic Laura Miller recommends books for holiday gift giving. Finally, Bob talks with music reviewer Anthony DeCurtis about the best music of 2008 that we somehow managed to overlook this year. The list can be found at www.bobedwardsradio.com and includes some up-and-coming artists, and some well-established stars like Lucinda Williams and David Byrne. Society & Culture XM Radio Bob talks with author and humorist Roy Blount, Jr. For years Blount has been intrigued with the sounds of certain words and why people use them the way they do. So, he did some research and wrote a book titled Alphabet Juice. Blount says it's not just a list of his pet peeves, the book also points out what a great word peeve is. Then, three-time Grammy nominee Susan Tedeschi has been doing her best to bring the blues to a wider audience. She talks with Bob about her career and her latest album called Back to the River. Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:10:43 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with author and humorist Roy Blount, Jr. about his new book Alphabet Juice and musician Susan Tedeschi about her new album Back to the River Bob talks with author and humorist Roy Blount, Jr. For years Blount has been intrigued with the sounds of certain words and why people use them the way they do. So, he did some research and wrote a book titled Alphabet Juice. Blount says it's not just a list of his pet peeves, the book also points out what a great word peeve is. Then, three-time Grammy nominee Susan Tedeschi has been doing her best to bring the blues to a wider audience. She talks with Bob about her career and her latest album called Back to the River. no no Bob talks with author and humorist Roy Blount, Jr. For years Blount has been intrigued with the sounds of certain words and why people use them the way they do. So, he did some research and wrote a book titled Alphabet Juice. Blount says it's not just a list of his pet peeves, the book also points out what a great word peeve is. Then, three-time Grammy nominee Susan Tedeschi has been doing her best to bring the blues to a wider audience. She talks with Bob about her career and her latest album called Back to the River. Society & Culture XM Radio Bob spends the hour with Nobel prize-winning author Toni Morrison. It's been twenty-one years since Morrison published the Pulitzer Prize-winning Beloved, a story about slavery set in 1855. Now Morrison offers a prequel to Beloved with her new book A Mercy which takes place around 1690. Morrison said she wrote the book because she was "wondering what it must have felt like to be a slave before racism." Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:03:40 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Pulitzer prize-winning author Toni Morrison about her new book A Mercy Bob spends the hour with Nobel prize-winning author Toni Morrison. It's been twenty-one years since Morrison published the Pulitzer Prize-winning Beloved, a story about slavery set in 1855. Now Morrison offers a prequel to Beloved with her new book A Mercy which takes place around 1690. Morrison said she wrote the book because she was "wondering what it must have felt like to be a slave before racism." no no Bob spends the hour with Nobel prize-winning author Toni Morrison. It's been twenty-one years since Morrison published the Pulitzer Prize-winning Beloved, a story about slavery set in 1855. Now Morrison offers a prequel to Beloved with her new book A Mercy which takes place around 1690. Morrison said she wrote the book because she was "wondering what it must have felt like to be a slave before racism." Society & Culture XM Radio To prepare for his role in "The Pianist," Adrien Brody withdrew for months, gave up his apartment and his car, learned how to play Chopin on the piano, and lost 29 pounds. His dedication earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the youngest actor ever to win the award. In Cadillac Records, which chronicles the rise of Chess Records and its recording artists, Brody stars as Leonard Chess alongside our other guest - Jeffrey Wright - who plays Muddy Waters. Then, Christopher Plummer is one of our greatest actors. He talks with Bob about his memoir, In Spite of Myself which chronicles Plummer's more than 50 years of performing on stage, on the movie screen, on live television and on the radio. Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:13:11 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with actors Adrien Brody and Jeffrey Wright about their new movie Cadillac Records and legendary actor Christopher Plummer about his new memoir In Spite of Myself To prepare for his role in "The Pianist," Adrien Brody withdrew for months, gave up his apartment and his car, learned how to play Chopin on the piano, and lost 29 pounds. His dedication earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the youngest actor ever to win the award. In Cadillac Records, which chronicles the rise of Chess Records and its recording artists, Brody stars as Leonard Chess alongside our other guest - Jeffrey Wright - who plays Muddy Waters. Then, Christopher Plummer is one of our greatest actors. He talks with Bob about his memoir, In Spite of Myself which chronicles Plummer's more than 50 years of performing on stage, on the movie screen, on live television and on the radio. no no To prepare for his role in "The Pianist," Adrien Brody withdrew for months, gave up his apartment and his car, learned how to play Chopin on the piano, and lost 29 pounds. His dedication earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the youngest actor ever to win the award. In Cadillac Records, which chronicles the rise of Chess Records and its recording artists, Brody stars as Leonard Chess alongside our other guest - Jeffrey Wright - who plays Muddy Waters. Then, Christopher Plummer is one of our greatest actors. He talks with Bob about his memoir, In Spite of Myself which chronicles Plummer's more than 50 years of performing on stage, on the movie screen, on live television and on the radio. Society & Culture XM Radio Writer Michael Lewis compiled an anthology of the best contemporary financial articles in the book Panic! He talks with Bob about America's history of financial catastrophes and puts the latest economic crisis in context. Then, Bob talks with historian and business scholar Niall (NEEL) Ferguson, author of The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World. Ferguson writes about the evolution of credits and debt and the inevitability that every bubble will someday burst. Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:55:21 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with writer Michael Lewis about his book Panic! and historian and business scholar Niall Ferguson about his book The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World Writer Michael Lewis compiled an anthology of the best contemporary financial articles in the book Panic! He talks with Bob about America's history of financial catastrophes and puts the latest economic crisis in context. Then, Bob talks with historian and business scholar Niall (NEEL) Ferguson, author of The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World. Ferguson writes about the evolution of credits and debt and the inevitability that every bubble will someday burst. no no Writer Michael Lewis compiled an anthology of the best contemporary financial articles in the book Panic! He talks with Bob about America's history of financial catastrophes and puts the latest economic crisis in context. Then, Bob talks with historian and business scholar Niall (NEEL) Ferguson, author of The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World. Ferguson writes about the evolution of credits and debt and the inevitability that every bubble will someday burst. Society & Culture XM Radio Much like the bear who went over the mountain, writer William Least Heat-Moon set off across America 25 years ago to see what he could see. Heat-Moon recorded his findings in Blue Highways, putting his work on the literary map. Now, after all these years, he ventured out again to see how small town America has changed. His new book is called Roads to Quoz: An American Mosey. Then, Dr. Richard Fortey is a paleontologist, researcher, writer and a former employee of the Natural History Museum in London. His latest book, Dry Store Room No.1, tells the behind-the-scenes stories of some of the museum's quirkier employees. Dr. Fortey has been a member of the Royal Society since 2007 and is currently the President of the Geological Society of London. Finally, Sirius XM Classical Music host Martin Goldsmith talks with Bob about Leonard Bernstein's career as America's first celebrated conductor and his often overlooked role as a gifted composer. The classical music world is celebrating the 90th anniversary of Bernstein's birth this year. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:31:18 +0000 00:51:18 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with author William Least Heat-Moon about his new book Roads to Quoz: An American Mosey, paleontologist Dr. Richard Fortey about his new book latest book, Dry Store Room No.1, and Sirius XM Classical Music host Martin Goldsmith Much like the bear who went over the mountain, writer William Least Heat-Moon set off across America 25 years ago to see what he could see. Heat-Moon recorded his findings in Blue Highways, putting his work on the literary map. Now, after all these years, he ventured out again to see how small town America has changed. His new book is called Roads to Quoz: An American Mosey. Then, Dr. Richard Fortey is a paleontologist, researcher, writer and a former employee of the Natural History Museum in London. His latest book, Dry Store Room No.1, tells the behind-the-scenes stories of some of the museum's quirkier employees. Dr. Fortey has been a member of the Royal Society since 2007 and is currently the President of the Geological Society of London. Finally, Sirius XM Classical Music host Martin Goldsmith talks with Bob about Leonard Bernstein's career as America's first celebrated conductor and his often overlooked role as a gifted composer. The classical music world is celebrating the 90th anniversary of Bernstein's birth this year. no no Much like the bear who went over the mountain, writer William Least Heat-Moon set off across America 25 years ago to see what he could see. Heat-Moon recorded his findings in Blue Highways, putting his work on the literary map. Now, after all these years, he ventured out again to see how small town America has changed. His new book is called Roads to Quoz: An American Mosey. Then, Dr. Richard Fortey is a paleontologist, researcher, writer and a former employee of the Natural History Museum in London. His latest book, Dry Store Room No.1, tells the behind-the-scenes stories of some of the museum's quirkier employees. Dr. Fortey has been a member of the Royal Society since 2007 and is currently the President of the Geological Society of London. Finally, Sirius XM Classical Music host Martin Goldsmith talks with Bob about Leonard Bernstein's career as America's first celebrated conductor and his often overlooked role as a gifted composer. The classical music world is celebrating the 90th anniversary of Bernstein's birth this year. Society & Culture XM Radio Musician Elvis Costello is adding television host to his resume. Beginning December 3rd, the Sundance Channel will air a series called Spectacle in which Costello talks and performs with celebrities including Sir Elton John, Tony Bennett, Lou Reed, Julian Schnabel and Bill Clinton. Then, our resident folklorists Nancy Groce and Steve Winick from the Library of Congress dip into the archive of the American Folklife Center and bring along songs, poems, and stories about food. Finally, Bob remembers journalist Tom Gish, who died this past weekend at the age of 82. Gish, along with his wife Pat, published the Mountain Eagle in Whitesburg, Kentucky. The Gishes tirelessly investigated the environmental practices of the coal industry, overcoming threats of violence and the firebombing of their newspaper offices. We'll hear an excerpt from Bob's 2004 interview with Tom and Pat Gish. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:10:38 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with musician Elvis Costello about his new television show Soectacle, folklorists Nancy Groce and Steve Winnick about songs about songs, poems, and stories about food, and Bob remembers journalist Tom Gish Musician Elvis Costello is adding television host to his resume. Beginning December 3rd, the Sundance Channel will air a series called Spectacle in which Costello talks and performs with celebrities including Sir Elton John, Tony Bennett, Lou Reed, Julian Schnabel and Bill Clinton. Then, our resident folklorists Nancy Groce and Steve Winick from the Library of Congress dip into the archive of the American Folklife Center and bring along songs, poems, and stories about food. Finally, Bob remembers journalist Tom Gish, who died this past weekend at the age of 82. Gish, along with his wife Pat, published the Mountain Eagle in Whitesburg, Kentucky. The Gishes tirelessly investigated the environmental practices of the coal industry, overcoming threats of violence and the firebombing of their newspaper offices. We'll hear an excerpt from Bob's 2004 interview with Tom and Pat Gish. no no Musician Elvis Costello is adding television host to his resume. Beginning December 3rd, the Sundance Channel will air a series called Spectacle in which Costello talks and performs with celebrities including Sir Elton John, Tony Bennett, Lou Reed, Julian Schnabel and Bill Clinton. Then, our resident folklorists Nancy Groce and Steve Winick from the Library of Congress dip into the archive of the American Folklife Center and bring along songs, poems, and stories about food. Finally, Bob remembers journalist Tom Gish, who died this past weekend at the age of 82. Gish, along with his wife Pat, published the Mountain Eagle in Whitesburg, Kentucky. The Gishes tirelessly investigated the environmental practices of the coal industry, overcoming threats of violence and the firebombing of their newspaper offices. We'll hear an excerpt from Bob's 2004 interview with Tom and Pat Gish. Society & Culture XM Radio Space Shuttle Endeavour blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center on Friday, November 14 - the last scheduled night launch for the program. Bob was there to witness the countdown and to learn about the past, present and future of NASA. We'll meet two astronauts, Catie Coleman who's already been to space twice and Robert Satcher who's scheduled to fly late next year for the first time. Bob also speaks with local public radio reporter and NASA expert Pat Duggins about his latest book Final Countdown which chronicles the history of the Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:54:47 +0000 00:51:21 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with astronauts Catie Coleman and Robert Satcher and local public radio reporter and NASA expert Pat Duggins about his latest book Final Countdown Space Shuttle Endeavour blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center on Friday, November 14 - the last scheduled night launch for the program. Bob was there to witness the countdown and to learn about the past, present and future of NASA. We'll meet two astronauts, Catie Coleman who's already been to space twice and Robert Satcher who's scheduled to fly late next year for the first time. Bob also speaks with local public radio reporter and NASA expert Pat Duggins about his latest book Final Countdown which chronicles the history of the no no Space Shuttle Endeavour blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center on Friday, November 14 - the last scheduled night launch for the program. Bob was there to witness the countdown and to learn about the past, present and future of NASA. We'll meet two astronauts, Catie Coleman who's already been to space twice and Robert Satcher who's scheduled to fly late next year for the first time. Bob also speaks with local public radio reporter and NASA expert Pat Duggins about his latest book Final Countdown which chronicles the history of the Society & Culture XM Radio Denis Leary started his career as a stand-up comedian, but has developed into a respected film and television actor. He leads his own award-winning dramatic series Rescue Me on the cable network FX. Leary also still loves performing and writing comedy. His new book is called Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid. Then, Bob talks with artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude about their exhibit Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Over The River, a Work in Progress. The exhibition of more than 150 photographs, collages, drawings, and maps, will chronicle the artists' process as they prepare to assemble and suspend massive panels of silvery fabric horizontally over the Arkansas River in Colorado. The exhibition traces the development of this ambitious project over the past 16 years. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:29:34 +0000 00:51:20 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with actor Denis Leary about his book Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid and artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude about their new exhibit Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Over The River, a Work in Progress Denis Leary started his career as a stand-up comedian, but has developed into a respected film and television actor. He leads his own award-winning dramatic series Rescue Me on the cable network FX. Leary also still loves performing and writing comedy. His new book is called Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid. Then, Bob talks with artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude about their exhibit Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Over The River, a Work in Progress. The exhibition of more than 150 photographs, collages, drawings, and maps, will chronicle the artists' process as they prepare to assemble and suspend massive panels of silvery fabric horizontally over the Arkansas River in Colorado. The exhibition traces the development of this ambitious project over the past 16 years. no no Denis Leary started his career as a stand-up comedian, but has developed into a respected film and television actor. He leads his own award-winning dramatic series Rescue Me on the cable network FX. Leary also still loves performing and writing comedy. His new book is called Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid. Then, Bob talks with artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude about their exhibit Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Over The River, a Work in Progress. The exhibition of more than 150 photographs, collages, drawings, and maps, will chronicle the artists' process as they prepare to assemble and suspend massive panels of silvery fabric horizontally over the Arkansas River in Colorado. The exhibition traces the development of this ambitious project over the past 16 years. Society & Culture XM Radio Bob speaks with Dana Gioia (JOY-uh), the outgoing Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Gioia took charge of the government agency at a time when many Republicans were calling for the NEA to be abolished. Gioia's mantra is "arts are not a luxury" and he has spent his four years in the post shepherding programs like Shakespeare in American Communities, NEA Jazz Masters, and The Big Read. Gioia recently announced that he will resign in January. Then, Bob talks Memphis music and radio with legendary music producer Jim Dickinson at his Zebra Ranch in north Mississippi. Dickinson made his first record in 1958 and has worked with Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin and many other big names. Being out of the spotlight at his home studio is where Dickinson says he's most comfortable producing records - including those of his sons Luther and Cody - founding members of the band North Mississippi All-Stars. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:03:14 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Dana Gioia, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts and musician Jim Dickinson about his legendary career Bob speaks with Dana Gioia (JOY-uh), the outgoing Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Gioia took charge of the government agency at a time when many Republicans were calling for the NEA to be abolished. Gioia's mantra is "arts are not a luxury" and he has spent his four years in the post shepherding programs like Shakespeare in American Communities, NEA Jazz Masters, and The Big Read. Gioia recently announced that he will resign in January. Then, Bob talks Memphis music and radio with legendary music producer Jim Dickinson at his Zebra Ranch in north Mississippi. Dickinson made his first record in 1958 and has worked with Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin and many other big names. Being out of the spotlight at his home studio is where Dickinson says he's most comfortable producing records - including those of his sons Luther and Cody - founding members of the band North Mississippi All-Stars. no no Bob speaks with Dana Gioia (JOY-uh), the outgoing Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Gioia took charge of the government agency at a time when many Republicans were calling for the NEA to be abolished. Gioia's mantra is "arts are not a luxury" and he has spent his four years in the post shepherding programs like Shakespeare in American Communities, NEA Jazz Masters, and The Big Read. Gioia recently announced that he will resign in January. Then, Bob talks Memphis music and radio with legendary music producer Jim Dickinson at his Zebra Ranch in north Mississippi. Dickinson made his first record in 1958 and has worked with Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin and many other big names. Being out of the spotlight at his home studio is where Dickinson says he's most comfortable producing records - including those of his sons Luther and Cody - founding members of the band North Mississippi All-Stars. Society & Culture XM Radio In this year's presidential election, Republicans lost nine states to President-elect Barack Obama that George W. Bush carried four years ago. The Democrats also solidified their control of Congress, gaining 20 seats in the House and at least six in the Senate. Republican strategist Whit Ayres and Doyle McManus, Washington correspondent for the Los Angeles Times discuss what went wrong for the GOP and what conservatives have to do to rebuild their party. Then, almost 140 years ago, the United States elected the first African-Americans to its government. The new politicians faced a hostile press, public backlash and extreme racism while attempting to help remake America after the bitter division of the Civil War. Those pioneers are now mostly forgotten or regarded as puppets of the Republicans and of Reconstruction. Bob talks with Philip Dray about his new book, Capitol Men which aims to enlighten Americans on this important chapter in our nation's history. Finally, Bob talks with our music reviewer Anthony DeCurtis about a new re-issue of the late Warren Zevon's classic self-titled album from 1976. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:39:00 +0000 00:51:18 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with republican strategist Whit Ayres and LA Times writer Doyle McManus about the future of the GOP, author Philip Dray about his new book Capitol Men, and music critic Anthony DeCurtis about the re-issue of Warren Zevon's album In this year's presidential election, Republicans lost nine states to President-elect Barack Obama that George W. Bush carried four years ago. The Democrats also solidified their control of Congress, gaining 20 seats in the House and at least six in the Senate. Republican strategist Whit Ayres and Doyle McManus, Washington correspondent for the Los Angeles Times discuss what went wrong for the GOP and what conservatives have to do to rebuild their party. Then, almost 140 years ago, the United States elected the first African-Americans to its government. The new politicians faced a hostile press, public backlash and extreme racism while attempting to help remake America after the bitter division of the Civil War. Those pioneers are now mostly forgotten or regarded as puppets of the Republicans and of Reconstruction. Bob talks with Philip Dray about his new book, Capitol Men which aims to enlighten Americans on this important chapter in our nation's history. Finally, Bob talks with our music reviewer Anthony DeCurtis about a new re-issue of the late Warren Zevon's classic self-titled album from 1976. no no In this year's presidential election, Republicans lost nine states to President-elect Barack Obama that George W. Bush carried four years ago. The Democrats also solidified their control of Congress, gaining 20 seats in the House and at least six in the Senate. Republican strategist Whit Ayres and Doyle McManus, Washington correspondent for the Los Angeles Times discuss what went wrong for the GOP and what conservatives have to do to rebuild their party. Then, almost 140 years ago, the United States elected the first African-Americans to its government. The new politicians faced a hostile press, public backlash and extreme racism while attempting to help remake America after the bitter division of the Civil War. Those pioneers are now mostly forgotten or regarded as puppets of the Republicans and of Reconstruction. Bob talks with Philip Dray about his new book, Capitol Men which aims to enlighten Americans on this important chapter in our nation's history. Finally, Bob talks with our music reviewer Anthony DeCurtis about a new re-issue of the late Warren Zevon's classic self-titled album from 1976. Society & Culture XM Radio Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States and with a new commander-in-chief comes a new administration. Chicago native and Princeton University political science professor Melissa Harris-Lacewell talks about what an Obama administration might look like. And our political roundtable will analyze the results of this historic election. Bob talks with Washington Post columnist David Broder, Rebecca Roberts of XM's 24-hour presidential channel and with Dr. Ron Walters, Director of the African-American Leadership Center at the University of Maryland. Bob talks with Washington Post reporter Jeffrey Smith about the Bush Administration's last push to weaken environmental regulations. Steven Winick and Todd Harvey, folklorists with the Library of Congress, share historic musical field recordings from the archives that served as the basis of hits when they were later covered by more famous, contemporary artists. Hear how Feist, Led Zeppelin and Moby were inspired by what they heard in the American Folklife Center. Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:50:51 +0000 00:51:19 XM Radio Bob talks with Melissa Harris-Lacewell about what an Obama administration will look like, Rebecca Roberts, David Broder, and Ronald Walters for post-election analysis, journalist Jeffrey Smith about deregulation laws, and Steve Winick and Todd Harvey Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States and with a new commander-in-chief comes a new administration. Chicago native and Princeton University political science professor Melissa Harris-Lacewell talks about what an Obama administration might look like. And our political roundtable will analyze the results of this historic election. Bob talks with Washington Post columnist David Broder, Rebecca Roberts of XM's 24-hour presidential channel and with Dr. Ron Walters, Director of the African-American Leadership Center at the University of Maryland. Bob talks with Washington Post reporter Jeffrey Smith about the Bush Administration's last push to weaken environmental regulations. Steven Winick and Todd Harvey, folklorists with the Library of Congress, share historic musical field recordings from the archives that served as the basis of hits when they were later covered by more famous, contemporary artists. Hear how Feist, Led Zeppelin and Moby were inspired by what they heard in the American Folklife Center. no no Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States and with a new commander-in-chief comes a new administration. Chicago native and Princeton University political science professor Melissa Harris-Lacewell talks about what an Obama administration might look like. And our political roundtable will analyze the results of this historic election. Bob talks with Washington Post columnist David Broder, Rebecca Roberts of XM's 24-hour presidential channel and with Dr. Ron Walters, Director of the African-American Leadership Center at the University of Maryland. Bob talks with Washington Post reporter Jeffrey Smith about the Bush Administration's last push to weaken environmental regulations. Steven Winick and Todd Harvey, folklorists with the Library of Congress, share historic musical field recordings from the archives that served as the basis of hits when they were later covered by more famous, contemporary artists. Hear how Feist, Led Zeppelin and Moby were inspired by what they heard in the American Folklife Center. Society & Culture XM Radio In the current issue of The Atlantic magazine, reporter Jeffrey Goldberg tests the Transportation Security Administration and finds that measures put into place after September 11th amount to nothing more than "security theater." Then, Egyptian writer Alaa Al Aswany is the Arab-language's best selling novelist, founding member of the Kefaya political party, and still practices dentistry in his downtown Cairo office. Bob talks with Aswany about his new novel Chicago, which is a follow-up to his 2002 debut The Yacoubian Building. Chicago is a story of a group of Egyptian expats struggling in post 9/11 America. Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:44:32 +0000 00:51:18 XM Radio Bob talks with Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic about his article "Security Theater" and author Alaa Al Aswany about his book Chicago In the current issue of The Atlantic magazine, reporter Jeffrey Goldberg tests the Transportation Security Administration and finds that measures put into place after September 11th amount to nothing more than "security theater." Then, Egyptian writer Alaa Al Aswany is the Arab-language's best selling novelist, founding member of the Kefaya political party, and still practices dentistry in his downtown Cairo office. Bob talks with Aswany about his new novel Chicago, which is a follow-up to his 2002 debut The Yacoubian Building. Chicago is a story of a group of Egyptian expats struggling in post 9/11 America. no no In the current issue of The Atlantic magazine, reporter Jeffrey Goldberg tests the Transportation Security Administration and finds that measures put into place after September 11th amount to nothing more than "security theater." Then, Egyptian writer Alaa Al Aswany is the Arab-language's best selling novelist, founding member of the Kefaya political party, and still practices dentistry in his downtown Cairo office. Bob talks with Aswany about his new novel Chicago, which is a follow-up to his 2002 debut The Yacoubian Building. Chicago is a story of a group of Egyptian expats struggling in post 9/11 America. Society & Culture XM Radio A special tribute to Studs Terkel by Bob Edwards. Bob travelled to Chicago and the home of 93 year old Louis "Studs" Terkel to reminisce about Terkel's career as a writer, broadcaster, oral historian and story teller. Terkel won a Pulitzer Prize for The Good War: An Oral History of World War II. (The New Press). Studs Terkel passed away on October 31, 2008. He was 96 years old. For more information on Studs visit www.studsterkel.org Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:14:38 +0000 01:01:52 XM Radio A special tribute to Studs Terkel by Bob Edwards A special tribute to Studs Terkel by Bob Edwards. Bob travelled to Chicago and the home of 93 year old Louis "Studs" Terkel to reminisce about Terkel's career as a writer, broadcaster, oral historian and story teller. Terkel won a Pulitzer Prize for The Good War: An Oral History of World War II. (The New Press). Studs Terkel passed away on October 31, 2008. He was 96 years old. For more information on Studs visit www.studsterkel.org no no A special tribute to Studs Terkel by Bob Edwards. Bob travelled to Chicago and the home of 93 year old Louis "Studs" Terkel to reminisce about Terkel's career as a writer, broadcaster, oral historian and story teller. Terkel won a Pulitzer Prize for The Good War: An Oral History of World War II. (The New Press). Studs Terkel passed away on October 31, 2008. He was 96 years old. For more information on Studs visit www.studsterkel.org Society & Culture XM Radio The Annenberg Political Fact Check is a non-partisan, non-profit organization whose mission is to "reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics." The organization's Deputy Director, Viveca Novak, joins Bob to help separate fact from spin in the 2008 presidential campaign. Then, writer Neil Gaiman won so many awards for his last book Coraline that expectations are running high for his latest. Gaiman talks with Bob about The Graveyard Book which follows the story of young Nobody Owens who lives in a cemetery. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:20:27 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Viveca Novak about fact-checking election myths and writer Neil Gaiman for his book The Graveyard Book The Annenberg Political Fact Check is a non-partisan, non-profit organization whose mission is to "reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics." The organization's Deputy Director, Viveca Novak, joins Bob to help separate fact from spin in the 2008 presidential campaign. Then, writer Neil Gaiman won so many awards for his last book Coraline that expectations are running high for his latest. Gaiman talks with Bob about The Graveyard Book which follows the story of young Nobody Owens who lives in a cemetery. no no The Annenberg Political Fact Check is a non-partisan, non-profit organization whose mission is to "reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics." The organization's Deputy Director, Viveca Novak, joins Bob to help separate fact from spin in the 2008 presidential campaign. Then, writer Neil Gaiman won so many awards for his last book Coraline that expectations are running high for his latest. Gaiman talks with Bob about The Graveyard Book which follows the story of young Nobody Owens who lives in a cemetery. Society & Culture XM Radio Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein share their strategy for deciphering exactly what politicians are trying to say. Their book is called Aristotle and an Aardvark Go to Washington: Understanding Political Doublespeak Through Philosophy and Jokes. Then, James Taylor is known as a great American songwriter having penned songs like "Fire & Rain" and "Sweet Baby James." But for his latest album, Covers, Taylor took some of his favorite songs by other artists and put his own twist on them. Taylor talks with Bob about his career, his new album and the recent political work he's been doing. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:39:15 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein about their new book Aristotle and an Aardvark Go to Washington and musician James Taylor about his latest album Covers Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein share their strategy for deciphering exactly what politicians are trying to say. Their book is called Aristotle and an Aardvark Go to Washington: Understanding Political Doublespeak Through Philosophy and Jokes. Then, James Taylor is known as a great American songwriter having penned songs like "Fire & Rain" and "Sweet Baby James." But for his latest album, Covers, Taylor took some of his favorite songs by other artists and put his own twist on them. Taylor talks with Bob about his career, his new album and the recent political work he's been doing. no no Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein share their strategy for deciphering exactly what politicians are trying to say. Their book is called Aristotle and an Aardvark Go to Washington: Understanding Political Doublespeak Through Philosophy and Jokes. Then, James Taylor is known as a great American songwriter having penned songs like "Fire & Rain" and "Sweet Baby James." But for his latest album, Covers, Taylor took some of his favorite songs by other artists and put his own twist on them. Taylor talks with Bob about his career, his new album and the recent political work he's been doing. Society & Culture XM Radio Bob talks with Oscar-winning screenwriter Charlie Kaufman who makes his directorial debut with Synecdoche, New York, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as a troubled theater director. Kaufman's off-beat, absurdist tone was displayed in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Adaptation. In this new film, Kaufman takes an even darker look at sanity and relationships. Then, Jim Davis started out writing and drawing a comic strip called "Gnorm Gnat" which soon ended up being about a beloved, fictional orange cat. Garfield made his first appearance 30 years ago and is now the most widely syndicated comic strip in the world --- translated into 45 languages and delighting more than 200 million readers. Jim Davis has kept the Garfield operation in his home state of Indiana, where Paws, Inc., employs about 50 people, most life-long employees Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:07:00 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Charlie Kaufman about his new film Synecdoche, New York and cartoonist Jim Davis about the 30 year anniversary of his creation, Garfield Bob talks with Oscar-winning screenwriter Charlie Kaufman who makes his directorial debut with Synecdoche, New York, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as a troubled theater director. Kaufman's off-beat, absurdist tone was displayed in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Adaptation. In this new film, Kaufman takes an even darker look at sanity and relationships. Then, Jim Davis started out writing and drawing a comic strip called "Gnorm Gnat" which soon ended up being about a beloved, fictional orange cat. Garfield made his first appearance 30 years ago and is now the most widely syndicated comic strip in the world --- translated into 45 languages and delighting more than 200 million readers. Jim Davis has kept the Garfield operation in his home state of Indiana, where Paws, Inc., employs about 50 people, most life-long employees no no Bob talks with Oscar-winning screenwriter Charlie Kaufman who makes his directorial debut with Synecdoche, New York, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as a troubled theater director. Kaufman's off-beat, absurdist tone was displayed in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Adaptation. In this new film, Kaufman takes an even darker look at sanity and relationships. Then, Jim Davis started out writing and drawing a comic strip called "Gnorm Gnat" which soon ended up being about a beloved, fictional orange cat. Garfield made his first appearance 30 years ago and is now the most widely syndicated comic strip in the world --- translated into 45 languages and delighting more than 200 million readers. Jim Davis has kept the Garfield operation in his home state of Indiana, where Paws, Inc., employs about 50 people, most life-long employees Society & Culture XM Radio Former Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach is the man who represented the federal government during the stand-off with Alabama governor George Wallace who tried to prevent black students from entering the University of Alabama in 1963. Katzenbach was a behind-the-scenes player in many of the seminal events of the 1960s-- the Civil Rights movement, the Bay of Pigs fiasco, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. He talks with Bob about his new memoir Some of It was Fun: Working with RFK and LBJ.Then, Steven Rosenfeld has been tracking accusations of voter fraud and manipulation going into this year's Presidential election. He's the co-author of What Happened in Ohio: A Documentary Record of Theft and Fraud in the 2004 Election and most recently, of Count My Vote: A Citizen's Guide to Voting. Rosenfeld talks with Bob about how voter registrations are being challenged, how some states have illegally purged voter lists, and other tactics that have been used to alter the outcome of this year's election. Next, James Cromwell was a run-of-the-mill character actor until the movie Babe or, as Cromwell puts it, until "my pig came in." Now he's a well-known movie star, currently portraying George Herbert Walker Bush in the new Oliver Stone movie W. Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:53:17 +0000 00:51:19 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with Nicholas Katzenbach about his new book Some of It was Fun: Working with RFK and LBJ, Steven Rosenfeld about his book Count My Vote: A Citizen's Guide to Voting, and James Cromwell about his movie W Former Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach is the man who represented the federal government during the stand-off with Alabama governor George Wallace who tried to prevent black students from entering the University of Alabama in 1963. Katzenbach was a behind-the-scenes player in many of the seminal events of the 1960s-- the Civil Rights movement, the Bay of Pigs fiasco, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. He talks with Bob about his new memoir Some of It was Fun: Working with RFK and LBJ.Then, Steven Rosenfeld has been tracking accusations of voter fraud and manipulation going into this year's Presidential election. He's the co-author of What Happened in Ohio: A Documentary Record of Theft and Fraud in the 2004 Election and most recently, of Count My Vote: A Citizen's Guide to Voting. Rosenfeld talks with Bob about how voter registrations are being challenged, how some states have illegally purged voter lists, and other tactics that have been used to alter the outcome of this year's election. Next, James Cromwell was a run-of-the-mill character actor until the movie Babe or, as Cromwell puts it, until "my pig came in." Now he's a well-known movie star, currently portraying George Herbert Walker Bush in the new Oliver Stone movie W. no no Former Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach is the man who represented the federal government during the stand-off with Alabama governor George Wallace who tried to prevent black students from entering the University of Alabama in 1963. Katzenbach was a behind-the-scenes player in many of the seminal events of the 1960s-- the Civil Rights movement, the Bay of Pigs fiasco, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. He talks with Bob about his new memoir Some of It was Fun: Working with RFK and LBJ.Then, Steven Rosenfeld has been tracking accusations of voter fraud and manipulation going into this year's Presidential election. He's the co-author of What Happened in Ohio: A Documentary Record of Theft and Fraud in the 2004 Election and most recently, of Count My Vote: A Citizen's Guide to Voting. Rosenfeld talks with Bob about how voter registrations are being challenged, how some states have illegally purged voter lists, and other tactics that have been used to alter the outcome of this year's election. Next, James Cromwell was a run-of-the-mill character actor until the movie Babe or, as Cromwell puts it, until "my pig came in." Now he's a well-known movie star, currently portraying George Herbert Walker Bush in the new Oliver Stone movie W. Society & Culture XM Radio First, Dexter Filkins has been covering the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq for The New York Times since 2001. He describes his new book, The Forever War, as visceral, not intellectual. He talks with Bob about his book and his aim to give readers a sense of what it is really like in those countries, which means leaving the protected Green Zone, listening carefully to what Iraqis and Afghanis have to say, and putting his life in great danger. Then, director Mike Leigh, whose latest film Happy-Go-Lucky follows the story of 30-year-old school teacher Poppy played by Sally Hawkins. Poppyâs cheery outlook on life is challenged by her driving instructor who has anger management issues. Finally, musician Jenny Lewis started her career as a child actress, but it didn't take long for her to firmly establish herself as one of indie music's best-known female rockers. 'Acid Tongue' is Lewis' second solo album, and this time she's joined by musical guests like Elvis Costello on a few of the tracks. Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:01:00 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio First, author First, Dexter Filkins has been covering the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq for The New York Times since 2001. He describes his new book, 'The Forever War,' as visceral, not intellectual. He talks with Bob about his book and his aim to give readers a sense of what it is really like in those countries, which means leaving the protected Green Zone, listening carefully to what Iraqis and Afghanis have to say, and putting his life in great danger. Then, director Mike Leigh, whose latest film 'Happy-Go-Lucky' follows the story of 30-year-old school teacher Poppy played by Sally Hawkins. Poppyâs cheery outlook on life is challenged by her driving instructor who has anger management issues. Finally, musician Jenny Lewis started her career as a child actress, but it didn't take long for her to firmly establish herself as one of indie music's best-known female rockers. 'Acid Tongue' is Lewis' second solo album, and this time she's joined by musical guests like Elvis Costello on a few of the tracks. no no First, Dexter Filkins has been covering the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq for The New York Times since 2001. He describes his new book, The Forever War, as visceral, not intellectual. He talks with Bob about his book and his aim to give readers a sense of what it is really like in those countries, which means leaving the protected Green Zone, listening carefully to what Iraqis and Afghanis have to say, and putting his life in great danger. Then, director Mike Leigh, whose latest film Happy-Go-Lucky follows the story of 30-year-old school teacher Poppy played by Sally Hawkins. Poppyâs cheery outlook on life is challenged by her driving instructor who has anger management issues. Finally, musician Jenny Lewis started her career as a child actress, but it didn't take long for her to firmly establish herself as one of indie music's best-known female rockers. 'Acid Tongue' is Lewis' second solo album, and this time she's joined by musical guests like Elvis Costello on a few of the tracks. Society & Culture XM Radio Owen Matthews aims to humanize Russia and its people with his new book, 'Stalin's Children.' It's a family memoir, filled with amazing stories of betrayal, survival and perseverance including his mother's childhood spent in a series of orphanages and his Welsh father's obsession with Soviet Russia. Matthews also recounts his own experiences working as a journalist in Russia, resulting in one of our most complete pictures of the Russian psyche. Then, Salon.com book critic Laura Miller talks with Bob about new fall fiction. Finally, Bob talks with Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson and director Gina Prince-Bythewood about the new film 'The Secret Life of Bees,' adapted from the New York Times best-selling novel. The story, set in South Carolina in 1964, centers around 14-year old Lily Owens' journey into the lives of three women who show her the true meaning of life and love. The movie also stars Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo. Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:01:00 +0000 00:51:19 XM Radio First, Owen Matthews on his family memoir 'Stalin's Children,' then, suggestions for fall fiction from Laura Miller, and finally, a chat with Jennifer Hudson and Gina Prince-Bythewood about their new film, 'The Secret Life of Bees' Owen Matthews aims to humanize Russia and its people with his new book, 'Stalin's Children.' It's a family memoir, filled with amazing stories of betrayal, survival and perseverance including his mother's childhood spent in a series of orphanages and his Welsh father's obsession with Soviet Russia. Matthews also recounts his own experiences working as a journalist in Russia, resulting in one of our most complete pictures of the Russian psyche. Then, Salon.com book critic Laura Miller talks with Bob about new fall fiction. Finally, Bob talks with Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson and director Gina Prince-Bythewood about the new film 'The Secret Life of Bees,' adapted from the New York Times best-selling novel. The story, set in South Carolina in 1964, centers around 14-year old Lily Owens' journey into the lives of three women who show her the true meaning of life and love. The movie also stars Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo. no no Owen Matthews aims to humanize Russia and its people with his new book, 'Stalin's Children.' It's a family memoir, filled with amazing stories of betrayal, survival and perseverance including his mother's childhood spent in a series of orphanages and his Welsh father's obsession with Soviet Russia. Matthews also recounts his own experiences working as a journalist in Russia, resulting in one of our most complete pictures of the Russian psyche. Then, Salon.com book critic Laura Miller talks with Bob about new fall fiction. Finally, Bob talks with Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson and director Gina Prince-Bythewood about the new film 'The Secret Life of Bees,' adapted from the New York Times best-selling novel. The story, set in South Carolina in 1964, centers around 14-year old Lily Owens' journey into the lives of three women who show her the true meaning of life and love. The movie also stars Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo. Society & Culture XM Radio Music critic Anthony DeCurtis reviews a new double CD from Bob Dylan. Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Volume 8 features rare and unreleased songs recorded by Dylan between 1989 and 2006. Bob visits with Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen, who made up the first -- and last -- black and white stand-up comedy team in America. They're the subjects of a new book, called Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White, about their ill-fated and often painful attempt to foster tolerance in the 1960s and 70s. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 02:02:59 +0000 00:51:17 XM Radio Bob Edwards talks with music critic Anthony DeCurtis about Bob Dylan's new album and comedic team Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen about their new book Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White Music critic Anthony DeCurtis reviews a new double CD from Bob Dylan. Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Volume 8 features rare and unreleased songs recorded by Dylan between 1989 and 2006. Bob visits with Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen, who made up the first -- and last -- black and white stand-up comedy team in America. They're the subjects of a new book, called Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White, about their ill-fated and often painful attempt to foster tolerance in the 1960s and 70s. no no Music critic Anthony DeCurtis reviews a new double CD from Bob Dylan. Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Volume 8 features rare and unreleased songs recorded by Dylan between 1989 and 2006. Bob visits with Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen, who made up the first -- and last -- black and white stand-up comedy team in America. They're the subjects of a new book, called Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White, about their ill-fated and often painful attempt to foster tolerance in the 1960s and 70s. Society & Culture XM Radio Eugene Rotberg started his career as an attorney at the Securities and Exchange Commission in the early 60s then was Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank for almost 20 years. He's testified before Congress multiple times about the problems facing the US banking system -- the same exact problems that triggered the need for the $700 billion government bailout. Rotberg talks with Bob about why the Fed and regulatory agencies have been resistant to change and why there likely won't be any permanent fixes made to the system in foreseeable future. Theoretical physicist Brian Greene has authored two of the best-selling and most accessible books on science: The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos. Greene talks with Bob about his most recent book, Icarus at the Edge of Time, which is a retelling of the Greek myth of Icarus. For decades now, folk singer Judy Collins has been performing songs