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Sunday, March 7, 2010
Show pre-empted by KUSP pledge drive.
Adventures in Lizardland
Sunday, February 28, 2010 - Listen
What Jane Goodall was to chimps, biologist Barry Sinervo is to lizards. He's spent the last 20 years studying lizards in the wild, gaining extraordinary insights into the workings of evolution, social behavior and cooperation. He shares his discoveries, along with some very funny lizard stories.
Richard Mahew: A Life in Art
Sunday, February 21, 2010 - Listen
Noted landscape painter Richard Mayhew discusses his life and work, including his childhood in a mixed African American and Native American community, joining the New York art scene at the height of the abstract expressionist movement, his second career as a jazz singer and helping to organize African-American artists in the 1960s.
Lost Illusions
Sunday, February 14, 2010 - Listen
Terry Castle takes on her own and others' self-deceptions in her latest collection of hilarious, brutally honest essays, "The Professor and Other Writings." Targets include sex, romance and youthful infatuations. She and Robert do their best to burst as many bubbles as possible.
The Dawn of the Psychedelic Age
Sunday, February 7, 2010 - Listen
Fifty years ago, a group of Harvard faculty began experimenting with psychoactive drugs and helped turn on a generation. Robert looks back on a defining cultural moment with Don Lattin, author of "The Harvard Psychedelic Club," and with Harvard alumnus Paul Lee, who took part in the experiments.
36 Arguments for the Existence of God
Sunday, January 31, 2010 - Listen
Philosopher/novelist Rebecca Goldstein and Robert examine the case for and against religion and put the issue to rest. Or maybe not.
Partners In Health Brings Medical Care to Haiti
Sunday, January 24, 2010 - Listen
In the aftermath of the Port-Au-Prince earthquake, the medical organization Partners in Health has played a key role bringing emergency aid to Haiti. On this edition of the show, Robert's 2003 interview with writer Tracy Kidder, discussing Partners in Health, its work in Haiti and its founder, Dr. Paul Farmer. Farmer was the subject of Kidder's best-selling book "Mountains Beyond Mountains."
Cartoonist/War Correspondent Joe Sacco
Sunday, January 17, 2010 - Listen
Joe Sacco has helped invent a new genre: comic-book journalism. He's reported from Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and from the Palestinian Territories during the two Intifadas. His latest book explores the roots of conflict in Gaza.
The Real Mark Twain
Sunday, January 10, 2010 - Listen
From 2008: What Mark Twain's writing tells us about him and about America. Twain scholar Forrest Robinson looks behind the mask of America's favorite humorist and finds a troubled conscience, haunted by history.
The Kids in the Hall
Sunday, January 3, 2010 - Listen
"The Beat Within" is a weekly magazine that collects writings by teens in California juvenile halls. Robert talks to kids in Santa Cruz Juvenile Hall who participate in the program, and to Beat Within workshop leaders Jill Wolfson and Dennis Morton.
Armenian Lullabies and Songs of Longing
Sunday, December 27 - Listen
In this end-of-the-year musical special, we put 2009 to bed with some exquisite, ethereal lullabies from the famed Armenian singer Hasmik Harutyunyan and the Kitka women's vocal ensemble. Along with the music, Hasmik and Shira Cion of Kitka discuss the tragic history and haunting music of Armenia.
After Exoneration:
Sunday, December 20 - Listen
Bay Area resident Rick Walker spent a dozen years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. In the second of a 2-part series, Walker talks about his life after prison. Then a pair of Santa Cruz film makers discuss their new documentary about Walker's fight to get restitution for the years he lost.
Doing Hard Time for Another Man's Crime
Sunday, December 13 - Listen
Bay Area resident Rick Walker spent 12 years in California prisons for a murder he didn't commit. In part I of a multipart series he talks about his conviction, his years behind bars and his release.
Private Wars: Tracy Kidder and Andrew Sean Greer
Sunday, December 6 - Listen
Part I: Non-fiction writer Tracy Kidder discusses his 2006 memoir, "My Detachment," about the year he spent as a young army lieutenant in Vietnam. Part II: Novelist Andrew Sean Greer from 2008, on his most recent work: "The Story of A Marriage."
The Stuff the Universe is Made Of
Sunday, November 29 - Listen
Nobel Prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek talks to Robert about the fundamental ingredients of physical reality. Where mass comes from, why empty space isn't, and other marvels of modern physics explained. (Originally broadcast Nov, 2008)
Building the Genome Zoo
Sunday, November 22 - Listen
In the most ambitious effort of its type ever attempted, scientists are hoping to map the genes of 10,000 different animals. Proponents say the "Genome 10K project" will provide vast new insights into the biology, evolution and preservation of species. Robert talks to project coordinator David Haussler of UC Santa Cruz.
All About Fado
Sunday, November 15 - Listen on computer.
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Robert talks to musicologist Don Cohen about fados, the soul-stirring songs of the Portuguese. Featuring music by fado singers Mariza, Amalia Rodrigues, Carlos Do Carmo, Caminé and others.
Medicine At The Extremes
Sunday, November 8 - Listen on computer.
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Physician and human rights activist Ashis Brahma of the Phoenix Global Health Foundation talks about practicing medicine in conflict zones and refugee camps. Brahma has spent his career bringing care to challenging environments in Africa and beyond.
Life By The Numbers
Sunday, November 1 - Listen on computer.
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A theoretical physicist searches for the universal laws of life. Geoffrey West explains some simple mathematical rules that he says may explain everything from the length of our lives to the health of our cities.
Art Spiegelman Redux
Sunday, October 25 - Listen on computer.
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A rebroadcast of Robert's 2008 interview with Art Spiegelman. Spiegelman discusses "Breakdowns," the recent book collecting his work from the 1970's, and looks back on his life in cartooning and comics, from skin mags and Garbage Pail Kids to Maus and the New Yorker.
After Disaster
Sunday, October 18 - Listen on computer.
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How people cope with calamity. Pulitzer prizewinner Tracy Kidder discusses his new book, "Strength in What Remains," about an African refugee fleeing ethnic violence. And social critic Rebecca Solnit talks about the response of ordinary people to the Loma Prieta earthquake, hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters.
Doing the Math
Sunday, October 11 - Listen on computer.
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In this live KUSP pledge drive edition of the show, Robert and NPR "Math Guy" Keith Devlin discuss some of the world's most difficult math problems, as well as the basic arithmetic of listener-supported public radio. Also, comedienne and radio commentator recalls her former life as a math geek and Cal Tech physics major, and Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Kidder talks about his latest book, "Strength in What Remains."
What's In A Face
Sunday, October 4 - Listen on computer.
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Three people who've had their faces altered by illness or injury talk about self-image, the judgments of others and the meaning of beauty, inner and outer. David Roche is an inspirational speaker and humorist. Gina Butchin works to raise awareness of facial difference. Louise Ashby is an actress and writer.
Passing Strange
Sunday, September 27 - Listen on computer.
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Art, authenticity, race and identity: the music of the acclaimed singer-songwriter known as Stew.
Sunday, September 20
This weeks program was pre-empted by KUSP's coverage of the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Re-creating the Creation
Sunday, September 13 - Listen on computer.
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How life may have begun on Earth, with a little help from outer space. Biochemist and astrobiologist Dave Deamer talks to Robert. Also, attempts to conjure life in the lab, and music from DNA.
One Fast Move or I'm Gone
Sunday, September 6 - Listen on computer.
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In 1960, Jack Kerouac spent six weeks in Big Sur and produced what some consider his most powerful novel. Film maker Curt Worden discusses an new documentary about the book and Kerouac's time on the central coast. Also, hitting the highway with Robert Sullivan, author of "Cross Country."
The Philosophical Baby
Sunday, August 30 - Listen on computer.
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Developmental psychologist Alison Gopnik has spent decades studying the minds of infants and young children. Her conclusion: babies are smarter, more aware and more caring than scientists previously realized. Then, inventor Joshua Klein on the surprising intelligence of crows.
Born Rich, Wondering Why
Sunday, August 23 - Listen on computer.
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Robert speaks to two American heirs who grew up wealthy and now advocate greater economic equality. Jamie Johnson is heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune and a documentary film maker; Chuck Collins is great-grandson of wiener mogul Oscar Meyer. They discuss their own experiences of wealth and their concerns about growing income disparities in the US.
The Pilgrimage of John Francis
Sunday, August 16 - Listen on computer.
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For two decades, environmental activist John Francis travelled America on foot while keeping a vow of silence. Along the way, he got to know a side of himself and this country that few experience.
Wealth – The Limits of Materialism
Sunday, August 9 - Listen on computer.
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In his ongoing look at wealth in America, Robert Pollie gets an alternative view from Zen abbot Steve Stückey and humanitarian doctor Patch Adams.
Percussion in the Spotlight
Sunday, August 2 - Listen on computer.
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Orchestral percussionist Galen Lemmon shares some of the sounds of this year's Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. Featuring marimba, vibes, steel drums, timpani, even a tuned anvil. Then, sacred drums: a visit with Afro-Cuban Batá drummer Michael Spiro.
Against Reductionism
Sunday, July 26 - Listen on computer.
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Nobel prizewinning physicist Robert Laughlin says nature can't always be reduced to its individual components and that some of his fellow physicists can't see the forest for the trees. Plus, Maestra Marin Alsop discusses the art and craft of the orchestra conductor.
Unlearning violence: Stories from the RSVP Program
Sunday, July 19 - Listen on computer.
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An innovative program in the San Francisco jails aims to reform violent felons. Robert talks to program founder Sunny Schwartz and to former inmate-participant Ramon Garcia.
What is Wealth: One Economist's Perspective
Sunday, July 12 - Listen on computer.
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Robert talks to economist Russ Roberts about the nature of wealth, how it's created and destroyed, and whether economics really is a science.
The Other "Rumble In The Jungle"
Sunday,
July 5 - Listen on computer.
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A new film commemorates a legendary 1974 concert that brought together many of the greats in African, Latin and African-American music in Kinshasa, Zaire. Robert talks to filmmaker Geoffrey Levy-Hinte about his concert and the film, called "Soul Power." Plus, "Masanga": the story of a song.
Evolution, from Fish to You
Sunday,
June 28 - Listen on computer.
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Paleontologist and evolutionary biologist Neil Shubin, author of "Your Inner Fish," describes how scientists are reconstructing the history of life from fossils and DNA.
Iran, Then and Now
Sunday,
June 22 - Listen on computer.
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Iranian film maker Nahid Sarvestani compares on the current protests in Iran to the Iranian revolution 30 years ago, when she was a student activist and she discusses her latest documentary, "The Queen and I," about the former Empress of Iran, Farah Pahlavi. Then, Iranian-American student Naveed Mansouri talks about the attitudes of Iranian students today and the role of social networking technologies in the so-called "Green Revolution."
Going Incognegro; Yiddishkeit 2.0
Sunday,
June 14 - Listen on computer.
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Writer Mat Johnson talks about growing up as a black boy who looked white. Then, Yiddish makes a comeback in the punk klezmer songs of Daniel Kahn and the Painted Bird.
The Double Life is Twice As Good
Sunday,
June 7 - Listen on computer.
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Writer, performer and adventurer Jonathan Ames talks about his graphic novel, "The Alcoholic," his upcoming HBO comedy series and his double life as public and private figure. Plus: Short and Sweet: the Big Sur International Short Film Series.
Wealth Ain't What it Used to Be
Sunday,
May 31 - Listen on computer.
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Robert Pollie talks to "Wealth Report" writer Robert Frank of the Wall Street Journal, about the impact of the economic crisis on the upper upper crust. Also: where to stash your gold bullion. Robert speaks with Lynel Berryhill of Brown Safe Manufacturing, purveyor of luxury vaults and safes.
Ask a Linguist
Sunday,
May 24 - Listen on computer.
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Robert talks to Geoffrey Pullum, linguist and author of "The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language." They discuss the grammar wars, common misconceptions about English and whether we really can talk to the animals.
Thinking Outside the Brain
Sunday,
May 17 - Listen on computer.
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Philosopher Alva Noë says neuroscientists trying to understand consciousness are looking in the wrong place. It's not in the brain. Noë gives a piece of his mind to KUSP's Robert Pollie.
Mother's Day Confidential
Sunday,
May 10 - Listen on computer.
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On this live edition of the 7th Avenue Project, Robert Pollie and guests talk about what it means to have a mom, what it means to be one and the unspoken truths of motherhood.
Profiles in Conviction
Sunday,
May 3 - Listen on computer.
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Two new documentary films screening at the Santa Cruz Film Festival take a look at people who put principle before popularity. "Salute" tells the story of Australian sprinter Peter Norman, who faced public censure after supporting the raised fist protest at the 1968 Olympics. "I Bring What I Love" is a portrait of Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour and his effort to create an album of Islamic music, widely criticized by traditionalists in his home country. Guests include the film makers and Olympic bronze medalist John Carlos.
Mathematics in Music and in Motion
Sunday,
April 26 - Listen on computer.
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Robert Pollie hosts this look at an upcoming Santa Cruz performance merging math, music and dance. We'll hear from mathematician Keith Devlin, discussing his collaboration with Santa Cruz choral group Zambra, and from dancer/mathematician Karl Schaffer. Plus, the most important math discovery you've never heard of.
Our Parasites, Ourselves
Sunday,
April 19 - Listen on computer.
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They're on us, they're in us, they shape our biology and maybe even our minds. Robert Pollie talks to evolutionary biologist and parasite maven Marlene Zuk. Plus, parasite music with singer Daniel Kahn.
Ry Cooder's California
Sunday,
April 12 - Listen on computer.
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Robert takes a holiday and airs his 2008 interview with Ry Cooder. Ry discusses his "California Trilogy" - three CDs re-imagining California history in fable and song--and talks about his musical career.
What's So Special About the Tango?
Sunday,
April 5 - Listen on computer.
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We consider the music and dance that captured the hearts of millions. Guests include tango historians Donald Cohen and Christine Denniston, and members of the Santa Cruz tango community.
Remembering John Hope Franklin
Sunday,
March 29 - Listen on computer.
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A tribute to the pioneering African-American historian, who died this week. Included is Robert Pollie's 2006 interview with Franklin, and a discussion of his life and impact with historian David Anthony.
Saluting the Birds and the Bugs
Sunday,
March 22 - Listen on computer.
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Saxophonist and nature writer David Rothenberg studies bird song by playing music with birds. Then science writer Carl Zimmer sings the praises of his favorite bacterium, E.Coli. If you think you're so superior to a lowly microbe, think again.
A Wealth of Notions
Sunday,
March 15 - Listen on computer.
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In this KUSP pledge drive show, host Robert Pollie explores differing ideas of wealth, from Wall Street to Pacific Avenue. Plus: accounting irregularities of cosmic proportions. Robert talks to astrophysicist Rocky Kolb about dark matter and dark energy.
Slurs, Slanders and Slagging Off
Sunday,
March 8 - Listen on computer.
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Host Robert Pollie talks to philosopher Jerome Neu about insults - why we dish 'em out, why we can't take 'em and what they reveal about the human condition. Then, "Heckler": a documentary film that explores the tortured relationship between performers and those who taunt them. Robert speaks to the film's director, Michael Addis.
A Farewell to Arms?
Sunday,
March 1 - Listen on computer.
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Host Robert Pollie talks to nuclear weapons expert George Perkovich about his efforts to stop proliferation and promote disarmament. Perkovich is a vice president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former speechwriter to Vice President Joe Biden.
Physics for Future Presidents--and Informed Citizens
Sunday,
February 22 - Listen on computer.
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Robert Pollie talks to physicist Richard Mulller about alternative energy, nuclear power, global warming and other matters of vital importance to world leaders and the rest of us.
The Post-Valentine's Day Massacre
Sunday,
February 15 - Listen on computer.
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The day after Valentine's day, we'll take a skeptical look at love. Featuring Hannah Holmes, Laura Kipnis, Jonathan Ames and Glenn Kurtz.
Sound Unbound
Sunday,
February 8 - Listen on computer.
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Two musical innovators discuss their boundary-breaking work. Remix artist Paul Miller, aka DJ Spooky, talks to Robert Pollie about the disappearing borders between musical genres. Then Robert speaks to Serbian bandleader Dragan Ristich, who combines traditional Roma music with contemporary dance beats.
How Art Beat Science to the Punch
Sunday,
February 1 - Listen on computer.
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Science writer Jonah Lehrer, author of Proust Was a Neuroscientist, discusses how writers, artists, poets and cooks have anticipated scientific breakthroughs with their work - sometimes by decades.
Being Good Neighbors in the Global Village
Sunday,
January 25 - Listen on computer.
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Robert asks philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah what it takes to coexist in this age of clashing cultures and warring ideologies.
Sunday,
January 25
Today's 7th Avenue Project is pre-empted by NPR's broadcast of the festivities preceding the presidential inauguration.
The Black Hole Wars
Sunday,
January 11 - Listen on computer.
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In this second of a two-part part series on one of nature's weirdest phenomena, Robert talks to physicist Leonard Susskind about his two-decade argument with Stephen Hawking. At stake: the structure of black holes and our basic understanding of reality.
Black Holes: Even Weirder Than You Think
Sunday,
January 4 - Listen on computer.
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Physicist and master explainer Brian Greene talks to Robert about one of nature's craziest creations. Part one of a two-part series on black holes and how they're changing our view of the universe.
A Mirror Held Up To Spiegelman
Sunday,
December 21- Listen on computer.
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Robert Pollie interviews the comic artist Art Spiegelman about his life and work. Spiegelman's Pulitzer Prize winning graphic novel Maus gives only an inkling of the depth of his work.
How Music Shaped Human Nature
Sunday,
December 14 - Listen on computer.
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Dan Levitin--record producer, neuroscientist and author of "This is Your Brain on Music"--discusses his latest book, "The World in Six Songs," with KUSP's Robert Pollie. Levitin says music isn't just a product of evolution, but a driving force IN our evolution.
The Financial Crisis, Continued
Sunday,
December 7 - Listen on computer.
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Robert talks to economist Michael Hutchison about the threat of deflation, the total cost of bailouts and the effectiveness of government stimulus programs. Then Robert talks to economic historian Price Fishback about FDR's New Deal, its impact and comparisons to Barack Obama's economic proposals.
Believing You're Right Even When You're Wrong
Sunday,
November 30 - Listen on computer.
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Neuroscientist Robert Burton discusses our brain's often-unjustified sense of certainty.
The Bottom of Things
Sunday,
November 23 - Listen on computer.
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Nobel Prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek talks to Robert about the basic ingredients of physical reality. Where mass comes from, why empty space isn't, and other mysteries of modern physics explained.
A Happy Story about Brain Injury
Sunday,
November 16 - Listen on computer.
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Neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor says a massive stroke she survived in 1996 was one of the great blessings of her life. She talks to KUSP's Robert Pollie. Plus, an appreciation of the late South African singer Miriam Makeba.
The Election in Black and White
Sunday,
November 9 - Listen on computer.
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Robert Pollie and guests consider the Obama victory in light of America's racial past. Participants include historian David Anthony and Peggy Wallace Kennedy, daughter of the late George Wallace.
Watching the Polling Places, and the Opinion Polls
Sunday,
November 2 - Listen on computer.
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Allen Raymond, author of "How to Rig an Election," talks about his career as a Republican operative and sometime dirty trickster. Then, how one local group monitors polling places to prevent tampering and errors Finally, political scientist Alan Abromowitz on the latest presidential polls.
Poll Dancing
Sunday,
October 26 - Listen on computer.
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Political polls: how they work and whether they work. Robert talks to polling experts Sheldon Kamenieki of UC Santa Cruz and Alan Abromowitz of Emory University.
Masculinity in the USA
Sunday,
October 19 - Listen on computer.
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"Participatory journalist" and Pulitzer Prizewinner Charlie LeDuff discusses the state of men in America and his adventures in various male subcultures. LeDuff also talks about his move from New York Times to the Detroit News, and hard times in Motor City.
Going for Broke
Sunday,
October 12 - Listen on computer.
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An update on the evolving financial crisis with economist Michael Hutchison. Then, "Iron Ladies of Liberia": a documentary film about Africa's first female head of state and her efforts to save a bankrupt nation. Robert talks to the film's producer, Jonathan Stack.
Bailouts and Black Swans
Sunday,
October 5 - Listen on computer.
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Economist Michael Hutchison discusses the recently-passed government bailout package. Then Naseem Taleb, author of "The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable," critiques the forecasters and risk managers who failed to plan for a financial implosion.
Witness to a Meltdown
Sunday,
September 28 - Listen on computer.
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Economist Michael Hutchison on the origins of the current crisis and the prospects for a government bailout.
Sunday,
September 21
Show partially pre-empted by Monterey Jazz Festival.
Longevity and Its Limits
Sunday,
September 14 - Listen on computer.
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Robert Pollie investigates the science of life extension and the dream of immortality. Guests include anti-aging activist Aubrey DeGrey, gerontologist Richard Miller, physician Sherwin Nuland and undertaker/poet Thomas Lynch.
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