A behind-the-scenes look at the Mark Twain Prize

October 20, 2021 History, Politics, Think

Cappy McGarr joins us to discuss the creation of the Mark Twain Prize and share behind-the-scenes stories of when comedy and politics intersect.

Bad Bunny performs alongside a bass player at the BIllboard Music Awards.

How Reggaeton Conquered Pop Music

October 1, 2021 Culture, History, Race/Identity, Think

Katelina Eccleston is a producer of the Spotify podcast “Loud,” and she joins us to tell the story of reggaeton’s humble origins and how it spread from Panama to Puerto Rico, Jamaica and now the U.S.

A photo of a set of professional decorative cosmetics.

Our 2,000-Year Obsession With Makeup (from 8/3/21)

September 27, 2021 History, Race/Identity, Think

Rae Nudson joins us to discuss the power of the powders and creams with which we adorn our skin, and how they’ve created the powerful beauty standards currently being challenged.

William Randolph Hearst is seen working in his suite aboard the S.S. Europa during a transatlantic crossing in 1931.

How William Randolph Hearst Made The Media

September 27, 2021 Economics, History, Think

Stephen Ives joins us to tell the story of William Randolph Hearst – the subject of a new American Experience documentary.

50 Seasons Of ‘Texas Country Reporter’

September 23, 2021 Culture, History

Bob Phillips joins us to talk about 50 seasons of the beloved Texas travel show and highlight some of the places and people that have made their mark on the state over the years.

School classroom with school desks and blackboard

Fictional Teens Vs. Real-Life Monsters

September 22, 2021 Education, History, Literature, Race/Identity

Author and educator Liza Wiemer joins us to talk about her YA novel featuring students who must use Nazi propaganda in a debate, the courage it takes for two teenagers to confront anti-Semitism, and the real-life examples the author drew from.

The Gender Politics Of Contraception

September 14, 2021 Culture, Health, History, Politics

Krystale E. Littlejohn, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Oregon, joins us to discuss why cis-gendered women are expected to prevent pregnancies, and how that reality underscores the gendered role of labor in America.

How Sandra Day O’Connor Shaped The Supreme Court

September 13, 2021 Culture, History, Politics, Race/Identity

Filmmaker Michelle Ferrari joins us to discuss the life and career of Sandra Day O’Connor, a nominee of President Ronald Reagan who became a critical swing vote on historic issues of race, gender and reproductive rights.

How Should We Remember 9/11?

September 10, 2021 Culture, Current Events, History, Think

Andrew Levy, professor of English at Butler University, joins us to discuss how the many iterations of “Never Forget” events and monuments have created new narratives of the power and presence of America, and why those need to be reexamined.

The 20-Year Fallout Of 9/11

September 8, 2021 Current Events, Global Issues, History, Race/Identity

Filmmaker Michael Kirk joins us to discuss the decisions made since that day that have altered the course of American and world history, from the war in Afghanistan to the January 6th insurrection.

Sen. Fred R. Harris (D-Okla.), holds a copy of the report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders as he and two other members of the commission discuss the study on the television-radio program "Issues and Answers," in Washington, March 3, 1968. With him are the commission's chairman, Gov. Otto Kerner of Illinois, right, and Roy Wilkins, center, executive director of the NAACP.

A 1968 Report Could’ve Brought Us Closer to Racial Justice, But We Ignored It

August 31, 2021 Culture, History, Race/Identity

Columbia University journalism professor Jelani Cobb has written a new introduction for the Kerner Commission Report, and he joins us to discuss why the document is a landmark of American history and remains salient today.

Photo illustration of people's diverse faces.

Latino Identity Contains Multitudes

August 18, 2021 Culture, History, Race/Identity

Héctor Tobar, a professor of journalism and Chicano/Latino studies at the University of California, Irvine, joins us to discuss his 9,000-mile road trip across America to understand Latino communities and their widely-varying beliefs.