20-38 Segment 1: Back To School 2020: Learning Through Tech
Navigating back to school this year has been challenging to say the least. With switching policies and protocols, everyone is just trying to get through the fall one day at a time. Viewpoints speaks with two education experts about the biggest barriers to learning and what online education technology can really offer students.
20-38 Segment 2: The Hidden Gems Across Chicago & In Every U.S. Town
Suffering from a travel bug that can’t be quenched this year? Chicago writer, Jessica Mlinaric believes that if you look hard enough you don’t have to leave your town or city to experience something new. We cover some of the interesting, historical sights around Chicago and how you can explore your own area.
Culture Crash 20-38: The Theatre Release of “Tenet”
The blockbuster release, “Tenet” by prominent director Christopher Nolan is one of the first major films to make a theatre release in several months. Is it worth the watch?
20-37 Segment 1: Peak Hurricane Season 2020
Hurricane Laura ramped up to a Category 4 hurricane late last month and was the strongest storm to hit the Louisiana coast in more than a hundred and sixty years. Each year, the most powerful storms during the Atlantic hurricane season typically form between the end of August and early October. We speak with two experts to better understand the history of hurricanes and the destruction they wreak each year.
20-37 Segment 2: Fueling Creativity: Funding Modern, Independent Invention
Without inventors like Benjamin Franklin or visionaries like Elon Musk, the world would look a bit different. Both of these people and countless others followed their passion, but sometimes it can be hard to slow down and take a risk. Do you enjoy writing? Tinkering with tech? Creating music? Art? It’s never too late to forge a different career path or side hobby. We speak with Kickstarter co-founder, Yancey Strickler about some of the barriers to entry creatives face today and how to find support within a community.
Culture Crash 20-37: The Lasting Legacy Of Actor Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman passed away from cancer at the age of 43 on August 28. We honor his legacy and his many contributions to film from starring in Black Panther to his portrayal of baseball player, Jackie Robinson in the 2013 movie 42.
20-36 Segment 1: A Violent Wildfire Season In The West
It’s only September and this year’s wildfires in California are already worse than last year with still months left in peak fire season. We explore the growing challenges facing Californians and what the future holds for The Golden State.
20-36 Segment 2: The Current Scope Of Surveillance In The U.S.
Today, ex-government employee, Edward Snowden is recognized around the world for his role in leaking highly classified information about government mass surveillance. We explore the benefits and consequences of modern surveillance and how both private business entities and governments are acquiring information from millions of Americans.
Culture Crash 20-36: The Soothing Sounds of Frank Ocean
It’s no surprise that many of us are always looking for new ways to de-stress and relax this year. Whether you’re cooking, driving or just relaxing, the music of Frank Ocean is a fantastic choice.
20-35 Segment 1: Rehabilitation While In Prison: Getting To The Root Of The Problem
The U.S. has the largest prison population in the world with more than 2.3 million inmates. Each year, prisons cost taxpayers 80 billion dollars. But with two thirds of those incarcerated returning back behind bars within a few years, clearly something is broken. We discuss how some popular reforms do more harm than good and what needs to change within the system.
20-35 Segment 2: Sleeping Soundly: The Interconnected Benefits of Getting Good Rest
All humans need some amount of rest – whether that’s five hours or eight. But how we sleep and the quality of that slumber can vary widely. We speak with sleep expert, Matthew Walker, a professor at California-Berkeley, who says getting restful sleep is the single biggest thing we can do to vastly improve our mental and physical health.
Culture Crash 20-35: Exploring the Works of Charlie Kaufman
Writer & director Charlie Kaufman is known for several hit movies including Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Synecdoche, New York. We explore some of his biggest career triumphs and the upcoming release of his new Netflix original, I’m Thinking of Ending Things that’s based off the novel written by Iain Reid.
20-34 Segment 1: How To Travel Once We Can All Travel Again
For most people this year, traveling seems like a distant memory. Getting on a plane, taking a train or even using public transport on a daily basis has been largely abandoned with COVID-19. But once it is safe to travel again – where’s the first place you’d like to go? Acclaimed travel guide, writer and TV host, Rick Steves joins Viewpoints this week to share how you can get the most out of your travels and fully immerse yourself in the local culture, people and history.
20-34 Segment 2: Murder On The Herbert Fuller
Rewind back to 1896 aboard the voyager ship, the Herbert Fuller. Just a week into the journey, three people aboard were murdered and there were multiple suspects. The murder trial that follows is historic and helped shape modern law today.
Culture Crash 20-34: Taylor Swift’s Surprise Album
The new summer release, Folklore, by artist Taylor Swift heads in a stylistically different direction than what she’s largely known for. We discuss the new album and some of our favorite songs.
Culture Crash 20-33: A Collection of Science Fiction
The Forward is a new science fiction series of six short novellas written by prominent authors in the genre. We discuss the appeal and if the new release is worth the purchase.
20-33 Segment 2: Dot Con: Pranking The Authors Of Spam Emails
We’ve all received spam calls and fishy-looking emails that promise us a free vacation or a great bargain that’s too good to pass up. Sometimes they even come from a phone contact or your boss asking for help or to download an attachment. Author and comedian, James Veitch has made a name for himself by replying to these scams and continuing the conversation, effectively wasting the scammers time as much as they waste ours. We speak with him about his trade and the major telltale signs to look out for in a scam.
20-33 Segment 1: The Holocaust: Surviving The German Occupation Of The Netherlands
When Dutch forces surrendered to the Germans in May of 1940, the Nazis gained control of the Netherlands and set in action a plan to exterminate hundreds of thousands of Jews and minorities. Arguably, the most famous voice from that region is Anne Frank – the young teenage girl who wrote of her daily life in hiding until she was discovered in 1944 and died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. While Anne Frank is a prominent voice, there are many other stories of those who hid out for years, evading capture and awaiting freedom.
20-32 Segment 1: Modern Contracts For NonTraditional Relationships
There are millions of Americans who live together as husband and wife, but never become formally “married.” What are their rights? Who gets the house, the car and the bank accounts if the relationship ends or one of them passes away? We speak with a contract and family law attorney who has written extensively on the subject to find out how society and the courts views co-habitation relationships. We also cover what steps co-habiting couples should take to still be recognized by the law.
20-32 Segment 2: The Invention Of Instant Photography
In the early to mid 1900’s, capturing a picture was cumbersome and complicated and took weeks to process the film. Then, Edwin Land, the creator of the Polaroid camera, came along and revolutionized the industry. Viewpoints speaks with author Ron Fierstein who profiles Land in his book, A Triumph of Genius: Edwin Land, Polaroid, and the Kodak Patent War.
Culture Crash 20-32: A Father-Son Horror Novella
Viewpoints speaks with father-son duo, Richard and Billy Chizmar about the combined process of writing the popular horror story, Widow’s Point.
20-31 Segment 1: Better Understanding Trauma
Trauma comes in many shapes and forms throughout life. Viewpoints speaks with psychiatrist, Dr. James S. Gordon in order to better understand a person’s reaction to trauma and the body’s resilience in dealing with these stressful events and situations.
20-31 Segment 2: A Different Career: The Life Of A Professional Cuddler
Thousands of Americans are certified cuddlers. You might be asking – what does it mean to be a ‘certified cuddler’? Christina Hepburn joins Viewpoints this week to talk about this relatively new niche and how she’s working to dissolve the stigmas associated with the industry.
Culture Crash: Exploring The Indie Band & Album “Red Hearse”
The band “Red Hearse” is made up of acclaimed artists Jack Antonoff, Sam Dew and producer Sounwave. We explore the group’s indie releases and what the musical trio brings to the table.
20-30 Segment 2: The Church Of Scientology
Scientology – is it a religion, spiritual group, business organization? The group was created in the 1950’s and is headquartered in Los Angeles. There’s been much mixed media coverage about Scientology, but, still, most people know little about the claimed religion. We speak with a former member about her involvement and the people who commit their faith, time and money to Scientology.
20-30 Segment 1: A Shift Towards Sustainable Construction & Design
Glass, wood, stone. These are some of the natural materials that are on the forefront of construction. Today, a greater number of architects and developers are not only thinking about profit and supply, but the additional – sometimes invisible – factors at play when it comes to new buildouts. These include the true benefits to humans, the environmental toll and the most practical designs that are symbiotic with nature. We uncover the modern perspective of ‘conscious construction’ this week on Viewpoints.
Culture Crash: Film Highlights So Far In 2020
This year has forced the film industry – like many other industries – to adapt and do things a little differently. This means a new resurgence of drive-in theatres or the option to buy new releases straight from your home TV. We go through some of our favorite films and upcoming releases set for fall.
20-29 Segment 1: The Many Faces Of Homelessness
On a single night in the U.S. there are more than 550,000 people homeless – and this number is only set to rise as COVID-19 has put millions out of work and shattered the stability of the U.S. economy. As a child or teen who has to deal with homelessness at a young age, it can be a tough road of shifting from temporary housing to another shelter. Giselle Burgess and her five kids were in this position in New York City, so Burgess decided to start a Girl Scout Troop named Troop 6000 to help her girls and others in this situation. We cover the inspiring story of Troop 6000 this week on Viewpoints.
Culture Crash: The Latest Blockbuster From Christopher Nolan
Tenet, the newest movie from acclaimed director Christopher Nolan, is set to release next month. We take a look back at some of Nolan’s biggest film triumphs including the star-filled thriller, Inception.
20-29 Segment 2: The World Of Cults
When you think of a cult, what image pops into your head? Is it one of violence or extremism? Is it people in all white praying and worshipping a guru? What exactly defines a cult? We answer these questions and more this week on Viewpoints.
20-28 Segment 1: Poker: A Game Of Skill & Luck
Texas Hold ‘Em is the most popular poker game in the U.S. today. It’s a game of strategy, psychology and quick decision-making. Writer and professional poker player Maria Konnikova joins Viewpoints’ to share how she was able to use her background to master the game and amass more than $300,000 in winnings in just three years.
20-28 Segment 2: The Business Of Lab-Grown Meat
Millions of Americans have embraced plant-based meat like the Impossible Burger, but how do you feel about real meat that’s grown in a petri dish in a lab? If the taste, texture and smell exactly resembled meat that was traditionally farmed outside, would you eat it? Lab-grown, cell-cultured chicken, beef and pork is set to hit the mass market in just a few years. What’s the science and process behind this new technology?
Culture Crash: The Passing of Director Joel Schumacher
Prominent Hollywood director Joel Schumacher died on June 22, 2020 at the age of 80. We discuss his legacy and some of the films he’s best remembered for.
20-27 Segment 1: The Good And The Bad: A Brief History Of The Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers (no, not the baseball team) but the western law enforcement agency dating back to 1823 is known for patrolling the rugged Texas terrain. For almost 200 years, its members have protected tiny towns along the border and have helped solve numerous crimes and corruption throughout the state. However, the valiant group also has a darker history filled with corruption, murder and violence against minorities. Author and journalist Doug Swanson joins Viewpoints this week to share the full picture of the famed Texas Rangers.
20-27 Segment 2: Is Instagram The New Online Diary For Generation Z?
While some of us still prefer pen and paper, many younger people are shifting to everything digital. And it’s not just for to-do lists or communication, but also using platforms like Instagram, Twitter or Facebook as a daily, reflective ‘online diary’. However, sometimes this vulnerability in such a public setting can lead down a slippery slope. We discuss the pros and cons of candidly sharing your life on social media.
Culture Crash: Rewinding Back To Our Highschool Selves
There’s a certain amount of nostalgia when we revisit our favorite music, show and movies from those young, teenage years. This week on Viewpoints we discuss how many Americans cling to the hot pop culture of their generation.
20-26 Segment 1: The Calming Nature Of Tending To A Garden
Getting started gardening can seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you have trouble keeping a houseplant alive. But with some research and a small investment for tools, seeds and soil, the rewards of tending to a garden are huge. Fresh produce, flowers and herbs, as well as a renewed connection to nature are just some of the benefits of this increasingly popular outdoor hobby.
20-26 Segment 2: Is Your Child Feeling Anxious Right Now? Giving Support Without Shielding Them From The World
The days when election and campaign news dominated the news cycle seem so distant. It’s safe to say that no one could’ve imagined this year would be such a curveball. Learning’s been disrupted, many parents are continuing to work from home and fears over COVID-19 are still very much present. We speak with a family trauma expert, Dr. Abigail Gewirtz, about dealing with these anxieties as an adult and how to have important conversations with your child or teen if you’re sensing that they’re more irritable, worried or anxious lately.
Culture Crash: The Difficulty Of Placing Media & Literature Into Distinct Genres
Sometimes a new release fits into multiple genres but has to be classified into one specific genre. Star Wars is labeled as a space opera – but what exactly does that mean? Viewpoints discusses these conundrums.
20-25 Segment 1: Shakeups In The Salon & Skincare Industry
Business owners have had an extremely stressful year as COVID-19 forced millions of shops to close their doors for two plus months. Now, as much of the country is reopen, some salon, spa and wellness owners are still anxious about if many customers will return and the current changes to operations to protect both staff and clientele. We speak with three owners about adapting to this new reality and the challenges they’re facing.
20-25 Segment 2: Exploring The World Of Wine One Glass At A Time
Finding the right wine is intimidating. Strolling through the wine aisle, it can sometimes be easier to give up and choose a bottle based off whether you like the label or not. Wine is complex. However, if you’re interested in finding out more about the refreshment, you have to start somewhere. Sommelier Elizabeth Schneider joins Viewpoints this week to give us an introduction to all things wine.
Culture Crash: The Rollout Of HBO Max
The new streaming service, HBO Max can be a bit confusing. What does it cover that’s not already on HBO Go or HBO Now? We discuss the differences and the hottest shows and films on the platform.
20-24 Segment 1: The Murder Of George Floyd: A Deepening Public Health Crisis
George Floyd was 46 years old when he was murdered on the street by ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The father of five moved to the Midwest city in 2014 where he worked driving a truck and providing security at a local restaurant. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Floyd lost his security job. On May 25, Floyd was suspected of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a local store and officers were called to the scene. The question remains: how can a simple police call lead to the killing of an unarmed and unresisting man? For weeks, protests and outrage have spread across the U.S. and internationally as the killing of Floyd brings racial inequality and police brutality into focus once again. Even in the midst of a pandemic, people are showing up to say they’re fed up with the lack of equal justice, rights and opportunities for all.
20-24 Segment 2: Navigating Peak Wedding Season During A Pandemic
In April, May and June of this year, 550,000 weddings across the U.S. were set to take place. As the threat of COVID-19 swept much of the U.S., many of these pre-planned weddings had to be rescheduled. Viewpoints speaks with Erika Hernandez-Fullerton, a recent bride herself and owner of a wedding planning company, to find out how couples in this predicament are making the best of this unusual situation.
Culture Crash: The Voices Of African American Authors
Reading the works of black authors is an important part to better understanding why racial inequities still plague our country. We offer up some recommendations to add to your reading list.
20-23 Segment 2: The Many Firsts Throughout History
Imagine finding a rough, circular rock-like object and spending many minutes, if not hours, trying to pry it open to see what’s inside. Once you finally cracked it open, who would slurp down the slimy, raw interior of an oyster, praying that it wouldn’t kill them? We discuss the many firsts throughout history and the bold civilizations who uncovered these discoveries.
20-23 Segment 1: One Country, Two Systems: The Deepening Political Crisis In Hong Kong
Tensions between the people of Hong Kong and the Chinese communist government are quickly escalating in recent months. With the proposal of a new national security law in late May further tightening the grip on the semi-autonomous territory of Hong Kong, the city is a tipping point as protesters risk their lives to fight for political democracy and civil liberties.
Culture Crash: Remaking The Justice League
Zack Snyder’s version of the movie The Justice League will premiere on streaming service HBO Max in 2021. We discuss the new release set to be a great improvement from the 2017 Warner Brothers version that was a blockbuster flop.
20-22 Segment 1: Losing A Part Of Your Heart: Dealing With Loss
Losing someone you love – whether that’s a partner, friend or a part of your family – can be devastating. Is there a way to ‘correctly’ deal with the process of death and grieve after the person has passed? This week on Viewpoints.
20-22 Segment 2: Served Up: Poetry With A Side Of Dark Humor
The Epic of Gilgamesh is thought to be the oldest epic poem ever written, created in 2000 BCE. Throughout time, poetry has stayed constant, with greats like Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson and Henry Thoreau publishing cherished works still topical today. John Kenney is a modern poet whose work is frequently featured in the New Yorker. He’s best known for his collection of Love Poems for Married People and joins Viewpoints this week to share his many musings and provide some words of advice when it comes to writing.
Culture Crash: The Life Of Writer & Director Lynn Shelton
Lynn Shelton passed away earlier this month at age 54. We discuss some of her biggest achievements and legacy in Hollywood.
20-21 Segment 2: The Story of Apollo 8
When we think back to the biggest space accomplishments in history, many of us instantly remember Apollo 11 – the mission that landed humans on the moon. However, we seldom talk about Apollo 8 when astronauts successfully orbited the moon. Author and historian, Jeffrey Kluger joins Viewpoints to discuss why Apollo 8 was a vital foundational mission for space travel and what it meant to the future of NASA.
20-21 Segment 1: 75 Years After WWII: The Men Of The 44th Bomb Group
Memorial Day is on Monday, May 25 this year. It is a day that we remember those who have served and lost their lives protecting this country. To honor our veterans, we highlight a unique story from World War II about the heroic men of the U.S. Air Force 44th Bomb Group.
Culture Crash: Parks And Recreation: Quarantine Edition
The popular show, Parks and Recreation has returned for a special, one-time-only episode featuring the original cast. We discuss if the new release is a flop or worth the watch.
20-20 Segment 1: The Inner Tolls Of Working In Dining – A Feature With Chef Iliana Regan
Iliana Regan has worked in the restaurant industry for more than two decades in almost every position imaginable. From fast service to high-end fine dining, she’s a self-taught, Michelin-starred chef that’s known for her ability to create masterful dishes using naturally sourced and foraged ingredients. As her career has skyrocketed up, she’s also had several low points in her life that have impacted who she is today.
20-20 Segment 2: Millennial Money: Leveraging Your Worth
Jessica Byrne is a 26-year-old software engineer from Portland that’s saved more than $300,000 in a very short span of time. We speak with Byrne about how she grew her skill base in order to up her salary and then quickly save thousands through compounding interest, investing and maintaining a frugal lifestyle.
Culture Crash: The Athlete, The Legend: Michael Jordan
The sports documentary, Save the Last Dance, has received high praise over the last several weeks. We discuss the 10-part docuseries now streaming on the ESPN app.
20-19 Segment 1: An Essential Industry: Construction In The U.S.
In most states, construction is deemed an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic. With roadways fairly clear and schools temporarily closed, crews are getting to work while still adhering to social distancing rules. In effect, construction spending was up 4.7 percent in March 2020 compared to March 2019. Viewpoints speaks with two people working in the industry to get an inside view on growth and job opportunities as well as current challenges facing the sector.
20-19 Segment 2: The Rise Of Coffee Capitalism
Even as Americans shelter-in-place, coffee consumption is up in the first four months of 2020. Why is coffee a drink that is so popular across the globe? The drink was first consumed by Sufi monks in the fifteenth century as part of a religious ceremony, but quickly gained popularity across the Middle East where it then eventually spread to Europe. Viewpoints discusses the complicated history of coffee production and American’s reliance on this caffeine-packed drink.
Culture Crash: The Fate Of The Oscars
How will the upcoming award’s season be affected by COVID-19? We discuss the state of the film industry and how the Academy is changing its rules during this unprecedented time.
20-18 Segment 1: From Luxury Ingredients To Food Styling: The Quirky Inner Workings Of The Food Biz
Could you ever imagine that some imported white asparagus could cost upwards of $250? Neither did we. This week on Viewpoints, we delve into the niche world of luxury and on-trend ingredients as well as roles in the food industry you’ve probably never heard of.
20-18 Segment 2: To Eat Or Not To Eat? The Processed Food Conundrum
Complex ingredients like maltodextrin and ferrous sulfate can seem scary, but are they actually bad for you in the long-term? We speak with chemist and author, George Zaidan about how food processing took hold in early human history and what to keep in mind when it comes to keeping a healthy diet.
Culture Crash: Exploring the Tech Show “Halt and Catch Fire”
Have you pretty much watched everything on your list at this point? All four seasons of the AMC series Halt and Catch Fire are now available on Netflix. While you’ve probably never heard of the show, it’s definitely a binge-worthy watch.
20-17 Segment 1: The Slow-Looming, Invisible Crisis of Climate Change
With billions across the world staying home right now due to coronavirus, air pollution in many major cities has cleared making way for blue skies and new views of nature. This week, Viewpoints speaks with journalist and author Thomas Kostigen about the role of geoengineering in tackling another approaching global crisis: climate change.
20-17 Segment 2: The Dire State Of Affordable Housing In America
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the housing crisis as many millions of Americans can no longer afford to pay rent or their monthly mortgage. Viewpoints speaks with two housing experts about why so many people struggle to find affordable housing in the U.S. and one possible solution to the problem.
Culture Crash: Finding Indie Films
Older films are hard to find these days on mainstream streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. We delve into how to track down some of the best indie, classic and foreign films to watch from your home sofa.
20-16 Segment 1: Modern-Day Drones And The Implementation Of Remote Identification
Drones are already a multi-billion-dollar business and only set to grow in revenue over the next five years, reaching an estimated 63 billion by 2025. The unmanned aircraft systems can be applied to a wide breadth of tasks and are an essential resource during war, rescue and public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Viewpoints speaks with two drone experts about innovation and security challenges facing the industry.
20-16 Segment 2: A Dormant Family Secret Uncovered Through DNA Testing
Imagine finding out at 54-years-old that the father who raised you wasn’t actually your biological dad. Novelist Dani Shapiro found herself in this position after she and her husband sent in an at-home DNA test to Ancestry.com and it came back with some unexpected results.
Culture Crash: Getting Lost In The World Of Videogames
Videogames are a great way to pass time. As many of us are trying to do exactly that these days, we delve into the fantasy world and discuss some of our favorite classic and new release picks.
20-15 Segment 1: Deploying School Meals To Those Who Need Them Most Right Now
On a typical day, the National School Lunch Program serves 20.2 million free lunches to students in need, according to the USDA. With sweeping school closures across the U.S. in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of students are going hungry. Viewpoints discusses the new reality foodservice workers face and the balance between staying safe and serving meals.
20-15 Segment 2: Why Do Crosswords Never Go Out Of Style?
The first published crossword was created in 1913 by journalist Arthur Wynne. Since then, the timeless puzzle has stayed in style and graces newspapers from the New York Times to USA Today. Self-acclaimed lovers of crosswords are known as ‘cruciverbalists’ and compete online as well as create these puzzles for publishing. We speak with crossword expert, Adrienne Raphel to find out more about this beloved word game.
Culture Crash: Taking The Time To Tuck Into A Good Book
During this period of social distancing, the constant screen time while working from home and watching Netflix can get to be a bit overwhelming. Viewpoints discusses some of our favorite classic reads by prominent authors.
20-14 Segment 1: Overcoming Uncertainty In The Midst Of COVID-19
With many unknowns hanging above our heads during this global pandemic, it’s vital to stay present and positive. We discuss small steps you can take each day to find structure and the importance of looking at the long-term picture.
20-14 Segment 2: Drew Barrymore On Life, Love & Family
Everyone remembers little Gertie from the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and the actress who played the part: Drew Barrymore. However, a lot has changed since then. Today, Barrymore is mother of two, accomplished actress, businesswoman and now, author. In her new memoir she opens up about growing up in Hollywood, fending for herself at age 14 and what she’s learned over the years.
Culture Crash: Hollywood Hitting Pause On Business
Coronavirus has affected nearly every industry across the globe, including the entertainment biz. We discuss how several facets of Hollywood, from production to movie theatres, have adapted to the new reality.
20-13 Segment 1: Cannabis: A Complicated History
Human use of cannabis dates back to tens of thousands of years ago. And the drug wasn’t just used in medicinal or recreational settings, but also part of religious ceremonies or used by warriors before wartime battle. We speak with pharmacology expert Dr. Richard Miller about the drugs global history and its prohibition in the U.S. over the last 70 years.
20-13 Segment 2: Falling Through A Cloud: Living With Cognitive Decline
In a moment where many are practicing ‘social distancing’ it can be a good opportunity to put down your phones and pick up a stress-relieving solo hobby. We speak with Shannon Downey, creator of Badass Cross Stitch, about the simplicity and art of cross-stitching as well as how she’s used it to channel local and national social issues.
Culture Crash: Passing The Time During This Period Of ‘Social Distancing’
We discuss some of the best selections now streaming on Netflix as millions turn to movies right now for evening entertainment.
20-12 Segment 1: The Wonders Of Removing Clothing Clutter
Ever feel like each morning you look at your closet, and despite the large number of clothes, never really have anything to wear? This abundance of extra fabric not only takes up space but also can be a burden to your headspace. We speak with two experts about how to shop and consume less as well as best organize the items you already have.
20-12 Segment 2: The Resurgence Of Hand Embroidery: Craftivism Through Cross-Stitching
In a moment where many are practicing ‘social distancing’ it can be a good opportunity to put down your phones and pick up a stress-relieving solo hobby. We speak with Shannon Downey, creator of Badass Cross Stitch, about the simplicity and art of cross-stitching as well as how she’s used it to channel local and national social issues.
Culture Crash: The New Sci-Fi Mystery Series “Devs”
Devs has only released a handful of episodes on Hulu so far, but the sci-fi thriller has already generated a lot of buzz for its gripping plot and eerie feels. We dive into the limited series featuring leads Nick Offerman and newcomer, Sonoya Mizuno.
20-11 Segment 1: Getting Things Done: Hints On How To Do It Better
Does it ever seem like the more you try to finish, the less you accomplish? It may be that you’re expending too much energy on mindlessly doing rather than planning and prioritizing. Viewpoints’ speaks to two experts in the field about some simple strategies you can employ to get things done in a more efficient manner.
20-11 Segment 2: What You Didn’t Know About America’s Founding Father
The white hair, rosy cheeks and stark complexion are what we often picture when we think of our first president. But behind his looks and historic accomplishments, what are some facts that are not as well publicized? Viewpoints’ speaks with history buff and author, Alexis Coe to learn more about the man, the myth: George Washington.
Culture Crash: The Appeal Of Mystery Movies
From the classic 1985 film, Clue to the more recent release, Knives Out, the mystery genre can be just the right pick-me-up when you fall into a post-Oscar season movie slump. Viewpoints’ discusses some of our favorites from this genre.
20-10 Segment 1: From Glossier To Warby Parker: Startups That Are Redefining The Retail Game
If you take a look at some of the newer brands that are shaking up retail – from Dollar Shave Club to Casper mattresses – all of these ideas are based off traditional products rather than new inventions. How are some of these startups outperforming the big-name, traditional brands that have ruled the consumer market for decades?
20-10 Segment 2: Move Over Albert: Uncovering Female Science Geniuses Of The Past
What exactly classifies a person as a genius? Are there biological differences between male and female geniuses? Viewpoints’ explores these questions and highlights a few overlooked female scientists throughout history.
Culture Crash: The Beauty of “Better Call Saul”
Better Call Saul is the show we never knew we needed after the hit show Breaking Bad came to a close. Season 5 of the show is now airing on AMC.
20-09 Segment 1: Body-Worn Cameras: Is Fast-Changing Tech Leading To Better Policing?
Today, body-worn cameras are a mainstay in many police departments across the country. While the new technology increases transparency, is it leading to better relationships between the public and police? How are innovations in the field – including the incorporation of artificial intelligence – changing officers’ day-to-day duties?
20-09 Segment 2: The Role Of Companies In Protecting The Planet’s Biodiversity
1,000,000 animal and plant species now face the threat of extinction. As more than 80 percent of all global biodiversity lives on private land, what is the role of corporations when it comes to protecting these endangered species? Viewpoints speaks with Margaret O’ Gorman, president of the Wildlife Habitat Council, about the creative and adaptive policies companies can take to make a difference.
Culture Crash: The Endless Twists In NBC’s “This Is Us”
The hit drama, This Is Us has led its viewers down a puzzling, sometimes draining series of twists and turns throughout the last four seasons – but is the show finally fizzling out?
20-08 Segment 1: Redefining Sugar: Enjoying Sweet Treats Without The Guilt
From Starbucks lattes to grocery staples like yogurt and bread, sugar still seems to be lurking everywhere. And even if you are diet conscious, it can still be hard to avoid the cookies and cake if you’re craving something sweet. Viewpoints Radio speaks with baking blogger, Elif Yamangil and cookbook author, Jennifer Tyler Lee about the importance of limiting sugar in your diet and how to do so without completely restricting yourself and still indulging your sweet tooth.
20-08 Segment 2: Born Into Slavery: Firsthand Perspectives Of Formerly Enslaved Men And Women
Imagine being born into slavery in the South. You don’t have a dime to your name, received no education and all you know are the surrounding fields of the plantation you worked on. What would you do after the abolishment of slavery? How would you start over? February is Black History Month – and as we remember the past and the period of slavery in America, it’s important to not only take in the perspectives of historians and educators, but also direct firsthand accounts from those formerly enslaved. Viewpoints’ speaks with historian and photographer, Richard Cahan, co-author of the new book River of Blood: American Slavery From the People Who Lived It.
Culture Crash: The Joy Of TV Comedy Specials
Sometimes you don’t want a critically acclaimed show or Oscar-worthy movie, but rather something funny like a cheesy rom-com or a bit of classic stand-up. We discuss two Bo Burnham comedy specials that are now streaming on Netflix.
20-07 Segment 1: Coloring Outside The Lines
Coloring books aimed at children, adults and even seniors have been all the rage in recent years and are still trending in 2020. But what’s so special about these patterns and designs that draw people in? We delve into the process of putting together these collections and why the creative outlet has become a mainstay for so many looking to switch off and de-stress.
20-07 Segment 2: Rethinking Healthcare: How Do You Fix A Flawed System?
The topic of healthcare is one of the most debated issues so far in the 2020 election – but what’s the fix for the expensive, inefficient system that’s currently in place? So far it’s a murky answer. Millions are struggling with the high cost of care, doctors are burning out and patient-doctor interaction is at an all-time low. We speak with an industry expert about the current woes of American healthcare and what can be done.
Culture Crash: The Broadway Hit “Hamilton” Comes Alive Again
The writer of “Hamilton” Lin-Manuel Miranda is back at it again. Come October 2021, the Broadway play is set to hit theaters across the country. But will it be worth the watch?
20-06 Segment 1: Voter Error: How A Trip To The DMV Turned Into Years Of Legal Woes
Can it ever be too easy to cast a ballot in an American election? The answer is yes. Filipino immigrant Elizabeth Keathley mistakenly registered to vote while at a DMV in Illinois through a law best known as the Motor Voter Law. This originally well-intentioned program is now trapping hundreds of immigrants into federal charges and possible deportation for an act they didn’t fully comprehend to begin with.
20-06 Segment 2: What Happens When Mathematical Calculations Go Wrong?
The field of mathematics is still seen as a boring and overly complex field by many. But Matt Parker, a former math teacher turned popular YouTuber, is working to fix that stubborn mindset. In his new book, he illustrates the powerful and interesting side of math through real-life examples that have failed because someone’s calculations were just slightly off.
Culture Crash: Remembering the Legend: Kobe Bryant
It can sometimes still feel unreal that NBA superstar Kobe Bryant is gone. The retired Los Angeles Lakers player was more than just an athlete, but a tremendous idol to millions of people across the world. We discuss his legacy and the fragility of life.
20-05 Segment 1: World War II: The Women Of The OSS
More than 75 years ago, a diverse set of men and women making up the Office of Strategic Services were united together in their determination to win World War II. Some served as government spies or propagandists and others gathered intelligence for army invasions. Whatever role they played, the OSS staff worked tirelessly for years and rose to the challenge wherever they were needed.
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