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.
Author: Producer
MTC is the producer of Viewpoints and Radio Health Journal - celebrating 30 years of award-winning public affairs radio reaching over 6 million listeners each week.
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.
