Breaking Down the Pesky English Language (2018)
The English language can be hard to spell since it often follows conflicting rules. We trace the origins of this tricky language, and explain how these difficulties came to be.
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American Illiteracy
America is facing a literacy problem: according to surveys, fewer than 50% of American schoolchildren are highly proficient readers. We talk to several experts who suggest that we may simply be teaching the skill incorrectly.
Catholicism and the LGBT Community: One Priest’s Mission to ‘build a bridge’
For centuries, the Catholic Church and the LGBT community have been at odds. Now, the Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest, is trying to usher in a new era and welcome LGBT individuals to the church.
American Detainment: Lessons to Learn From America’s Internment Camp Shame
It’s a topic that has been in the news lately: how our government detains groups of people. We look back at history to see what really happened in World War II Japanese internment camps, and how we can avoid similar shame now and in the future.
Maximizing Your Experience Traveling Internationally
Many of us have spent years dreaming of traveling the globe… but what should we do when we book the trip and are preparing to make the dream a reality? Journalist and author Andrew Solomon gives tips on how to get the most out of your trips, from embracing new cultures to establishing better connections.
How Comedy Became King
Comedy is all around us: all over social media, in advertisements, even on church signs. Former Jeopardy champion Ken Jennings says that while it can be fun, it does come at a cost when jokes are made in arenas where they're inappropriate. We discuss the history and impact of jokes on our culture.
Domestic Violence: How It Happens and How to Stop It (2018)
Domestic abuse is something many women and men will experience in their lives. We talk to two psychologists familiar with the subject about what victims can do to remove themselves from the abuse and how being a witness to or a victim of abuse affects the intimate relationship, children, and the family dynamic.
Creating Better Teams
Teamwork is seen as a premium in our culture. We believe that two is better than one. But entrepreneur and author Shane Snow says that we often don’t use our groups and teams to their fullest potential. He gives us the science behind why, and how we can improve our communities.
The Value of Our Public Libraries
Public libraries have existed for generations and have long been one of our most cherished community services. But with budget cuts has come a pinch on library staff and technology centers. Our guests discuss the value libraries still bring and why we should support these institutions of our citizenry.
Farming in Cities (2018)
Tending to crops is typically something that brings the rolling fields of rural America to mind. We talk to two experts about the growing trend of urban farming, and how cities have implemented programs that not only help feed their communities, but can also teach discipline and offer employment.
Weather: Past and Future
Most of us have been caught in a bad storm or seen some big hail. We talk to a weather expert and historian about some of the notable weather of the past and a look into the climate of the future.
Is Cursive Still Worth Teaching?
With all of our technology many schools are phasing out some handwriting lessons like teaching cursive. We talk to two experts about whether that’s a good idea.
