We know so much about the men of the Civil War, but the courageous women of this time and their contributions are seldom shown in history books. Historian Karen Abbott decided to change that. She tells the story of several women who helped their respective sides during the Civil War. These women were not just nurses and aides, but endearing female soldiers and spies disguised and embedded in the fight.
21-02 Segment 2: The Law Of Treason: Its Modern Use
To call someone a traitor or label an act as treasonous is a big claim. But what exactly does treason mean? What does it entail? We speak with constitutional law expert, Professor Carlton Larson about its limited use in modern courtrooms and the public’s perception of the law versus its actual scope and definition.
21-01 Segment 2: The Fascinating Science Behind Black Holes
Black holes have always intrigued and captured the imagination of millions since they were first theorized and coined by German physicist Karl Schwarzschild in 1916. For decades, scientists have worked to learn more about these mysterious objects in space. However, even today, there’s still much we have yet to learn.
20-52 Segment 2: Game Show History
Before the game shows of today, there were countless series of the past that defied our notion of showmanship. Full of grandiose props, charismatic hosts and the perfect, hand-picked contestants, these series kept viewers hooked till the very end and were (really) too good to be true. We discuss some of the most popular game shows in American history and how the industry has evolved over the last 70 years.
20-51 Segment 2: What Are You Grateful For?
Thank goodness 2020 is just about over. While this year has been full of many challenges, it’s also made more Americans realize what truly matters and the importance of being thankful for even the littlest of things. As we all look ahead to next year and the habits we hope to cultivate, we discuss the benefits of practicing gratitude through writing.
20-50 Segment 2: The Lasting Legacy Of Alex Trebek & Jeopardy!
Alex Trebek hosted Jeopardy! for 37 seasons until his passing last month from pancreatic cancer. The trivia quiz series is unlike any other show on TV – and some would argue that a big part of what made it so entertaining was Trebek’s talent for leading the game. We explore his career legacy and what’s next for Jeopardy!.
20-49 Segment 2: Liar, Liar: How To Get To The Truth
How do professionals question people to get the information they want? We talk to an expert in interrogation and lying on this subject, and how law enforcement and job interviewers use the same tactics to find out if someone may be lying to them.
20-48 Segment 2: I Spy Delicious Pie
Boozy Pecan, Cranberry-Pear, Banana Crème. The many flavors and textures of pie are endless. Just because Thanksgiving and all-things pumpkin have passed, doesn’t mean an end to sugary holiday sweets. Viewpoints speaks with cookbook author Ken Haedrich about the prevalence of pie in American culture and how anyone – at any skill level – can bake a delicious pie in no time.
20-47 Segment 2: Relationships: The Human Experience In 2020
Technology has shaped the way we stay in touch, fall in love and even have kids. Dr. Debora Spar joins Viewpoints this week to share how innovation affects several different aspects of our lives and what the future holds in this space.
20-46 Segment 2: The State of Science
Before the pandemic, roughly 4 in 10 people across the world believed that if science didn’t exist their lives would be no different, according to a global survey conducted by 3M Corporation. We dig into this staggering statistic and how COVID-19 has altered people’s perception of the field.
20-45 Segment 2: Holiday Shopping 2020: Do You Need To Buy It?
Compulsive buying disorder affects around five percent of Americans. With prime shopping season fully underway, the number of ads and limited-time deals can lead to several unneeded purchases. We speak with psychologist, Dr. Michael Vilensky about how retailers get you to keep buying and what to do if you feel like you’re shopping is getting to be a problem.
20-44 Segment 2: Good Morning Zoom
You may be familiar with the classic children’s book, Goodnight Moon, but what about Good Morning Zoom? One mom living in New York City wanted to help her children better understand the pandemic, so wrote a parody based off of one of their favorite bedtime stories. The result? A funny, yet realistic look at parenting and getting through this period.
20-43 Segment 2: Examining The Death-Care Industry
Planning for death is an important part of life. Getting your affairs in order and communicating your final wishes to your loved ones are two vital steps in this process. We speak with John Keith, the owner of Keith Monument, to better understand the field and some of the ways that COVID-19 has changed the way we celebrate life.
20-42 Segment 2: White Collar Crime: The Players & Its Economic Consequences
Each year, white collar crime results in losses that range between 300 and 800 billion dollars. Comparatively, other street-level crimes only total 16 billion dollars. Despite the huge cost, we seldom hear about lasting consequences for corporate offenders. We explore the prevalence of white-collar crime in our country and the systems that allow this corruption to flourish.
20-41 Segment 2: Why Is English So Hard To Learn?
We all know the rule: “I before E, except after C,” but it’s not applicable in “weird” or “science” or many other words. The English language has many exceptions to its rules and these irregularities make it a difficult language to learn. Two language experts join Viewpoints this week to share the many frustrations of English and the rules at play today.
20-40 Segment 2: Inside U.S. College Admissions
How will COVID-19 change the college admissions process? Will more students stay close to home? Will standardized tests be a thing of the past? Journalist, Jeffrey Selingo spent a year embedded in three college admissions offices and joins Viewpoints this week to share his insights and how this pandemic will alter higher education for good.
20-39 Segment 2: Young Learners & Their Development During Covid
The 2020 school year feels a bit different for the millions of students ‘back to school’ in whatever form that may be. We speak with two child development experts, Dr. Irene Koolwijk and Lindsay Jones, about some of the available resources and methods that parents can use to keep their young ones on track.
20-39 Segment 1: Inside The Grocery Industry
Americans spent 700 billion dollars on groceries in 2018. Across the U.S., there are more than 38,000 supermarkets, each stocking thousands and thousands of distinct products. But what is the human cost of this mass consumerism? Well, the burden largely falls on low-paid workers at each level of food production and distribution - and the pandemic has only exacerbated many of these problems.
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.
