Journalist Neal Conan leads a productive exchange of ideas and opinions on the issues that dominate the news landscape. From
politics and public service to education, religion, music and healthcare, Talk of the Nation offers call-in listeners the
opportunity to join enlightening discussions with decision-makers, authors, academicians and artists from around the world.
Recent Stories
Published November 6, 2009 1:00 PM
The U.S. Department of Energy is offering $10 million to the first individual or company to develop an energy-efficient LED
replacement for the standard 60-watt incandescent bulb. DOE lighting program manager James Brodrick discusses the L Prize,
and what makes a better bulb.
Published November 6, 2009 1:00 PM
Faced with declining fish stocks, many nations are looking for sustainable ways to have their fish — and eat it too.
But how much fishing is too much? Oceanographer Sylvia Earle discusses this and other topics in her book The World is
Blue: How Our Fate and the Ocean's Are One.
Published November 6, 2009 1:00 PM
At the 2009 International Genetically Engineered Machine competition, undergraduates from all over the world unveiled the
living machines they'd created with snippets of DNA, from bacteria that change color when they detect pollutants to ones that
secrete non-toxic superglue.
Published November 6, 2009 1:00 PM
Football players take a lot of hits, but when does hard-headed play go too far? New research suggests that head trauma can
do lasting damage. Two brain researchers talk about what happens in the brain when a player gets hit, and how athletes can
better protect themselves.
Published November 6, 2009 1:00 PM
As health care legislation moves through Congress, bioethicist Thomas H. Murray asks if enough attention is being paid to
concepts such as justice, fairness and liberty. Murray and health care economist Len Nichols discuss the role of values in
the health care debate.
Published November 5, 2009 2:35 PM
The GOP claimed victories a number of victories in the 2009 elections. And a Gallup study found American conservatives now
outnumber moderates. Guests examine whether the U.S. is becoming more conservative, or if it's the definition of conservative
that's changing.
Published November 5, 2009 2:27 PM
President Obama became the country's first black president one year ago, and the term "post-racial" became a household phrase.
But the conversation is far from over. What events of the past year triggered conversations about race in your life?
Published November 5, 2009 1:00 PM
October 29th marked the 40th anniversary of the Internet. We'll talk with Scott Fahlman, the computer researcher who invented
the virtual smiley face, about how emoticons and abbreviations have changed electronic communication.
Published November 4, 2009 2:29 PM
Hendrik Hertzberg, author of Obamanos!, assesses the year since President Obama's election. And former Ark. Gov.
Mike Huckabee and NPR political editor Ken Rudin talk about gains Republicans made in the 2009 elections.
Published November 4, 2009 1:00 PM
The September issue of Glamour magazine features a model who is considered plus-sized. Cindi Lieve, the editor-in-chief
of the magazine, and Washington Post fashion editor Robin Givhan examine whether or not the fashion industry is "sizing
up."
Published November 4, 2009 7:00 AM
Bruce Buschel is opening his own restaurant and has compiled a list of dos and don'ts for his wait staff. Buschel shares
the little nuances waiters can adopt that could mean the difference between a great tip and no tip at all.
Published November 3, 2009 2:51 PM
The threat of the H1N1 flu virus has many employers taking precautions to prevent its spread in the workplace. And while it
may be an easy decision to allow one member of staff to stay home with the flu, decision-making gets tougher when half of
the work force falls ill.
Published November 3, 2009 2:44 PM
The movie about Michael Jackson's preparation for a series of concerts in London, This Is It, mixes rehearsal footage
with production elements from the planned shows. Dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen loved the film.
Published November 3, 2009 2:02 PM
Carole King's Tapestry has become one of the biggest selling albums of all time. Now, the singer-songwriter is focused
on environmental activism, and is working to push Congress to pass a bill to help the Northern Rockies.
Published November 3, 2009 1:00 PM
The Department of Justice will no longer prosecute medical marijuana users who comply with state laws. Some reform advocates
hope the move means decriminalization of pot may be in the works. Drug czar Gil Kerlikowske talks about the direction of
U.S. drug policy.