The following audio files come from a larger group of 187 for the week. Double or ctrl-click individual highlighted links, below, to get single podcasts. A zip file of all 34 podcasts converted to 1.5x speed will download here for four months. Older groups of podcasts are discussed at the end of this episode.
Alzheimer’s Association 48 mins – “Scientists from around the world are meeting in Washington, D.C. this week to share research on Alzheimer’s. Five million Americans suffer from this disease, and without preventative strategies or a breakthrough in treatment, experts predict this number will exceed 13 million by 2050. But there is some good news: Researchers say they are developing better tools to determine an individual’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s later in life and are learning more about the kinds of interventions that can slow the progression of the disease. We get an update on the latest Alzheimer’s research.” At the link you can listen but not download; however, a copy is included in the blog archive.
Apprenticeships 52 mins – “A new push for apprenticeship programs is being embraced by politicians from all sides, from Republicans Marco Rubio and Scott Walker to Democrat Hillary Clinton, who recently proposed tax credits for companies who hire apprentices. U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez is also pushing the government’s plan to provide $100 million in apprenticeship grants this fall. We look at the renewed call for apprenticeship programs, and how some say they address a shortage of skilled workers and the financial burden on young people today.” At the link you can listen, but not download; however, a copy is included in the blog archive.
Automation 15 mins – “The big question surrounding automation isn’t just about economics or technology. It’s also about psychology. How do designers make us comfortable with something that can be really scary? At the link find the title, “#642: The Big Red Button,” right-click “Media files 20150729_blog_pmoney.mp3 and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Bitcoin Singularity 61 min – “Wences Casares, bitcoin evangelist and founder and CEO of Xapo, talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about how bitcoin works, the genius of bitcoin’s creator, and how Xapo is structured to create security for bitcoin banking.” At the link right-click Download” and select” Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Car Buying 125 mins (2 parts) – “ Maybe your old Civic beater will last you a couple years after you graduate. Maybe it’ll blow up tomorrow while you’re on your way to class. Either way, I’ve learned that it’s a smart idea to know what to look for – and how to get a good deal – when the time to go car shopping comes around… Knowing that the person with the most information will win any negotiation, I made sure to do an epic amount of research before ever walking into a dealer. Along the way, I came across Everyday Driver – a YouTube channel and podcast hosted by two certified car geeks, Todd Deeken and Paul Schmucker. Todd and Paul focus their YouTube efforts on “fun” cars, but their podcast was the thing that really intrigued me. On it, they take scenarios from listeners and provide car recommendations that fit them. That includes budget, lifestyle, whether or not they have kids, where they live, etc. …we ended up chatting for almost two full hours! For that reason, I’ve decided to make this a two-parter – a veritable master class on how to buy a car. In the second part]…we’ll dive deeper into the process of negotiation, how you should inspect a car, how you should conduct a test drive, and more.” At the link (Part 1, 70 mins)) right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu. Do the same for Part 2 (55 mins) here.
Climate Catastrophe 60 mins – “Scientists and officials are not telling the public the awful truth: we are hurtling toward catastrophic climate change. A review, summary and critique of an earth-breaking speech by Dr. Kevin Anderson, Deputy Director of the Tyndall Centre in Britain. Speaking to the Cabot Institute in Bristol November 6th, Anderson told the sold-out crowd our future is not possible… Why are world conferences still talking about staying below 2 degrees, as though that is possible? In a devastating speech at Bristol University Tuesday November 6th, 2012, Dr. Kevin Anderson accused too many climate scientists of keeping quiet about the unrealistic assessments put out by governments, and our awful odds of reaching global warming far above the proposed 2 degree safe point.” At the link right-click “Lo Fi” in the “Download or listen…” section, then right-click “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu. The link also gives a link to Anderson’s Cabot Institute talk which can be heard, but not downloaded. The Cabot Institute also has hundreds or similar events as sampled at this link.
CRISPR 31 mins – “Hidden inside some of the world’s smallest organisms is one of the most powerful tools scientists have ever stumbled across. It’s a defense system that has existed in bacteria for millions of years and it may some day let us change the course of human evolution. Out drinking with a few biologists, Jad finds out about something called CRISPR. No, it’s not a robot or the latest dating app, it’s a method for genetic manipulation that is rewriting the way we change DNA. Scientists say they’ll someday be able to use CRISPR to fight cancer and maybe even bring animals back from the dead. Or, pretty much do whatever you want. Jad and Robert delve into how CRISPR does what it does, and consider whether we should be worried about a future full of flying pigs, or the simple fact that scientists have now used CRISPR to tweak the genes of human embryos.” At the link right-click “Stream m3u,” and select “Save Link As” to download the file.
Dolphins 11 mins – “Diana Reiss, a cognitive psychologist and a marine mammal scientist, is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Hunter College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York. Dr. Reiss’s research focuses on dolphin cognition, communication, comparative animal cognition, and the evolution of intelligence. Much of her work has investigated vocal communication and vocal learning in dolphins using observational and experimental approaches. She pioneered the use of underwater keyboards with dolphins to investigate their cognitive and communicative abilities. Dr. Reiss and her colleagues also demonstrated that bottlenose dolphins and an Asian elephants possess the rare ability for mirror self-recognition previously thought to be restricted to humans and great apes. Her advocacy work in conservation and animal welfare includes the protection of dolphins in the tuna-fishing industry and her current efforts to bring an end to the killing of dolphins in the drive hunts in Japan. Dr. Reiss’s work has been featured in hundreds of articles in international and national journals, science magazines, television segments and features, and newspaper articles. Her book, The Dolphin in the Mirror: exploring dolphin minds and saving dolphin lives was published in 2011.” At the link right-click “the down-pointing arrow and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Domestic Threats 48 mins – “Investigators are trying to pull together details about the 24-year-old man who opened fire at two military facilities last Thursday. A Navy petty officer and four Marines were killed in that attack. In the aftermath of 9/11, the U.S. has transformed its defense operations and upended traditional notions of privacy in an effort to better detect and block foreign operatives intent on doing us harm. There have been some successes, but statistics suggest that more persistent threats come from individuals acting alone. We look at the kinds of domestic threats we face today and what can be done to reduce the risks.” At the link you can listen but not download; however, a copy is included in the blog archive.
E.L. Doctorow 48 mins – “Writer E.L. Doctorow died this week at the age of 84. We rebroadcast Diane’s 2009 conversation with the best-selling author on his book, “Homer and Langley,” inspired by the true story of New York City’s most famous pack rats, the Collyer Brothers.” At the link you can listen but not download; however, a copy is included in the blog archive.
Education Goals 71 mins – “How important are basic skills for economic success and growth? Eric Hanushek of Stanford University’s Hoover Institution talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the importance of basic education in math and literacy and their relationship to economic growth. Hanushek argues that excellence in educating people in basic skills leads to economic growth, especially in poorer countries where years of education may be a poor proxy for learning. He argues that the U.N.’s Millennium Development Goals should emphasize outputs rather than inputs–performance on skill-based exams rather than years of education.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Elder Abuse 15 mins – “Elder abuse is often the result of the organisation of health systems rather than the fault of individuals, argue Jolanda Lindenberg and Rudi Westendorp, two authors of a recent analysis paper. They call for system abuse to be acknowledged and addressed by incorporating older people’s views when designing health services. Read the full analysis: www.bmj.com/content/350/bmj.h2697” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save LinkAs” from the pop-up menu
Fire Control 96 mins (2parts) – “Ideas about fire, domesticated and wild, past and present, bringer of life and death and life again. This “fire opera” by Max Allen features fire historian Stephen Pyne with a chorus of fire enthusiasts and fire fighters.” At the link find the title, “Visions of Fire, Part 1 (Encore Nov 24, 2008),” right-click “Media files ideas_20150727_10015.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu. Do the same here for Part 2.
Gender Identification 43 mins – “Producers’ Note: A correction has been made to this audio to reflect the wishes of the subject of this story, Paige Abendroth. NPR’s Invisibilia’s originally included Paige’s birth name in this piece due to a miscommunication between Invisibilia’s reporter, Alix Spiegel and Paige. We have not been in contact with Paige directly, but NPR has issued the following statement from Anne Gudenkauf, senior supervising editor of NPR’s science desk: “We would never have violated Paige’s wishes in this story; it’s an unfortunate misunderstanding. Invisibilia’s upcoming episode on Paige will be edited to remove references to the name she no longer recognizes. Also the upcoming episode, which focuses on how categories affect us all, will explore in more depth the changes in Paige’s life over the two years that she and Alix have spoken and will do that, as always, with attention to bi-gender and transgender reporting guidelines. Former Radiolab producer Lulu Miller and NPR reporter Alix Spiegel come to the studio to give us a sneak peak of their new show, Invisibilia.” At the link under “Radiolab Presents: Invisibilia,” right-click Stream m3u” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Heroin Addiction 52 mins – “Heroin addiction has been rising sharply in this country with deadly consequences. In 2013, more than half a million Americans were taking the drug, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The number of deaths from overdoses has nearly quadrupled since 2002. It’s a tragedy.” unfolding in poor and affluent communities alike. Many say the heroin addiction surge we’re seeing today is related to laws enacted to reduce the abuse of prescription painkillers. We look at why heroin has become a drug of choice for so many, and what families and communities can do to fight back.” At the link you can listen, but not download; however, a copy is included in the blog archive.
Human Rights 30 mins – A discussion with a historic Hispanic human rights advocate, t Magdaleno (Leno) Rose-Avila with moderator Irene Rodriguez about efforts over the last few decades. At the link find the title “Journey of Hope: A Decades-Long Struggle for Human Rights,” right-click “Downloaad” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Ice Cream History 45 mins – “It’s one of the most complex food products you’ll ever consume: a thermodynamic miracle that contains all three states of matter—solid, liquid, and gas—at the same time. And yet no birthday party, beach trip, or Fourth of July celebration is complete without a scoop or two. That’s right—in this episode of Gastropod, we serve up a big bowl of delicious ice cream, topped with the hot fudge sauce of history and a sprinkling of science. Grab your spoons and join us as we bust ice-cream origin myths, dig into the science behind brain freeze, and track down a chunk of pricey whale poo in order to recreate the earliest published ice cream recipe.” At the link right-click the down-pointing arrow at the right end of the sound bar and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Immigration in Europe 26 mins – “Gabriel Gatehouse follows the journeys of two African migrants, from their dramatic rescue in the Mediterranean, to their attempts to find a new home in Europe.” At the link find the title, “A Mediterranean Rescue,” right-click “Media files p02yb2f9.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Iran Deal 39 mins – “Recorded on July 16, 2015 – Hoover fellows Charles Hill and James Mattis discuss the Iran deal and the state of the world on Uncommon Knowledge with Hoover fellow Peter Robinson. In their view the United States has handed over its leading role to Iran and provided a dowry along with it. Iran will become the leading power in the region as the United States pulls back; as the sanctions are lifted Iran will start making a lot of money. No matter what Congress does at this point, the sanctions are gone. Furthermore, the president will veto anything Congress comes up with to move the deal forward. This de facto treaty circumvents the Constitution. If we want better deals and a stronger presence in the international community, then the United States needs to compromise, and listen to one another other, and encourage other points of view, especially from the three branches of government. If the United States pulls back from the international community, we will need to relearn the lessons we learned after World War I. But if we engage more with the world and use solid strategies to protect and encourage democracy and freedom at home and abroad, then our military interventions will be fewer. The United States and the world will be in a better position to handle problems such as ISIS.” At the link find the title,”Charles Hill and General James Mattis on the Iran Deal, Democracy, and Freedom,” right-click “Media files 20150728.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Marijuana Medicine 29 mins – “On the show this week we talk to David Casarett, M.D. about his latest book Stoned: A Doctor’s Case for Medical Marijuana.” At the link find the title “96 David Casarett – A Doctor’s Case for Medical Marijuana,” right-click “Media files 217142546-inquiringminds-96-david-casarett-a-doctors-case-for-medical-marijuana.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Mayo Clinic Engineer 29 mins – “In a rebroadcast from Feb. 27, 2011, Keith & Russ talk with Kevin Bennet of the Mayo Clinic. Bennet had engineering on the brain from the start: as a young boy, he built x-ray machine to sneak a peak at his Christmas gifts. He is now using his engineering talents to develop equipment and machines to improve patient care through non-invasive microsurgery…with a special focus on deep brain stimulation.” At the link right-click the play button beside “Listen” and select Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Microbiology Virtuoso 61 mins – “This episode was recorded at the 34th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Virology, where hosts Vincent Racaniello, Rich Condit, and Kathy Spindler spoke with Joan Steitz, a tireless promoter of women in science and one of the greatest scientists of our generation.” (Her career spans cellular research from the discovery of the DNA double helix to current work on phages including contact with key researchers in the field.) At the link right-click “Download TWiV 346” and select “Save Link As” fro the pop-up menu.
Panama Canal Expansion P2 15 mins – “The Port of Houston is the principal U.S. port on the Gulf of Mexico, handling petrochemical, coal, and grain exports, and inbound consumer products. Many of the 4,000 or so ships that traverse the Houston ship channel annually transit the Panama Canal on their journeys. The expanded Canal, set to open in the winter of 2016, will support Neo-Panamax ships with as much as three times the capacity of current Panamax ships, as well as very large LNG carriers. Is the Port of Houston ready for these new ships? What public and private investments have been made and are planned to assure that Houston, and the U.S., are competitive in international trade? Roger Guenther, Executive Director of the Port of Houston Authority talks about Houston’s progress and plans with host Joseph Schofer.” At the link find the title, “What Panama Canal Expansion Means to the U.S. – Part II,” right-click “Media files Port-Of-Houston-Authority.mp3”
Pluto 48 mins – “Little Pluto is the superstar this week. The dwarf planet on the edge of the solar system. Three billion miles away. And suddenly revealed in astonishing detail by our tiny human probe. It’s got mountains higher than the Rockies. It’s got ice aplenty and internal heat. It’s got a remarkably smooth complexion for a body battered by eons of space stuff. And suddenly it’s right in our laps, with many more images to come. We’ve dreamed and speculated and debated on Pluto for years. Now it’s right in front of us. This hour On Point: all about the spectacular Pluto.” At the link right-click “Download this story” and select Save Link As’ from the pop-up menu.
Printed Circuits 80 mins – An interview with Ariel Briner of Cartesian Co which developed a desktop electronics printer, the Argentum, that prints circuits that can be soldered using old printer cartridges filled with silver nitrate and citric acid. A video of the process with some results from an Australian consumer electronic show is available at the link where the interview can be downloaded. This startup began in Australia, but moved to New York City, which is now considered a center of this type of new business. Reference is made to competitive process benefits and shortcomings. At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save link As” from the pop-up menu.
Ralph Nader 50 mins – “Ralph Nader discusses his book [Return to Sender], a collection of letters he has written to Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama critiquing U.S. government policy. He is interviewed by Andy Shallal, founder of Busboys and Poets.” At the link find the title, “After Words with Ralph Nader,” right-click “Media files program.404311.MP3-STD.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Reddit 25 mins – “Reddit is sometimes called “the frontpage of the Internet.” 170 million people a month help upload, curate, and make viral the cat photos, prank videos, and topical discussions that help fuel our neverending thirst for content. But recent moves by Reddit management to tighten up their content policy have threatened what is seen as the fundamentally “free speech” culture at Reddit. David Weinberger and Adrienne Debigare recently wrote about Reddit’s crossroads for the Harvard Business Review. They joined us this week to talk about the culture of Reddit, free speech, and just who gets to make these decisions anyway?” At the link right-click “download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Responsible Businesses 26 mins – “ First we look at a small textile entrepreneur who’s cultivating responsible sourcing for the clothes we wear. Next, we talk to a sustainability consultant. The post The Shirt Off Your Back: Lydia Wendt and Michael Townsend appeared first on Sea Change Radio.” At the link find the title, “The Shirt Off Your Back: Lydia Wendt and Michael Townsend,” right-click “Media files SC-2015-07-28.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Salt and Health 24 mins – “Here’s an extended version of Shelley Schlender’s interview with Dariush Mozaffarian on Salt. Note that in the interview, Shelley asks Dr. Mozaffarian to comment on some of the assertions made in the popular press, Scientific American story, It’s Time to End the War on Salt.” The interview mentions a citation in the popular press article about the Cochrane Collaboration’s view on salt. After the interview, Mozaffarian’s pointed out this more recent assessment from the Cochrane Collaboration:The most recent on salt and blood pressure is below: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(3):CD004937. Effect of longer-term modest salt reduction on blood pressure.He FJ, MacGregor GA.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Science and the Supernatural 26 mins – “Most of us are familiar with the achievements of Galileo and Newton, but who were their peers? And what was it like to practice science in the 16th and 17th centuries? Come geek out with us as we travel back in time and explore what the world was like when science and the supernatural were not so far apart. We talk to two historians of science, Deborah Harkness and James Voelkel. Harkness is the author of The Jewel House: Elizabethan London and the Scientific Revolution as well as the All Soul’s Trilogy, a popular fantasy series filled with witches, vampires, demons, scientists, and historians. Voelkel is the curator of rare books at CHF and an expert on Johannes Kepler, a 17th-century astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll 60 mins – “This week we’re looking at the science – and surprising sophistication – of the instincts we serve in the pursuit of pleasure. We’re joined by science writer and journalist Zoe Cormier to talk about her book “Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll: The Science of Hedonism and the Hedonism of Science.” And we’ll indulge our passion for nerdy gift giving with Simon Saval, co-founder of GeekWrapped.” At the link right-click the down-pointing arrow at the right end of the sound bar.
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ARCHIVE
An alphabetic library of 7000 of these hyperlinked descriptions is here and updated quarterly. A file of the podcasts is here , updated weekly, and can be downloaded as a 40+ GB zipped file, or individually (right-click “Podcast Encyclopedia” there to download the zip). Over 240 feeds used to prepare this blog are harvested with a podcast aggregator. The feeds are available in this opml file which most aggregators can import. A list of the feeds is here.
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Media Mining Digest 