The best 50 podcasts from a larger group of 188 for the week are shown below. Double or ctrl-click individual highlighted titles to get single podcasts and explore the source, although it’s easier to get all of them as a zip file here for the next four months. A collection of over 7500 similar podcasts grouped by topic can be downloaded in here, but those files total over 45GB so small groups of files transfer quickly, but the entire collection takes awhile. The first entry of that collection is a text file listing all the titles for quick searches and researching. All these abstracts have also been assembled alphabetically in two large free volumes at this link and are updated quarterly. Even more diversity is possible using a podcast aggregator loaded with this opml file of 256 sources so even the discarded podcasts can be downloaded and you can make your own selected list.
Abortion Story 14 mins – “Facing an incredibly important decision, April Salazar is infuriated by way scientific information about reproduction is distorted. April Salazar is a writer and storyteller. She’s written for The New York Times and has shared stories on The Moth podcast and NPR’s Latino USA. In her spare time she works in technology at an educational non-profit.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Adam Smith 40 mins – “Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Adam Smith’s celebrated economic treatise The Wealth of Nations. Smith was one of Scotland’s greatest thinkers, a moral philosopher and pioneer of economic theory whose 1776 masterpiece has come to define classical economics. Based on his careful consideration of the transformation wrought on the British economy by the Industrial Revolution, and how it contrasted with marketplaces elsewhere in the world, the book outlined a theory of wealth and how it is accumulated that has arguably had more influence on economic theory than any other. With: Richard Whatmore Professor of Modern History and Director of the Institute of Intellectual History at the University of St Andrews Donald Winch Emeritus Professor of Intellectual History at the University of Sussex Helen Paul Lecturer in Economics and Economic History at the University of Southampton Producer: Thomas Morris.At the link find the title, ”The Wealth of Nations, Feb 2015,” right-click “Media files p02q5981.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Al-Ghazali 38 mins -”Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the life and work of Al-Ghazali, a major philosopher and theologian of the late 11th century. Born in Persia, he was one of the most prominent intellectuals of his age, working in such centres of learning as Baghdad, Damascus and Jerusalem. He is now seen as a key figure in the development of Islamic thought, not just refining the theology of Islam but also building on the existing philosophical tradition inherited from the ancient Greeks. With: Peter Adamson Professor of Late Ancient and Arabic Philosophy at the LMU in Munich Carole Hillenbrand Professor of Islamic History at Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities Robert Gleave Professor of Arabic Studies at the University of Exeter Producer: Victoria Brignell.” At the link find the title, “Al-Ghazali Mar 2015,” right-click “Media files p02q5976.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Alain de Botton 16 mins – “Alain de Botton (@alaindebotton) is many things, but I think of him as a rare breed of practical philosopher. In 1997, he turned away from writing novels and instead wrote an extended essay titled How Proust Can Change Your Life, which became an unlikely blockbuster. His subsequent books have been described as a ‘philosophy of everyday life’ and subjects include love, travel, architecture, religion and work. His other bestsellers include Essays In Love, Status Anxiety, and The Architecture Of Happiness. More recent works include The News: A User’s Manual, which looks at the impact our obsession with checking news has on our minds, and Art as Therapy, co-written with the art historian John Armstrong. In 2008, de Botton helped start The School of Life in London, a social enterprise determined to make learning and therapy relevant in today’s uptight culture. His goal is (through any of his mediums) to help clients learn “how to live wisely and well.” At the link find the title, “How Philosophy Can Change Your Life, Alain de Botton,” right-click “Media files Tim Ferriss Show, Alain de Botton.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the poop-up menu.
Amazon Rain Forest 47 mins – “Over the last week, NPR’s Lourdes Garcia-Navarro has told a remarkable, unnerving story about what’s going on with Brazil’s Amazon rain forest. It’s called “the lungs of the world,” and in a series of reports from deep in the forest, the NPR correspondent show those lungs literally on fire. Under siege. A critical natural marvel being burnt and logged and plowed under. Brazil says it’s protecting the rain forest. This week of vivid reporting suggests otherwise, and raises huge questions about the consequences. This hour On Point, Lourdes Garcia-Navarro, and the fate of the Amazon rain forest.” At the link right-click “Download this episode” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Audubon Biography 19 mins – A discussion about James Audubon’s life and work. “I relied most upon the charming and smart, On the Road with John James Audubon by Mary Durant, and Carolyn DeLatte’s lovely, thoughtful book, Lucy Audubon: a Biography.”. At the link find the title, Episode 79 (Artist in Landscape), right-click “Media files Artist_in_Landscape_11_12.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Aung San Suu Kyi 27 mins – “Known by many simply as ‘The Lady’, Aung San Suu Kyi has become one of the world’s most famous politicians. And yet she has never exercised any power in her country Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. Under the current constitution, she is forbidden from becoming president. But will she find a way of ruling the country if, as is expected, her party The National League for Democracy has won this weekend’s elections?” At the link find the title, “A Profile of Aung San Suu Kyi,” right-click “Media files p037lz62.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Bee Killers 3 mins – “Scientists find new suspect in the mysterious collapse of bee colonies. At the link find the title, “Episode 574 – November 12 2015,” right-click “Media files ScienceElements_Nov12_2015.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Bodies and Death 60 mins “This week we’re exploring the science that informs our understanding of death and dying. We’ll talk to Simon Davis about Post Mortem, his VICE column that explores death and other morbid topics. And analytical chemist Raychelle Burks returns to share strategies and techniques employed by forensic scientists.” At the link find the title, “#343 Conversations About Death,” right-click “Media files Science for the People 343, Conversations About Death.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Broadband Maine Model 22 mins – “An interesting confluence in events in Maine have resulted in what some are calling the “Maine model” of fiber optic networks that are available to multiple Internet Service Providers to encourage competition and high quality services. The CEO of GWI, Fletcher Kittredge, joins us this week to explain this model and where it is currently being implemented. GWI is a local firm, rooted in Maine and focused on delivering high quality services with great customer support. It is working with Rockport (which we wrote about here and podcasted on here) and Islesboro (podcast here) as well as others. Fletcher starts by telling us more about Maine’s Three Ring Binder network and then goes on describe the dark fiber model, benefits of that approach, and how he thinks about public vs private ownership of the open access physical assets.” At the link right-click “…download this MP3 file…” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Carbon Offsets 18 mins – “Each time you travel, you burn fossil fuels. That hurts the environment. Some people say you can plant a bunch of trees to offset the damage. Is that for real? We investigate carbon offsets.” At the link find the title, “#663: Money Trees,” right-click “Media files 20151113_pmoney pmpod.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Complexity 37 mins – “Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss complexity and how it can help us understand the world around us. When living beings come together and act in a group, they do so in complicated and unpredictable ways: societies often behave very differently from the individuals within them. Complexity was a phenomenon little understood a generation ago, but research into complex systems now has important applications in many different fields, from biology to political science. Today it is being used to explain how birds flock, to predict traffic flow in cities and to study the spread of diseases. With: Ian Stewart Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at the University of Warwick Jeff Johnson Professor of Complexity Science and Design at the Open University Professor Eve Mitleton-Kelly Director of the Complexity Research Group at the London School of Economics. Producer: Thomas Morris.” At the link find the title, “Complexity, Dc 2013” right-click “Media files p02q59r2.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Cuba 67 mins – “…after a dramatic and sudden series of events, respective embassies in Havana and Washington have officially re-opened and formal diplomatic ties have been restored for the first time since 1961, following historic announcements by presidents Obama and Castro last year. However, while some changes have been swift, others have not: the U.S. embargo on Cuba remains firmly in place, and American travelers still cannot travel freely to Cuba. What is next for U.S.-Cuba relations? How do Cubans view these historic times? What is the Cuban perspective toward thorny issues such as the U.S. embargo and travel restrictions? What are the biggest challenges facing Cuba today? This is a rare and unique opportunity to hear a Cuban perspective during a momentous time of transition between our two countries.” At the link right-click “Play Now” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Cyberphobia 55 mins – “In his new book Cyberphobia, Edward Lucas reveals the ways in which cyberspace is not the secure zone we may hope, how passwords provide no significant obstacle to anyone intent on getting past them, and how anonymity is easily accessible to anyone – malign or benign – willing to take a little time covering their tracks.” At the link click “Download options,” right-click “Audio” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Dark Matter 40 mins – “Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss dark matter, the mysterious and invisible substance which is believed to make up most of the Universe. In 1932 the Dutch astronomer Jan Oort noticed that the speed at which galaxies moved was at odds with the amount of material they appeared to contain. He hypothesized that much of this ‘missing’ matter was simply invisible to telescopes. Today astronomers and particle physicists are still fascinated by the search for dark matter and the question of what it is. With Carolin Crawford Public Astronomer at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge and Gresham Professor of Astronomy Carlos Frenk Ogden Professor of Fundamental Physics and Director of the Institute for Computational Cosmology at the University of Durham Anne Green Reader in Physics at the University of Nottingham Producer: Simon Tillotson.” At the link find the title, “Dark Matter Mar 2015,” right-click “Media files p02q597f.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Disability History in America 57 mins – “The impact of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act is visible in parking lots, bathrooms, and public buildings across the country. But for centuries before the ramps and signs were erected, disabled people had to find their own ways to navigate American society. This week on BackStory, we’re exploring the history of disability in America, from the “ugly laws” that barred the disabled from public spaces to the grassroots activism that set the stage for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Guys will consider how the inventor of the telephone tried to stamp out American sign language, and how enslaved people found ways to exploit white fears of physical disability. How have people with disabilities shaped 21st century America? And how have American attitudes towards disability changed?” At the link right-click the down-pointing arrow at the right side of the sound bar and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Drinking Fountains 35 mins – “On April 21st, 1859, an incredible thing happened in London and thousands of people came out to celebrate it. Women wore their finest clothing. Men were in suits and top hats, and children clamored to get a glimpse…of the very first public drinking fountain. The fountain was used by thousands of people a day. And to understand its mass appeal, you have to understand that city life in London was a nightmare for the poorer classes in the 19th century, and a big part of that nightmare was the drinking water. Most people did not have access to water in their homes. Instead, many got their water from the nasty cesspool known as The River Thames. The Thames was essentially a common sewer — full of feces and chemicals.
Educating the Underserved 67 mins – “When Jacob Lief cofounded Ubuntu Education Fund in 1999, it started small, trying to address a single aspect of the educational crisis in South Africa. He quickly realized that even when students had books, pencils and notebooks, many continued to struggle in the classroom, distracted by hunger, issues at home and HIV/AIDS. As Ubuntu grew, he discovered that a traditional development model does not have the capacity to address the complex challenges that the community faces. Redefining the theory of “going to scale,” Ubuntu targets comprehensive household stability, health and educational services to a community of 400,000 people, focusing on the depth rather than the breadth of their impact. Daniel Lurie’s Tipping Point Community has raised more than $100 million and reached more than 600,000 people in need in the Bay Area. Join Lief and Lurie for a conversation that challenges status-quo ideas about philanthropy and education and offers a unique approach to helping vulnerable populations throughout the world.” At the link right-click “Play Now” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Epilepsy 47 mins – “Brien J. Smith: Duties as medical director of Spectrim Health Medical Group Grand Rapids, Michigan …Joyce welcomes Brien J. Smith, the immediate past chair of the national Epilepsy Foundation to the show. Dr. Smith will discuss his accomplishments while chair of this organization.” At the link right-click “Download MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Federal Reserve Origin 16 mins – “A 70-year-old man with a bad cold and many mistresses, a nation that’s ambivalent about a central bank, and a secret meeting on an island. Today on the show: The origin story of the Federal Reserve.” At the link find the title, “#505: A Locked Door, A Secret Meeting And The Birth Of The Fed,” right-click “Media files 20151111_pmoney pmpod.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Female and Male Patients 15 mins – “You might not know this: Many of the medicines we take — common drugs like Ambien and everyday aspirin — were only ever tested on men. And the unknown side effects for women can be dangerous, even deadly. Alyson McGregor studies the differences between male and female patients; in this fascinating talk she explains how the male model became our framework for medical research … and what women and men need to ask their doctors to get the right care for their bodies.” At the link click “Download,” then right-click “Download audio” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Flying Jobs 70 mins – “What is the best type of turbine time on your path to the majors? Welcome To Episode 98. We will answer this and many more questions in another episode where we answer your questions. Joining me today is Paul Grieco, airline pilot, nurse, and scholarships analyst.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-upmenu.
Fogo Island Wiki 48 mins – “Artist and academic Pam Hall recently collaborated with Fogo Island residents to produce “An Encyclopedia of Local Knowledge”. She shares the results of her research with Paul Kennedy.” At the link find the title, “How to Know in Fogo,” right-click “Media files ideas_20151110_40475.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Fracking in Canada 60 mins – “Who is trying to kill solar power in America? As energy activist Nancy LaPlaca reveals, state-by-state fossil fuels companies are trying to stop competition from safe renewable power. Then we look at developing court evidence in Canada – that fracking for gas and oil IS polluting drinking water. Veteran Canadian investigative journalist Andrew Nikiforuk fills in this key part of the shadows of fracking. We’ll wind up with part of my on-going conversation with permaculture guru Albert Bates: why is the worst news more popular than the best solutions?” At the link right-click “Lo-Fi” beside “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Future Book 22 mins – “ Writing and publishing were once all authors or editors ever concerned themselves about. In 2015, the new worry is over reading – with all the books now written and published, are readers an endangered species? In the UK, “Super Thursday” is the day in October when publishers announce books expected to head up holiday wish lists; in 2015, according to The Guardian, there are a record 404 such titles. “What does a reader make of that many titles dumped into a bookstore on a single day? How can anyone comprehend all this content?” wonders journalist and conference organizer Porter Anderson, who urges his book industry colleagues – authors, publishers and technologists – to face up to this “Wall of Content” in order to find a way over it, or around it, together. The digital curator of TheFutureBook.Net is now also Programme Director for Author Day, a new single-day session coming to London on November 30, ahead of the fifth annual FutureBook conference convening on December 4. “Throughout Author Day, delegates will be asked to send via an email address and/or Twitter handle, as well as even on paper their brainstorms, proposals, dumb thoughts, bright ideas, observations, criticisms, hallelujahs and concerns,” Anderson tells CCC’s Chris Kenneally. “My colleagues at The Bookseller will be listening, as I will, for the trends, throughlines and contours of this big debate. And from that, we will work towards a statement to be delivered at FutureBook, Europe’s largest publishing industry conference.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Gene Editing 47 mins – “The science of gene editing is moving fast now. Genetic engineers armed with new tools are reaching into the basic code of life, probing ever more ambitiously for ways to end disease, make crops immune to blight. My guest today is in the vanguard that increasingly sees genetics as nature’s software. And humans as rapidly gaining capacity to rewrite the code. Reprogram organisms, including ourselves. This is thrilling and frightening, and is going to require a lot of public attention and debate. This hour On Point, evolutionary engineer Kevin Esvelt, on the future of our species and many others.” At the link right-click “Download this episode” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Haitian Revolution 41 mins – “Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Haitian Revolution. In 1791 an uprising began in the French colonial territory of St Domingue. Partly a consequence of the French Revolution and partly a backlash against the brutality of slave owners, it turned into a complex struggle involving not just the residents of the island but French, English and Spanish forces. By 1804 the former slaves had won, establishing the first independent state in Latin America and the first nation to be created as a result of a successful slave rebellion. But the revolution also created one of the world’s most impoverished societies, a legacy which Haiti has struggled to escape. Contributors Kate Hodgson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in French at the University of Liverpool Tim Lockley, Reader in American Studies at the University of Warwick Karen Salt, Fellow in History in the School of Language and Literature at the University of Aberdeen Producer: Luke Mulhall.” At the link find the title, The Haitian Revolution Oct 2014,” right-click “Media files p02q59cc.mp3” and selct “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Hamilton and Burr 65 mins – “In the summer of 1804, two of America’s most eminent statesmen squared off, pistols raised, on a bluff along the Hudson River. That two such men would risk not only their lives but the stability of the young country they helped forge is almost beyond comprehension. Yet we know that it happened. The question is why? This week we talk with John Sedgwick, author of War of Two: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and the Duel that Stunned the Nation, about the long-standing conflict between Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and Vice President Aaron Burr, which eventually ended in Hamilton’s death. We also discuss the impact of Hamilton’s death on the country, why people even dueled in the first place, and how similar our political divides were even back then” At the link find the title, “Episode 216 – John Sedgwick – The Duel that Stunned the Nation,” right-click “Media files Episode 216, John Sedgwick.mp3 “ and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Horses and People 24 mins – “In today’s show we offer the following feature: The Horse (starts at 6:25) Next to our connection with dogs and cats, perhaps the deepest bond humans have developed over time is with horses. In fact, hands down, the horse has done more for us than either of those furry pets. That is, horses lie at the very foundation of our human civilization. Modern humans evolved with the horse. A new book explores the deep history of this deep bond, and the far deeper history of the horse itself and its evolutionary biology over millennia. Ever wonder why horses have such big teeth—unlike other hoofed mammals? The book, which spans the globe as well as the horse’s anatomy, is called The Horse: The Epic History of Our Noble Companion. Its author, journalist Wendy Williams joins host Susan Moran to talk about these beautiful creatures. Williams will speak on Nov. 16 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Indonesian Forest Fires 10 mins – “Brendan May argues that Indonesia’s forest fires are a global catastrophe. More than 8,000 square miles of forests and peat lands have been burnt. Already endangered habitat and wildlife is reduced. Half a million people are suffering respiratory complaints. Nineteen people have died. Schools are closed, and flights grounded. The greenhouse gas emissions are staggering, rivaling the annual emissions of many industrialized countries. Brendan May describes how this yearly event can be stopped.” At the link right-click “Download audio” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Keystone Pipeline Veto 46 mins – “After seven years of review, Barack Obama said no to the Keystone pipeline on Friday. What’s been called “the dirtiest oil in the world” will not flow anytime soon via Keystone XL from the tar sands of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It was an epic fight, groaning with politics and symbolism, and playing out while the world of oil and energy and climate change has changed, for better and for worse. This hour On Point, we talk with Bill McKibben, who led the fight against Keystone. With a South Dakota U.S. Senator who says it’s not over. We go to Canada and more, on climate and the Keystone pipeline” At the link right-click “Download this episode” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Medical Precautions 65 mins – “Should women get routine mammograms? Should men get regular PSA exams? Robert Aronowitz of the University of Pennsylvania and the author of Risky Medicine talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the increasing focus on risk reduction rather than health itself as a goal. Aronowitz discusses the social and political forces that push us toward more preventive testing even when those tests have not been shown to be effective. Aronowitz’s perspective is a provocative look at the opportunity cost of risk-reduction.” At the link find the title, “Robert Aronowitz on Risky Medicine,” right-click “Media files Aronowitzmedicine.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Microscope Development 36 mins – “Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the development of the microscope, an instrument which has revolutionised our knowledge of the world and the organisms that inhabit it. In the seventeenth century the pioneering work of two scientists, the Dutchman Antonie van Leeuwenhoek and Robert Hooke in England, revealed the teeming microscopic world that exists at scales beyond the capabilities of the naked eye. The microscope became an essential component of scientific enquiry by the nineteenth century, but in the 1930s a German physicist, Ernst Ruska, discovered that by using a beam of electrons he could view structures much tinier than was possible using visible light. Today light and electron microscopy are among the most powerful tools at the disposal of modern science, and new techniques are still being developed. With: Jim Bennett Visiting Keeper at the Science Museum in London Sir Colin Humphreys Professor of Materials Science and Director of Research at the University of Cambridge Michelle Peckham Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Leeds Producer: Thomas Morris.
Minecraft 24 mins – “Why are children hooked on the game Minecraft? Even when they are not playing the game themselves, millions of children enjoy watching other people playing in YouTube videos. Parents worry that their children find the Minecraft universe so rewarding that they are losing interest in the real world, in face-to-face contact, or in non-screen-based play. Rather than having a moral panic about it, should we be harnessing children’s enthusiasm and taking Minecraft into schools, as some educationalists propose?” At the link find the title, “Minecraft: More Than a Game,” right-click “Media files p037q0v9.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Norway- Russia Cooperation 25 mins – “In Norway, the sacking of a newspaper editor, allegedly after pressure from Russia, has caused a political storm over media freedom, and raised questions over what price the country should pay for good relations with its powerful eastern neighbour. Thomas Nilsen is a veteran environmental activist who edited a paper in the far north of Norway, in a region which has enjoyed a unique cross-border relationship with Russia. Now that’s threatened by rising tension between Russia and NATO. And relations have been further strained by the flow of refugees, now coming through Russia into the far north of Norway. Tim Whewell reports on what it means for the Norwegian outpost of Kirkenes, where Norwegians and Russians work closely together in the oil and fishing business and where cooperation and friendship go back decades. Produced by John Murphy,” At the link find the title, “Norway-Russia: an Arctic friendship under threat,” right-click “Media files p037sjh6.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Nursing Career 28 mins – “World War II flight nurses, nurses leading in palliative care, cutting sugar and better health for kids, plus we’ll have a special look a the nursing professionals who specialize in wound, ostomy, and continence care. If that’s what you’re looking for, you found it. It’s the Nursing Show.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Patient Abuse 22mins – “Reporter Jack Rodolico spent a year uncovering allegations of patient abuse and fraudulent billing practices at Lakeview NeuroRehabilitation Center – like charging Medicaid for changing channels on a TV. Along the way, he encountered a crusading mother who made secret recordings of state regulators in a desperate attempt to get someone to help her daughter.” At the link find the title, “Media files Exposing-the-horrors-on-The-Mountain.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Photosynthesis 40 mins – “Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss photosynthesis, the process by which green plants and many other organisms use sunlight to synthesise organic molecules. Photosynthesis arose very early in evolutionary history and has been a crucial driver of life on Earth. In addition to providing most of the food consumed by organisms on the planet, it is also responsible for maintaining atmospheric oxygen levels, and is thus almost certainly the most important chemical process ever discovered. With: Nick Lane Reader in Evolutionary Biochemistry at University College London Sandra Knapp Botanist at the Natural History Museum John Allen Professor of Biochemistry at Queen Mary, University of London. Producer: Thomas Morris.” At the link find the title, “Photosynthesis, May 2014,” right-click “Media files p02q59jd.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Power Grid Attack 70 mins – “Ted Koppel, Former Anchor, ABC News; Author, Lights Out: A Cyberattack, A Nation Unprepared, Surviving the Aftermath Imagine a blackout lasting not days, but weeks or months. Tens of millions of people left in the dark without running water or access to grocery stores, banks, or medical facilities. How will we survive? According to veteran journalist Koppel, this isn’t just a story line from a movie but a realistic scenario. A well-designed attack on just one of our nation’s three electric power grids could cripple much of our existing infrastructure. And while our federal government is well prepared for natural disasters, there is no plan for the aftermath of an attack on our power system. Koppel examines this potential threat and advises on the best ways to avoid a cyberattack catastrophe.” At the link right-click “Play Now” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Reporter Murders 36 mins – “ProPublica reporter A.C. Thompson and “Frontline” contributing producer Tony Nguyen talk about their new report investigating the reign of terror that led to the assassination of five Vietnamese American journalists during the 1980s.” At the link find the title, “Terror in Little Saigon” right-click “Media files IM_20151107.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Scientific Method 39 mins -”Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the evolution of the Scientific Method, the systematic and analytical approach to scientific thought. In 1620 the great philosopher and scientist Francis Bacon published the Novum Organum, a work outlining a new system of thought which he believed should inform all enquiry into the laws of nature. Philosophers before him had given their attention to the reasoning that underlies scientific enquiry; but Bacon’s emphasis on observation and experience is often seen today as giving rise to a new phenomenon: the scientific method.The scientific method, and the logical processes on which it is based, became a topic of intense debate in the seventeenth century, and thinkers including Isaac Newton, Thomas Huxley and Karl Popper all made important contributions. Some of the greatest discoveries of the modern age were informed by their work, although even today the term ‘scientific method’ remains difficult to define.With: Simon SchafferProfessor of the History of Science at the University of CambridgeJohn WorrallProfessor of the Philosophy of Science at the London School of Economics and Political ScienceMichela MassimiSenior Lecturer in the Philosophy of Science at University College London.Producer: Thomas Morris.” At the link find the title, “The Scientific Method, Jan 2012,) right-click “Media files p02q5cns.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Soda Politics 62 mins – “Dr. Marion Nestle, Professor, New York University; Author, Soda Politics: Taking on Big Soda (and Winning); Twitter @marionnestle …Sodas are remarkable products. Little more than flavored sugar water, these drinks cost practically nothing to produce or buy, yet have turned their makers—principally Coca-Cola and PepsiCo—into a multibillion-dollar industry with global recognition, distribution and political power. Billed as “refreshing,” “tasty,” “crisp” and “the real thing,” sodas are also so well established as contributing factors to poor dental hygiene, higher calorie intake, obesity and type-2 diabetes that critics say the first line of defense against any of these conditions is to simply stop drinking them. Habitually drinking large volumes of soda is proven to not only harm individual health, but also burden society with runaway healthcare costs. Join us as Dr. Nestle addresses the tools she says the public needs to keep up pressure on Big Soda to build healthier and more sustainable food systems.” At the link right-click Play Now” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Solar Power Politics 60 mins- “Who is trying to kill solar power in America? As energy activist Nancy LaPlaca reveals, state-by-state fossil fuels companies are trying to stop competition from safe renewable power. Then we look at developing court evidence in Canada – that fracking for gas and oil IS polluting drinking water. Veteran Canadian investigative journalist Andrew Nikiforuk fills in this key part of the shadows of fracking. We’ll wind up with part of my on-going conversation with permaculture guru Albert Bates: why is the worst news more popular than the best solutions?” At the link right-click “Lo-Fi” near “Download…” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Stateless People 47 mins – “…the globalized world is changing the very idea of citizenship. At the bottom, refugees and outcasts are being left stateless, with no country. At the top, millionaires and billionaires are now buying passports to multiple countries, with real ties and maybe allegiance to none. Countries are putting citizenship up for sale. Belonging is fluid. This hour On Point, identity, belonging, statelessness – and citizenship for sale.” At the link right-click “Download this episode” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
States of Matter 40 mins – “Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the science of matter and the states in which it can exist. Most people are familiar with the idea that a substance like water can exist in solid, liquid and gaseous forms. But as much as 99% of the matter in the universe is now believed to exist in a fourth state, plasma. Today scientists recognise a number of other exotic states or phases, such as glasses, gels and liquid crystals – many of them with useful properties that can be exploited. With: Andrea Sella Professor of Chemistry at University College London Athene Donald Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Cambridge Justin Wark Professor of Physics and Fellow of Trinity College at the University of Oxford Producer: Thomas Morris.” At the link find the title, “States of Matter, Apr 2014,” right-click “Media files p02q59lc.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Sun Physics 41 mins – “Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Sun. The object that gives the Earth its light and heat is a massive ball of gas and plasma 93 million miles away. Thanks to the nuclear fusion reactions taking place at its core, the Sun has been shining for four and a half billion years. Its structure, and the processes that keep it burning, have fascinated astronomers for centuries. After the invention of the telescope it became apparent that the Sun is not a placid, steadily shining body but is subject to periodic changes in its appearance and eruptions of dramatic violence, some of which can affect us here on Earth. Recent space missions have revealed fascinating new insights into our nearest star. With: Carolin Crawford Gresham Professor of Astronomy and Fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge Yvonne Elsworth Poynting Professor of Physics at the University of Birmingham Louise Harra Professor of Solar Physics at UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory Producer: Thomas Morris.” At the link find the titl,e, “The Sun, Jul 2014,” right-click “Media files p02q59dl.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Talking Books in Britain 19 mins – “Talking Books is celebrating 80 years of bringing the written word to life for blind and partially sighted people. Now, the RNIB is making some important announcements which could affect you if you use the service. Peter White interviews Neil Heslop from the RNIB [Royal National Institute of Blind People], and includes some questions from listeners.” At the link right-click “Download MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Trans Pacific Partnership 22 mins – “The text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership isn’t secret anymore. We dove in. From tariffs for waterproof overalls to copyright rules, we tell you what we found. Also, a way countries can get around it.” At the link find the titel, “#662: OMG TPP,” right-click “Media files 20151106_pmoney pmpod.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Warfare Declines 48 mins – “At Moses Znaimer’s ideacity Conference, digital utopians and skeptics tried to figure out whether our wired world is best thing that’s happened since the invention of sliced bread….or the absolute worst.” At the link find the title, “Going Forward – Moses Znaimer’s ideacity Conference,” right-click “Media files ideas_20151113_81822.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Warfare Overview 48 mins – “Philosophers Michael Blake, Simone Chambers, Arthur Ripstein and IDEAS Executive Producer Greg Kelly grapple with the nature, the rules, and the challenges of war and peace, yesterday and today.” At the link find the title, “Talking Philosophy: War and Peace, Part 1,”right-click “Media files ideas_20151112_12599.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
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Media Mining Digest 