Episodes

Landline phones can be the bridge between kids and smartphones. (Photo provided by Caron Morse) America’s younger generation has a thing for analog and nostalgia, but there’s more to this movement than cool, vintage tech. Landline kids is a movement to help kids be kids again and slow the introduction to some of the harmful aspects of smartphones. Mental health professional and movement leader Caron Morse discusses her journey and shares tips on the best way to add the regular use of a landline...

In recent years, Juneteenth has grown from an obscure regional Texas festival to a national holiday. In the meantime, other similar Emancipation Days are still observed around the country on unique days. One is Eighth of August, which takes place in parts of western Kentucky and Tennessee. Historian Dr. Nancy Dawson helps us further unpack the heritage, and the present day status of this celebration. Highlights: Highlights of the interview are included for convenient listening. The origins of...

Much of America’s history has been dominated by one particular subculture – White, Christian, specifically Protestant Americans. Slowly over the generations and even in the past 10 years, that has begun to change. Dr. Robert P. Jones, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute and author of The End of White Christian America explains the history, and how the current political and cultural climate has brought it to an end. This interview was recorded on August 12, 2016 Highlights: Highlights...

In 2014 and 2015, protests and unrest took place in several cities including Baltimore, Maryland and Ferguson, Missouri. In 2015 another officer involved shooting, resulting the death of Laquan McDonald was scrutinized. One person who helped bring the story to the forefront was Jamie Kalven. Kalven is the founder of The Invisible Institute, a media production company with the aim of creating better transparency between the community, the police and criminal justice system. This interview was re...

In 2014 and 2015, protests and unrest took place in several cities including Baltimore, Maryland and Ferguson, Missouri. In 2015 another officer involved shooting, resulting the death of Laquan McDonald was scrutinized. One person who helped bring the story to the forefront was Jamie Kalven. Kalven is the founder of The Invisible Institute, a media production company with the aim of creating better transparency between the community, the police and criminal justice system. This interview was re...

We don’t regularly think about caves, but they have a remarkable story, from formation to exploration. Kentucky has one of the foremost cave regions in America, and the most notable cave – and cave explorer, Stephen Bishop (left), in the world. Mammoth Cave National Park Ranger Chuck DeCroix leads us through the history and practical aspects of the 400 mile long cavern. You will find that what makes cave exploration special is the intimacy of hidden nature and the people that have preserved it....

With Flint, Michigan water crisis coming to and end, we look back at the origin, some lead pipe history and the reality of the toxic water levels. Dr. Amy Pruden of Virginia Tech and the Flint Water Study gives us insight. This interview was recorded January 28, 2016 Highlights: Highlights of the interview are included for convenient listening. Original purpose of the Flint Water Study (1:39) Cause of contamination (2:24) History and danger of lead pipes (4:16) Water issues around the worl...

As Flint, Michigan slowly begins to resolve the water crisis that plagued the city, we take a look at the origin, some lead pipe history and the reality of the toxic water levels. Dr. Amy Pruden of Virginia Tech and the Flint Water Study gives us insight.

The only thing missing is the ‘ding’. Keyboards can be heard in offices around the world, but that’s only half of what was once a ubiquitous tool at home and the workplace. Typewriters were quickly tossed aside in the age of personal computers and the digital age. Yet as Americans recollect and repurchase vinyl, cassettes and other classic devices, typewriters are seeing an increase in sales too, in some cases for very different reasons. Dr. Richard Polt, philosophy professor at Xavier Univers...

With the passing of Henry ‘Hank’ Aaron, we look at the legacy of the Negro Leagues. Bob Kendrick shares his experience with Hank Aaron and the remarkable talent and legacy of Negro League baseball. The Negro Leagues included several independent baseball leagues that were founded by African Americans between 1920 and 1948. The league produced notable players including Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays and Henry Aaron. Bob Kendrick is the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City,...