Npr: Talk Of The Nation

Journalist Neal Conan hosts a discussion on issues dominating the news landscape. Every Friday: "Science Friday" with host Ira Flatow. (Author: National Public Radio)

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Recent episodes from Npr: Talk Of The Nation

One-woman Show Explores Human Side Of Health Care
Published: Nov 13, 09
Actress Anna Deavere Smith traveled across the country interviewing people about their thoughts on health care. From an injured bull rider to a medical school dean, she recounts what she heard through monologues in her latest documentary-style theater production, Let Me Down Easy.
Two Graphic Novels Explain Science, Colorfully
Published: Nov 13, 09
Moving beyond traditional superheroes, two new graphic novels recount the epic tales of scientists and the research that made them famous. Ira Flatow talks with authors Michael Keller and Apostolos Doxiadis about their graphic novels on natural selection and logic.
Therapists Split On Multiple Personalities
Published: Nov 13, 09
Can people develop different personalities in response to abuse? Some therapists say up to one percent of the population suffer from dissociative identity disorder. Others say the disease doesn't exist, or is very rare. Two therapists discuss the controversial diagnosis.
Clone That Smile, Digitally
Published: Nov 13, 09
Researchers have figured out how to track the facial expressions of one person and map those movements onto a digital image of another person's face in real time. The result is something like a digital video puppet, which psychologists say may reveal something about human nature.
Sailing Through Space, On A Starboard Tack
Published: Nov 13, 09
In the vacuum of space, photons — not wind — may someday fill the sails of lightweight spacecraft, propelling them without need for engines or fuel. Louis Friedman, executive director of The Planetary Society, discusses the society's plans for a sailing spaceship prototype.
Do Moon Craters Harbor Caches Of Water Ice?
Published: Nov 13, 09
A NASA rocket slammed into a lunar crater in October. A second spacecraft followed minutes later, taking inventory of kicked-up debris and sending data to Earth. Scientists have now analyzed those data, which may reveal whether the moon harbors significant quantities of water ice.
On Sesame Street, 'c' Is For Controversy
Published: Nov 12, 09
The beloved television show has been educating children for 40 years — but not without plenty of grown-up controversy. From Cookie Monster's unbalanced diet, to Elmo's bad grammar, to Grover's civil disobedience, The Week magazine explains why some days aren't sunny days on Sesame Street.
Hudson Landing An Engineering Miracle, Pilot Says
Published: Nov 12, 09
In January, pilot Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger was hailed as a hero, after he glided his U.S. Airways plane — which had lost both engines — to a safe landing in the Hudson. In Fly by Wire, writer and former pilot William Langewiesche argues that it was the engineering of the plane, and not Sullenberger's skill, that made the "miracle" possible.
Gay Rights In America: Past, Present And Future
Published: Nov 12, 09
Salt Lake City has unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting discrimination against gays and lesbians in employment and housing. And a measure legalizing same-sex marriage is moving forward in Washington, D.C. Eugene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, weighs in on the state of gay rights in America.
Ofeibea Quist-arcton On Reporting From W. Africa
Published: Nov 12, 09
In the past year, Ofeibea Quist-Arcton, NPR's West Africa correspondent, has brought us stories about everything from political violence, to natural disasters, to Senegalese rappers, to post-apartheid South African poets. She joins Neal Conan to talk about the stories she doesn't get a chance to cover.
Greeters Welcome Troops With Heartfelt Thanks
Published: Nov 11, 09
More than 900,000 troops have passed through Bangor, Maine since the beginning of the Iraq war in 2003 — and the "troop greeters" have been there to offer a handshake, kind words, and cookies to each and every one. Director Aron Gaudet discusses The Way We Get By, his new documentary about the retired men and women who turn out day and night to show their respect for troops going to and from war.
'hallowed Ground': A Final Resting Place At Arlington
Published: Nov 11, 09
Thousands of people will visit Arlington National Cemetery on Veteran's Day — just a snapshot of the four million visitors who pass through America's revered burial ground each year. Author Robert M. Poole discusses his new book, On Hallowed Ground, which traces the history of the nation's most celebrated military cemetery.
Naral Pro-choice To Challenge Moderate Dems?
Published: Nov 11, 09
It's Wednesday, so NPR Political Editor Ken Rudin is here to round up all the latest political news. This week: health care, Afghanistan, and Democratic primaries. Also, Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, discusses whether her group will throw its weight behind challengers to moderate Democrats.
The House Has Passed Health Care. Now What?
Published: Nov 11, 09
Late Saturday night, the House passed a sweeping health care bill by a narrow 220-215 vote. Its sponsors say the trillion dollar package would be the most dramatic expansion of health coverage since Medicare and Medicaid. Neal Conan talks to NPR's Julie Rovner and Ron Elving about what's in the House bill, and the politics of health care in Congress.
Shooting Victims Honored In Fort Hood Memorial
Published: Nov 10, 09
Guests and NPR correspondents join Neal Conan to discuss Tuesday's ceremony and President Obama's remarks. And listeners calling from military bases across the country and around the world contribute. Tell us: If you live on a base, how has your life changed since the shooting at Fort Hood?