We Get Support From Schedule Programs A-Z Events Member Support

Talk of the Nation

Intelligent talk of the news of the day, as well as discussions on the real issues behind the headlines.

Talk of the Nation

Weekdays

11:00a - 1:00p

on NPR News and Jazz

Science Friday is heard on Talk of the Nation every Friday!

  NPR News and Jazz KXJZ Schedule

Author Examines 'The History Of White People'

Conversations about race often focus on what it means to be black. But in her new book, The History of White People historian Nell Irvin Painter explores the concept of "whiteness" — and finds that who is "white" has actually changed throughout America's history.

NCAA Tournament About To Heat Up

Spring is in the air, and that means March Madness and brackets, brackets, brackets. NPR's Mike Pesca and University of Maryland star and ACC Player of the Year Greivis Vasquez share a sneak peak at college basketball's biggest event.

Recession Continues To Challenge News Industry

The Project for Excellence in Journalism's annual State of the News Media Report is out — and it confirms that while the industry is still struggling to remain profitable, there are some bright spots in the Internet age. The PEJ's Tom Rosenstiel and NPR's David Folkenflik discuss what's new in the world of news.

Should Lawyers Represent Terrorists?

A conservative group has condemned nine Justice Department attorneys who once helped represent several Guantanamo detainees. Former Republican speechwriter Mark Thiessen applauds Keep America Safe, and argues that the lawyers in question have "radical and dangerous views."

Can Biotech Crops Feed The Developing World?

Biotech has promised innovations like drought-resistant corn and vitamin-packed cassava to the developing world. But how has it delivered on those dreams? Ira Flatow and guests discuss the status of those projects, and how "technologies in a seed" fit in with other agricultural improvements.

The Secret Life Of Caves

Pigmentless grotto salamanders, blind Ozark cavefish and parasitic horsehair worms are a few of the animals living in Missouri's 6,000-plus caves. Ira Flatow and three expert spelunkers look at the biology, geology and history of underground attractions in the "Cave State."

Living Spaces That Stress Less

From switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, to collecting rainwater and installing photovoltaic panels, how are experts making buildings that use less energy and generate less waste? Ira Flatow and guests explore the latest in green materials and design.

Father G Sees Past Gang Tattoos, To The Heart

Los Angeles is home to nearly 86,000 gang members. When they want to quit "gang banging," many call Fr. Gregory Boyle, a Jesuit priest. Father G, founder of Homeboy Industries, talks about his book, Tattoos On The Heart.

Veteran R.V. Burgin Fought In 'The Pacific'

R.V. Burgin is an 87-year-old veteran of World War II. For nearly four decades, he found it too painful to talk about his experiences. This weekend, his story is one of those shared in the HBO miniseries, The Pacific.

Status Report: Obama And The Middle East

Less than one year ago, President Barack Obama delivered a speech in Cairo in which he promised to redefine the relationship between the U.S. and the Islamic world. The speech was well-received across the Middle East, but it's unclear if perceptions or policy have changed.

In 2010, Demographic Trends Favor Democrats

Ruy Teixeira correctly predicted a Democratic majority in 2008. As 2010 elections draw near, he returns to act as a clairvoyant, with Matt Continetti, associate editor of The Weekly Standard. Matt Bai of The New York Times Magazine fills in for Political Junkie Ken Rudin.

American 'Jihad Jane' Faces Terrorism Charges

Colleen Renee LaRose has been detained on suspicions she supplied materials to terrorists and traveled to Sweden to launch an attack. Her tactics helped her blend into Western society, and challenge many of the profiling tactics used to identify potential terrorist threats.

Poets Tell The Stories Of Their Countries

Poets can play a unique role in a country's politics, culture and social movements. They act as innovators, visionaries and truth tellers. Three poets from different cultures — Iraq, Puerto Rico and New York — talk about the role of poets and poetry in different places.

Good Teaching Is About Hard Work, Not A Halo

Doug Lemov, a teacher himself, believes passionately that champion teachers are made, not born. He studied successful teachers, and describes specific classroom management techniques that could help all teachers be more effective educators.

Letters: Nuclear Power And Teachers

Talk of the Nation listeners wrote in to respond to our discussion about President Obama's plan to help finance new nuclear reactors. And teachers who wrote in identified parents as the ones to blame for young students failing in school.

More >>

Contact

Events

NPR   PRI
CPB   American Public Media