Talk of the Nation

Talk of the Nation®

with Neal Conan

About the Program

Talk of the Nation with host Neal Conan is known for intelligent and thought-provoking discussion. Guests, contributors, and listeners explore today's most compelling issues — from breaking news, science, and education to religion and the arts.

Starting June 30th, 2006, both hours of Science Friday, broadcast during Talk of the Nation, will be broadcast on MPR News stations.

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Latest Show
Document Building A Better Lightbulb
 The U.S. Department of Energy is offering $10 million to the first individual or company to develop an energy-efficient LED replacement for the standard 60-watt incandescent bulb. DOE lighting program manager James Brodrick discusses the L Prize, and what makes a better bulb. (11/06/2009)
Document Students Build Living Microbial Machines
 At the 2009 International Genetically Engineered Machine competition, undergraduates from all over the world unveiled the living machines they'd created with snippets of DNA, from bacteria that change color when they detect pollutants to ones that secrete non-toxic superglue. (11/06/2009)
Document Considering Values In The Health Care Debate
 As health care legislation moves through Congress, bioethicist Thomas H. Murray asks if enough attention is being paid to concepts such as justice, fairness and liberty. Murray and health care economist Len Nichols discuss the role of values in the health care debate. (11/06/2009)
Document Giving Athletes A Heads-Up On Concussions
 Football players take a lot of hits, but when does hard-headed play go too far? New research suggests that head trauma can do lasting damage. Two brain researchers talk about what happens in the brain when a player gets hit, and how athletes can better protect themselves. (11/06/2009)
Document Can Oceans Survive The Human Appetite For Seafood?
 Faced with declining fish stocks, many nations are looking for sustainable ways to have their fish &mdash; and eat it too. But how much fishing is too much? Oceanographer Sylvia Earle discusses this and other topics in her book <em>The World is Blue: How Our Fate and the Ocean's Are One</em>. (11/06/2009)
Document Poll: U.S. More Conservative Now Than In 2008
 The GOP claimed victories a number of victories in the 2009 elections. And a Gallup study found American conservatives now outnumber moderates. Guests examine whether the U.S. is becoming more conservative, or if it's the definition of conservative that's changing. (11/05/2009)
Document Has The Conversation About Race Changed?
 President Obama became the country's first black president one year ago, and the term "post-racial" became a household phrase. But the conversation is far from over. What events of the past year triggered conversations about race in your life? (11/05/2009)
Document Emoticon Inventor Marks Web's Birthday With A :-)
 October 29th marked the 40th anniversary of the Internet. We'll talk with Scott Fahlman, the computer researcher who invented the virtual smiley face, about how emoticons and abbreviations have changed electronic communication. (11/05/2009)
Document 'Obamanos!': One Year Into Obama's Presidency
 Hendrik Hertzberg, author of <em>Obamanos!</em>, assesses the year since President Obama's election. And former Ark. Gov. Mike Huckabee and NPR political editor Ken Rudin talk about gains Republicans made in the 2009 elections. (11/04/2009)
Document Should Fashion Reflect Fantasy Or Reality?
 The September issue of <em>Glamour</em> magazine features a model who is considered plus-sized. Cindi Lieve, the editor-in-chief of the magazine, and <em>Washington Post</em> fashion editor Robin Givhan examine whether or not the fashion industry is "sizing up." (11/04/2009)
Document 100 Dos And Don'ts For Waiting Tables
 Bruce Buschel is opening his own restaurant and has compiled a list of dos and don'ts for his wait staff. Buschel shares the little nuances waiters can adopt that could mean the difference between a great tip and no tip at all. (11/04/2009)
Document H1N1 At Work: If You're Sick, Stay Home?
 The threat of the H1N1 flu virus has many employers taking precautions to prevent its spread in the workplace. And while it may be an easy decision to allow one member of staff to stay home with the flu, decision-making gets tougher when half of the work force falls ill. (11/03/2009)
Document Debbie Allen Loved Jackson's 'This Is It'
 The movie about Michael Jackson's preparation for a series of concerts in London, <em>This Is It</em>, mixes rehearsal footage with production elements from the planned shows. Dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen loved the film. (11/03/2009)
Document Rocky Mountain Activist Carole King
 Carole King's <em>Tapestry</em> has become one of the biggest selling albums of all time. Now, the singer-songwriter is focused on environmental activism, and is working to push Congress to pass a bill to help the Northern Rockies. (11/03/2009)
Document Drug Policy Changes Under New Director
 The Department of Justice will no longer prosecute medical marijuana users who comply with state laws. Some reform advocates hope the move means decriminalization of pot may be in the works. Drug czar Gil Kerlikowske talks about the direction of U.S. drug policy. (11/03/2009)
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DATE TIME SERVICE STATION
MON1:00 pmNewsFind a station
TUE1:00 pmNewsFind a station
WED1:00 pmNewsFind a station
THU1:00 pmNewsFind a station
FRI1–3 pmNewsFind a station

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