Debate: Are Leaders Born or Made? NEW

Before the recent Russian attack, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was unpopular. With a background in acting and little political experience, he did not inspire confidence among many citizens. Zelensky’s leadership since the attack, however, has drawn admiration from many, at home and internationally. He has demonstrated courage, empathy, and patriotism, inspiring his own people to fight and winning support from countries throughout the world. Were Zelensky’s leadership skills already present, or did his circumstances shape him into an effective leader? Listen to hear an expert analyze Zelensky’s leadership style and then debate: Are leaders born or made?

A Reluctant Hero

On September 11, 2001, the United States experienced acts of terrorism. But the response on that day included countless acts of heroism, big and small. Friends, co-workers, emergency workers and strangers did what they could to protect the people around them. Michael Benfante is one of these heroes, though he is uncomfortable with being called a hero. Benfante worked in the second tower of the World Trade Center and as he fled down the staircase he encountered a woman in a wheelchair who needed his help. Listen to learn more about his decision to help carry her out of the doomed building and the lasting impact it’s had on his life.

Black Women Math Heroes at NASA

The American space program’s early success was due in large part to a group of African American women known as “human computers.” They were brilliant mathematicians but were made to use segregated offices, bathrooms, and equipment. One such overlooked mathematician was Katherine Johnson, who developed trajectory equations for getting a spacecraft into orbit. Listen to hear more about Johnson and learn why the impact of African American women at NASA was unknown for years.

Cuban Leader Fidel Castro's Long Legacy

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro has died at age 90. Castro took power in the Cuban Revolution in 1959 and was in power for nearly 50 years leading the only communist state in the Western Hemisphere. He led a movement to overthrow Fulgencio Batista, Cuba's military dictator, and had wide support from Cubans. But there were flaws in his socialist system, and the economy, education, and health care systems fell into disrepair. Castro outlasted many U.S. presidents and their attempts to overthrow him. He was a skilled politician with a complex legacy, and a man determined to continue holding power whatever the costs. Listen to hear more about the leadership and life of Fidel Castro.

Defining and Understanding Heroism

What is heroism? Explore this question through a discussion with author Conn Iggulden who wrote a book about heroes throughout time. From Florence Nightingale to Harry Houdini, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, the author analyzes the moments and patterns of courage and bravery that make ordinary people heroes.

Hillenbrand and "Unbroken" World War II Hero

Serving in the military during a war can lead men and women to experience events that affect them for the rest of their lives. Laura Hillenbrand wrote a best-selling book, Unbroken, which tells the story of one such veteran, Louis Zamperini. It is set in World War II where Zamperini fought for survival on a life raft in the Pacific Ocean, was held as a POW by Japan, and later struggled in civilian life to deal with his war memories. In this interview with Hillenbrand, she recounts Zamperini’s story of survival during the war and his struggle to find closure in the decades following his return home. Listen to hear this extraordinary story of courage, despair and redemption.

National Native American Veterans Memorial

The Smithsonian has selected a design for its National Native American Veterans Memorial to be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The artist is Harvey Pratt, a Native American veteran from Oklahoma, and his design is called “Warriors’ Circle of Honor.” It aims to engage all Americans in appreciating and learning about the tradition of Native American service. Listen to hear the artist’s reflections on the meaning of his design, how he hopes people will experience it, and why honoring veterans is an important part of his heritage.

Note: Since this story aired, the National Native American Veterans Memorial has opened.

Reframing Ambition for Girls

Girls growing up in America often receive conflicting messages about ambition. In her new children’s book, Ambitious Girl, author Meena Harris redefines the meaning of ambition for girls. Her story empowers girls to become leaders and encourages them to pursue their dreams. Listen to hear how the experiences of the author’s aunt, Vice President Kamala Harris, inspired the book, and learn why the author wants Black and brown girls, in particular, to see themselves reflected in its pages.

What Makes a Hero?

What is heroism? Explore this question through a discussion with author Conn Iggulden, who wrote a book about heroes throughout time. From Florence Nightingale to Harry Houdini to the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, heroes of all different kinds have shown admirable bravery. This story discusses the courage and grace that makes heroes of ordinary people.

YA's First Modern Heroine: "Anne of Green Gables"

One of the most enduring novels written for young adults is Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery, published in 1908. It was one of the first YA novels to feature a strong, unconventional female lead—Anne, the unwanted, unloved, but unbowed orphan who grabs hold of a chance for a new life and refuses to let go, no matter how difficult things get. Before Anne, most heroines were beautiful and angelic. Anne of Green Gables is over 100 years old, but its heroine measures up to any female lead contemporary YA novels have to offer.

"Animal Farm" and Satire NEW

George Orwell’s Animal Farm was published in 1945. Its message was explicitly political as a statement and a satire against Stalinism and the dictatorial socialism of the Soviet Union. Understanding this allegory gives deeper meaning to the talking animals who take control of their farm. Seventy years later, does this message of failed revolution resonate in a communist nation with a similar revolution and trajectory? Listen to learn how a later theatrical adaptation of the book is being understood in modern day China.

Debate: Should We Preserve Sites That Have a Shameful Past? NEW

The government and private citizens in Austria disagree over what to do with the house where Nazi leader Adolf Hitler was born. The government is planning to seize the property from its current owner to tear it down to build something new. They are worried that the home could become a destination for neo-Nazis. However, some are worried that removing the house destroys history. Listen to learn more about the dispute over Hitler’s birthplace and then debate whether or not it’s important to preserve historic sites that have a shameful past.

"Catch 22" Still Rings True

Though Joseph Heller’s novel Catch 22 was published more than a half century ago, its ideas and attitudes remain relevant today. The book’s title has even become a part of our language. The novel, which takes place on the battlefield during World War II, was inspired by Heller’s own experiences in war. He decided not to write a typical war novel, though, and early critics were surprised and even offended by the book’s tone and content. Listen to hear why Catch 22 felt new and different at the time it was published, and learn how its ideas have continued to endure today.

"The Little Prince," a Commentary on the Human Spirit

The Little Prince is one of the most beloved books of all time. It was published in 1943 and has been translated into over 250 languages. Even today, it sells more than two million copies a year, making it one of the best selling books ever published. Although, on its surface, it appears to be a simple, illustrated children’s book, The Little Prince is actually a deeply philosophical work, full of allegory and commentary on human nature. Listen to learn more about its French author, Antoine Saint-Exupery, and the creative process that produced The Little Prince.

Bread and Roses Strike

The two-month Bread and Roses strike of 1912 carried out by textile factory workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts marked the beginning of the labor movement. The workers, made up overwhelmingly of immigrant women and children, walked off the jobs they had risked everything to travel to America to take. This public radio story looks back at the strike and what themes resonate today.

Charles Dickens Reflects on Society

Charles Dickens was the first literary celebrity of his era. He wrote about the working poor and the dangerous working conditions in England. A visit to the textile mills in Lowell, Massachusetts served as an inspiration for Dickens to continue writing about these London realities. Listen to this story to learn how Dickens reflected on and questioned English society in his work.

Kurt Vonnegut Reflects on His Work

Acclaimed American author Kurt Vonnegut is known for his legacy of satirical literature, including his best-selling novel Slaughterhouse Five and his short-story collection Welcome to the Monkey House. His writing often mixed dark humor with speculative fiction, calling attention to important issues in American society, politics, and life. Listen to learn more about Vonnegut’s influential work from interviews with the author himself.

Retracing Chaucer's Steps on the Canterbury Road

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, and is widely considered to be one of the most influential works of early European literature. It is a “frame story” containing a collection of tales told by a fictional group of religious pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at the Canterbury Cathedral. Chaucer made specific use of real locations to root his stories in the world of his time. Listen to hear about how the Canterbury Road has influenced other famous writers, and about how the locations of Chaucer’s tales have changed over the centuries.

The Origins of Past Immigrant Quotas

In a meeting to discuss immigrants from Haiti, Africa and Central America, President Trump said he believes the United States grants entry to too many people from these countries and instead should focus on welcoming immigrants from countries such as Norway. These comments came as a shock to many. But America once had a visa program based on national origin. Listen to learn what happened to this program and how Trump's comments could affect the multicultural identity of America.

Young Adult Dystopia

Dystopian fiction is tremendously popular with young people all over the US right now. Books like "The Hunger Games" dominate bestseller lists for young people. But what is so appealing about this genre? This story features commentary from teens themselves and from scholars who study the subject. Listen to find out why this genre has such an impact on its audience.

Debate: Should People Always Be On Time? NEW

Clocks rule most people’s daily schedules. From waking up in the morning to eating meals and arriving at work or school, people generally feel obliged to be on time. Being late comes with consequences and is often viewed as rude. But some people object to what they see as the tyranny of the clock. They say constant attention to time detracts from their ability to immerse themselves in an activity and enjoy the moment. Listen to hear a researcher describe differences between “clock timers” and “event timers” and then debate: Should people always be on time?

"Sea Prayer" for Syrian Refugees

Renowned author Khaled Hosseini, who wrote The Kite Runner and other novels about Afghanistan, has written a new short illustrated book called Sea Prayer about the Syrian refugee crisis. The book takes the form of a letter from a father to a son, describing his memories of their homeland before war forced them to leave. Listen to the author read excerpts and explain why he wrote the book.

Achebe on "Heart of Darkness"

In Joseph Conrad’s 1899 novella Heart of Darkness, an English sailor tells the tale of his voyage on the Congo River in Africa. The novel, which is set during the height of British imperialism in Africa, contrasts “civilized” Europeans with “uncivilized” African natives and describes the brutal treatment of Africans by European traders. Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe’s 1958 novel Things Fall Apart provides a contrast to Conrad’s story, describing the British colonization of Africa from the perspective of Africans. In this audio story, Achebe talks about how his understanding of Heart of Darkness changed over time.

Debate: Is Studying Classics Still Relevant?

Most universities across the country have classics departments where students can study ancient Greek and Roman literature, art, culture, and language. The Founding Fathers drew on these ancient civilizations to create American democracy, and some say a classical education is key to understanding many important aspects of American life. Others argue that classics are ancient and irrelevant. They support reconfiguring university classics departments to include other more contemporary areas of study. Listen to a Howard University professor’s perspective and then debate: Is studying classics still relevant?

Shakespeare in Every Country

Shakespeare’s classic play Hamlet has been performed many hundreds of times since its original performance in 1609. In honor of Shakespeare’s 450th birthday, the touring company from the Globe Theater in England planned an ambitious tour, performing one of the bard’s greatest tragedies in every nation on Earth over two years. They chose the play Hamlet and performed it in 197 countries. Listen to learn how they planned to accomplish this monumental task, and what the world can learn from Hamlet.

The Cover of Graphic Novel "Maus"

Art Spiegelman’s Maus is a creative and sensitive retelling of one man’s experiences during the Holocaust. As a graphic novel, Maus uses comic strips and drawings to help tell its story. The drawing on its cover, however, has been met with controversy in some parts of the world. Featuring a prominent swastika at its center, the cover art has faced objections in places like Russia and Germany. Listen to hear more about how well-intentioned rules around censorship can lead to unintended consequences.

Who Wrote Shakespeare’s Plays?

William Shakespeare is commonly considered one of western civilization's greatest playwrights. But a persistent debate continues to rage around his legacy. Did the man we know as William Shakespeare actually write all those poems and plays? This story features two Shakespearean actors who have come to doubt the author. Listen to learn more about the debate surrounding the authorship of Shakespeare's works.

Debate: Is AI Image Creation Technology Dangerous? NEW

A new artificial intelligence program, DALL-E, is able to translate text into vivid images. People can feed unusual combinations of words or phrases into the system and watch as unique images are generated. Many people are having fun seeing the silly images DALL-E creates, and some have found helpful ways to use the technology to enhance their work. But there is concern that the high-quality images produced by AI programs could increase the spread of disinformation. Listen to learn more about DALL-E and then debate: Is AI image creation technology dangerous?

Joan of Arc's Mom NEW

Joan of Arc is famous for believing she received visions from saints, successfully leading armies into battle, and, ultimately burning at the stake. She has been portrayed in a variety of books, movies, and paintings. A new play takes a different perspective on the teenager’s life: her mother’s. Listen to learn about the role Isabelle played in her prominent daughter’s life from the well-known actress who now portrays her.

"Don Quixote" and Being A Dreamer

“Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes marked the first time a character’s inner life evolved from the beginning to the end of the story. Cervantes’ masterpiece is considered by many to be the first—and best—modern novel. In an era where 140 characters are the limit, it might be difficult to imagine how a 1,000-page book about a man having a midlife crisis has endured for more than 400 years. The title character’s message of optimism and authenticity resonates with readers, who root for Quixote, the imperfect, everyman hero.

Borders Open Between Ethiopia and Eritrea

The East African nations of Ethiopia and Eritrea, which had been at war for many years, have recently reopened their borders after reaching a peace agreement. The war claimed many lives and displaced residents of the two countries, which used to be one. Families that had been separated for a generation are now able to reconnect. Listen to hear from people living on the border about the complex emotions surrounding this major development in their lives.

Confucius and Chinese Culture

Confucius was a philosopher who was born more than 2500 years ago in China, and his ideas have become central to China’s identity. His ideas became Chinese imperial philosophy and they were especially popular during the pivotal Han and Tang and Song Dynasties. Today, China is working to broaden not only its economic and diplomatic power, but also its cultural influence, and is looking back to Confucianism for help. China hopes that extending their soft power will lead to an increase in its ability to export Chinese values as well. But this story finds that Chinese values may not be applicable across all cultures. Listen to hear more about this soft-power powerhouse and how a centuries-old philosopher still leads a nation.

New Discoveries on "The Prince" by Machiavelli: Was He Really 'Machiavellian'?

This public radio story describes the life and misfortunes of Niccolo Machiavelli, a citizen of Florence who led the fight against its takeover by the Medici family, and was banished from his beloved city. His single work of nonfiction, the manual The Prince, was published five years after his death, in 1532, and has guaranteed that this civil servant erased by the Medicis would live forever, famous—or infamous—for the advice he gives to rulers in his work. Was Machiavelli really recommending ruthless practicality for rulers? Or is his philosophy more subtle and moral than people think?

The Link Between Research and Inventions

Hundreds of billions of dollars are spent each year on basic research. A new study shows that money is not wasted since there is a strong link between basic research and future patented inventions. Researchers studied 4.8 million patents issued by the U.S. Patent Office and 32 million scientific papers and found a strong link between new technologies and research. Listen to hear more about this link.

Translations of Dante's "Divine Comedy"

Dante Alighieri finished writing the three-part epic poem Divine Comedy in 1321. The poem is written in three parts: hell, purgatory, and heaven. It follows one man on his journey through all three places. This great work of Italian literature has survived the ages and remains a classic today. There have been many translations of Dante’s work. This story interviews Clive James, the most recent English translator, as he talks about this epic poem and his translated version of Divine Comedy.

Debate: Are Computers Headed Toward Personhood? NEW

What does it mean to have consciousness? That’s a question that scientists and legal experts are grappling with as artificial intelligence gives computers the capacity to “think” almost like humans. Some argue that humans have particular qualities that machines cannot master, such as imagination and the ability to create new ideas. But as AI grows in sophistication, others argue that computers will soon be able to match humans’ higher-order thinking – a possibility that raises all sorts of ethical questions. Listen to hear a legal expert explain how keeping sentient computers might one day be viewed as enslavement, and then debate: Are computers headed toward personhood?

The Many Meanings of "Hispanic" NEW

The term “Hispanic” refers to a broad array of Spanish-speaking people from various countries, backgrounds, and ethnicities. Many Americans associate the word primarily with Mexicans or Spaniards, though, and do not fully appreciate the diversity it represents. A narrow understanding of “Hispanic” can lead to stereotyping and historical narratives that exclude certain groups. Listen to Hispanic Americans discuss the assumptions people make about them based on the Hispanic label and why it’s important for people to appreciate the complexities of their identities.

Learning about Brain Science from Phineas Gage

In the mid 1800s our understanding of the brain was radically changed as a result of a freak accident. Phineas Gage survived an accident that drove an iron rod through his head, but he had some changes in his personality. This case highlighted the relationship between the structural parts of the brain and changes in behavior. Listen to hear more about what this case can tell us about the brain and personality.

Life on a Reservation: Native American Identity in Literature

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian tells the story of Arnold Spirit, a young Native American who leaves the reservation to get a better education. In this semi-autobiographical book, author Sherman Alexie discusses big issues including choosing your identity, figuring out where you belong and the hardships American Indians face living on reservations.

Proust, Memory and Our Experience of Time

In the early 20th century, a French novelist named Marcel Proust wrote a massive, seven-part novel called Remembrance of Things Past, that attempted to capture the strange and subjective nature of time and memory. It is considered by many to be one of history’s greatest novels and Proust’s greatest literary achievement. In this audio story, an author and philosopher discusses the concepts of time and memory in Proust’s work. Listen to learn about Proust’s ideas about time and memory, and what those ideas might have to teach us today.

Teen Girls and Positive Social Media Messages

Social media has the power to influence our personal lives as well as the world around us. In this audio story, you will hear about a group of teenage girls who took to social media to fight bullying and to effect change in their educational environments. Students explain how Instagram helped them to build confidence among their group of friends, as well as how they used Twitter to raise awareness about dress code issues at school. Listen to learn more about the positive ways in which teenage girls are using social media to build self-esteem and feel empowered.

Who Identifies as Brown?

Several Asian Americans were asked the question: Do you consider yourselves Brown? Some said “yes,” others said “no,” and the reasons they gave for their answers varied. For some, their answer was based solely on their skin tone. For others, their answer was more complicated and took into account cultural and social factors. In this audio story, Asian Americans discuss the discrimination they have faced based on their skin color. Listen to learn more about why some Asian Americans do or do not consider themselves Brown and how the way others view them affects their lives.

A Safe Place for Homeless Teens NEW

Homelessness is increasing in the U.S., and those impacted include children, teens, and young adults. A steering committee of high school students in Dallas, many of whom have experienced homelessness themselves, helped design the Fannie C. Harris Youth Center, a shelter for kids who are experiencing homelessness on their own. There are many reasons why young people may leave their families, and this center is equipped to meet their unique needs against the backdrop of inspiring decor and thoughtfully designed programming. Listen to hear more about the center and how it is addressing the needs of students who are experiencing homelessness.

Exploring "Here" in "Story Boat" NEW

Every year, thousands of refugees around the world are forced to flee their homes in search of safety in a new land. While the reasons for leaving home and the destinations vary, all of these journeys are filled with a mixture of fear, pain, hope, and courage. Storytelling and art have long been great healers. Both art forms can teach empathy by presenting different human experiences, and both can help people work through the emotions conveyed on the page or canvas. Listen to hear how one author and artist tackled depicting one refugee family’s story.

Finding Home After Hurricane Dorian

Hurricane Dorian, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, destroyed people’s homes in the Bahamas and sent thousands of islanders fleeing to Florida for refuge. The refugees are facing many challenges, such as gaining entry to the U.S. without proper documents, finding schools for their children, and supporting themselves. Listen to learn how some Bahamians are coping with the effects of a devastating hurricane and what they are doing to move forward with their lives in a new country.

Jhumpa Lahiri’s American Identity

Children of immigrants can often feel like they’re never completely accepted either in their adopted home country or their parents’ country of origin. The author Jhumpa Lahiri was born to Indian parents in London and raised in Rhode Island. She is an author of many books, including The Namesake and The Interpreter of Maladies. But she says she’s struggled to feel like she belonged in America. Mixed feelings about identity form a central theme in her work. Listen to hear how Jhumpa Lahiri has dealt with the difficulties of immigration and the struggles of tradition and how these themes have influenced her writing.

Lost Boys of Sudan

The civil war in South Sudan drove thousands of people from their homes. Many of them were children who were separated from their families. They were called "The Lost Boys." For more than a decade these refugees moved around, and many of them were relocated to the United States. In this radio story you will hear from a Lost Boy who was resettled in Colorado but later went back to Sudan to help his home country.

Memoir of an Undocumented Immigrant

Jose Antonio Vargas is an award-winning author who arrived in the U.S. as a young boy. Like thousands of other immigrants, his parents brought him into the country illegally in pursuit of the American Dream. In this audio story, Vargas explains how he found out his family’s secret and why he decided to tell the world he is undocumented. The story examines why America is seen as an ideal country for opportunity for thousands of people around the world and why some people send their children alone to the U.S. in pursuit of the American Dream.

Rohingya Refugees Trying to Make a New Life

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees have fled their home country of Myanmar since attacks by soldiers on their ethnic group. Now in refugee camps in neighboring Bangladesh, their lives remain dangerous. Building shelters on the sandy land where the camps are located has proven problematic. Listen to hear about life in these camps and the ongoing challenges facing Rohingya refugees.

Syrian Refugees in Jordan

Since the start of the civil war in Syria in 2011, the neighboring country of Jordan has taken in more than 650,000 Syrian refugees. Many of these refugees were farmers in Syria and are leaving behind their ancestral land. Only one in 10 Syrian refugees in Jordan live in camps, the rest live mostly in cities. For farmers, city and camp life is a difficult transition, so many gravitate towards farms in Jordan where they live and work as migrant laborers. Listen to learn more about Syrian farmers living in Jordan and the effect of migration on their families.

Travels of a Toy Monkey

When Gert Berliner fled Germany during the Holocaust, he had to leave his entire family behind despite being only 14-years-old at the time. Almost 80 years later, his son Uri is attempting to reconstruct his family history around that traumatic event and rediscover long lost relatives. Listen to hear how one toy monkey connected the Berliners to new relatives and helped bring a family closer in the wake of incredible trauma.

What New Refugees Need to Learn About Living in the U.S.

Refugees are people forced to leave their home country when it is no longer safe. They start new lives in places that usually have different languages, cultures, and practices from where they lived. When refugees arrive in the United States, they need to learn new customs and adapt to their surroundings while trying to find a job and a begin a new life. Some people have never used a refrigerator or cooked some of the food found in American grocery stores. Listen to this story about how some refugees are learning the skills needed to get through everyday life.