One of the enduring ideas – and an everyday saying – is that it’s possible to “pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” Of course, it’s physically impossible, but producer Sara Nics thought there had to be a way to do it with some engineering know-how and well-built boots.
Cultural scientist Alana Conner believes we all navigate different identities, and not just along racial or ethnic lines. She finds many cultural conflicts boil down to two competing types of selves.
Esperanza Spalding is one of the brightest young stars in jazz - except she resists being labeled a "jazz musician." In fact, her new album "Emily's D+ Evolution" sounds more like rock than jazz. When she sat down in our studio with Steve Paulson, she talked about her childhood roots in classical music before her momentous discovery of jazz improvisation.
Caitlin Matthews is a Celtic scholar and storyteller. She talks with Anne Strainchamps about the various myths of a lost paradise and how we can find it within ourselves.
Betsy Israel tells Jim Fleming our society has always been suspicious of unmarried women and talks about examples from Louisa Mat Alcott to Ally McBeal.
Alastair Bonnett's Dangerous Idea? Let's change our cities to promote urban biodiversity.
Pianist Christopher O'Riley performs the classics but also covers the rock music of his own time.
A philosopher and musician enjoys playing his clarinet with animals, especially whales.
