Rumspringa is the Amish custom of allowing sixteen year olds a period of total freedom to experience the temptations of the world before they choose the strictures of a traditional Amish life
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
Audio
Ryan Boudinot talks to Jim Fleming about his post-apocalyptic novel, "Blueprints of the Afterlife."
Why aren't there more realistic portrayals of scientists in literary fiction? Cell biologist and novelist Jennifer Rohn founded LabLit.com, a website that's at the center of the new movement calling for more and better science in fiction.
Philosopher Rebecca Goldstein says philosophy is still evolving, and continues to shape our values. She talks about her long fascination with the granddaddy of all philosophers, Plato.
Journalist Steve Volk believes the paranormal can be studied scientifically and explains why it's also a great subject for journalists. Also, a montage of movie clips about the paranormal.
Composer Stephen Paulus sits at the piano keyboard and talks with Jim Fleming about how he developed the music for a group of six poems he set for the Festival Choir of Madison.
Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Susan Faludi writes about the effects of 9/11 on society, and especially on women.
How do we mind our mortality without being overwhelmed with morbid thoughts?
Stoically, says philosopher William Irvine. But he says Stoicism doesn't require us to be unemotional about death and loss. Irvine says the Stoics used thoughts about mortality to make our lives more joyful.
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