The past is a fascinating place to visit, especially when you consider how little it would take to make it an entirely different place.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
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Penelope Fitzgerald is considered one of the great British novelists of the last half-century. Remarkably, she didn't begin writing until she was nearly 60 - and that's partly what attracted biographer Hermione Lee.
Robert Baer, CIA agent turned novelist is also a film-maker. His documentary is called "The Cult of the Suicide Bomber" and it's scarier than anything Hollywood is producing.
John Balaban performed alternative service in Vietnam during the war there. While helping children injured in the fighting, he grew to love the traditional sung poetry of rural Vietnam.
Nathan Rabin, head writer for "The Onion's" entertainment section, "A.V. Club.", explains the pivotal role popular culture has played throughout his life.
Journalist Peggy Orenstein tells Jim Fleming about the raw food movement. She explains why they think food should never be heated above 118 degrees.
Dr. Maden Kataria founded Laughter Clubs International – groups of people who meet to laugh aloud together.
Margaret D. Jacobs studies early 20th century policies in both the U.S. and Australia, that removed indigenous children from their homes.
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