How did religion ever get started in the first place? We talked to renowned sociologist Robert Bellah shortly before he died. He said religion isn't about belief in God. Its origins go back to the rituals of our ancient ancestors, and ultimately to play.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
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John Hodgeman has written an almanac called "The Areas of My Expertise." It's comprised entirely of fake facts.
The French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, was presented with a Freedom on Expression award from the PEN American Center this week. Six high-profile writers boycotted the awards ceremony at PEN's big annual gala. Hundreds more protested, while others gave the magazine's editors a standing ovation. The chariman of the PEN World Voices Festival is Colm Toibin, the celebrated Irish novelist. Toibin shares his thoughs on the controversy.
Lendol Calder says being in debt is a good thing. He tells Steve Paulson that consumer credit drives the world economy.
Karen Armstrong talks with Anne Strainchamps about her tangled path back to God after leaving the convent.
Pullman speaks with Steve Paulson about the fictional world he's created.
James McBride won the National Book Award for "The Good Lord Bird," his novel about the abolitionist John Brown. He explains why he doesn't like most fictional portraits of slavery and how he tried to tell a different story.
Mitchell Joaquim and the Terreform 1 team are looking for new, organic ways of building homes… and cities. He says part of the answer might be tree houses and… meat houses. Yes, you heard that right, MEAT houses.
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