River to River
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Iowans with Interesting Jobs
Ben Kieffer looks back on conversations from 2012 with Iowans who have fascinating or unusual jobs. These individuals discuss the cool, unique and sometimes scary aspects of their professions.
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Top Iowa News Stories of 2012
2012 was another big year for news in Iowa. The headlines ranged from pink slime and spaceships, to the presidential election and financial scandal. Ben Kieffer counts down the top 10 news stories of the past year, plus some honorable mentions.
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Heartwarming Stories
Most of us have someone who has done something or said something that changed our life. Ben Kieffer talks with people who are honoring those family members, teachers, mentors and friends who gave them that pivotal push in the right direction.
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Therapy Animals
One of the ways the people of Newtown, Connecticut are recovering from last week's shooting is with the aid of therapy dogs. Animal assisted therapy is a type of therapy which uses trained animals to reduce anxiety and facilitate healing.Ben Kieffer talks with three Iowa therapists who works with animals. They discuss the history of animal assisted therapy, how the treatments work, and the special animals involved in these therapies.
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Politics Day: Iconic Obama
How is Barak Obama represented in popular culture? Ben Kieffer talks with two University of Iowa graduate students who’ve written a book about the 44th President as a lens through which we can see not only politics, but also art and music.Then, Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa with the latest political analysis of the Connecticut school shooting and fiscal cliff negotiations.
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Traffic Enforcement Cameras & Traffic Pet-Peeves
Several cities in Iowa are pushing for the controversial installment of traffic enforcement cameras, but the cities’ efforts are complicated by some state guidelines. Ben Kieffer talks with supporters and opponents to the installation of traffic cameras, and we’ll find out whether these cameras are a short, or long term goal for the state.Iowa State Representative Walt Rogers from the 20th District, human factors and vehicle safety research director at the UI Public Policy Center Dan...
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State of Iowa's Unions
Michigan is now a so-called right-to-work state, signing into law a bill that prevents unions from requiring employees to pay dues, even in unionized workplaces. It’s being called a political defeat for unions. Will the effects ripple into Iowa?Ben Kieffer and guests examine the state of Iowa’s unions. Ben talks with leaders of three of the state’s unions, a labor historian, and a state lawmaker.
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Climate Change In The Midwest
There has been a lot of talk about climate change in the news, with some experts saying super storms like Hurricane Sandy could be more frequent on the East Coast. But what’s the future of climate change in the Midwest? Ben Kieffer talks with University of Iowa Environmental Engineer Jerry Schnoor and others about what we might expect in the Midwest and how we might adapt to the change. Then, Ben talks with state Senator Rob Hogg, a vocal supporter of climate change policies.
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Marijuana's Legal Status in Iowa
After this year’s November election, where voters in Colorado and Washington voted to make marijuana legal for recreational use, people in Iowa are proposing similar legislation.Two bills will be proposed in the Iowa legislature, one on making medical marijuana legal in the state, and one decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of the substance.Ben Kieffer speaks with those promoting the increased legality of marijuana in the state of Iowa, and those against any kind of legalization....
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International Politics
Protests continue in Egypt in advance of voting on a new constitution. On politics day Ben Kieffer talks with political experts about why protestors say the draft constitution does not represent the hope inspired by the Arab spring. And why NATO fears the Syrian President may use chemical weapons on his own people.
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The Recruitment of Teaching & Science Education
Earlier this year, the director of the Iowa Department of Education unveiled 13 recommendations from the state’s Task Force on Teacher Leadership and Compensation. The goal - to improve education in part through getting better teachers. This hour we talk with several people about how to improve education in the state, including Linda Fandel, a special assistant for education to Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. We’ll also hear from two faculty members at Iowa State’s School of Education about their...
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History of Santa Claus and the "Angel of Albia"
St. Nicholas Day takes place on December 6th. It’s a day when the aforementioned saint brings gifts to good girls and boys. Americans have a similar tradition, but instead of St. Nicholas a character named Santa Claus delivers the presents on Christmas Eve. Today on River to River, we speak with historian Bruce David Forbes of Morningside College and author of Christmas: A Candid History. We discuss how St. Nicholas crossed the Atlantic to become Santa Claus. Also, we talk to a modern day...
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Politics Day
“Fiscal cliff” negotiations continue as polls show a majority don’t believe an agreement will be reached, and congressional Republicans are most to blame. Ben Kieffer talks with political experts Dennis Goldford and Tim Hagle about efforts to avoid going over the cliff.Then, our experts look ahead to Governor Branstad’s priorities in the coming legislative session, now that it seems likely he’ll seek re-election.
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The Historical Accuracy of Spielberg's "Lincoln"
The passage of the 13th Amendment which outlaws slavery and involuntary servitude almost didn’t pass.Host Ben Kieffer speaks with historian Thomas Schwartz, one of the foremost experts on the Abraham Lincoln. Schwartz—who is currently the director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum—worked as one of the historical consultants on the new film Lincoln.Schwartz discusses the historical accuracy of the film, what it was like to tour Springfield, Illinois with actor Daniel...
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Future Of The Iowa Caucuses and Eyewitness Testimony
Iowa holds the coveted first in the nation contest to decide who will be nominated for President. But, how secure is the future of the Iowa caucuses? Ben Kieffer talks with David Yepsen of the Paul Simon Institute and JoDee Winterhof, who helped lead Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, about how Iowa can keep its leadoff spot. Then, an Iowa State University researcher is causing courts to rethink eyewitness testimony in criminal cases.
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Iowa Blue Zones and Adele Diamond
How strong is the link between physical activity and success? Ben Kieffer talks with Adele Diamond, one of the world's leading researchers on the brain's cognitive functions, as she gives her answer. Diamond talks about the real difference exercise can make in how you think, feel and interact with others.Also, several members from Iowa’s Blue Zones project talk about the project's current endeavors.
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Human Trafficking in Iowa
Even though slavery was outlawed almost 150 years ago, people are still imprisoned and exploited daily in the United States.Human traffickers prey on the vulnerable and isolated. Often these individuals are children or teenagers hoping to escape a difficult home life, but instead are captured by predators who sell them for sex.Host Ben Kieffer talks about the prevalence of and how to stop human trafficking in Iowa and nationwide.
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Politics Day
The recent discussions on the fate of the Iowa Straw Poll among GOP leaders has sparked further questioning on the effectiveness of the annual event and other political gatherings. Ben Kieffer talks with political scientists Steffen Schmidt and Wayne Moyer about the week’s political events including the ongoing fiscal cliff negotiations and GOP discussions with U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice.
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Chronic Wasting Disease and Deer Hunting in Iowa
Deer hunting in Iowa is a $214 million industry. The big question leading into this weekend’s shotgun season is, how will the discovery of chronic wasting disease in captive Iowa deer impact the industry? Host Ben Kieffer, talks with wildlife biologist Jim Pease and Iowa state Senator and hunting enthusiast Dick Dearden about what they think should be done to protect Iowa's wild deer population. And we find out what Wisconsin has learned over 10 years of managing chronic wasting disease from...
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Cyberbullying And Children On The Internet
While parents still worry about who their children are interacting with online, parents are focusing their concern now on how their children are represented online. Ben Kieffer talks with experts about the way children perceive the Internet and how their posts could affect their academic or professional future. Then Iowa school officials discuss efforts to prevent cyber bullying in Iowa.
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Iowa's Reddest and Bluest Counties
We talk about blue and red states during elections… but what about blue and red counties? Chris Larimer of the University of Northern Iowa analyzed some of Iowa’s most democratic and republican counties, and tells us what might influence those voting patterns. Wayne Moyer from Grinnell College and Bruce Nesmith from Coe College join in our conversation about the political news of the day.
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Muscatine Delegation in China
When thinking of U.S. – China relations, small town Iowa rarely comes to mind. But a few Muscatine residents are working to change that, by building stronger cultural, educational, and corporate relations between the two countries.Host Ben Kieffer speaks with four Muscatine residents who recently returned from a trip to China. They share the details of their trip, and how it impacts China’s relationship with the state of Iowa.
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Iowa Children Living in Poverty
The number of Iowa children living in high-poverty neighborhoods is growing at a much faster rate compared to results nationwide. On today's River to River, we’ll find out what it’s like for Iowa’s children to grow up poor, and we’ll talk to people across the state working to end childhood poverty in Iowa.
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The Dust Bowl and Will Allen
Urban areas in the Midwest are often referred to as “food deserts”, lacking in affordable, local fresh greens and produce. Many people living in these areas are suffering from poor diet and subsequent disease. Ben Kieffer speaks with Will Allen, an urban farmer who is working to eliminate the fresh food shortage is these neighborhoods. Then Iowa State historian Pamela Riney-Kehrberg discusses a time when a large portion of the country was considered a desert, the 1930s Dust Bowl.
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The Accordion Family by Katherine Newman
In sociologist Katherine Newman's new book, The Accordion Family, she argues that globalization and weak economies have caused households to expand and incorporate grandparents, parents and children under one roof.Host Ben Kieffer speaks with Newman about the challenges of loved ones living together to make ends meet. We'll also hear from an Ames family whose two adult daughters have moved back home in an effort to save money.
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Hospital Acquired Infections
How many times a day do you wash your hands? Most people don’t keep track, but researchers at the University of Iowa are studying how well and how often hospital workers hand-wash. Ben Kieffer speaks with several researchers who are studying how infections spread in hospitals. But first, we discuss the impact of a drug-resistant bacteria discovered in some wildlife species in the state.
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2011 Nobel Laureate Dan Shechtman
In 1982, Dan Shechtman of Iowa State University and the Ames Laboratory discovered a type of crystal so strange, so unusual it upended the scientific world. Shechtman's discovery would cause him to become the 2011 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry.Shechtman tells the story behind his discovery in 1982 of quasicrystals, and how he had to endure ridicule from colleagues who didn’t believe it and how it forced scientists to reconsider the very nature of matter.Shechtman is a professor of materials...
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Politics Day: Post Election Analysis
After months of campaigning, it’s all over. Ben Kieffer talks with political experts Christ Larimer from the University of Northern Iowa, and Dennis Goldford of Drake University, to analyze the election results for Iowa’s Congressional, legislative, and judicial races.
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Politics Day: Campaign Finance and Polling
It’s the tail end of election season, meaning many Iowans have received calls, or survey requests online, all to see where political support stands with voters. But how much do we know about these polls, and the organizations that conduct them? Host Ben Kieffer finds out more about what these polls mean, and how much impact they are on voters.ThenMegan Took, the executive director and legal counsel for the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board,discusses campaign spending within the state...
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Post-Debate Wrap-Up
Viewership slipped from the first to the second Presidential debate, and is expected to dip even more as the candidates discuss foreign affairs. Clay Masters, guest hosts for Ben Kieffer, to spotlight some of the news from the final debate of the campaign. Masters talks with analysts from other battleground states to find out how the debates have impacted the campaign and voters watching in Florida, Ohio, New Hampshire and Iowa.
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Political Ads and Journalistic Obligations
In an election year when billions will be spent on political advertising, how much can you trust the claims you see on TV? Host Ben Kieffertalks withTim Karr, director of strategy at Free Press, about recently publishedreports on how ads are impacting the race nationwide. Then,two Iowa TV stationsexplain how they're fact-checking ads.
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Iowa App Makers
It wasn’t too long ago, when nobody knew what an “app” was. Today, many of us wouldn’t know what to do without our favorite mobile software applications. Host Ben Kieffertalks with mobile app and tech developers across the state, and we’ll discover some newly created apps, from our developers right here in Iowa.
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Ralph Nader and "The Seventeen Solutions"
The Atlantic named Ralph Nader one of the 100 most influential figures in American history. A political activist and five-time presidential candidate, Nader talks with host Ben Kieffer about his new book "The Seventeen Solutions: Bold Ideas for Our American Future."In his new book, he provides what he says are 17 ambitious and common-sense solutions to the nation’s seemingly intractable economic and social problems.
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Politics Day: Presidential Debate Analysis
There’s a joke going around among journalists: This presidential debate is the most important one since the last one, or until the next one. Host Ben Kieffer talks withanalysts Dave Petersonfrom Iowa State University and Bruce Gronbeck emeritusprofessorfrom the University of Iowa, to give their take on the latest face off, and how itimpacts the presidential race.
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World Food Prize Laureate Daniel Hillel & AARP...
On today's River to River the 2012 World Food Prize laureate, Daniel Hillel, talks about his role bringing advanced irrigation techniques to crops in arid and dry regions in the Middle East. Hillel has impacted farming lands in more than 30 countries with his technique of “micro-irrigation” that keeps the soil continuously moist without overusing the water supply.Also on this program of River to River, Jo Ann Jenkins, the president of the AARP Foundation, discusses the issues surrounding...
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UI Law School Case, Child Living Conditions In Iowa, And...
Senator Chuck Grassley talks with host Ben Kieffer as he reflects on the death of former Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter. Then Walter Olson,a fellow at the Cato Institute's Center for Constitutional studies, shares the importance ofa currentlegal case wherea University of Iowa law school graduateclaimsthe school didn't hire her because of her conservative political views. Then,Des Moines Register'sSenior News Director, CarolHunter, discusses the launch of a newseries examining the living...
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Anthony Robles, Defeating The Odds To Become A Champion
Anthony Robles was born with one leg but it was his courage and resolve that allowed him to chase his dream and to reach something that is remarkable for anyone, becoming a national wrestling champion. Host Ben Kieffer talks with the champion about his life and his book UNSTOPPABLE: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion.
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The Sleep Doctor, Mark Eric Dyken
The "Sleep Doctor" Mark Eric Dyken, a professor of neurology and director of Sleep Disorders Clinic, joins Ben Kieffer to discuss how sleep driving and the sleep inertia problems can result in possible early morning sleep deprived tendencies for homicide, suicide and sexsomnia.
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Congressional Candidates Bruce Braley and Ben Lange...
Iowa’s 1st Congressional District candidates square off in a radio debate. Host Ben Kieffer, and a panel of reporters, pose questions to Democrat, Congressman Bruce Braley, and Republican challenger Ben Lange. The candidatesdiscuss issues including jobs, the deficit and agriculture.
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Latinos in Iowa
The Latino Midwest examines the history, education, literature, art, and politics of Latinos in the Midwest in light of the demographic changes experienced by states in this region with growing Latino populations. It aims to explore the changing demographics and dynamics of Latino communities in Iowa, and to strengthen the responsiveness of policy makers, business leaders, and community organizations.The event has become a cherished gathering of Latinos and non-Latinos as a place to...
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Conflicts Within The War For Afghanistan
The idea was to transform Afghanistan from a desert to a bread basket when a U.S. settlement was established in Helmand Province in the 1960’s. But, Little America has become a modern example of our misunderstanding of a country where 80 thousandU.S. troops are trying to win hearts and minds .Host Ben Kieffertalks with Rajiv Chandrasekaran, author of “Little America: The War Within the War for Afghanistan.”
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Coping With Suicide And Prevention
The last decade has seen a rise in suicide rates in the United Statesand several groups in Iowa are trying to do something about it. Host Ben Kieffer talks with several Iowans who are reaching out to those in danger of suicide, to family members who have experienced such a tragedy and a psychiatrist with advice on suicide prevention.
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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Clinic & Talia...
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Clinic, staffed by two primary care physicians Dr. Nicole Nisly and Dr. Katie Imborek, will focus on comprehensive primary care for adult LGBT patients delivered by providers and staff with expertise in the health care needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.When Iowan Talia Leman was just 10 years old, she rallied students from four thousand U.S. school districts to gather more than $10 million for Hurricane Katrina relief...
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Video Gaming In Iowa
As thevideo game culture continues to grow, several people in Iowa are making efforts to expand the industry even further.Host Ben Kieffertalks with a University of Iowa instructor who developed an entire curriculum based on video game journalism.Then, a recentIowa graduate talks about becoming an editor at the world renowned gaming magazine, 'Game Informer.' Employees at the International Video Game Hall of Fame in Ottumwa, join the conversation todiscuss upcoming gaming events in the city.
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The Skilled Labor Gap In Iowa
Iowa is facing a shortage of middle-skill workers. Those are people to fill jobs that require more than a high school diploma but less than a college degree.Host Ben Kieffer talks about Iowa workforce development efforts to fill the gap. And hear from employers and educators about their needs.
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Veterans' Transitions to Civilian Lives
It’s a transition that isn’t all that easy: military veterans often have a tough time leaving the front line and moving back into life on a college campus or a job back home.River to River talks with Greg Touzani, President of the University of Iowa Veterans Association and John Mikelson, Veterans Center Coordinator, who describe the challenges they’ve faced acclimating to civilian life and their efforts in helping other veterans.
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Politics Day: Early Voting And Ground Game
Early voting begins tomorrow in Iowa and many county auditors have said they've seen an increase interest in absentee ballot requests. It's six weeks from Election Day, and on today's Politics Day we talk with our political experts about recent events and IPR's Sarah McCammon gives an update of the presidential candidates' ground game throughout the state.Then, one Urbandale newlywed shares how his nuptials where thrown for a curve when the president showed up.
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Gender and Presidential News Coverage
In an election cycle where many top policy concerns are labeled “women’s issues,” about three-quarters of newspapers’ presidential coverage is written by men according to recent survey data by the Fourth Estate Project. River to River hosts a panel of women journalists from news outlets across the state to find out why this is, and what its impact could be on the upcoming presidential election.
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Partisan Media In A Presidential Election
In recent years, partisan publications and blogs are becoming more of a resource for voters. Host Ben Kieffer explores the impact niche political news organizations have on elections, specifically withthis year’s presidential election. Journalism professor, Frank Durham, and political science professor, Tim Hagle join the discussion, as well as representatives of partisan news sites across the state.
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Iowa Town Celebrates The U.S. Constitution With...
The town of Hampton is recognizing the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution with a week long "Libertyfest" celebration. Shawn Dietz, mayor of Hampton, wants to emphasize the historical document's impact on the nation. Though the event falls during election season, Dietz says the festivities honor patriotism and not partisanship.Dietz joined "River to River" host Ben Kieffer in a discussion on the festivities.
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Anniversary Of The U.S. Constitution And Iowa Branding
This week people across Iowa are recognizing the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution duringthis year’s national observance of “Constitution Week”. Historian David Wendell talks with Ben Kieffer about constitutional issues 225 years ago and their prevalence today. Then, the mayor of Hampton, Iowa, discusseshis effortsin organizing“Libertyfest”, a week long celebration of the constitution and the founding fathers who established it.In the second half of the program,find out whySimpson...
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Author Hisham Matar
In 1990, the father of Libyan-American writer Hisham Matar was taken away by Colonel Qaddafi's agents. That kidnapping became the basis for Matar's critically acclaimed novel, Anatomy of a Disapperance.Matar is visiting Iowa as the Ida Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor in the University of Iowa International Writing Program from September 18 - 21. We discuss Libya's past, present and the anti-American protests across the Muslim world.
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Politics Day
Are you one of the 47 percentof Americans who quote, “don’t pay taxes” and “believe government has the responsibility to care” for you?Host Ben Kieffer, joined by our political experts, discuss thefallout from the surreptitiously taped video of Mitt Romney. Then, our experts talk about the impact of the Middle East attacks on the presidential race.
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Author Hunter Lovins and Bill Nye "The Science Guy"
Newsweek has named Hunter Lovins a "Green Business Icon" and a "Millennium Hero of the Planet" by TIME Magazine for her work in sustainable development. She is the President of Natural Capitalism Solution, and is also the Chief Insurgent of the Madrone Project a non-profit educational team that brings greater depth and scale to sustainability education by delivering advanced modular curricula curated for digital media purposes.Bill Nye combines his love of science with his flare for comedy...
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You Can't Lie To Me
Research shows one out of every five times a person opens his or her mouth -- out comes a lie. Also, 80 percent of all lies go undetected. Host Ben Kieffer talks with deception detection expert Janine Driver tells us how to sharpen our inner lie detector. Her new book is titled, "You Can't Lie to Me: The Revolutionary Program to Supercharge Your Inner Lie Detector and Get to the Truth."
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Drought And The Economy
What is the economic impact of this year’s drought? When it comes to food prices, agricultural experts and analysts say it means a spike due to soaring corn prices, but consumers may not see higher prices in the grocery store until 2013.Then we look at other economic factors in the Midwest, including how the 2012 Presidential Election could affect crude oil prices.
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Scott Cawelti's "Brother's Blood"
This hour we visit a conversation host Ben Kieffer had with author Scott Cawelti, who tells us about the infamous Mark family killings and reflects on the mind of a mass murderer.On Halloween night in 1975, Jerry Mark murdered his brothers’ entire family…four people, including two young children, in Cedar Falls. Since 1976, Jerry Mark has been held at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison where he is serving four consecutive life sentences.Cawelti’s book, "Brother’s Blood", takes...
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Politics Day: Iowa Congressional Races
TheNovember elections feature only four congressional districts in Iowa instead of five… and the districts’ new boundaries offer new challenges for incumbents. Host Ben Kieffertalks with several political experts aboutIowa’s congressional districtsincluding the match-ups, the issues, the polls, and the prospects.
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Environmental Concerns for the EPA
A committee of scientists led by University of Iowa professor Jerry Schnoor says the Environmental Protection Agency will need to develop novel tools, technologies, and a systems approach to solve environmental problems in the 21st century.Also, Ralph Rosenburg the executive director for Iowa Environmental Council discusses the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force's meetings in Des Moines.
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Voyager 1's Journey Into Interstellar Space
Thirty-five years after its launch, Voyager 1 is now the most distant man-made object, more than 11 billion miles from the sun and new evidence shows it’s nearing interstellar space. Host Ben Kieffer, talks with Voyager 1 scientist and University of Iowa space physicist, Don Gurnett, about the next phase of the spacecraft’s journey.
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Eboo Patel: Interfaith in America
After 9/11, suspicion and animosity toward American Muslims spiked. Host Ben Kieffer talks with Eboo Patel, founder and president of the Chicago-based Interfaith Youth Core. Patel says this prejudice is not just a problem for Muslims, but a challenge to the very idea of America. Patel also discusses his new book, Sacred Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice, and the Promise of America.After 9/11, suspicion and animosity toward American Muslims spiked.I’m BK. Next time on RTR, my guest is Eboo Patel,...
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Media Violence
Ever wonder if consuming media violence makes someone more likely to act out violence in real life?On River to River, we’ll examine a new report by Iowa State psychology professors Craig Anderson and Douglas Gentile that says violent images such as scenes in movies, games or pictures in comic books, act as triggers for activating aggressive thoughts and feelings already stored in memory. Also, what can parents do about it?
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Politics Day: Democratic National Convention
Four years ago, the first African-American won the presidency. To win the White House in 2012, Barack Obama will once again have to make history. Only Franklin Roosevelt was re-elected with unemployment this high. Today on Politics Day, we'll recap recent political developments including the ongoing Democratic National Convention.
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Antibiotic Resistance
In Iowa, the average amount of tuberculosis (TB) cases is 30-50 a year. In the U.S., TB affects an estimated 10 to 15 million people.On River to River, we’ll talk with Guru Rao and Ed Yu researchers from Iowa State who are studying a certain strain of tuberculosis that is multi-drug antibiotic resistant. Then, we’ll broaden the discussion to general antibiotic use in the U.S. and how antibiotic resistant bacteria will be a growing cause of concern in the future with UI professor of...
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The Growing Iowa Beer Industry
Nearly one new brewery opens every day in the United States and a new Gallup poll shows Americans prefer beer over wine, with craft beer enjoying a double-digit growth in popularity.Host Ben Kieffer talks about thegrowth of Iowa breweries and their impact on the state’s economy with several members of the Iowa brew industry.
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Iowa Delegates & Author Michael Perry
On today's River to River, Ben Kieffer talks with Iowa delegates at the GOP convention in Tampa, Florida and what challenges their party now faces in the next 10 weeks before the presidential election.Then, author Michael Perry gives a glimpse of the life of an 82-year old man in rural Wisconsin in his new book, Visiting Tom: A Man, A Highway and the Road to Roughneck Grace.
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Politics Day: GOP Convention
The next two weeks are a political junkie’s delight with back-to-back party conventions. Host Ben Kieffer talks with the experts to recap happenings in Tampa, look ahead to North Carolina, and talk about President Obama’s return trip to Iowa this week.
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Being Southeast Asian in Iowa
All this week, we’ve been hearing what it’s like “Being Southeast Asian in Iowa.” Our reports from IPR’s Rob Dillard have highlighted why so many Southeast Asians – many of them refugees -- settled in Iowa. Today, we’ll explore the culture of people from Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and more --- and the efforts to preserve the culture in Iowa.
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Iowa Film Productions
Frank Meeink became a skinhead when he was just thirteen. He roamed the country as an Aryan leader and Neo-Nazi recruiter with gangs that would beat people indiscriminately. Now, he’s a civil rights activist. Today on River To River we will talk to Meeink and filmmaker Kristian Day who is documenting Meeink’s journey throughout Iowa as he searches for his spirituality. Before that, we will talk with Scott Thompson, the writer and director of "A Place for Heroes", a World War II film being...
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UI Instrument On NASA Spacecraft And Media Culture In...
What does weather in space have to do with us on Earth? A lot it turns out. Host Ben Kieffer talks with University of Iowa Astronomy Professor Craig Kletzing. He talks about the instrument created by University of Iowa researchers that is aboard NASA’s latest mission to study the extremes of space weather and help scientists improve space weather forecasts.Then, DavidPerlmutter,Directorof the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa,talks about his trip this...
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Exploring the Nature of Terror
In his new book, celebrated poet, essayist, and Director of the University of Iowa International Writing Program Christopher Merrill explores the nature of terror, its place in the post-911 world and how terror unites and galvanizes those in the throes of it.In The Tree of Doves: Ceremony, Expedition, War Merrill takes us on his exotic journeys to Malaysia, China, the Dead Sea and war-torn Syria.
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The "Rock Island Clean Line" and Wind Energy Tax Credits
One of the limitations of the wind energy industry has been connecting it to the power grid. On today's "River to River", we hear about The Rock Island Clean Line, a project to deliver 35-hundred megawatts of wind power from Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota to communities in Illinois and states to the East. We also find out what will happen to the effort if wind energy tax credits are eliminated.
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Politics Day
Iowa is once again at the center of the race for the White House President Obama is on a three day bus tour of the state and newly minted Republican V-P pick Representative Paul Ryan was at the Iowa State Fair. This River to River, well talk about Mitt Romneys selection of Paul Ryan and what the effect might be in swing states such as Iowa. Our guests are political analysts Steffen Schmidt of Iowa State University and Tim Dale of the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.
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The Hominid Species from Two Million Years Ago
We listen back to Bens conversation with Lee Berger, American Paleoanthropologist who in 2010 discovered the bones of a new hominid species that lived almost two million years ago. Later, researchers from UI and ISU discuss the historic find.
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Career Criminals And Global Warming's Potential To Spark...
Are career criminals born or made? Host Ben Kieffer talks with Matt DeLisi, an associate professor of sociology and director of the criminal justice program at Iowa State University, about how a lifetime of events can impact an individual and has the potential tomold them into a repeat offender. Then, Iowa Sate UniversityPsychologistCraig Anderson discusses a study that shows as the average temperature of earth rises, so does the potential for violent tendencies.
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Autism As Diversity
Most view Autism as a devastating disorder- one that needs to be curedbut could it be viewed as a form of diversity? We listen back to Ben Kieffers conversation with two Grinnell residents, Emily Thornton Savarese and Ralph James Savarese, parents of an autistic child. They are the editors of a special issue of Disabilities Studies Quarterly entitled "Autism and the Concept of Neurodiversity".Then, a Syracuse college student diagnosed with Autism joins the conversation.
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Patterns of the Iowa Supreme Court
On todays "River to River", we take look at the inner workings of the Iowa Supreme Court - including patterns emerging that provide clues as to how individual judges view issues before the court. Katherine talks with Des Moines attorney Ryan Koopmans whos analyzed Iowa Supreme Court Decisions over the past year. Later, host Ben Kieffer talks with author and historian Lawrence Goldstone. Goldstone has studied the U.S. Supreme Court and its interpretation of several amendments to the...
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Politics Day: Iowa Visits
Presidential candidate Mitt Romney wraps up his two-day visit to Des Moines as President Barack Obama gets ready for a three-day stop in Iowa next week. IPRs Dean Borg talks with two political science experts about the heavy candidate presence in Iowa and the issues the candidates are driving home during their stay.
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Digital Deception and Solder Patents
When someone is trying to lie to you in face-to-face exchange, you may be able to tell by their shifting eyes. But what if that deception comes in text communication or in an email? We listen back to Bens conversation with Joey George, an Iowa State University professor of Management Information Systems. Hes studied computer mediated deceptive communication and will tell us how were learning to lie digitally. Then, a look at the Ames Laboratory and patents developed there- including a...
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Capturing Reactions to Disability And Aiding Nepalese...
Listen back to host,Ben Kieffers, conversation with Kevin Connolly, a photographer who was born without legs. He traveled the world taking pictures of people reacting to him -- a legless man zooming by on a skateboard. Then, Conor Grennan talks with Ben about his work helping Nepalese children who are victims of child trafficking.
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Keeping Your Children Safe
The story of two missing Evansdale girls has captured the states and the nations attention. Host Ben Kieffertalks with the Black Haw County Sheriffs Department to get an update on the case. Then the National Safety Director of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children talks about what parents and the public can do to help with the case and how we can use the Evansdale case as an opportunity to talk with our children about staying safe.
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Changing Media Landcsape and Taking a Media Diet
We all realize the media landscape is changing very quickly. But where are we headed? And have you ever considered putting yourself on a media diet? Wed originally scheduled Governor Branstad to join us live today. However, late this morning, the Governors office let us know that he now has a scheduling conflict. Well try to reschedule that conversation for a future date.Instead today, well listen back to conversation about changes in the media with Executive Director of the Iowa Broadcast...
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The Politics of Foreign Policy
This week Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney wrapped up a three-nation international trip to England, Israel and Poland. Some of his comments abroad sure put him in the media limelight, but will it help or hurt his campaign? Host Ben Kieffer talks with political science professors Lindsay Cohn from the University of Northern Iowa and Jim McCormick from IowaStateUniversityabout the politics of foreign policy in this presidential election year.
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Iowa's Population Growth
While Iowas total population grew by 2.8 percent over the past nine years, the 2010 Census Report shows that the growth has occurred in the states largest cities and their suburbs, while the rural areas are losing residents. All but 22 of Iowas counties have declined in population over the last nine years -- with just 10 counties around the metropolitan areas growing faster than the Midwest regions 3.8 percentage growth. Ben examines Iowa communities that have experienced population growth-...
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Comedian Nathan Timmel and Remembering Lauren Reece Flaum
One Iowa comedian says he turns to his uncommon experiences growing up for his profession. Host Ben Kieffer talks with comedian and author, Nathan Timmel, about his memoir I Was a White KnightOnce.Then, listen back to excerpts from Bens conversation with Lauren Reece Flaum, who died this month after living with breast cancer for 17 years. In 2008, Redbook magazine asked its readers to submit their stories about living with breast cancer and Flaum beat out thousands of entries to win the...
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A Runner Without a Country and Champion Debaters
Hes been dubbed the runner without a country Guor Marial is a 28-year-old marathon runner and refugee from the newly independent African nation of South Sudan. After Marial escaped Sudan as a child, he came to the United States and competed in cross country at Iowa State University. Though hes a U.S. resident, hes not a citizen and South Sudan does not yet have a national Olympic body, but after months of consideration, the International Olympic Committee ruled Marial could compete under the...
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Checking in with Upper Iowa University and Wartburg...
Upper Iowa University has 10,000 students worldwide, but only 1,000 of them study at northeast Iowa town of Fayette where its based. As part of our summer series of conversations with Iowa university and college presidents, host Ben Kieffer talks with Upper Iowas President Alan Walker about his universitys global reach. Also, a conversation with Wartburg College President Darrel Colson.
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Politics Day: Swing Votes
If youre like many Americans, youve become increasingly frustrated with a lack of bipartisan cooperation in congress and the disappearance of centrist politicians willing to work together to solve the nations problems. Host Ben Kieffertalks with columnist and Woodrow Wilson Center Scholar, Linda Killian, about her new book The Swing Vote: The Untapped Power of Independents. Also, Wayne Moyer of Grinnell College and Bruce Gronbeck from the University of Iowa analyze political events from the...
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The Exchange 11/6/09
Ben Kieffer talks with New York Times number one bestselling author David Wroblewsky. Then, a conversation about canines used for therapy.
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The Exchange 11/4/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate and Iraqi war veteran who faces discharge from the U.S. Army after admitting he is gay. Later in the show, Kieffer talks with University of Northern Iowa Professor Nicholas Pace about his new book "The principal's Challenge-Learning From Gay and Lesbian Students."
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The Exchange 11/2/09
Ben Kieffer talks with David Nichols, the internationally recognized expert on LSD and other substances. Nichols is featured in the National Geographic Channel special, EXPLORER: INSIDE LSD premiering this week. Later in the hour- a conversation with White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske. Kerlikowske is in Des M
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The Exchange 10/30/09
Host Ben Kieffer's Eve of Halloween special features an interview with Chad Lewis, author of the "Iowa Road Guide to Haunted Locations." Learn about haunted places that may be in your neighborhood.
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The Exchange 10/28/09
Ben Kieffer talks with Al Letson, creator of the State of the Re:Union audio project. The project aims to show listeners how American communities are more alike than different and the many ways differences are celebrated across the country. The project recently produced a piece on Des Moines. Then a conversation with Senator Charles Grassley.
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The Exchange 10/27/09
Author of THE LOOTING OF AMERICA, Les Leopold, talks with host Ben Kieffer about the bailout of financial institutions. Kieffer also talks with the president of the Iowa Bankers Association, John Sorenson, and Des Moines resident Ferol Wegner who protested at a recent banker's conference in Chicago.
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The Exchange 10/26/09
Ben Kieffer talks with University of Iowa graduate Monique Nazareth about her work as a producer on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross.
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The Exchange 10/23/09
Ben Kieffer talks with United Nations Foundation Senior Advisor Gillian Sorensen. Sorensen is in Iowa as a guest of the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council and the Iowa United Nations Association. She'll discuss the changing role of U.N. in foreign affairs and the organizations relationship with the Obama administration.
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The Exchange 10/21/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with Criminal Defense Attorney Bill Kutmus about how competency is determined. Then, a conversation with Judge Thomas Bower about mental health court cases.
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The Exchange 10/20/09
Encore Edition: Host Ben Kieffer talks with author Loree Rackstraw about her memoir detailing her relationship with Kurt Vonnegut.
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The Exchange 10/19/09
Ben Kieffer talks with author Henry Pollack about his book A World Without Ice. Pollack, a University of Michigan Professor of Geophysics, was part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President Al Gore.
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The Exchange 10/14/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with the former editor of "The Nation" magazine Victor Navasky. They'll explore the changing landscape of news magazine publications and discuss the future of journalism. Navasky is the Ida Beam Visiting Professor at the University of Iowa.
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The Exchange 10/12/09
A look back at Pope John Paul II visit to Iowa 30 years ago. Host Ben Kieffer talks with Joe Hays, the Iowa farmer who drafted a letter urging the Pope to come to Iowa. Plus a conversation with Father Bud Grant who was an acolyte at the Pope's side during the 1979 ceremony. Later in the hour, Ben talks with Northwestern University Professor of Religi
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The Exchange 10/09/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with Zach Brandon from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and Lisa Strout from the New Mexico Film Office about their states' experience with film tax credits. Then, he asks Iowa filmmakers Jon Hazell, Kim Busbee and John Busbee about how the suspension of Iowa's film tax credit program is impacting them and their business.
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The Exchange 10/7/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with Ralph Nader about his new novel "Only the Super-Rich can Save Us." Then, U of I Assistant Professor of Marketing, Bill Hedgcock discusses his research on Nader's impact on the 2000 election.
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The Exchange 10/5/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with "Zoya" a member of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, who argues the U.S. cannot liberate Afghani women. Then, Drake University Professor David Skidmore explains U.S. options in Afghanistan.
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The Exchange 9/30/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with award-winning American Public Radio producer and writer Nancy Updike about her work on "This American Life".
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The Exchange 9/29/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with Dayton Duncan, co-producer of "The National Parks: America's Best Idea." Later in the show, Kieffer takes a look at some of Iowa's National Park Service sites.
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The Exchange 9/25/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with writer Lijia Zhang from China. Zhang is a visiting writer with the University of Iowa's International Writing Program. Later in the hour, a music performance by Iowa natives Joe and Vicki Price.
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Talk @ 12 9/25/09
Author Monday host Julie Englander looks at banned books with Deborah Caldwell, Director of the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom and Michael Wright of the Iowa Library Association. Then, she talks with biographer Brad Gooch about the work of Flannery O'Connor, and Loree Rackstraw about the work of Kurt Vonnegut.
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The Exchange 9/23/09
Host Ben Kieffer looks at health care reform with Center to Advance Palliative Care director Dr. Diane Meier.
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The Exchange 9/22/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Then, IPR news director Jonathan Ahl and WUIS Radio statehouse bureau chief Sean Crawford analyze the conversation. Kieffer talks to Quad City Times political reporter Ed Tibbetts and WVIK Radio news director Herb Trix about the differences between Illinois and Iowa politics.
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The Exchange 9/21/09
On Author Monday host Julie Englander talks with Des Moines native Mike Wellman about his book, "Far from the Trees" and with Iowa City native Larry Baker about his book, "A Good Man."
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The Exchange 9/17/09
Host Ben Kieffer examines proper and improper English grammar with Patricia O'Conner, author of "Woe is I."
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The Exchange 9/16/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with Des Moines Register columnist Rekha Basu about her job as a columnist, the health care debate, and immigration. Later in the show, Kieffer talks about migraines with Dr. Carolyn Bernstein.
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The Exchange 9/15/09
In the first half of the show, host Ben Kieffer talks to the Post Carbon Institute's Richard Heinberg about the depletion of fossil fuels. During the second half, Kieffer speaks with contributors of the anthology "Thoreau's Legacy: American Stories about Global Warming."
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The Exchange 9/11/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with Supreme Court correspondent of the New York Times Adam Liptak. Liptak will lead Drake University's Constitution Day celebration Tuesday, Sept. 15. Later in the hour, Ben talks with singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky about her upcoming show at CSPS in Cedar Rapids.
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The Exchange 9/10/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with Chef Daniel Orr about Orr's new cookbook, "FARMfood." Then Kieffer talks with Dr. Stephen Shortell, the Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkley; Peter Domiano of the University of Iowa Public Policy Center about more personal approaches to health care.
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The Exchange 9/9/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with University of Iowa theater and film alumnus Nicholas Meyer about his work writing and directing the Star Trek movies and his various television projects.
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The Exchange 9/8/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks with Gary Kendell, the director of the Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy, Amber Rand, the Program Supervisor at Cornerstone in Ankeny, and the grandmother of a child dealing with prescription drug abuse.
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The Exchange 9/4/09
It's Java Blend this morning on The Exchange. Host Ben Keiffer interviews International Writing Program students and later in the show, musician Willy Porter will perform live on the Java House stage.
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The Exchange 9/2/09
Host Ben Kieffer talks health care reform with U.S. Congressman Dave Loebsack from Iowa's 2nd congressional district. Then an interview with Mike Love of the Beach Boys about their upcoming "green" concert in Fairfield.
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The Exchange 9/1/09
Host Ben Kieffer examines what it is like to sell a home in today's economy. He speaks with Assistant Iowa Attorney General Patrick Madigan, vice president of Des Moines Area Association of Realtors Joanne Mangold, and Mary Ann Farus of First Choice Realty in Forest City.
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The Exchange 7/29/08
Robin Gerber, author of "Eleanor vs. Ike," joins the show to discuss the 1952 election and Eleanor Roosevelt's role in politics.
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The Exchange 7/28/08
"What Would Jesus Buy?" is a new documentary film about America's consumer-driven society. Guests from the Church of Stop Shopping, as well as Tom Dean and Ben Hunnicutt from the University of Iowa's department of leisure studies, join the show to talk about American's love of consuming.
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The Exchange 6/26/08
Arthritis, one of the oldest diseases known to man, affects one in five Americans. Today Dr. Joseph Buckwalter from the University of Iowa's department of orthopedics and rehabilitation discusses the painful disease and answers callers' questions about treatment.
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The Exchange 7/2/07
On today's show Glen Jenson discusses the second book of his history of America. Also he is discussing a biography he is writing now about Herbert Hoover.
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The Exchange 6/29/07
On today's show we discuss the connections that Iowa has with baseball.
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The Exchange 6/28/07
On today's show we discuss 35 years of Title Nine, and what challenges it still faces.
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