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To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Rebecca Dopart was working as a Peace Corps volunteer in Poland, in the mid-90s. While there, she fell in love and got married. Just three weeks after her wedding, her father-in-law died. In this story, Dopart recalls how her husband tended to his father’s body.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Journalist and educator Thomas Kunkel recommends "Here Is New York" by E.B. White.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

White Americans of European descent will make up less than half the population by 2042, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In other words, white people will soon become a demographic minority. Philosopher Linda Martin Alcoff says that shift represents a sea change in how we'll think about American identity. She’s the author of the new book “The Future of Whiteness.” Alcoff told Steve Paulson that before we contemplate the future, we need to grapple with what it means to be white today.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Vivek Maddala composes new scores for silent movies.  He tells Steve Paulson how music can tell a story.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

One place that new music’s finding audiences is in galleries and museum. One piece in particular has won the hearts of people across the world. It’s called Forty Part Motet.  Sound artist Janet Cardiff uses 40 speakers to play "Spem in Allium," a 40-part Renaissance motet written by Thomas Tallis.   Think of it as Renaissance surround-sound.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

In many cultures, people use pain as a means of coming closer to God.

Ariel Glucklich talks with Jim Fleming about the history and psychology behind the practices.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Samuel Clemens was an energetic and passionate man who traveled the world and created a new American idiom.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Back in 1969, Marine Karl Marlantes was dropped in the middle of a jungle in Vietnam - at the age of 23, put in charge of the lives of 40 other young men. He says he wasn't psychologically or spiritually prepared for that, or for what came after the war.

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