When we’re talking about data, we’re really talking about code—the languages that structure every aspect of our digital lives. But can code itself be interesting? Or even beautiful? Vikram Chandra grew up in India and always wanted to be a novelist, but when he came to the United States, he discovered computers—going from a weekend tinkerer to a consultant who paid his way through grad school. He spoke with Steve Paulson on what makes good writing, and what makes good code.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
Audio
Neurologist Alice Flaherty talks about the science behind writer’s block, and recounts her own experiences with hypergraphia.
Kim Stanley Robinson is renowned for his futuristic science fiction, so he surprised lots of people by writing a novel set in the Paleolithic era. He says recent archeological discoveries, as well as his backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, inspired him to write about our ancient ancestors.
What would it be like to spend two days a month in complete silence?
For nearly a decade, political scientist Kathy Cramer has been travelling throughout rural Wisconsin, talking with groups of people at small cafes, gas stations, and other popular local gathering spots. Through her conversations with ordinary Wisconsinites, she's discovered a growing resentment between the state's rural and academic communities. She tells Steve Paulson that the dream of the Wisconsin Idea isn't connecting with many of the state's rural residents.
Alan Turing wasn't just a brain. He was also an accomplished athlete -- a runner, who nearly made it to the Olympics. British writer Alan Garner knew Alan Turing as his friend and running partner.
Anne Strainchamps talked with Anne Heller about her subject, Ayn Rand, the power of capitalism, and her appeal for young people.
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