Abram de Swaan is a Dutch sociologist who studies the politics of language. He tells Steve Paulson that English is the worldwide language of business and diplomacy, though many wish it weren’t.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
Audio
Andrew Sullivan and Brian Mann appeared together at the Wisconsin Book Festival in a discussion moderated by Steve Paulson on the topic of the new conservatives in America.
Before there was iTunes, Spotify, or Pandora, there was the mixtape. Jason Bittner is nostalgic for those days, when sweethearts would spend days crafting the perfect playlist. He's the editor of a book and former website called "Cassette From My Ex". He shares some songs from his collection, and explains why the mixtape is such a powerful medium.
Alex Stone is a magician with a degree in physics. He performs a magic trick over the radio and explains how it works.
To hear one of Alex Stone's favorite bar tricks, listen here.
Over the next 70 years, sociologists estimate that the number of people living in cities will double. Chris Anderson, curator of the TED conference, introduces our urban future.
Doug Dorst talks about "S.," the novel-within-another-novel that he wrote based on a concept by producer and director J.J. Abrams.
A great in American soul music, the Reverend Al Green has spent his life testifying on stage and in the pulpit to the power of grace, love and happiness.
Anne Akiko Meyers tells us about the difference between playing traditional western music and Japanese or other Asian music.
Pages
