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Talk of the Nation (News)

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  • Host: Neal Conan
  • Journalist Neal Conan leads a productive exchange of ideas and opinions on the issues that dominate the news landscape. From politics and public service to education, religion, music and healthcare, Neal Conan offers call-in listeners the opportunity to join enlightening discussions with decision-makers, authors, academicians and artists from around the world.
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  • Genres: News
  • Location: Washington, DC
  • Language: English
  • Networks: NPR
Last updated 313 days ago Update show info

Have You Ever Tried To Get Out Of Jury Duty?

Tue, Dec 1
Jury duty's a civic obligation, but it can be tough to find the time to serve. Former Seinfeld writer Peter Mehlman confesses he showed up for jury duty with good intentions, but finagled his way out of serving. He then found he felt guilty about it.

A Global Picture On World AIDS Day

Tue, Dec 1 Listen
2009 marks 28 years in the battle against HIV and AIDS. New infections are down worldwide, and more people live longer with the disease. But over 33 million people around the world are HIV-positive, and reports indicate more than half of those who need treatment cannot get it.

Our Fascination With The End Of The World

Tue, Dec 1 Listen
As far back as 2800 B.C., the Assyrians warned that the end of the world was near. Mayans predicted the apocalypse for 2012. Jerry Walls of the Center for Philosophy of Religion at the University of Notre Dame talks about our ongoing fascination with the end of days.

Letters: Truckers And Who Should Attend College

Tue, Dec 1 Listen
Talk of the Nation listeners behind the wheels of big rigs wrote in to share what four-wheelers car drivers don't understand about 18-wheelers. And listeners chimed in many sides of the discussion about who's best served by a college education.

What To Expect From Obama's Afghanistan Address

Mon, Nov 30 Listen
President Obama delivers his much anticipated address on Afghanistan Tuesday night. NPR senior news analyst Ted Koppel joins Neal Conan for a discussion of what we expect to hear from Obama, and how he'll try to bring the country, Congress and U.S. allies on board.

Justice Oversees Criminal Tribunal For Rwanda

Mon, Nov 30 Listen
Since 2002, Hassan Bubacar Jallow has served as the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Justice Jallow talks about his tenure on the court, which has jurisdiction over war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.

Comedian Charlie Murphy, A 'Stand-Up Guy'

Mon, Nov 30 Listen
For years, Charlie Murphy was best known as Eddie Murphy's brother, but not anymore. He talks about his book, The Making of a Stand-Up Guy, which traces his journey from jail, to the Navy, to his own career in stand-up.

Op-Ed: Give Tiger The Privacy He Requests

Mon, Nov 30 Listen
Since Tiger Woods' mysterious car crash, there has been a great deal of speculation about what caused the accident. John Paul Newport, golf columnist for The Wall Street Journal, says that the public should "give Mr. Woods and his family the privacy he requests."

They Might Be Giants Sings About Science

Fri, Nov 27 Listen
In Here Comes Science, the band They Might Be Giants tackles the scientific process, plasma physics, the role of blood in the body and the importance of DNA, all in song. Band members John Linnell and John Flansburgh discuss the album and play some science tunes. Originally broadcast Sept. 25, 2009.

Cheese: Chemistry Rolled Into Every Wheel

Fri, Nov 27 Listen
Can science explain what makes Stilton stinky and goat cheese gooey? Liz Thorpe, vice president of Murray's Cheese in New York and author of the book The Cheese Chronicles, talks about the science and business of making cheese in America. Originally broadcast Aug. 14, 2009.

Ig Nobel Prizes Salute Silly Science

Fri, Nov 27 Listen
The winners of this year's Ig Nobel Prizes include the inventor of underwear that doubles as an emergency gas mask, researchers who created diamonds from tequila, and more. The Igs honor research that "first, makes you laugh, then, makes you think," according to Marc Abrahams, the master of ceremonies and the editor of Annals of Improbable Research.

Who Is Missing At Your Thanksgiving Table?

Thu, Nov 26 Listen
Tell NPR who is missing at your Thanksgiving table, and then join the discussion with host Neal Conan.

How To Get People To Share Stories

Thu, Nov 26
Everybody has a story, where it's the ones they tell over and over or the ones you've always wanted to know more about. On the eve of the National Day of Listening, host Neal Conan talks with David Isay of the StoryCorps Project about how to get people to dish the stories you've always wanted to hear.

Author Knows What Goes On 'Inside Of A Dog'

Thu, Nov 26 Listen
Where a typical dog lover sees puppies at play, cognitive scientist Alexandra Horowitz sees a complex dance between canines. Horowitz clears up common misconceptions about our four-legged friends in her book, Inside Of A Dog.

The Case Of The President's Missing Charisma

Wed, Nov 25 Listen
Fred Barbash of Politico moderates the site's arena. Participants are responding to the question, Obama's Charisma: Where Did He Leave It? Also, political junkie Ken Rudin fills us in on the first state dinner, and Gov. Mark Sanford's (R-SC) possible impeachment.

Ask Amy: The Art Of The Graceful Comeback

Wed, Nov 25 Listen
Martha Stewart created a stir last week when she critiqued Rachel Ray. But many say the prize goes to Ray for her savvy and graceful response. Syndicated advice columnist Amy Dickinson talks about the art of the eloquent comeback.

How To Make Trucks Safer On Highways

Wed, Nov 25 Listen
Last year, over 4,000 people died as a result of truck related accidents. As part of NPR's series, On The Road To Safety, guests look at what's being done to make big rig driving on the long haul safer for truck drivers and for motorists.

A Caribbean Take On Shakespeare's 'Much Ado'

Wed, Nov 25 Listen
Director Timothy Douglas looked to his Caribbean roots for inspiration for his staging of Much Ado About Nothing. The familiar characters in Douglas's latest production exchange barbs, rumors and lies with island accents in a vibrant alley in modern-day Washington D.C.

Charges Filed In Case Of Missing Somali-Americans

Tue, Nov 24 Listen
Federal investigators filed charges against eight people in connection with the disappearance of young Somali-Americans who allegedly left the U.S. to fight with a terrorist group in Somalia. NPR's counterterrorism correspondent Dina Temple-Raston talks about the investigation.

Former Reporter Evaluates Possible Shield Law

Tue, Nov 24 Listen
A federal law that would offer protection to journalists who refuse to reveal their sources is before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Toni Locy, a former USA Today reporter once held in contempt for not revealing her sources, assesses the proposed shield law.

'Dr. Queue' Helps You Avoid Rage In Line

Tue, Nov 24 Listen
Each December, there are stories of holiday shoppers fighting over bargains and getting violent in parking lots. MIT Professor Dick Larson, also known as "Dr. Queue," talks about the psychology of waiting in line, and how to avoid "queue rage" this holiday season.

What Would You Give Up For Safer Roads?

Tue, Nov 24 Listen
As part of NPR's "On The Road To Safety" series, we'll ask listeners what they'd be willing to do for safer roads. Tell us: Would you pay more taxes for better highways? Ban cell phone use entirely? Take the keys from mom and dad? Change speed limits? Buy different cars?

Letters: More on Mammography Guidelines

Tue, Nov 24 Listen
Constance Lehman, medical director of radiology and director of breast imaging at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, explains what new the recommendations for routine mammograms could mean for women who do not know their risk for developing breast cancer.

It's Not Whether We Ration Health Care, But How

Mon, Nov 23 Listen
Biothecist Peter Singer makes the case for health care rationing based on philosophical, economic and ethical issues. In his piece for the New York Times, he argues health care rationing is necessary, and done right, provides the best value for the money.

Commission Member Wants Detainees In Ill.

Mon, Nov 23 Listen
James Thompson, member of the September 11 commission, believes detention officials in Ill. are capable of handling Guantanamo Bay detainees. In a piece for the Chicago Tribune, he argues bringing the detainees to American soil will make the country stronger and safer.

Who Needs College, And Who Shouldn't Go?

Mon, Nov 23 Listen
Many parents and teachers view college as the natural path to success. But diplomas are getting more expensive, and many people succeed without a bachelor's degree. Guests address the value of a college degree, and whether the fields projected to grow require them.

Op-Ed: Huckabee And Palin Chose Celebrity

Mon, Nov 23 Listen
In the New York Times, columnist Ross Douthat argues Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin embraced celebrity after losses in 2008, and thus can never become president. Douthat believes republicans need a leader who prefers "leadership to the pleasures of celebrity."

Debating Benefits, Risks Of Routine Mammograms

Fri, Nov 20 Listen
New guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend women start getting routine mammograms at age 50, not 40. Ira Flatow and guests take a closer look at the guidelines and what they mean for women's health.

Talking Turkey About Holiday Stress

Fri, Nov 20 Listen
The holiday season is here and for many that can mean a surge in stress. But what is stress exactly? Science Friday hit the streets of New York City to gauge stress levels and consulted with experts on the effects of stress and strategies for how to cope.

Personalizing Solar Power

Fri, Nov 20 Listen
Researchers are hoping to improve solar energy installations by coupling a solar panel to an efficient hydrolysis unit that splits water into oxygen and hydrogen. Daniel Nocera of MIT says the approach could lead to personal solar power units that could get many houses off the grid.

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