Genre: Talk Show

City Arts & Lectures

Since 1980, City Arts & Lectures has presented events with leading figures in the world of arts and ideas. Each season there are more than fifty lectures and onstage conversations and a few surprise performance events with outstanding figures in literature, criticism, science and the performing arts, offering the most diverse perspectives about ideas and values.

A Way with Words

“A Way with Words” is a weekly, hour-long, national, caller-based program about language. Author Martha Barnette and lexicographer Grant Barrett take calls about slang, grammar, linguistic heirlooms, old sayings, word origins, regional dialects, family expressions, and speaking and writing well. By looking at the world through the lens of language, “A Way with Words” offers a brand-new perspective on politics, pop culture, history, sports, music, science, literature, and foreign cultures. Funny, informative, and fast-paced, each hour-long episode includes a word puzzle and slang quiz. If you speak English — or if you’re trying to learn it — within a few minutes of listening to this show you’ll find something that pulls you in. Our listeners come from all walks of life: in more than a decade on the air, we’ve heard from rocket scientists to physicians, from spelling-bee champs to retirees, from Gen-X cartoonists to fishmongers. Well, at least one fishmonger, who wanted to know what -monger is doing in the name of his occupation. Beyond this broad audience that tunes in for general entertainment and information, “A Way with Words” has a growing and fiercely loyal core audience of self-described word lovers, including experienced and aspiring writers and editors; office workers and degreed professionals; learners of English as a first or supplementary language; linguistic dilettantes; word history buffs; students of all ages; teachers at all levels; lovers of wordplay; Scrabble players and crossword puzzlers; dictionary browsers; and late-blooming or late-life learners trying to catch up on what they missed or have forgotten of their formal education. The common thread is that these listeners keep tuning in week after week because “A Way with Words” addresses precisely the core values that devoted public-radio audiences share: a lively curiosity, an appreciation of thoughtful conversation that’s well-informed and stimulating, and a healthy sense of humor.

Ask your language questions: (877) 929-9673 or by email.

Climate One

Climate One is the premier platform for empowering conversations that connect all aspects of the climate emergency. Through our podcast, national radio show, and live convenings for thought leaders and concerned members of the public, we create opportunities for dialogue and inspire a more complete understanding of the current crisis.

Founded by KSPB and Stevenson School alum Greg Dalton in 2007, Climate One provides a unique and respectful space for influential, inclusive discussions. Our approach is rooted in the belief that viable, long-term responses to climate disruption can only come from an engaged, concerned citizenry.

Together with co-host Ariana Brocious and the world leaders, policymakers, and scientists who have made us one of the most credible resources for climate information, these new voices enlarge our sphere of common understanding and empower us all.

Big Picture Science

Big Picture Science is a weekly one-hour science magazine that connects ideas in surprising and humorous ways to illuminate the origins and evolution of life and technology on this planet and beyond. From free-thinking robots… to the recipe for dark matter… to the mix-and-match genes of synthetic biology, we have it all! One episode a month, Skeptic Check, is devoted to critical thinking. Produced at the SETI Institute and hosted by Seth Shostak and Molly Bentley. Big Picture Science can also be found on iTunes and other podcast sites.  The show began with the title Are We Alone? in 2002.

Blue Dot

Blue Dot takes you to curiosities across our universe. Featuring interviews with leading scientists, authors, filmmakers and journalists from around the world, Blue Dot examines our home from a planetary perspective. Whether it’s a discussion about our life-giving oceans, the imperiled climate systems, the depths of space, or how a rock guitar works, Blue Dot is an adventure of discovery.

Hosted by Dave Schlom, and co-produced by North State Public Radio, Blue Dot digs deep into conversations about earth and space. For the past 12 years, Schlom has adorned the airwaves with his warm, relaxed style. His extensive scientific and journalistic background and his gift for engaging natural and thought-inducing conversations make Blue Dot a program you don’t want to miss.

Original Theme Music by Matt Shilts, Engineer and Producer Matt Fidler, Associate Producer Ellie Johnson.

The Best of Our Knowledge

From WAMC-FM, The Best of Our Knowledge keeps listeners up-to-date on educational trends, from preschool to PhD, and spotlights breakthroughs in all disciplines. Hosted and produced by Lucas Willard, with additional production by Jody Cowan.

Planetary Radio

Each week, Planetary Radio’s Mat Kaplan visits with a scientist, engineer, project manager, astronaut, advocate or writer who provides a unique and exciting perspective on the exploration of our solar system and beyond. We also showcase regular features that raise your space IQ while they put a smile on your face. We hit the road now and then to produce a Planetary Radio Live show in front of an audience.

It’s the only long form public radio program devoted to the final frontier. Along with top-flight production quality, every episode relies on the deep expertise of the Planetary Society, founded by Carl Sagan, Lou Friedman and Bruce Murray, and now run by CEO Bill Nye the Science Guy! Bill has a weekly segment on the show.

Making Contact

Making Contact is a weekly, 29-minute international public-affairs program where listeners hear from people who share experiences and insights — not the conventional wisdom. Showcasing voices and perspectives rarely heard in mainstream media, Making Contact focuses on the human realities of politics and the connections between local and global events, emphasizing positive and creative ways to solve problems. Making Contact tackles a different topic each week, mixing down-to-earth interviews and produced pieces with commentaries that challenge listeners to think about our society in new ways.

Fifty-one Percent

Each week, 51% tunes into the issues of particular concern to women and, by extension, to all of us. This award-winning program takes an honest look at the questions, concerns, and successes born out of the professional and social progress made by women. Hosted and Produced by Allison Dunne, the aim of the series is to both educate and empower listeners. While many of the subjects addressed are serious ones, the tone of the program is upbeat and affirmative.