Here & Now Anytime
1,796 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★ - 703 ratingsThe news you need to know today — and the stories that will stick with you tomorrow. Plus, special series and behind-the-scenes extras from Here & Now hosts Robin Young, Scott Tong and Deepa Fernandes with help from Producer Chris Bentley and the team at NPR and WBUR.
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Episodes
U.S. and China's shared secrets; Winston Salem's Black-owned Safe Bus
March 11, 2022 19:21 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBIn Episode IV of The Great Wager podcast, Jane Perlez of The New York Times reports exclusive information about how Chinese and American intel officials agreed to work together against their common rival of many years. And, Safe Bus was a Black-owned transportation company formed in 1926 to serve the African American community in Winston Salem, North Carolina. David Ford of WFDD on the company's important place in North Carolina's Black history.
Celebrating Jack Kerouac's 100th birthday; Cotton farming moves into the Midwest
March 11, 2022 19:19 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBCelebrated author Jack Kerouac would have turned 100 on March 12. Kerouac biographer Joyce Johnson talks about Kerouac's iconic "On the Road" and his continued resonance for readers today. And climate change — combined with dwindling water resources and new infrastructure — means states like Kansas are becoming cotton countries. David Condos of the Kansas News Service reports.
New children's book on refugees; Risks of a no-fly zone over Ukraine
March 10, 2022 17:24 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBMiry's List founder Miry Whitehill has co-authored a new children's book called "Our World Is A Family: A Book About Being A Good Neighbor." She speaks with us about having tough conversations with kids about refugees. And, there are a number of calls for NATO to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine, including from the Ukrainian president. NATO has rejected the idea because it comes with significant risks. Expert Joshua Pollack says one of those risks is a nuclear conflict with Russia.
Parenting coach wants to break the racial trauma cycle; Apple takes a stand on Russia
March 10, 2022 17:05 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBWe speak with parenting coach Yolanda Williams about breaking racial trauma when raising Black children. And, along with other big tech companies, Apple recently announced that it would halt sales and services in Russia. Lauren Goode, a senior writer for Wired, reports.
Remembering the only all-female Black unit to serve overseas in WWII; Bobby Rush book
March 09, 2022 18:29 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBKnown as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a group of 855 Black women became the first and only all-female Black U.S. Army Corps unit to serve overseas during World War II. This year, Congress awarded the group the Congressional Gold Medal. Author Brenda L. Moore shares more. And, we revisit our conversation with Grammy-winning blues musician Bobby Rush about his memoir "I Ain't Studdin Ya: My American Blues Story." Rush goes on tour this month.
'Turning Red' director channels her inner panda; Artist Faith Ringgold gets her due
March 09, 2022 18:27 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBDomee Shi, the director and co-writer of "Turning Red," talks about the new Disney-Pixar animated film about a girl who turns into a giant red panda when she gets emotional. And, a retrospective of the works of Faith Ringgold is now on display at the New Museum in New York. The 91-year-old redefined the history of American art by carving a space for Black women artists. Karen Michel has the story.
War crime allegations against Russia; Giving voice to the world's animals
March 08, 2022 18:23 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBRussian forces continue to attack residential areas in cities across Ukraine. Investigators are looking into possible war crimes in the conflict, including the targeting of civilians. And, Martyn Stewart has spent more than 50 years capturing the sounds of creatures from around the world. Some of those animals are now extinct. Katy Sewall of "The Bittersweet Life" podcast reports.
Food guru J. Kenji López-Alt's new wok cookbook; U.S. intelligence in Russia
March 08, 2022 18:04 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBWe speak with cookbook author and Youtube star J. Kenji López-Alt about his new book "The Wok: Recipes and Techniques." While the U.S. has made it clear that American troops will not fight Russia in Ukraine, there is still a lot the U.S. government is doing behind the scenes. Amy Zegart, author of "Spies, Lies, and Algorithms: The History and Future of American Intelligence," joins us to discuss.
MLB lockout leaves spring training stadiums are empty; Protecting jumping slugs
March 07, 2022 17:44 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBNormally stadiums in Arizona and Florida are buzzing with anticipation this time of year as Major League Baseball's spring training gets underway. But this year, an ongoing labor dispute has delayed the start of the season. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. And, conservationists are suing the federal government to protect a rare species that lives in Oregon and Washington state. KUOW's John Ryan reports.
Paralympic curler talks Beijing Games; The rise of Volodymyr Zelenskyy
March 07, 2022 17:39 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBUSA wheelchair curler Batoyun 'Oyuna' Uranchimeg joins us to discuss how she's preparing for the Paralympics in Beijing. And, one of the most surprising things during the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been the rise of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Michael Idov, who wrote about Zelensky for GQ, joins us.
When Nixon met Mao; Rep. Adam Schiff on misuse of DNA from sexual assault victim
March 04, 2022 17:37 - 41 minutes - 37.5 MBThe news of President Nixon's trip to China is public, and he's getting credit for pulling off such a historic event. Now, he and his advisers have to work with the Chinese to forge a relationship between two very different countries. Jane Perlez of the New York Times reports Episode III of The Great Wager podcast. And, Rep. Adam Schiff wants the FBI to investigate the possible misuse of DNA collected from rape victims. He joins us to explain why.
A month-long paid break from work; Kathryn Schulz's 'Lost and Found' memoir
March 04, 2022 17:31 - 41 minutes - 38 MBOne non-profit newsroom wanted to alleviate burnout among its employees by giving them a month-long paid leave. Scalawag Magazine's Ko Bragg explains how restorative the rest period was for her and her colleagues. And, in her new memoir "Lost and Found," Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Kathryn Schulz uses the ideas of losing, finding, and the word and as a way to make sense of her life. She joins us.
3 savory pie recipes; Canadian doctors prescribe National Parks passes
March 03, 2022 18:28 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBChef Kathy Gunst joins us to share three savory pie recipes: a quiche, a galette, and hand pies. And, nothing's better than the doctor saying you're fully healthy. But a close second is them prescribing time in nature — including a free National Parks Pass. In Canada, that dream is a reality. Dr. Melissa Lem, director of the Park Prescriptions Program, joins us.
The rush to aid Ukrainian refugees; Office romances are back
March 03, 2022 17:55 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBAbout half of the 1 million refugees who have fled Ukraine have arrived in Poland. We get an on-the-ground update with Nancy Dent of the International Rescue Committee who is in Lublin, Poland. And, as workers head back to the office, one report finds one in three people surveyed in January had been romantically involved with a colleague. Callum Borchers of The Wall Street Journal joins us to discuss.
Ukrainian refugees flee to Poland; Redistricting wins for Democrats
March 02, 2022 17:53 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBPoland has accepted the largest number of Ukrainian refugees out of all the war-torn country's neighbors, but there are reports of Polish border guards separating refugees into white and non-white groups. Jan Pieklo, the former Polish ambassador to Ukraine from 2016 to 2019, joins us. And, Michael Li, senior counsel with the Brennan Center for Justice, talks about which party is winning the battle over redrawing congressional district maps every 10 years.
Why is there so much romance in young adult fiction?; Birds can smell
March 02, 2022 17:51 - 40 minutes - 37 MBJuanita Giles, director of the Virginia Children's Book Festival, explains why romance is featured in so many books for young adults. And, for a long time, it was widely believed that birds have no sense of smell. But that didn't sit right with evolutionary biologist Danielle Whittaker. She joins us to discuss her research.
Russian anti-war protesters take to the streets; Primary election in Texas
March 01, 2022 17:58 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBRussians are not in unanimous support of Putin's war in Ukraine. An independent Russian human rights group estimates that the police have already detained at least 6,000 anti-war protestors. Andrew Roth, The Guardian's Moscow correspondent, joins us. And, what happens in Texas' primary election on Tuesday could be a bellwether for what will likely be a busy election year around the country. Bret Jaspers of KERA in Dallas explains.
Kyiv resident takes up arms to defend city; Russian ruble plummets by nearly 30%
March 01, 2022 17:56 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBDmytro Veselov, 31, discusses what the situation is like in Kyiv, Ukraine, as he and other Ukrainians take up arms to defend the city from the Russian invasion. And, sanctions against Russia have dropped the ruble by almost 30% against the U.S. dollar. The measures are meant to force Putin to the negotiating table, but the sanctions are hitting ordinary Russians too. NPR's Charles Maynes in Moscow joins us.
Colin Farrell in 'After Yang'; $1 billion investment in the Everglades
February 28, 2022 18:10 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBStar Colin Farrell and writer-director Kogonada talk about their new film "After Yang." The film centers around a family struggling to cope after the robot they bought as a caregiver breaks down. And, the White House infrastructure bill will give a much-needed investment to the Everglades. Jenny Staletovich of WLRN reports.
Learning to embrace Black History Month; Reviving the glory days of the Sunset Lounge
February 28, 2022 18:01 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBYR Media's Ivelisse Diaz, an Afro-Caribbean college student, grew up immersed in her Latinx heritage, and only lately has felt comfortable celebrating her Black identity and Black History Month. Diaz reports. For decades, the Sunset Cocktail Lounge was the hottest venue for Black entertainment in West Palm Beach, Florida. As WLRN's Wilkine Brutus reports, the Sunset is under a multimillion-dollar renovation to allow locals to relive its glory days.
How Kissinger pulled off a secret trip to China; Anti-China sentiment in South Korea
February 25, 2022 18:28 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBPresident Nixon and his national security adviser Henry Kissinger make contact with China. But in the midst of the Cold War, they don't want anyone to know. Jane Perlez of the New York Times reports Episode 2 of The Great Wager podcast. And, disputes over sports and culture at the recent Beijing Winter Olympics have increased anti-China sentiment in South Korea. NPR's Anthony Kuhn reports from Seoul.
A historic week for racial justice efforts; Rent hikes in Southern Florida
February 25, 2022 18:19 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBIt's been a historic week for racial justice efforts. The New Yorker's Jelani Cobb discusses the significance of the guilty verdicts in the federal hate crime trial involving the murder of Ahmaud Arbery and civil rights violations in the death of George Floyd. And, cities in southern Florida including Miami and West Palm Beach have seen some of the highest rent hikes in the nation. WLRN's Danny Rivero reports how it's impacting residents.
Increasing wildfire risk; Maryland native explains decision to remain in Ukraine
February 24, 2022 19:47 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBA new U.N. report finds the risk of catastrophic wildfires will increase 30% by 2050. Dozens of researchers from around the world collaborated on the findings, including Don Hankins, a professor of geography at California State University, Chico. And, the U.S. government has been urging American citizens living in Ukraine to leave the country for weeks. Joel Wasserman, a Rockville, Maryland, native who teaches English in Ukraine, explains his decision to remain in the country.
Trayvon Martin's mother talks perseverance; Rep. Adam Schiff on invasion of Ukraine
February 24, 2022 19:42 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBThis week marks the 10-year memorial of Trayvon Martin's death. Here & Now's Tonya Mosley spoke with his mother, Sybrina Fulton, and two other mothers who lost sons to gun violence, about grief and perseverance in the face of tragedy. And, Rep. Adam Schiff, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, discusses the Russian invasion of Ukraine and what President Biden is prepared to do to hold Russia accountable.
Books for Black History Month; Fiona Hill reacts to Ukraine/Russia crisis
February 23, 2022 17:51 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBTraci Thomas, host and creator of the podcast "The Stacks," discusses books you should know about this Black History Month and beyond. And, Fiona Hill is a career U.S. intelligence officer with multiple posts across administrations, most recently senior director for Europe and Russia on the National Security Council. She shares her thoughts on the crisis in Ukraine.
Recipes for brunch; What effect will sanctions on Russia have?
February 23, 2022 17:23 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBChef Kathy Gunst shares brunch recipes for shakshuka, breakfast tacos with a simple chorizo hash, and coffee cake streusel muffins. And, sanctions expert Emily Kilcrease discusses whether what Biden calls the "first tranche" of sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine will stop Russian President Vladimir Putin from further military aggression.
'Fresh Eggs Daily' cookbook; Diversity, equity initiatives challenged in schools
February 22, 2022 19:06 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBLisa Steele shares her eggs-pertise from her new cookbook "Fresh Eggs Daily," which tells readers how to master eggs at every meal. And, schools and teachers have been challenged by a tense political climate during the pandemic. The fallout is now impacting broader diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in many public schools, says Dan Domenech, the executive director of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).
Shovels & Rope's 'Manticore'; Olympian Andrew Blaser on LGBTQ representation
February 22, 2022 18:52 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBMusicians Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst talk about their band Shovels & Rope's new album "Manticore." The album features a number of songs about relationships and family. And, American broadcasters were quiet on LGBTQ representation during the Olympics — even with a record number of openly LGBTQ Olympic athletes. Olympic skeleton racer Andrew Blaser joins us.
'Apart' documents lives of incarcerated mothers; The toll of anti-violence work
February 21, 2022 17:46 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBThe PBS Independent Lens documentary film "Apart" profiles three incarcerated mothers as they work to leave prison and rejoin their families. The film's director joins us. And, frontline outreach workers in Chicago try to intervene in disputes and get people off the streets before violence happens. As Patrick Smith of WBEZ reports, a new survey reveals that the work comes with a heavy cost.
Mindy Kaling wants more diversity in publishing; Oscar-nominated film 'CODA'
February 21, 2022 17:18 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBMindy Kaling talks about her new venture with Amazon publishing, a book imprint called Mindy's Book Studio, that will publish books she selects. Kaling will also have the first option to develop those books into films and TV shows. And, "CODA," centered around high schooler Ruby, the only hearing child in her deaf family, has been nominated for three Academy Awards. We revisit our conversation with director Siân Heder from 2021.
The Great Wager, Ep. 5: The break-up
February 18, 2022 17:56 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBAll of a sudden, it's less clear if President Richard Nixon's wager is paying off. After years of collaboration and mutual economic benefit, relations between China and the U.S. are at a low point. What does the start of this important relationship reveal about its next chapter? This is Part V — the final installment — of The Great Wager from WBUR Podcasts and Here & Now. For more on the podcast and to join the conversation, go to our website: hereandnow.org/thegreatwager
The Great Wager, Ep. 4: Shared secrets
February 18, 2022 17:56 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBThe relationship between China and the U.S. is off and running — and now the two countries are collaborating on secret, sensitive intelligence. Host Jane Perlez shares exclusive information about how Chinese and American intelligence officials agreed to work together against their common rival of many years. This is Part IV of The Great Wager from WBUR Podcasts and Here & Now. For more on the podcast and to join the conversation, go to our website: hereandnow.org/thegreatwager
The Great Wager, Ep. 3: Grip and grin
February 18, 2022 17:55 - 15 minutes - 14 MBThe news of President Richard Nixon's trip to China is public, and he's getting credit for pulling off such a historic event. Now, the president and his advisers have to work with the Chinese to forge a relationship between two very different countries. This is Part III of The Great Wager from WBUR Podcasts and Here & Now. For more on the podcast and to join the conversation, go to our website: hereandnow.org/thegreatwager
The Great Wager, Ep. 2: Plots and private planes
February 18, 2022 17:55 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBPresident Richard Nixon and his national security adviser Henry Kissinger make contact with China. But in the midst of the Cold War, they don't want anyone to know. How will Kissinger get to Beijing without alerting anyone — and what's Frank Sinatra got to do with it? This is Part II of The Great Wager from WBUR Podcasts and Here & Now. For more on the podcast and to join the conversation, go to our website: hereandnow.org/thegreatwager
The Great Wager, Ep. 1: Richard Nixon's 'crazy' idea
February 18, 2022 17:54 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBPresident Richard Nixon has a big idea: He wants to go to China. The only problem? The U.S. and China have had zero contact since the Communist Party took over China two decades before. Host Jane Perlez of The New York Times digs into the beginning of Nixon's improbable diplomatic mission. This is Part I of The Great Wager from WBUR Podcasts and Here & Now. For more on the podcast and to join the conversation, go to our website: hereandnow.org/thegreatwager
Black History Month murals in Phoenix; Ohio city celebrates 'Toni Morrison Day'
February 18, 2022 17:39 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBA nonprofit has commissioned artists in Phoenix to paint 28 murals highlighting influential Black Americans over the 28 days in February that mark Black History Month. We speak with the organizer and one of the artists. And, Toni Morrison's hometown of Lorain, Ohio, is celebrating what would have been the renowned author's birthday. Her novels have been targets of book bans over the years. The Lorain Historical Society's executive director joins us.
80 years since Japanese American internment; Community college and mental health
February 18, 2022 17:10 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBFeb. 19, 2022, marks 80 years since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 and authorized the forced internment of more than 100,000 people of Japanese descent living on the West Coast. Fred Korematsu chose to defy the order. His daughter Karen Korematsu, founder and executive director of the Fred T. Korematsu Institute, joins us to reflect on his legacy. And, unlike four-year schools, community colleges often lack mental health services. Host Scott Tong looks at how we c...
'The Gospel According To Nikki Giovanni' reimagines hymns; History of the book index
February 17, 2022 18:15 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBRenowned poet Nikki Giovanni and saxophonist Javon Jackson speak with correspondent Tonya Mosley about their new album, "The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni." And, Dennis Duncan's new book, "Index, a History of the: A Bookish Adventure from Medieval Manuscripts to the Digital Age," explores the development of those things in the back of a book that many of us turn to for reference.
Jewish puppeteer bridges gaps in Germany; Afghan refugee describes Taliban takeover
February 17, 2022 18:13 - 41 minutes - 38 MBIn October, Massachusetts welcomed its first Afghan refugee family — a young couple and their nearly 2-year-old son. Here & Now producer Karyn Miller-Medzon is among the volunteers helping the family navigate the cultural and bureaucratic complexities of life in the U.S. But all the steps forward with their new lives don't erase the trauma they experienced — or their fears for the loved ones they left behind. And Shlomit Tripp, founder of the Berlin-based Bubales Puppet Theater, talks about h...
Inside look at the dangerous path to asylum; Urgency to record Black history
February 16, 2022 17:58 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBNew York Times reporter Matthieu Aikins joins us to talk about his new memoir, "The Naked Don't Fear the Water." The book chronicles his unlikely decision to pose as an Afghan refugee to help his interpreter escape the country in 2016 at the height of the refugee crisis. And, Claudia Booker died in February of 2020. Those close to her suspect she may have been an early case of COVID-19. Her story, profiled in TIME magazine, highlights some of the Black history lost during the pandemic. Janell...
'Freewater' reveals little-known part of Black history; Life in the Olympic bubble
February 16, 2022 17:56 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBAmina Luqman-Dawson talks about "Freewater," her book for young adults. The novel is a fictional account of a society founded by runaway slaves in the Great Dismal Swamp which stretches between parts of Virginia and North Carolina. And, the Beijing Olympics are playing out inside a massive quarantine bubble because of the pandemic. NPR's Brian Mann explains what life is like inside.
Reexamining Whitney Houston's life; Anxiety, depression among kids of color surges
February 15, 2022 17:43 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBIt's been 10 years since the world lost one of the greatest artists of all time: Whitney Houston. Her life and legacy have always been clouded with gossip and judgment. Author Gerrick Kennedy says it's time to reexamine that. He joins us. And, one new study by Boston Medical Center reveals a surge in depression and anxiety in Black and Brown kids between the ages of 5 and 11 during the pandemic. Lead author Andrea Spencer discusses the findings.
Peng Shuai and China's #MeToo movement; 'The Impossible City' memoir
February 15, 2022 16:56 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBLast year Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai made sexual assault allegations against a former Chinese party leader and then went missing for weeks. Leta Hong Fincher, the author of "Betraying Big Brother: The Feminist Awakening in China," joins us. And, journalist Karen Cheung talks about "The Impossible City: A Hong Kong Memoir." She reflects on growing up in Hong Kong following the handover from Britain in 1997 and covering the turmoil following protests against the Chinese government in 2014...
Romance authors reflect on the genre's importance; How the Rams beat the Bengals
February 14, 2022 17:37 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBIn between the stolen glances and witty banter, romance novels contain thoughtful discussions of everything from dating with a disability to sex and consent. Authors Emily Henry and Helen Hoang chat all things love and romance. And, Fox Sports Radio talk show hosts, Andy Furman, who lives near Cincinnati, and Jonas Knox, who lives near Los Angeles, review the highlights of Super Bowl LVI.
Franz Schubert's 'Great Symphony'; Record number of fatal police shootings in 2021
February 14, 2022 17:31 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBHere & Now music opinionator Fran Hoepfner about her music pick for Valentine's Day: Franz Schubert's "Great Symphony." She says she hears "a lot of hope" in the symphony even though the composer tragically lived a short life. And, police shot and killed 1,055 people in the U.S. in 2021, a record for police killings even in the wake of George Floyd's murder and a pandemic. Marisa Iati of The Washington Post joins us.
Super Bowl LVI appetizer recipes; Koalas now an endangered species
February 11, 2022 17:57 - 41 minutes - 38 MBChef Kathy Gunst shares four new recipes that are a nod to the stars of the 2022 Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals. And, Australia has listed koalas as an endangered species following a campaign from conservation groups who say the government has not done enough to protect the marsupial. The deputy vice president of conservation for the International Fund for Animal Welfare joins us.
Poet encourages Black kids to embrace their identity; Advanced Super Bowl ads
February 11, 2022 17:52 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBWe speak with poet Ruth Forman about "Curls" and "Glow," her books for very young readers that celebrate Black children. And, brands have blanketed YouTube and social media with Super Bowl ad previews, trailers and teasers — all in hopes of getting more bang for their millions of bucks, says Here & Now media analyst John Carroll.
Record-breaking sprinter Julia Hawkins' 106th birthday; Community college access
February 10, 2022 17:49 - 42 minutes - 39 MBJulia Hawkins, a record-breaking sprinter known as "The Hurricane," started sprinting at age 100 and shows no sign of slowing down. We celebrate her 106th birthday today. And, Yolanda Watson Spiva, president of the non-profit Complete College America, and Adrian Bell, a recent graduate of a public community college, discuss efforts to make college more accessible to low-income and minority students.
Meet the 1st Asian American mayor of a major Midwestern city; Flood maps shortfalls
February 10, 2022 17:45 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBCincinnati's new Mayor Aftab Pureval is the first Asian American mayor of a major city in the Midwest. He joins us to discuss the Bengals in the Super Bowl and his plans to tackle gun violence, climate change and other challenges. And, a new analysis finds flood risk in the U.S. will increase 26% in the next three decades due to climate change. We talk with one of the researchers who broke down the impact on a more local level compared to most current maps.
Kirsten Dunst talks 'The Power of the Dog'; Extremists co-opt COVID-related protests
February 09, 2022 18:00 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBKirsten Dunst been nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of an emotionally frail wife of a Montana rancher. "The Power of the Dog" star joins us. And, The Freedom Convoy began as a rejection of a vaccine mandate for truckers entering Canada. But the protests have since morphed into something different. Ciaran O'Connor, who tracks online extremism, has been following developments.