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
Space junk makes a dangerous mess; Record number of LGBTQ Olympic athletes
February 09, 2022 17:19 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBDecades of space travel have left space filled with dangerous debris. Some of this space junk, ranging from tiny to the size of a school bus, is orbiting at more than 17,000 miles per hour. The Washington Post's Christian Davenport has the story. And, a record number of at least 36 out LGBTQ athletes are competing in the Beijing Winter Olympics. Cyd Zeigler of Outsports looks at how the athletes are faring so far.
The history of Olympic boycotts; 'The Power of the Dog' leads Oscar nominations
February 08, 2022 17:51 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBThe U.S. is engaging in a diplomatic boycott of the Olympics to call attention to China's alleged human rights abuses. Former Olympic soccer player and author Jules Boykoff explains that the boycott draws upon a long tradition. And, nominees for the 94th Academy Awards were announced Tuesday morning in Los Angeles. KPCC entertainment reporter John Horn joins us to discuss.
Langston Hughes' poetry celebrates Black culture; Cases of kids with long COVID rise
February 08, 2022 17:27 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBLangston Hughes was born 120 years ago. At a 1957 visit to the University of Illinois, he gave a poetry reading and attended the premiere of the opera "Esther." Jim Meadows of WILL in Illinois has the story. And, specialists now estimate that about 10% of kids who get infected with COVID-19 are showing signs of having this post-COVID syndrome. Among them is 10-year-old Haley Bryson. Her mother joins us along with Dr. Alexandra Yonts.
New music can't compete with old music; Great Resignation — or the Great Reshuffle?
February 07, 2022 18:44 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBAccording to one analysis by a music analytics firm, 70% of the U.S. music market comes from songs at least two years old, with much of it decades old. We dig into this with music writer Ted Gioia. And, labor force participation has reached its highest level since the start of the pandemic. As financial expert Jill Schlesinger explains, all of these developments have some economists speaking of a great worker reshuffle versus a great resignation.
LGBTQ Afghans face violence under Taliban; What we're getting wrong about COVID-19
February 07, 2022 18:39 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBA recent report from the Human Rights Watch and OutRight Action International found that LGBTQ+ Afghans face increasing levels of violence and brutality under the Taliban. We hear from an activist and a senior fellow at OutRight Action International. And, COVID-19 cases are now down more than 50% over the past two weeks in the U.S. Deaths are still high though. Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm joins us.
New classical music for our times; China's app for Olympics has security flaws
February 04, 2022 19:00 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBUp and coming classical composer Kevin Day and cellist Leo Eguchi of the Sheffield Chamber Players talk about the premiere of Day's "String Quartet No. 5." And, athletes and other attendants at the Beijing Winter Olympics are required to use an app to track their health and travel data. That app has serious security flaws, according to a report by the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab. Jeffrey Knockel, author of the report, joins us.
Run-DMC's Darryl McDaniels publishes children's book; The legacy of Taffy Abel
February 04, 2022 18:58 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBHip-hop artist Darryl "DMC" McDaniels talks about his book for young readers about a boy named Darryl who learns to overcome bullies and speak his poetry. And, hockey player Clarence "Taffy" Abel carried the American flag at the 1924 Winter Olympics. Few knew, however, that he was the first Indigenous athlete to carry the flag. Troy Oppie of Boise State Public Radio reports on Feb. 4, known as Taffy Abel Day.
Author Jennifer Haig 'Mercy Street'; The threat of Russian cyberattacks on Ukraine
February 03, 2022 17:15 - 41 minutes - 38 MBAuthor Jennifer Haigh's new novel "Mercy Street" centers around a women's health clinic in Boston that performs abortions. She joins us. And, earlier this week, the U.S. sent its top cybersecurity official to NATO in a joint mission to prevent and thwart cyberattacks on Ukraine. John Arquilla, a defense analyst at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, joins us.
Author Jennifer Haigh's 'Mercy Street'; The threat of Russian cyberattacks on Ukraine
February 03, 2022 17:15 - 41 minutes - 38 MBAuthor Jennifer Haigh's new novel "Mercy Street" centers around a women's health clinic in Boston that performs abortions. She joins us. And, earlier this week, the U.S. sent its top cybersecurity official to NATO in a joint mission to prevent and thwart cyberattacks on Ukraine. John Arquilla, a defense analyst at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, joins us.
Amateur Night returns to the Apollo Theater; Medical schools teach climate change
February 03, 2022 17:10 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBThe Apollo Theater will open its doors again for the first Amateur Night before a live audience since March 2020. The Apollo's talent competition began in 1934 and helped launch the careers of Billie Holiday and Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5, among others. And, at the urging of some medical students, some medical schools have started to teach future doctors about the health impacts of a warming planet. Emily Jones of WABE reports.
Speedskater Erin Jackson; Ursula Burns' journey from New York tenements to Xerox CEO
February 02, 2022 17:46 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBTop-ranked speedskater Erin Jackson slipped in a 500-meter qualifying race in January and almost missed the Beijing Olympics. But now, she's ready to compete. Jackson joins us from Beijing. And, former Xerox CEO Ursula Burns was one of the first Black women to rise to the top of corporate America. She talks about her memoir, "Where You Are is Not Who You Are."
3 recipes that let limes shine; What to watch for at the Winter Olympics
February 02, 2022 17:39 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBLemons get all the attention. So chef Kathy Gunst thought it was time to put green citrus in the limelight. She shares three recipes that let limes shine. And, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics is set to begin this Friday as planned despite logistical challenges and COVID-19. Les Carpenter of The Washington Post shares the latest from Beijing.
Bomb threats against HBCUs during Black History Month; Vermont's outdoor classrooms
February 01, 2022 18:44 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBA growing number of historically Black colleges and universities began Black history month in security lockdowns. The director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University San Bernadino joins us. And, a dad and his two sons in Rochester, Vermont, have designed a portable, easy-to-assemble structure that is being used as an outdoor classroom during the pandemic. Jon Kalish reports.
Ice dancers head to Olympics; 'Joan is Okay' novel explores family and identity
February 01, 2022 18:03 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBJean-Luc Baker and Kaitlin Hawayek are partners in the event called ice dance, known as a cross between figure skating and ballroom dancing. They join us to discuss their expectations for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. And, Weike Wang speaks about her new novel "Joan is Okay," which centers around a Chinese American ICU doctor trying to chart her own course through family troubles and the pandemic.
Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams head to Super Bowl; Barriers to abortion
January 31, 2022 18:05 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBSunday night's NFL Championships brought us the contenders for Super Bowl LVI — the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams. Andy Furman, Fox Sports Radio talk show host, joins us. And, abortion will likely be further restricted later this year when the Supreme Court is expected to overturn Roe v. Wade. But for many people seeking the procedure, there are already serious barriers to access. Katia Riddle reports.
Can medieval times help us sleep better today?; Young Jewish women who fought Nazis
January 31, 2022 18:03 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBThe Atlantic's Derek Thompson went searching for answers to his sleep issues and in the process stumbled on some interesting sleep history. He tells us about how people slept in medieval times and whether it might be helpful to sleep-weary Americans. And, we revisit our conversation with Judy Batalion, author of the book "The Light of Days," which tells the stories of young women resistance fighters in Polish Jewish ghettos during World War II.
Sundance film roundup; Ukrainian Americans react to crisis in Eastern Europe
January 28, 2022 17:52 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBThe Sundance film festival wraps up this coming weekend. Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, and film critic Ty Burr of Ty Burr's Watch List discuss some of their favorite festival offerings. And, there are communities of Ukrainian Americans who are now watching the crisis in Eastern Europe unfold. Yuliana Kletsun, a Ukrainian American attorney and political activist, shares her perspective.
'Uncharted' video game inspires Hollywood; 'Maus' author decries school ban
January 28, 2022 17:43 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBInspired by blockbuster action-adventure movies, the video game series "Uncharted" has become such a success that Hollywood is adapting it into an upcoming film. We discuss. And, educators in McMinn County, Tennessee, have banned Art Spiegelman's "Maus," a novel based on his parents' story of surviving the Auschwitz concentration camp. Spiegelman joins us to talk about the controversy.
Moms balance pandemic parenting and work; Harriet Powers: A quilter's legacy
January 27, 2022 17:59 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBEconomist Betsey Stevenson shares the latest data on the impact of the pandemic on women in the workforce, and our listeners weigh in with their parenting stories. And, Harriet Powers, who lived in Georgia in the 1800s, is considered to be at the forefront of the African American story quilt tradition. As WBUR's Amelia Mason reports, two of her only surviving quilts were recently exhibited together for the first time.
'The Legend of Vox Machina' series; Largest digital archive of Jewish history
January 27, 2022 17:57 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MB"The Legend of Vox Machina" tells the story of the misadventures of a group of unlikely heroes in a fantasy realm. The series was years in the making, based on the popular "Critical Role" franchise. Cast members Marisha Ray and Matthew Mercer join us. And, a digitization process lasting seven years and costing $7 million has preserved the largest archive of Jewish documents in history. We learn more.
The country's crumbling child care industry; Immigration success and challenges
January 26, 2022 18:19 - 42 minutes - 39 MBChild care has been a big challenge for families and for providers during the pandemic. Omicron has made it even harder to keep doors open. Two experts join us to talk about retaining staff, addressing COVID-19 concerns and policy changes to bolster the child care industry. And, Ali Noorani, president and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, discusses his group's recent report on immigration success and challenges in Biden's first year in office.
Russia-Ukraine conflict started decades before Putin; Subway systems in 2022
January 26, 2022 18:15 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBWe talk with Anatol Lieven of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft about the role of NATO in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and why the tension started decades before Vladimir Putin. And, the pandemic forced many major metro systems to cut back significantly as ridership dropped and many offices went remote. Seth Kaplan, Here & Now transportation analyst, discusses the future of subway systems.
Aoife O'Donovan's 'Age of Apathy'; '76 Days' documentary goes inside Wuhan ICUs
January 25, 2022 17:50 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBSinger-songwriter Aoife O' Donovan talks about her new album "The Age of Apathy." And, the documentary "76 Days" gives a fly-on-the-wall view of what was happening inside the intensive care units on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis in Wuhan, China. Director Hao Wu joins us.
Kamala Harris' first year in office; Understanding Russian aggression
January 25, 2022 17:42 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MBPolitico's Eugene Daniels talks about the successes and challenges Vice President Kamala Harris faced during her historic first year in office. And, the U.S. and Europe are intensifying diplomatic and military efforts to try to deter Russia from invading Ukraine. But author Anne Applebaum argues that the West has forgotten many important history lessons about Russian aggression and the need for ongoing deterrence.
Tips to make filing taxes easier; Remembering the 'Summer of Soul'
January 24, 2022 18:05 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBTax filing season officially opens Monday. Personal finance expert Jill Schlesinger shares her top tax tips. And, the documentary "Summer of Soul" is on the shortlist for an Oscar nomination. Billy Davis Jr. and Marilyn McCoo of The 5th Dimension, one of the many acts that performed at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969, join us.
New California law to combat STDs; Winter Olympics stare down climate change
January 24, 2022 18:03 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBCalifornia is the first state in the country to require private insurance to cover at-home testing for sexually transmitted diseases. The law is the first of its kind. Stephanie Arnold Pang of the National Coalition of STD Directors discusses the new law. And, a changing climate is making the winter Olympics harder to pull off — both in the future and the present. Porter Fox, author of "The Last Winter," joins us to discuss.
25 years of Maxwell; A Maori journalist's journey to restore a culture erased
January 21, 2022 17:31 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBR&B singer-songwriter Maxwell talks about the 25th anniversary of his debut album, "Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite," a groundbreaking record of neo-Soul music. And, Oriini Kaipara is a Maori journalist from New Zealand who made history last month when she became the first woman with a traditional face marking to anchor a primetime TV news show. She joins us.
Abortion before Roe v. Wade; Teens behind COVID-19 walkouts want schools to do more
January 21, 2022 17:26 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBAs the Supreme Court debates various abortion-related laws before it, we revisit a conversation with Laura Kaplan, a former member of a Chicago group that provided abortions to women illegally before the Supreme Court legalized the procedure in the 1970s. And, high school students across the country are concerned about COVID-19 safety and demanding more protections from their districts. Students Haven Coleman and Eliana Smith join us.
School closures spell trouble for Democrats ahead of midterms; Renaming schizophrenia
January 20, 2022 17:40 - 41 minutes - 37.5 MBRepublican strategist Jason Roe and Democratic strategist Adrian Hemond join us to discuss the political challenges that school closures during the pandemic present for Democrats, and how Republicans plan to take advantage of it. And, a group of Massachusetts-based researchers and advocates say changing the name of schizophrenia could reduce the stigma associated with the disorder. But others say the term itself is not the problem. Karen Brown of New England Public Media reports.
Abuses of a superstar pastor; The big business of the Olympics
January 20, 2022 17:35 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MB"The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" tells the inside story of one of the country's first internet celebrity pastors and how his fall from grace shattered a community. Podcast host Mike Cosper talks about this intersection of faith, fame and power. And, U.S. is sticking with its diplomatic boycott of China over human rights concerns ahead of the Olympics. But athletes are heading there — as are big American companies. Republican Rep. John Curtis discusses why politicians are asking corporations t...
Indigenous Canadian chief on child welfare abuses settlement; Alpaca breeders in Ohio
January 19, 2022 18:32 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBThe Canadian government has agreed to pay $31 billion to compensate Indigenous families of about 115,000 children who were put into foster care for what Manitoba Indigenous Chief Cindy Woodhouse says had to do with poverty and racism — not parenting. She joins us. And, alpacas are abundant in Ohio. Questions about how to bolster the production of alpaca fiber into the local textile industry are resurfacing. Amy Eddings of WCPN ideastream reports.
'Simple As Water' spotlights Syrian families; Chef Tanya Holland's next chapter
January 19, 2022 18:30 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBThe HBO documentary "Simple As Water" looks at four Syrian families who have been displaced and separated by the civil war. Filmmaker Megan Mylan joins us. And, chef Tanya Holland has closed her trailblazing Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland, California. She talks about her next chapter and what soul food dishes give her comfort these days.
Critics say Roblox shortchanges kids' safety; The state of voting rights legislation
January 18, 2022 18:20 - 40 minutes - 37 MBRoblox is a global phenomenon and the most popular video game platform in the U.S. and Europe. But critics say the company hasn't done enough to protect kids or share profits with the young developers. Journalist Quintin Smith talks about his investigations into Roblox Corporation. And, U.S. senators begin debating legislation on voting rights on Tuesday. Michael Waldman, author and president of the Brennan Center, discusses the state of voting rights at the local and national levels.
The alarming online presence of suicide enablers; Cleaning alligators after oil spill
January 18, 2022 18:16 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBLast month, The New York Times delved into one specific website which provides methods, encouragement and even pressure to die by suicide. Journalist Megan Twohey co-reported the story, which serves as a cautionary tale for those who find these sites while they're looking for support. And, in Louisiana, more than 30 alligators have received the scrubbing of a lifetime after an oil spill left them covered in diesel last December. The coordinator of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fish...
Betty White's impact on the LGBTQ community; Hidden history of MLK's mother
January 17, 2022 16:49 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBWhen Colorado Public Radio reporter Vic Vela found out he was HIV+ in the 1990s, he found comfort in an episode of "The Golden Girls" that helped him deal with his diagnosis. And, we revisit our conversation with Anna Malaika Tubbs about her book "The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation."
Preparing for death and the human mind; Uptick in antisemitic incidents in U.S.
January 17, 2022 16:42 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBNeuroscientist David J. Linden recently received a terminal cancer diagnosis and was told he had between six and 18 months left to live. He tells us what he's learned about how the human mind works in the face of impending death. And, investigators are calling Saturday's hostage-taking crisis at a Colleyville, Texas, synagogue a "terrorism-related" attack. Congregation Beth Israel Rabbi Steven Folberg of Austin talks about the uptick in antisemitic events in the U.S.
Good news for Boston's wastewater; 'Squid Game' makes history this awards season
January 14, 2022 17:49 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBNew data measuring COVID-19 levels in Boston's wastewater show a sharp decline. WBUR's Gabrielle Emanuel brings us up to speed. And, Netflix's "Squid Game" has made history for scoring awards and nominations that previously only went to English language shows. We discuss with NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans.
The pandemic-fueled feeling called 'languishing'; Elvis Costello's new album
January 14, 2022 17:40 - 41 minutes - 38.5 MBIn a The New York Times op-ed, psychologist Adam Grant puts a name to that feeling borne out of the pandemic — showing up for life, but living without purpose and aim. Emory University sociologist Corey Keyes coined that feeling "languishing." We discuss. And, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician Elvis Costello talks about his new album "The Boy Named If."
About 200,000 kids were orphaned by COVID-19; How the Feds can reduce inflation
January 13, 2022 18:18 - 41 minutes - 38 MBResearchers report an estimated 200,000 American children were orphaned by COVID-19 — each number representing a child who has parents or primary caregivers to the pandemic. Dr. Charles Nelson, who co-authored the report, and a Georgia couple who is adopting their two cousins after their parents died of COVID-19, join us. And, NPR's Scott Horsley explains what options the Federal Reserve has to reduce inflation.
Toronto strip clubs offer COVID-19 vaccine; Actor Sidney Poitier's legacy
January 13, 2022 18:14 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBLast July, Maggie's Toronto Sex Workers Action Project began organizing vaccine clinics in strip clubs and other locations around the city. They've helped vaccinate more than 3,000 people to date. A clinic organizer joins us. And, actor and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson discusses the legacy of the trailblazing actor Sidney Poitier, who died last week.
Author Echo Brown's 'The Chosen One'; Working toward a new normal
January 12, 2022 18:38 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBThe new young adult novel "The Chosen One" centers around a Black woman who becomes the first in her family to attend college. Author Echo Brown drew much of the story from her own life. And, as the pandemic goes into its third year, experts say it's time to work toward a new normal. Immunologist Rick Bright shares his strategies for creating a new normal.
Pregnant and confused about omicron; Education Sec. Miguel Cardona on closing schools
January 12, 2022 18:37 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBExpecting mothers have far bigger problems than tight clothes and morning sickness. Dr. Linda Eckert answers questions from pregnant listeners about staying safe as COVID-19 cases spike. And, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona explains why he and the Biden administration believe schools should stay open amid the omicron surge.
'Slow Burn' looks back on 1992 LA riots; 20 years at Guantanamo Bay
January 11, 2022 18:35 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MB"Slow Burn" host Joel Anderson talks about the latest season of the podcast, which looks at the 1992 riots in Los Angeles. And, on this day 20 years ago, the first detainees were brought from Afghanistan to Guantanamo Bay. New York Times Carol Rosenberg, who has covered Guantanamo Bay since its begining, talks about the state of the naval base today.
Misty Copeland talks 'Black Ballerinas'; Physics pioneer Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu
January 11, 2022 18:26 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBAmerican Ballet Theatre star Misty Copeland published the nonfiction kids book "Black Ballerinas" in November. We present an excerpt of a December event centered around the book. And, Washington Post reporter Jada Yuan reflects on the public and private life of her grandmother Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, a trailblazing nuclear physicist who many say should have won the Nobel Prize.
Leon Bridges' 'Gold-Diggers Sound'; Remembering Bob Saget
January 10, 2022 17:57 - 41 minutes - 38 MBSoul singer and songwriter Leon Bridges' album "Gold-Diggers Sound" has been nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Album. We revisit our conversation with Bridges from August. And, the Washington Post's Geoff Edgers talk about the actor and comedian Bob Saget, who died Sunday at age 65.
Georgia voting activists' message to Biden; A vaccine for the world
January 10, 2022 17:39 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBPresident Biden is set to make a speech about voting rights in Atlanta Tuesday. James Woodall, former president of the NAACP in Georgia, explains why he signed a letter urging more action from the White House on voting rights. And, CORBEVAX is a low-cost, patent-free vaccine was developed by Dr. Peter Hotez and his colleague Maria Elena Bottazzi. Hotez discusses the importance of vaccinating the world.
The argument to stop 'waste' COVID testing; Peer-to-peer mental health program
January 07, 2022 17:56 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBA new piece in The Atlantic suggests that wealthier Americans should stop "wasting" COVID-19 tests on social engagements and that instead, tests should be reserved for people who need them most. The author of the article, Dr. Benjamin Mazer, joins us. And, as part of a response to a tornado that killed more than 160 people, Joplin, Missouri, developed a peer-to-peer mental health program that's been widely replicated. KCUR's Frank Morris reports.
'Day of Rage' documentary tells story of Jan. 6 riot; Work injuries at home
January 07, 2022 17:52 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBThe film "Day of Rage" culls thousands of hours of videos and audio from protestors and police body cams to tell the story of the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. We speak with Malachy Browne, senior producer of the New York Times Visual Investigations team who produced and co-directed the film. And, a former senior policy adviser for the OSHA, Deborah Berkowitz, makes the case for stronger protections in the workplace for employees of all stripes.
Austin, TX, renters face bidding wars; CA water board mandates new restrictions
January 06, 2022 18:15 - 41 minutes - 38 MBA shortage of housing in some parts of the U.S. has led to a rental squeeze. Prospective renters are finding themselves having to offer more than the listing price. KUT's Audrey McGlinchy reports. And, beginning this week, Californians will have to deal with mandatory water restrictions. The director of research, planning and performance for the California State Water Resources Control Board joins us to explain.
Biden calls insurrection 'a dagger' at democracy; How Jan. 6 will be remembered
January 06, 2022 18:09 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBMembers of Congress mark one year since the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol with a ceremony and moment of silence on the floor of the House of Representatives. We have the latest. And, Rice University historian Douglas Brinkley joins us to reflect on Jan. 6 and how history will view that day.