Morning Edition is your perfect morning companion: gentle, but straightforward, explaining the vagaries of international diplomacy, reporting weather and even recommending the best film in town.

Jim Lehrer of PBS reflects on his history as debate host and shares his thoughts on this year’s first presidential debate. Plus: 30 Issues in 30 Days kicks off big government week by exploring big housing with former Fannie Mae vice president Edward Pinto and Janneke Ratcliffe from the Center for American Progress; and coming to terms with a personal legacy of slavery.

Fresh Air is one of the most popular programs on public radio, breaking the "talk show" mold, and Gross is known for her fearless and insightful interviews with prominent figures in American arts, politics, and popular culture.

Reporters scour the globe for the most direct and compelling information, from the spread of AIDS in India to the inexplicable fluctuations of the Brazilian economy.

Reporters scour the globe for the most direct and compelling information, from the spread of AIDS in India to the inexplicable fluctuations of the Brazilian economy.

In 1977, NASA's Voyager project launched a "Golden Record" into space. Tonight on Soundcheck, we hear from the woman who helped curate the album and how the project created a playlist intended for future humans, or, possibly… aliens. Plus, inspired by the Golden Record, Soundcheck introduces a game that forces you to make tough choices about songs by your favorite artists.

Then, Sierra Leone-born singer Janka Nabay brings his band the Bubu Gang to perform in the studio.

Influenced by Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett (without the moans), Portuguese jazz pianist and film score composer Bernardo Sassetti brings the surrealistic and ethereal to the trio setting.  We’ll hear from his latest release, “Motion” on this New Sounds – maybe an arrangement of Sparklehorse , or perhaps Federico Mompou.