Julie Burstein fills in for Leonard Lopate. On today’s show: We’ll find out how Michelle Rhee’s attempts to reform Washington, D.C.’s, schools made her a highly controversial national figure. Actor Jeff Bridges and his Buddhist teacher Roshi Bernie Glassman talks about their decades-long dialogue on life, friendship, and the movies. Woodcarver David Esterly talks about being asked to replace a destroyed masterpiece. And Ray Fisman and Tim Sullivan look at the trade-offs and inefficiencies inherent in every organization—from McDonald’s to Al Qaeda.

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.

Fred Kaplan of Slate talks about his new book on David Petraeus and continues the discussion on President Obama's picks for his next national security team, including Chuck Hagel. Plus: Analysis of Governor Christie's State of the State address; reaction to yesterday's federal ruling that limits NYPD stop-and-frisk procedures; and background on Tibet's recent increase in self-immolation protests.

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.

Adele's blockbuster 2011 album 21 was the top-selling album 2012. Miguel performs a stripped down set at the Tiny Desk. And Zach Brock brings jazz violin to the Soundcheck studio.

For this New Sounds, listen to John Schaefer's completely personal and opinionated look at the ten best new music releases of 2012. There just might be something by a Brooklyn-based Afrobeat party band, a violinist (usually a classical player) in collaboration with a German improvising pianist, and perhaps something from a cult American singer.  Listen for a vocal octet and a composer who reworked one of the classical music "war horse" works to great effect.