Ward Wilson describes what he calls the five myths about nuclear weapons. Filmmaker Stephen Maing talks about his documentary “High Tech, Low Life,” about two journalists who pursue stories that the official Chinese media doesn’t want to cover. Ann Leary discusses her new comic novel about an alcoholic New England real estate broker and her complicated web of relationships. Plus, Nick Turse on his new history of the Vietnam War and new evidence of the true brutality of the conflict.

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.

New York State has agreed on legislation that would require mental health professionals to report patients who are likely to be dangerous and allow law enforcement to confiscate any guns they might have. Hear what it could mean for privacy and the patient-doctor relationship. Plus, questioning whether disaster aid should be on-demand; statistics explained; the new Congresswoman from Queens Grace Meng; and what to do when the doctor says your child is obese.

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.

The ABC drama Nashville has taken TV screens by storm thanks to its fairly soapy-but-realistic depiction of two country music stars, the Nashville music industry, and some great original music. Today on Soundcheck we take a look at life in the so-called "Music City" with Kim Severson, who recently profiled Nashville for The New York Times, and Craig Havighurst, a journalist and producer\co-host of the local radio program Music City Roots.

And The Lone Bellow is poised for a breakout in 2013, with its debut album due later this month. We hear an in-studio performance from the Southern-born, Brooklyn-based group.

From the New Sounds Live concert series, hear songs by Yasiin Bey, the former Mos Def, arranged by Derek Bermel and played by Yasiin Bey and members of the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Alan Pierson.  Plus, the world premiere of David T. Little's "Am I Born," and more works from the show, recorded live at the World Financial Center's Winter Garden in fall of 2011.