20th Anniversary Show

Friday, November 27, 2009

Special Rebroadcast of the 20th Anniversary Show The Brian Lehrer Show is celebrating two decades on the air. On the 20th anniversary, live from WNYC’s Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, documentary filmmaker Michael Moore talks about his latest target--capitalism. Plus, a news quiz of the past 20 years with a host of special guests. And a discussion about retaining youth and preventing brain drain from NYC and New Jersey.

See Brian's 20-Year Slideshow!

The Brian Lehrer Show is celebrating two decades on the air. Here what some of the other hosts at WNYC have to say about Brian's 20 years at the station.

Food and Sports

Thursday, November 26, 2009

It’s all about food and sports on a special Thanksgiving Day Brian Lehrer Show. Food writer Michael Pollan on what kids need to know about food, a conversation about the cult of the butcher, how to throw an anxiety-free dinner party, football great Warren Moon, tennis legend Monica Seles, and whether humans can run faster than a house cat.

Thanks for Listening

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The day after Thanksgiving might be a national day of shopping for some, but Dave Isay of StoryCorps wants it to be a national day of listening. He offers advice for recording the act of listening to a relative, friend or teacher. Also, New Jersey’s public advocate Ron Chen; the weatherization stimulus; and Ethan Zuckerman returns to talk about about technology and development across Africa.

Evolving Developments

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

A court decision in favor of tenants at Stuyvesant Town/ Peter Cooper Village could have major implications for other landlords who get government benefits. Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Rafael Cestero talks about the city’s housing policy and weighs in on halted development. Plus, today is the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species.

Orchid Hypothesis

Monday, November 23, 2009

People get passionate about their handheld devices. WNYC staffers Jim Colgan, a producer for The Takeaway, and Mark Phillips, a producer with On the Media, debate the virtues of their machines. Atlantic Magazine contributor David Dobbs talks about the orchid hypothesis and why genetic vulnerabilities might actually be genetic benefits with the right kind of nurturing. Plus a call-in for everyone making the Hajj.

Changing Medicine

Friday, November 20, 2009

When the United States Preventive Services Task Force issued new recommendations that most women should not start getting mammograms to screen for breast cancer until age 50, protests ensued. Gina Kolata, New York Times science writer, looks at the controversy and the studies behind the new policy. Plus, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.; indexing Going Rogue; checking in with area food pantries; and following up on military tribunals.

No Logo Turns 10

Thursday, November 19, 2009

It was ten years ago that No Logo, Naomi Klein’s landmark book on consumer culture, was first released. She discusses what’s changed over the past decade, and what concerns her the most today. Plus, the details of the Senate’s health care bill; tips for time management; and how a community college plans to spend Goldman Sachs’s money.

On The Brink

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

California isn’t the only state on the brink of financial collapse. The Pew Center on the States has added New Jersey to their list of states in peril. Barb Rosewicz, spokesperson for the Pew Center and managing editor of Stateline.org, explains why. Plus, getting the swine flu vaccine in NYC; preventing ‘community profiling’ by law enforcement; and there’s definitely water on the moon.

Terror Trial

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The members of the 9/11 Commission, former NJ Governor Tom Kean and Richard Ben-Veniste discuss the controversial decision to try accused 9/11 planner Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in a Manhattan civilian court. Plus, newly elected City Councilmember Brad Lander; independent bookstores band together; and community activist Kevin Powell on his latest collection of essays.

Terror Trial in NYC

Monday, November 16, 2009

Self-described 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed will be tried in a New York City court: find out what security measures will be taken and what precedent it sets for future terror trials. Plus: conflicts between African Americans and African immigrants; Todd Zwillich gives a primer on congressional procedure; and Merryl Tisch, chancellor of the New York Board of Regents, talks about New York's application for federal Race to the Top funds.

Setting Boundaries

Friday, November 13, 2009

Lawyers for the anti-poverty group ACORN filed a lawsuit claiming Congress violated the Constitution when it took their federal funding away. Vince Warren, executive director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, explains ACORN's case. Plus, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders on banking reform; NPR Ombudsman Alicia Shepard; newly elected Westchester executive Rob Astorino; and the everyday voyeurism of high-rise city living.

Border Crossing

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Even with the worldwide web at their fingertips, most people stay within their online comfort zones. All this month, Ethan Zuckerman, co-founder of Global Voices Online, explores the way digital media can connect people to a wider range of voices. Today’s topic: the Arabic-English website Meedan.net and other sites that cross language barriers. Plus, 2 Million Minutes: A Documentary Film On Global Education. And, your advice for a retiring Lou Dobbs.

Back to School

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

American soldiers continue to fight overseas this Veteran's Day, but some have come home and returned to school. Three young veterans discuss their adjustment from overseas battlegrounds to the college classroom. Plus, high school students talk about an education focused on test-taking. And, for those who have already graduated, jobs: which are hot and which are not in today’s tough market.

Social Media and News

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Twitter feeds from inside the Fort Hood Army Base were used in news stories about the shooting there last week. But many of the tweets relayed false information. Jeff Jarvis of Buzzmachine.com and Paul Carr of TechCrunch discuss the pros and cons of social media in news reporting. Plus, Bear Stearns on trial; dredging and drilling along the Hudson River; and NY State Senator Eric Schneiderman on closing a health insurance loophole.

A Look Back

Monday, November 09, 2009

20 years ago today the Berlin Wall came down. Three authors of books on the fall of communism and its repercussions mark the occasion. Plus, 2009 is also the 10th anniversary of Radio Rookies, the WNYC program that lets teenagers tell their own stories on the air. Three past and current “rookies” talk about program and how it affected their lives. And, E.D. Hirsch argues for public schools and a core curriculum.

Taking Comptrol

Friday, November 06, 2009

New Yorker’s didn’t just elect the mayor on Tuesday night, but also the key office holders who will have to work with the Bloomberg administration. John Liu, the new Comptroller, discusses his plans to get the city’s finances in order. And, what the Joe Bruno trial says about the way Albany works; and musical improv live in studio.

Race to the Top

Thursday, November 05, 2009

President Obama yesterday praised Wisconsin for linking teacher pay to student performance. Beth Fertig, WNYC education reporter, explains what it means for New York classrooms and the teachers’ union. Then, former Virginia Senator John Warner co-sponsored the only climate change bill to successfully pass a Senate committee - he talks climate change, Afghanistan policy, and more.

Post-Election

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Former New Jersey Governor Christie Todd Whitman talks about what will change with a Republican governor in the Garden State. Joyce Purnick and others offer analysis of the surprisingly close mayoral race. Public Advocate-elect Bill De Blasio explains how he'll handle the office. Plus, young voters and the future of politics; do AIDS drugs accelerate aging?; and mapping outside the lines.

All The Results | Reporter's Blogs | Photos From Last Night | WNYC's Complete Coverage

Election Day 2009

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

It’s the first Tuesday in November, and it’s time for your voting stories and the traditional informal, unofficial, thoroughly unscientific Brian Lehrer Show exit poll. Plus, the latest analysis on not just New Jersey and New York City contests, but important races in upstate New York, Maine, Virginia, and elsewhere.

Special Coverage Tonight! Be sure to tune in tonight starting at 8pm on 93.9 FM and AM 820 WNYC for special election coverage.

Election Preview

Monday, November 02, 2009

The election is tomorrow in New York and New Jersey. Get a preview of not just the New York City Mayoral race and the New Jersey Governor’s race, but also some of the other local elections that might shift the political climate in the region. Plus, Jonathan Safran Foer, author of the new book Eating Animals, grapples with the issue of meat-eating now that he’s a father.