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The Leonard Lopate Show
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Dramatic Examples
On today’s edition of our regular Underreported series, a look at the politics of pollution. Why are America's minorities and poor more likely to suffer its effects? Then, we'll hear about a new biography of Robert Louis Stevenson. Plus, a new novel that follows the story of a single mother who teaches high school English in a private school. And Stephen Frears and Judi Dench are here to discuss their latest film.
Environmental Injustice
On today's Underreported feature, the politics of pollution. Some experts feel that “environmental racism” is keeping industrial waste and toxins in poor and minority communities, and out of affluent neighborhoods. We'll talk to Melissa Checker, the author of Polluted Promises: Environmental Racism and the Search for Justice In A Southern Town, and Majora Carter, the founder/director of Sustainable South Bronx and a 2005 MacArthur Fellow.
Music:
Erin Brockovich Soundtrack, tracks 2, 1, and 3
Myself and the Other Fellow
Claire Harman tells us about the life of Robert Louis Stevenson, the man who gave birth to the characters Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Myself and the Other Fellow.
Events:
Claire will be appearing at the 92nd Street Y on December 11 at 11am for a Biographers and Brunch event.
To order tickets people should call:
Y-Charge at 212.415.5500
Music:
The Hour Before Dawn Solas, track 1
The English Teacher
Lily King (the author The Pleasing Hour) tells us about her latest novel: The English Teacher.

Mrs. Henderson Presents
Director Stephen Frears and Judi Dench tell us about their latest film: “Mrs. Henderson Presents.” It's a musical comedy about the woman who brought nudity to the British stage in the late 1930s--in the form of London's notorious Windmill Girls.
» Visit our Guest Picks page to find out what moves Judi Dench
Music:
Iris Soundtrack, tracks 5 and 1
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Tributes: Jeanne-Claude
The Leonard Lopate Show
Jeanne-Claude created environmental works of art with her husband and fellow-conspirator/collaborator Christo. Together, they wrapped the Reichstag in Berlin, the Pont-Neuf in Paris, and created The Gates, with billowy orange drapes, in Central Park. Jeanne-Claude just died at the age of 74. You can hear Leonard Lopate’s last interview with them both, from July 19, 1999.
Video Pick: David Chang on Momofuku
The Leonard Lopate Show
Recent Videos:
- Arthur Schwartz on The Southern Italian Table
- David Plouffe on The Audacity to Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barack Obama’s Historic Victory
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- George Steel on the New York City Opera’s new season
- Gail Collins on When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of Women from 1960 to the Present
- Comments [1]
Let’s Go Swimming!
The Leonard Lopate Show
According to the Centers for Disease Control, bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms found in recreational water in the United States sicken thousands of people every year, and even result in deaths. We’ll speak with chemist and industrial hygienist Monona Rossol about the protozoa, amoebas and other things that love to go swimming with us. Monona is also founder and President of Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety.
- Comments [33]
Frank McCourt
The Leonard Lopate Show
Frank McCourt has been a guest many times on this show over the years, starting in 1996 for the memoir, Angela’s Ashes, that would earn him a Pulitzer Prize. Fame came to him late in life, after he’d retired at the age of 65 from teaching English and creative writing at public schools here in New York. He was a sweet, eloquent man who spoke with grace and humility; he just died at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer. You can hear him speaking with Leonard Lopate for his Survival Kit in 2000, and in 2005, for his memoir, Teacher Man.
- Comments [1]
Science and Faith
The Leonard Lopate Show
Earlier this week, Pres. Obama announced that he plans to nominate geneticist Dr. Francis Collins to lead the National Institutes of Health. You can listen to Leonard’s 2006 conversation with Dr. Collins about how he reconciles his personal faith with his professional scientific knowledge.
FDA to Regulate Tobacco?
The Leonard Lopate Show
May 14, 2009
Congress is getting ready to a vote on whether to make tobacco subject to FDA regulation. You can listen to a segment we did in May about the bill and what it would mean for the cigarette companies.
- Comments [9]
Our 3-ingredient Challenge wins a James Beard Award
The Leonard Lopate Show
On May 3, the Lopate Show won its third James Beard Award for our 3-ingredient challenge. In August, we asked our listeners to call in and name 3 ingredients and then challenged New York chef and 3-ingredient expert Rozanne Gold to whip up a recipe! You can listen to the 3-ingredient challenge and get some inspiration for simple, delicious, and unexpected dishes.
Leonard is on Facebook
Now Leonard is on Facebook! We’re posting photos, status updates, links to notable interviews, and lots more. Check it out.
Barack Obama, Circa 2004
The Leonard Lopate Show
Listen to President-Elect Barack Obama on the Leonard Lopate Show in November 2004. He had recently won a seat in the U.S. Senate, and only a few months before, his rousing speech during the 2004 Democratic National Convention catapulted him into the national spotlight.
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