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The Leonard Lopate Show

Monday, July 03, 2006
  • David Hume
    David Hume

    Getting Affairs in Order

    Layoffs have become a way of life for corporate America. But according to business reporter Louis Uchitelle, they may be detrimental to long-term profits. Later, we'll hear about an infamous fight between two great philosophers: Jean-Jacques Rousseau and David Hume. And the son of an early FBI hero explains why he feels that J. Edgar Hoover tried to ruin his father’s reputation. Plus, Lee Eisenberg, former Editor-in-Chief of Esquire, tackles the anxiety-inspiring subject of how to prepare for a comfortable retirement.

The Disposable American

Veteran New York Times business reporter Louis Uchitelle says that layoffs may not lead to long-term profits, and they often aren't worth the psychological toll they take on the workers who lose their jobs. His new book is The Disposable American.

Head-to-Head Philosophers

In 1776, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and David Hume had a bitter, public quarrel that turned them into deadly enemies. Leonard talks to John Eidinow, co-author of Rousseau's Dog.

The Vendetta

In the 1930s, Melvin Purvis was one of America’s best-known good guys: a young G-Man in the FBI who led the fight against the country’s biggest criminals, from John Dillinger to Pretty Boy Floyd. In The Vendetta, Melvin’s son Alston Purvis argues that Melvin’s fame and success caused his infamous boss, J. Edgar Hoover, to turn against him.

The Rest of Your Life

Living for the moment might be a good strategy for emotional happiness, but it can be disastrous for your finances. In The Number: A Completely Different Way to Think About the Rest of Your Life, former Esquire Editor-in-Chief Lee Eisenberg describes how to secure peace of mind now, and a comfortable retirement for the future.

Patrick Swayze

The Leonard Lopate Show

Patrick Swayze mixed grace with athleticism in his movies – and rose to stardom with roles in “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost.” He died just recently after a battle with pancreatic cancer. And you can hear his interview with Leonard Lopate from July 16, 2002, when he came by to discuss appearing in the film, “Green Dragon.”

The Silver Anniversary of the Silver Palate

The Leonard Lopate Show

Sheila Lukins was one half of a partnership that helped popularize gourmet cooking throughout America – first, through their gourmet food shop in New York City and then with the cookbook, The Silver Palate, which remains one of the top-selling cookbooks of all time. She collaborated on 2 other cookbooks that simplified gourmet cooking for the home cook. She died recently from brain cancer at the age of 66, and you can listen to her 2007 conversation with Leonard Lopate and her business partner Julee Rosso about the 25th Anniversary of the publication of The Silver Palate.

Dominick Dunne

The Leonard Lopate Show

Dominick Dunne was a famous novelist and Hollywood producer. But he may be best remembered for covering trials of the rich and famous – from Claus von Bulow to O. J. Simpson. He died just recently at the age of 83. But you can still hear his interview with Leonard from November 23, 2001, when he was discussing crimes, trials, and punishments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guest Picks

The Leonard Lopate Show

Find out surprising facts about some recent guests on the Leonard Lopate Show. Check out our Guest Picks section! Did you know that football star Herschel Walker loves Judge Judy, Laurie Anderson is a big fan of agility training for dogs, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi likes Johnny Depp?