On Demand
The Leonard Lopate Show
-
The Language Instinct
On today’s show: what recent research reveals about the origins of language. Then: the history of Sierra Leone and its bloody civil war told through the letters of the ordinary people themselves. Also, we’ll look at one sheik’s grandiose dream to build a lavish capital city in his United Arab Emirates desert kingdom. And on this month’s Backstory, a look at the complex history of Iranian-American relations.
The Origins of Language
Language is a distinctly human gift, yet we’re only now beginning to understand how it came into being. Christine Kenneally has written about language and science for the New Yorker and Discover, and in her new book, The First Word, she investigates the evolution of language and introduces the major players in the field of linguistics and behavioral studies.
The First Word is available for purchase at amazon.com
Letters from Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone was involved in a bloody civil war from 1991 to 2002. It remains one of the world’s poorest countries and is notorious as the land of blood diamonds. John Amman (PCV 1979) and Gary Stewart (PCV 1968) were Peace Corps volunteers in Sierra Leone and they corresponded with their Sierra Leonean friends before, during, and after the civil war. These poignant letters are included in their new book, Black Man’s Grave. Umaru Mansaray, one of the letter writers, will also join us by phone.
Black Man’s Grave is available for purchase at amazon.com
Read a letter written by Umaru Mansaray, excerpted from Black Man's Grave
Inside a Sheik’s Palace
His Highness Sheik Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi of the United Arab Emirate’s northern emirate, Ras al-Khaimah, has a grandiose dream – to build a brand new capital in the middle of his desert kingdom. The process of designing a city that will bring the sheik’s dreams to life becomes an intriguing encounter between East and West. “Wide Angle” captures this story in The Sand Castle which will premiere Tuesday, July 24 at 9 p.m. (ET) on PBS. We’ll be joined by the executive producer of “Wide Angle,” Stephen Segaller.
Backstory: Iran
This month’s Backstory will look at our complex relationship with Iran. Just this week, a new round of negotiations about Iraq was announced and Iranian-American scholars who are being detained appeared on Iranian state television. We will also look at Iran’s nuclear program, statements from the Bush Administration about Iran’s role in the chaos in Iraq, and whether regime change is even a possibility. We’ll be joined by Peter David, Foreign Editor of the Economist. He has edited a special report in the current issue of the Economist.
- About This Program »
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Guest Hosts »
- Guest Picks »
- Latest Show »
- Tapes & Transcripts »
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
Shop at Amazon!
Leonard Lopate Show picks
Start your Amazon shopping on WNYC.org and a portion of your total purchase goes to WNYC.
More
Tributes: Kate McGarrigle
The Leonard Lopate Show
Folk singer Kate McGarrigle, who gained acclaim for a series of projects with her sister Anna, died Monday, Jan. 18, from a rare form of cancer. She left behind a family of talented musicians, including her sister, son Rufus Wainwright, and daughter Martha Wainwright. McGarrigle appeared on The Leonard Lopate show with her sister in December 2005, ahead of their holiday show at Carnegie Hall.
Monona Rossol on 50 Million Chemicals
The Leonard Lopate Show
On September 7, 2009, scientists working for the Chemical Abstract Service (which assigns identification numbers to all new chemicals) entered the 50-millionth chemical substance into their Registry. Chemist and industrial hygienist Monona Rossol, President and Founder of Arts, Crafts & Theater Safety, took a look at what all these new substances are, where they are coming from, and how they affect our health. Rossol also responded to listener comments and questions. You can read her answers here.
- Comments [51]
National Book Award Winners
The Leonard Lopate Show
A number of this year’s National Book Award winners have appeared on The Leonard Lopate Show. Click here to see the list!
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.
