Free Range Radio

After a 13 year absence, Elvis returned to his hometown and created one of his most highly acclaimed albums – From Elvis in Memphis – as well as the singles "Suspicious Minds," "In the Ghetto" and "Kentucky Rain". Interview subjects include producer Chips Moman and a few of the musicians from these recordings.

Look across the room at any gathering of people, and a wide range of emotions can be contemplated: the baby who cries unhappily at the bottle dropped on the floor; the young couple sitting close together, fingers intertwined; a group of men laughing at some shared joke. Emotions play a role in every minute of our lives, yet what exactly is an emotion? Do we all share the same emotions? How does something as personal as a feeling affect society and politics? More>>

Do you ever wonder what your dog is thinking when you talk to her, and she cocks her head and looks at you with the saddest eyes you have ever seen? Or what is going on in your cat’s head while you scratch its chin and it purrs. And what could those birds be thinking when they swoop in front of the car you are driving? SoundVision’s The Really Big Questions (TRBQ), will explore the latest thinking about consciousness, by looking at what the minds of nonhuman animals can tell us about human minds.

Death is a fact of life, an absolute and unavoidable certainty. And yet, death often comes as a shock, as if unexpected. Why? Because, contrary to all human experience, we just don’t want to believe death will happen to us. A growing body of evidence suggests that the fear of death influences how we vote, shop, and even how we judge our mothers. Does the fear of death shape how we live? More>>

Wherever we look, in every corner of human history, we find religion. No other living species has it – why do we? How did it evolve, and what’s it for? We meet scientists searching for the underlying causes, and theologians, secular scholars and ordinary believers, who argue that these scientists are asking the wrong questions about the wrong things. Can science explain why we believe?

MLK Jr.’s “I have a Dream” speech has become the shorthand of the Civil Rights Movement-- but we might never have heard it, if it were not for another man, who’s largely been forgotten by history: Bayard Rustin. In this program hour, we explore the life and legacy of Mr. Rustin, a black, gay, Quaker who brought Gandhian non-violent protest to the Civil Rights movement in America.

From the East Room of the White House, this one-hour special features highlights from a concert hosted by President and Mrs. Obama in honor of Black History Month. Participants include Natalie Cole, Bob Dylan, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Smokey Robinson, Seal, the Blind Boys of Alabama, the Howard University Choir and others. Morgan Freeman and Queen Latifah will serve as emcees for this concert which will feature songs from the Civil Rights Movement as well as readings from famous Civil Rights speeches and writings. The President will make opening remarks at this concert held in the East Room.

The Space Age began when America was going through a wrenching battle over Civil Rights.  And because the heart of the old Confederacy was chosen as its base, NASA  played an unintended role in Civil Rights history.  In this program, we hear how this happened and we hear the stories of the people who broke the color line at NASA. Narrated by Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in Space, “Race and the Space Race” tells the unlikely story of Civil Rights and the Space Program.

A man tapes the history of his town with a scavenged cassette recorder, a woman fights for social justice with a pie, a DJ ignites his community with a sound. Join us for this richly produced and deeply layered hour long special that resonates for Black History Month, or any month.  Produced by The Kitchen Sisters (Nikki Silva & Davia Nelson) and Roman Mars.

An in-depth look at the future of coal in this country. The Environment Report explores the role that coal plays in our lives and in the lives of those who depend on coal mining for a living. Can coal truly be a viable option in the new green economy?

The story of women in the ultimate Man's World — the labs and Shuttle crew cabins of NASA. Told in the first person, these stories explore the experiences of NASA's first woman engineers and scientists and its first astronauts. It also tells the fascinating story of a group of women pilots who — in the early 1960s — were led to believe that they would be America's first women astronauts and were given the exact same physical tests are the Mercury astronauts. The program is narrated by Eileen Collins, the first woman commander of a Space Shuttle.

At War in the Pacific storms onto the islands spread across 5,000 miles of ocean that would turn into a tropical hell. From inside the foxholes discover the story of young and idealistic Marines; John Basilone, Robert Leckie, Sydney Phillips and E.B. Sledge, as they come of age in weeks and months of searing combat. We hear how the Pacific conflict shaped the lives of these Marines and course of our nation. We meet the friends and relatives who shouldered the burden state-side. From historians Donald Miller and Richard Frank, we comprehend what those battles meant – then and now. Filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks share the challenges of bringing new light and depth to a major historic event.

Award-winning former American RadioWorks’ producer Sasha Aslanian explores the "divorce revolution" of the 1970s through the perspective of kids--like herself--who lived through it, and experts who have had three decades to make sense of it. Using a lively blend of first-person storytelling, (surprising scenes like playing the reel-to-reel audio of her own parents' wedding vows back to them), interviews with Avery Corman, the author of Kramer vs. Kramer, and revisiting the now-grown kids who wrote "The Kids Book of Divorce" in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1979, the first half of the documentary reports on the lessons learned from the 1970s. The second half of the program examines how the experience of divorce has changed for kids since the 70s. We hear the voices of 4th and 5th graders in a court-mandated class for kids in Minneapolis as they learn how to avoid “divorce traps” kids can fall into. Aslanian follows one of the kids in the class, 10-year-old Lizzy, as she gets a new stepmom, half-brother and stepbrother, and enters adolescence. The program also features judicial reforms to improve divorce.

Although their fans didn't know it, the music The Beatles were making in 1969 turned out to be the last recordings they would ever make as a four-some. When John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr gathered in the studio the day after New Year's that year, the last chapter of their remarkable journey began with the sometimes contentious Get Back / Let It Be sessions. The band's business affairs began to unravel soon after and several members' minds started drifting toward getting off The Beatles' merry-go-round. Still they managed to pull off one final masterpiece, Abbey Road, before being photographed together for the last time in August and formally closing the book on the Beatles early in 1970.

Commentators include writers Steve Turner, Anthony DeCurtis, Mikal Gilmore, Richie Unterberger, Greg Kot, and Ann Powers, and musicians Shawn Colvin, Richard Goldman, Jon Spurney, and David Gans. (Song List Will Be Posted Shortly) Ingles has produced programs spotlighting many Beatles albums as well as documentaries on Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Shawn Colvin and Bob Dylan. More information about his work is at www.paulingles.com.

Award-winning producer Paul Ingles continues his documentation of The Beatles' story with The Last Year in the Life of The Beatles, a two-hour special that chronologically follows the band through 1969 as they record their final tracks, struggle with their company, squabble with each other, pursue other interests, and ultimately split apart. Listeners will hear behind the scenes studio chatter, rehearsal takes of songs, and finished classics, mixed with informed commentary from a host of music writers, musicians and fans. Clips from news events and other classic music from the tumultuous year that ended the 1960's will also be blended in.

The Energy Revolution focuses on emerging renewable energy resource technologies and the creative personalities behind those advances' development. In this program, listeners will meet a wind power expert from Brussels, and visit the world's largest solar tower in Seville and hear reports on a wide range of green technologies being developed around the U.S.

• From Massachusetts: turning cooking oil into fuel for cars
• From Michigan: making fuel from algae
• From Virginia: pumping water for energy storage
• From North Carolina: developing a new, efficient electricity grid
• From California: improving LEDs with nanotechnology

We revisit a special from J.R. Sullivan, celebrating the turn of the season, mom, and the crack of the bat. Stories, songs and poems for Spring.

When we gaze into the eyes of our beloved pets, can we ever really know what they might be thinking? Is it naive to assume they're experiencing something close to human emotions? Or, on the contrary, is it ridiculous to assume that they AREN'T feeling something like that? In this hour of Radiolab, we explore what science can say about what goes on in the minds of animals.

Chimps. Bonobos. Humans. We're all great apes. This hour we take a look at what happens when we all try to live together. Is this idea utterly stupid? Or might it be our one last hope as more and more humans fill up the planet?

How much can you jam into a human brain? How far can you push yourself past feelings of exhaustion? In this hour of Radiolab, we examine human limits. We talk to Ironman triathletes and hear the memorable tale of a man who couldn't forget. Are we limited by the size of our brain and the strength of our muscles or will there always be a way to push ourselves just a little bit further? And what about human comprehension? As science barrels forward, will we reach the limit of human understanding?

This hour of Radiolab is dedicated to tumors. It may sound like a grim topic, but what we find when we look closely at these anatomical aberrations are fascinating tales of evolution, immortality, and even... maybe... God? We'll hear about a tumor that changes modern science, and the tragic untold story of the woman attached to that tumor. We'll witness terrifying contagious tumors, tumors that bring joy, and tumors that bring ecstasy. And Robert will try to touch, literally touch, the tumor that killed President Ulysses S. Grant.

This hour centers around a chilling question: can you ever really know the people around you? Even those most dear to you -- your mother, your child, your loved one -- can you ever really know what they are thinking, feeling, or experiencing? Or is it all just a leap of faith? In this episode of Radiolab, we talk to neuroscientists, primatologists, zookeepers, actors, and dog owners who are all trying to get inside another's mind.

On one night in May of 2007, a tornado wiped Greensburg, Kansas off the map. The town's residents have decided to not only resurrect the town, but to rebuild in a true spirit of renewal. State of the Re:Union examines the profound devastation and the rigors and rewards of this innovative rebirth

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, once referred to as "America's Machine Shop," has suffered a similar fate to other rust-belt cities. But despite the decline of some of its industries, passionate, hard-working citizens are changing this manufacturing mecca into a city of ideas. This episode of State of the Re:Union explores the depth and viability of some of Milwaukee's most surprising community projects, and a people of unwavering resolve.

Back in the timber industry's heyday, the small mill town of Oakridge, Oregon was thriving. Business was booming. Then in the early 1990s, the saws stopped. The mills shut down and their economies crumbled. State of the Re:Union surveys how a town that has lost its identity reinvents itself through recreation, community-building, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The city of New Orleans is as proud of its traditions as it is steeped in them. But since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the city and its residents have been thrust into new relationships with those very traditions they hold so dear. State of the Re:Union visits the Big Easy and explore how the city is negotiating that tension between the old and the new -- from race relations to po boys to combating crime -- five years after the storm.

Join old friend J.R. Sullivan as we celebrate America's high holiday, and salute the season of crops, the smell of chlorine in childrens' hair, and...chiggers! Songs, poems and music about Invincible Summer.

This special explores the long musical friendship of Carole King & James Taylor From the early days of LA’s legendary club The Troubadour to their extensive 2010 US Tour. Features original recordings of their early hits as well as live recordings of King & Taylor together in 1971 and 2007. Includes interviews with both artists, as well as Graham Nash, David Wild, Lou Adler and Robert Hilburn.

Guide Glenn Zorpette takes us behind the scenes to see what its like to live in Antarctica year round. We’ll learn about the history of exploring the coldest continent and hear scientists describe their cutting edge research. But first, we'll check in on some of the shortest and most charming residents of Antarctica.

The word had been out for about a month that the legendary Beatles were splitting up, when fans were able to buy what would be their 12th and last official release. The cover featured an individual photo of each Beatle, bordered by black under just three words, Let It Be. While few would consider it one of the Beatles' best, there are still some undeniable classics, good rockers and some clues to the dissolution of the most famous band in music history.

Innovation as Catalyst: Economic crisis often leads to economic opportunity. So where will that opportunity be found? Listen in to a conversation about innovation and re-invention from the financial thinkers an tinkerers of our time.

Another month, another new tech gadget. How is technology reshaping our lives and our interactions? Join the conversation as some of the brains behind the tech revolution speak about the future of the digital world.

"American Dreamer: Sam’s Story" tells the story of a talented and articulate young jazz musician named Sam, who was brought to the U.S. at age 5 by his Mexican parents. He stayed out of trouble, was drum major of his high school's marching band, fell in love with playing jazz on the tenor sax, and got his diploma with honors– only to find that for an "illegal," graduation marks a dead end. . Though Sam dreams of attending college to study jazz performance, he hides his status from even his closest friends, and can't legally work, drive, get financial aid, or even gain admission to some colleges. "American Dreamer" follows him from his high school graduation, through the following summer, as he struggles to raise money to continue his education and weighs the risks of working and driving illegally against his own desire to achieve his American dream.

By all accounts, Stevie Ray Vaughan could play anything on the guitar at a very young age. By the time he was twenty-five, he had found just the right people to share the stage with...and the rest just fell into place.

In this radio special, you will hear about the early years of Stevie Ray Vaughan, the formation of Double Trouble and the band's quick rise to fame from members Stevie Ray Vaughan, Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon, as well as from Stevie's brother Jimmy Vaughan and Guitar World's Andy Aledort.

We look ahead to Rockford's annual Labor Day Festival, with interviews and performances from the bands who'll perform on WNIJ's Left Bank Stage.

A holiday tradition has begun. The not so plump but jolly Santa Bob and his magical elves are in their workshop, checking the list for the best fresh holiday songs. Once they’re done, be ready for naughty and nice takes on an eclectic mix of music by emerging and breakout bands. Check out Bob Boilen and friends as they host the first All Songs Considered holiday special from NPR Music.

A perennial NPR favorite, now well into its second decade. Acclaimed authors explore Hanukkah traditions in original stories written expressly for Hanukkah Lights. Hosted by Murray Horwitz and Susan Stamberg.

We re-visit a past holiday special with former Rockford theater director J.R. Sullivan. With music, skits and stories for the season, including Jim's reading of "The Gift of the Magi."

Public radio's only nationally syndicated Kwanzaa program. Hosted for the last 22 years by acclaimed storyteller Madafo Lloyd Wilson, this annual one-hour special captures the tales and traditions of African-American and African peoples. This year's program features stories told to, for and about children. With folktale, song and poetry, Wilson and friends put the spotlight on youth: love for them, responsibility to them, and ways adults can sometimes not see them. The program presents traditional and original works of poetry, music and prose that speak to the institution of family. Favorite features also return, including the show's poet laureate, Beverly Fields Burnette, who delights all with an original composition. Join Madafo Lloyd Wilson for this, the 2009 edition of "A Season's Griot."

This hour, Radiolab examines Stochasticity, which is just a wonderfully slippery and smarty-pants word for randomness. How big a role does randomness play in our lives? Do we live in a world of magic and meaning or … is it all just chance and happenstance? To tackle this question, we look at the role chance and randomness play in sports, lottery tickets, and even the cells in our own body. Along the way, we talk to a woman suddenly consumed by a frenzied gambling addiction, two friends whose meeting seems purely providential, and some very noisy bacteria.

What happens at the moment when we slip from life...to the other side? Is it a moment? If it is a moment, when is that moment? And what happens afterward? It's a show of questions that don't have easy answers. So, in a slight departure from our regular format, Radiolab brings you eleven meditations on how, when, and even if we die.

What's gotten into you? In this hour we explore nature's moochers - the good, the bad, and the hideous. We have stories of lethargic farmers, zombie cockroaches, and even mind-controlled humans (kinda, maybe). Could parasites be the shadowy hands that pull the strings of life?

How do you tell the difference between a sea change and a ripple in the water? Is a peacenik baboon, a man in a dress, or a cuddly fox a sign of things to come? Or just a flukey outlier from the norm? Is there ever really even a norm? In this hour we examine three stories that reframe our sense of normalcy.

Radiolab dedicates this hour to an exploration of numbers. Those pesky little things on the chalkboard. Where do they come from and what do they really do for us? We bring you stories on how they confuse us, connect us, and reveal secrets about us.

A panel of international journalists, politicos, academics and legal experts consider mental illness through the context of the hypothetical stories of Olivia and James: When should an individual lose their right to self-determination? Should we impose treatment on those who refuse it? How can we support the recovery of people with mental illness?

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' "Abbey Road." Award-Winning producer Paul Ingles adds another installment to his series of programs spotlighting The Beatles album releases as music writers, musicians and Beatles fans weigh in on The Beatles' Abbey Road, the album that turned out to have the last songs the band ever recorded together. It was released in September of 1969.)

Nationwide, suburban schools are doing a good job educating white students, but those schools are not getting the same results with black and Latino students. This documentary tells the story of a suburban high school with lots of resources and a diverse student body that is struggling to close the minority achievement gap.

Award-winning NPR Reporter Nancy Solomon takes you inside a school to hear a discussion on race in the classroom. Listen as students try to explain what went wrong with their education. Join her at the kitchen table with black middle-class parents who thought that a move to the suburbs would ensure school success. Find out how the school's best teachers motivate their students. Be a fly on the wall in the busy dean's office where where kids with discipline problems land.

The latest special from Inside Out, the documentary unit at WBUR. A report from the front lines of global warming Today, climate change is generally expressed as the gradual warming of Earth's atmosphere over decades. Scientists see these changes as startlingly rapid in the context of geologic time - but to millions of people around the world, the impacts of global warming are immediate, and becoming increasingly frequent and severe.