- Sep 15, 2021 8:00 pm
- 16:20
When’s the last time you actually looked up from your phone or your grocery cart, looked a stranger in the eye, and struck up a conversation? Some people fear that moment, while others hate engaging with people they don't know. Journalist Joe Keohane has a message for both sets of people—just do it. Keohane says talking with strangers can make you happier, smarter, and more interesting. His new book is “The Power of Strangers: The Benefits of Connecting in a Suspicious World.” (Segment produced by Aubrey Johnson)
Shadow Docket
When the US Supreme Court issued a late-night ruling two weeks ago refusing to block the strict new abortion law in Texas, you may have started hearing about something called “the Shadow Docket.” It’s not a new thing, but the Supreme Court has been using it differently in recent years—with important implications for all of us. Stephen Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law, is and one of the top experts on this subject.
When the US Supreme Court issued a late-night ruling two weeks ago refusing to block the strict new abortion law in Texas, you may have started hearing about something called “the Shadow Docket.” It’s not a new thing, but the Supreme Court has been using it differently in recent years—with important implications for all of us. Stephen Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law, is and one of the top experts on this subject.
Harassment Silence
When a powerful person is found to have sexually harassed someone in his professional circles, there are always people who witnessed or were told of it and kept silent. The New York Attorney general’s investigation of former Governor Andrew Cuomo highlights numerous top officials in his office—all of them women—who protected him and even threatened women who reported being harassed by Cuomo. Jennifer Berdahl is a social psychologist from the University of British Columbia who studies why silence is so often the norm in workplaces where harassment happens. (Segment produced by Sydney Jezik)
When a powerful person is found to have sexually harassed someone in his professional circles, there are always people who witnessed or were told of it and kept silent. The New York Attorney general’s investigation of former Governor Andrew Cuomo highlights numerous top officials in his office—all of them women—who protected him and even threatened women who reported being harassed by Cuomo. Jennifer Berdahl is a social psychologist from the University of British Columbia who studies why silence is so often the norm in workplaces where harassment happens. (Segment produced by Sydney Jezik)
Personality and Sleep
Morning people are more likely to be conscientious. Night people tend to be more open to new experiences. Why would sleep patterns have anything to do with personality? Anu Realo is a psychology professor at the University of Warwick who studies how genetics affect personality. (Segment produced by Lynsey Call)
Morning people are more likely to be conscientious. Night people tend to be more open to new experiences. Why would sleep patterns have anything to do with personality? Anu Realo is a psychology professor at the University of Warwick who studies how genetics affect personality. (Segment produced by Lynsey Call)
Radio Drama
There was a time in America before every home had a television when the radio was the heart of home entertainment. Lots of big Hollywood stars had lively careers starring in radio dramas—often as the same characters they made famous on-screen. Radio dramas became less popular as TV gained its grip on us. But now they're coming back, thanks to the rise of podcasting. The Apple Seed podcast, led by storyteller Sam Payne, is getting in on the action.
There was a time in America before every home had a television when the radio was the heart of home entertainment. Lots of big Hollywood stars had lively careers starring in radio dramas—often as the same characters they made famous on-screen. Radio dramas became less popular as TV gained its grip on us. But now they're coming back, thanks to the rise of podcasting. The Apple Seed podcast, led by storyteller Sam Payne, is getting in on the action.
Rat Tickling
Kids like to be tickled, adults not so much. But rats, apparently, love it. Well, lab rats, anyway. And you can even get a certificate in the art of proper rat tickling from Purdue University. Brianna Gaskill helped create that program while a professor at Purdue. She now works as an animal welfare specialist at drug company Novartis. She explains rat tickling training and standards. (Segment produced by Lynsey Call)
Kids like to be tickled, adults not so much. But rats, apparently, love it. Well, lab rats, anyway. And you can even get a certificate in the art of proper rat tickling from Purdue University. Brianna Gaskill helped create that program while a professor at Purdue. She now works as an animal welfare specialist at drug company Novartis. She explains rat tickling training and standards. (Segment produced by Lynsey Call)
Power of Strangers
When’s the last time you actually looked up from your phone or your grocery cart, looked a stranger in the eye, and struck up a conversation? Some people fear that moment, while others hate engaging with people they don't know. Journalist Joe Keohane has a message for both sets of people—just do it. Keohane says talking with strangers can make you happier, smarter, and more interesting. His new book is “The Power of Strangers: The Benefits of Connecting in a Suspicious World.” (Segment produced by Aubrey Johnson)
When’s the last time you actually looked up from your phone or your grocery cart, looked a stranger in the eye, and struck up a conversation? Some people fear that moment, while others hate engaging with people they don't know. Journalist Joe Keohane has a message for both sets of people—just do it. Keohane says talking with strangers can make you happier, smarter, and more interesting. His new book is “The Power of Strangers: The Benefits of Connecting in a Suspicious World.” (Segment produced by Aubrey Johnson)