Afghanistan, Wonderland, Aquaponics, Extreme Ironing

Afghanistan Peace, Venezuelan Turmoil, Transgender Ban in US Military Guest: Eric Jensen, JD, Professor of International Law, BYU J. Reuben Clark Law School The war there has lasted 17 years. But in the last week, talks between US officials and the Taliban have raised hope that the war could finally end. Both sides say the core elements of a deal have been reached that would create a ceasefire and have the US withdraw its troops. But there’s one side that has not been part of those talks –the government of Afghanistan itself. So how’s that going to work, exactly? Welcome to Wonderland Guest: Timothy Threlfall, Director, Music Dance Theater Program, BYU; Frank Wildhorn, composer Wonderland In 2011, a retelling of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” spent just one month on Broadway. The reviews were not great, but just because a musical flops on the biggest stage in showbiz doesn’t mean it’s over. This week, the curtain has risen again on “Wonderland.” BYU’s theater department partnered with Wonderland composer Frank Wildhorn to rehabilitate the production in hopes of giving it new life on regional theater stages around the country. Symbiotic Farming with Aquaponics Guest: Paul Venturelli, Assistant Professor of Fisheries, Ball State University A lot of the fish we eat has been farmed –not caught in the wild. You probably knew that. Did you know that you can grow plants in water? Not just lilies and water cress, but lettuce and tomatoes and other edible stuff. Now here’s the really cool thing: there is a way to both farm fish and grow plants in water all in the same system. It’s called aquaponics and on a small scale it’s kinda fun to do in your kitchen. On a larger scale, some experts think it might be a farming solution for places that are short on water and land. Ironing as an Extreme Sport (Originally aired November 20, 2018) Guest: Jack Nichols, Photographer and Extreme Ironing Record Holder Perched on the edge of a waterfall, dangling upside down on a climbing wall, straddling a tree trunk thirty feet up –there has to be an easier way to get your shirt pressed. But “extreme ironing” isn’t just about getting the wrinkles out. It’s about the challenge –and the great photo opp. Photographer Jack Nichols specializes in capturing hard-to-reach landscapes and he usually brings an iron along, too. He’s got the North American record for lowest-elevation extreme ironing and he joined us a few months ago to discuss what extreme ironing is all about. Does Apple Cider Vinegar Live Up to the Hype? (Originally aired October 8, 2018) Guest: Gabriel Neal, Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Texas A&M University Apple cider vinegar has been said to help heal all sorts of sickness and it’s supposed to help with weight loss and blood sugar. You'll find people across the globe are drinking a daily shot of apple cider vinegar.  Is there any science to back this up? A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family (Originally aired June 25, 2018) Guest: Tom Christofferson, Author of “That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and Family,” published by Deseret Book. Across the country, conservative religious communities struggle with how to embrace LGBT members. Last summer I spoke with Tom Christofferson, who is openly gay and an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That combination presents challenges, which he explores in his memoir “That We May Be One.” Tom Christofferson says his story is not a “prescription” for others to follow. But he hopes people will find some of his experience helpful. Here’s our interview from last summer.