The Open Mind, Hosted by Alexander Heffner

Elk Fajitas in the Desert 27.06.2024 36:47 ↓

At the Elena Gallegos Open Space in Albuquerque, Senator Martin Heinrich and Alexander break bread over homemade elk fajitas.

Baskets and Burgers 26.06.2024 47:49 ↓

At the Harold Thune Auditorium in Murdo, South Dakota, Senator John Thune and Alexander play basketball and then break bread over cheeseburgers. 

The Alternative of Indigenous Economics 03.06.2024 28:24 ↓

University of Arizona economist Ronald Trosper discusses the Native American tradition. 

Peacekeeping at Home 28.05.2024 28:21 ↓

Civic leader David McCullough III discusses the mission of the American Exchange Project.

Surveillance, Truckers, and You 20.05.2024 28:31 ↓

Privacy expert Karen Levy discusses the future of workplace surveillance. 

Decency in Decline 13.05.2024 28:29 ↓

Author Alexandra Hudson discusses her new book "The Soul of Civility."

American Amnesia 06.05.2024 28:16 ↓

Documentarian David France discusses his HBO documentary "How to Survive a Pandemic."

The Origin of the FDA Mandate 12.02.2024 28:27 ↓

Novelist Jennifer Vanderbes discusses the secret history of thalidomide in America.

Optimizing Ourselves to Death 08.02.2024 28:07 ↓

Mathematician Coco Krumme discusses her book "Optimal Illusions: The False Promise of Optimization" 

Brain on Brain 01.02.2024 27:45 ↓

Science writer Benjamin Ehrlich discusses his new book "The Brain in Search of Itself.”

Chips, AI, and WWIII 23.01.2024 22:04 ↓

Author Chris Miller talks about the intersection of chipmakers and geopolitical crises.  

What Fungi Means for Humanity 17.01.2024 27:20 ↓

Mycologist Keith Seifert discusses what could be responsible for the next pandemic. 

The Next Hub of American Innovation 08.01.2024 27:56 ↓

Tech journalist Robert Buderi discusses his new book  "Where Futures Converge: Kendall Square and the Making of a Global Innovation Hub."

The Persistence of Eugenics 02.01.2024 27:21 ↓

Undark magazine editor Ashley Smart discusses the intersection of science and society. 

Mom’s and Dad’s Brains 28.12.2023 28:28 ↓

Science journalist Chelsea Conaboy discusses how parenthood evolves the brain.

The Resilience of the Vagina 23.12.2023 28:29 ↓

Author Rachel Gross discusses her new book Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage .

Living With (And Ending?) Pandemics 12.12.2023 28:15 ↓

Science journalist Richard Conniff discusses public health policies.

The Future of Science Journalism 08.12.2023 28:22 ↓

Knight Science Journalism @MIT director Deborah Blum discusses the challenges and tactics of contemporary science journalism.

Addiction in America and the World 27.11.2023 28:31 ↓

Physician Carl Erik Fisher discusses the past, present, and future of addiction.

Math Rules the World 22.11.2023 28:08 ↓

Mathematician Manil Suri discusses why the objectivity of math is essential to preserving civil society. 

A Multiplicity of Generational Crises 31.07.2023 28:43 ↓

 Elder justice leader M.T. Connolly discusses her new book "The Measure of Our Age." 

The Science of Decisionmaking 26.07.2023 27:48 ↓

University of Minnesota neuroscientist David Redish discusses the science of our choices.

Rejuvenating American Citizenship 18.07.2023 28:30 ↓

Raj Vinnakota of Institute for Citizens & Scholars discusses how rejuvenate American citizenship. 

Porn and Us 12.07.2023 28:23 ↓

University of Nebraska sociologist Kelsy Burke discusses pornography in American society.

Food Will Save the Union 05.06.2023 28:07 ↓

Historian Alex Prud'homme discusses diplomacy in American political life.