Sunday morning news specials and documentaries
Tune in for a new special on Sundays at 5 a.m. on 91.5 FM.
Sept. 22, 2024: Open to Debate: 'Wokeness in Public Schools: Helping or Hurting Students?'
Public schools have in recent years begun incorporating topics around race, sex, and gender into K-12 classrooms. Are public schools moving in the right direction to address students’ needs? Those who say students benefit argue that learning them helps create socially aware, empathetic, and responsible citizens. Those who argue they harm students say children may be learning what should be left to parents to discuss. Now we debate: "Wokeness in Public Schools: Helping or Hurting Students?"
Sept. 15, 2024: WNYC, More Perfect': No More Souters'
David Souter is one the most private, low profile Justices ever to have served on the Supreme Court. He rarely gives interviews or speeches. Yet his tenure was anything but low profile. Deemed a “home run” nominee by Republicans, Souter defied partisan expectations on the bench and ultimately ceded his seat to a Democratic president. In this episode, the story of how “No More Souters” became a rallying cry for Republicans and inspired a backlash that would change the Court forever.
Sept. 8: Open to Debate (formerly Intelligence Squared): 'Does America Need a Third Party?'
While the two-party system has been the standard in the US government, third parties have often challenged this status quo and now advocates to be added to election ballots permanently. Those who agree say third parties offer non-partisan solutions and are more representative of ideologies, unlike the polarized partisanship present now. Those who disagree say the two-party system fosters stability and simplifies voting decisions. Now we debate: Does America Need A Third Party?
Sept. 1, 2024: WPR, To the Best of Our Knowledge'What's Wrong With Work?'
It's not easy in America today to find work that matters, that’s meaningful, and that pays enough to live on. Which is the one thing we don’t talk about. What’s wrong with work — and how do we fix it?
Aug. 25, 2024: Pulitzer Center - 'The Race to Superintelligence'
The Race to Superintelligence is a deep dive into the rapidly expanding world of artificial intelligence. Join us as we explore the groundbreaking, mystifying and world-changing potential of the next machine age.
Aug. 18: Open to Debate (formerly Intelligence Squared) - 'Can Israel Make Peace with Hamas?'
After the Oct. 7 attack, Israel vowed to eradicate Hamas and has been at war with them for nine months. Should Israel agree to a permanent ceasefire? Those who believe they should argue there needs to be logical pathways to peace and preventing further loss of life. Those who are against making peace with Hamas argue a ceasefire deal won’t stop Hamas’s desire to kill Israelis. Now we debate: Can Israel Make Peace with Hamas?
Aug. 11, 2024: Arizona PBS: Pulitzer on the Road - Episode 5: 'Caitlin Dickerson on Children at the Border'
Caitlin Dickerson won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting, but her 30,000 word piece for “The Atlantic” on family separations at the border also is a masterclass in investigative reporting. Dickerson’s dogged efforts to push back against the denials from government officials that family separations were happening was challenging on many levels. In this episode of the podcast, Dickerson describes how, despite proof from her and other journalists, officials’ rhetoric that the press was not to be trusted added another layer of complexity to the reporting and undermined the public’s trust.
Aug. 4, 2024: Open to Debate (formerly Intelligence Squared) — 'Is Islam Antisemitic?'
Though they share similar values, guidelines, and principles, Islam and Judaism have a long, complicated relationship that has led to tension recorded within the Quran that might engender antisemitism. Those who agree argue that certain Quranic verses could be used to justify some people’s hostility towards Jews. Those who disagree say that references to Jews must be understood in their historical and textual contexts and there have been multiple periods of Muslim-Jewish tolerance. Now we debate: Is Islam Antisemitic?
July 28, 2024: Arizona PBS — Pulitzer on the Road - Episode 2: 'Mstyslav Chernov on Being Trapped in Mariupol'
Mstyslav Chernov and a team of Associated Press journalists captured the horrors of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in Mariupol. He talks about their harrowing coverage that won the prestigious Public Service Award with Nancy Barnes of the Boston Globe.
In this episode, Chernov searches for hope as he considers what it means to bear witness as a journalist. While recounting harrowing episodes from Mariupol, Chernov describes the determination of the Ukrainians to ensure that the journalists continued reporting on the Russian air and land assault on civilians to show the world what was happening. Communications were cut and Chernov saw that for the people of Ukraine, information could be “more important than food and water.”
July 21, 2024: NPR — 'We, the Voters: Issues That Matter'
NPR has been digging into the issues that voters say matter most when choosing a leader. Consistently top of mind for NPR listeners and readers are gun violence, the economy, immigration, reproductive rights, and health care. In this special program, derived from the highlights of the “We the Voters” issue weeks, host Steve Inskeep presents a one-hour dive into these topics to help people make sense of the issues. In new interviews, we will look at the records of Trump and Biden on all of these issues and hear how voters' opinions have evolved.
July 14, 2024: Open to Debate (formerly Intelligence Squared) 'Married or Single?'
Over the last few decades, the traditional view of marriage as the cornerstone of adult life has been questioned, with many wondering if marriage is still desirable for personal fulfillment and social stability. Those in favor of marriage argue married individuals report better physical and mental well-being. Those in favor of singledom argue it helps them be more independent and feel free to make life decisions without anyone else’s pressure. Now we debate: Married or Single?
June 7, 2024: Arizona PBS — Pulitzer on the Road — Episode 1: 'Small Town Shakedown'
Hear about how police targeted residents of small town Brookside, Alabama, in an interview with winners for Local Reporting, John Archibald and Ashley Remkus at AL.com, and Neil Brown, president of the Poynter Institute
June 30, 2024: NPR, WWNO & WRKF' — Road to Rickwood: Rebuilding Black Baseball'
On this episode, host Roy Wood Jr. goes back to Birmingham to explore some of the obstacles that prevent more Black youth from taking up America's pastime. He talks to MLB executives, managers, and a player about the importance of promoting this sport within Black communities. Roy also speaks with Birmginham's local baseball community - high school athletes, coaches, parents and the current mayor - to learn how to reignite Black participation in baseball in the city that was once known for carrying the careers of Black baseball legends..
June 23, 2024: NPR, WWNO & WRKF' — Road to Rickwood: Don't Fight Back'
On June 20, 2024, Major League Baseball will host a regular season game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. But the 114-year-old stadium has a long and complicated history. It hosted everything from segregated baseball, a women’s suffrage event, a Klan rally and eventually, the first integrated sports team in Alabama. "The Road to Rickwood" host, Roy Wood Jr. speaks with historians, civic leaders, former Negro League players and more, to learn how Birmingham’s civil rights story played out at America’s oldest ballpark.
June 16, 2024: NPR, WWNO & WRKF — 'Road to Rickwood: Church Pews and Bleachers'
The 1940s are the heyday for Black baseball in Alabama, the peak of the Negro Leagues – starring a high schooler named Willie Mays. But when the Major Leagues integrate, Black teams everywhere start to fold.
June 9, 2024: NPR, WWNO & WRKF — 'Road to Rickwood: The Holy Grail of Baseball'
Birmingham, Alabama was one of the fiercest battlegrounds of the Civil Rights Movement. But in order to understand the struggle, you don't have to look any further than Rickwood Field, the oldest baseball stadium in the country. Across more than 113 years, it's hosted Negro League baseball, a women's suffrage event, a Klan rally and eventually, the first integrated sports team in Alabama.
June 2, 2024: APM Presents — Call to Mind: 'The Burden of Being'
Black women and girls experience discrimination, microaggressions and stereotypes every day. Living with daily racism has a profound impact on the mental health, well-being and lives of all those coping with it. This special program explores the unique mental health burdens of Black women and girls in the United States. Through interviews with mental health providers and people sharing their personal stories, we’ll explore the effects of racism and how care systems can shift to better help Black women thrive.
May 26, 2024: APM Presents — Call to Mind: 'The Homelessness Crisis & Mental Health'
Homelessness in the United States reached a record high in 2023. On any given night, more than 650,000 people experience homelessness. Unsheltered people have higher rates of untreated mental illnesses and substance use disorders than the general population. That can make it difficult to find a permanent place to live. This program will take you to the streets of New York City to hear directly from people who have lived homeless about what they needed most. You’ll also hear from experts who say the best mental health care for people living homeless is no-strings-attached housing.
May 19, 2024: Open to Debate (formerly Intelligence Squared) — 'MOCK TRIAL: Should the Courts Restrict Access to the Abortion Pill?'
The Supreme Court will soon decide on a case surrounding a medication used for abortion, mifepristone, and whether the drug should continue to be available based on claims of safety and ethical considerations. Those in favor of restrictions argue that the FDA fast-tracked its approval without considering health impacts. Those against restriction argue the FDA made its decisions based on safety and efficiency, and it’s being targeted to further infringe on women’s rights. Now we debate: Should the Courts Restrict Access to the Abortion Pill?
May 12, 2024: The Stoop — 'The Many Ways We Mother'
There are many unexpected ways that people step into parenting. In this special from the Stoop, hear stories about redefining family on your own terms. Explore the term "auntie" and how some women find it problematic. Hear about the challenges of IVF for Black women. And we meet a family that shows us how co-parenting can evolve.
May 5, 2024: Foreign Policy — 'The Catch: Of Cod and Country'
On this episode of The Catch hear how one of the Arctic’s most valuable fisheries—cod—is being impacted by the politics of Russia’s war in Ukraine as well as changing fish migration patterns due to climate change. Host Ruxandra Guidi heads to northern Norway to meet with the fishers and processors caught the middle.
April 28, 2024: Open to Debate — 'Is Religion a Force for Good?'
Religion has long shaped human civilization, and many have wondered whether it’s good for society. Those who argue “yes” say it offers a sense of identity and belonging and provides a moral compass to do good acts. Those who argue “no” say that religious beliefs are a source of historical conflict and discrimination and can hinder social progress that clash with modern values. Now we debate: "Is Religion a Force for Good?"
April 21, 2024: GBH, Humankind —'The Diet-Climate Connection'
Ideal for broadcast around Earth Day: What was the carbon footprint of your dinner last night? Listeners to this sound-rich inquiry will learn that climate scientists increasingly focus on food production as a huge source of heat-trapping gases associated with global warming. We’ll discuss which foods have the lowest and highest environmental footprint, and why. Interestingly health experts recommend our diets emphasize many of the same foods that scientists regard as most climate-friendly. That’s the remarkable diet-climate connection. We'll hear from young people and others who are responding. Includes a best-selling author, who in her twenties kicked open our understanding of this topic decades ago; the long-time Harvard nutrition dept chair; and voices of diners enjoying the fare at Veggie Galaxy restaurant.
April 14, 2024: Open to Debate — 'Has Citizens United Undermined Democracy?'
The landmark Citizens United Supreme Court case is in the news again in this high-stakes election year. Those who agree with the decision say it upholds free speech and broadens discourse. Those against it argue that it allows a disproportionate influence from corporations and special interest groups. Now Open to Debate in partnership with Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s Newt and Jo Minow Debate Series asks: Has Citizens United Undermined Democracy?
April 7, 2024: Open to Debate (formerly Intelligence Squared) — 'Does Taylor Swift Deserve Her Billion-Dollar Fortune?'
Taylor Swift achieved her billionaire status because of her talent, work ethic, and support from her fans. But some question whether any individual should be able to accumulate so much wealth. Those arguing they should point to philosopher Robert Nozick, who says if someone acquires wealth through just means, they are entitled to it. Those arguing “no” say that luck and systemic advantages often play a role, sometimes involving exploitation, and that billionaires have an outsized influence on policy. Now we debate: Does Taylor Swift Deserve Her Billion Dollar Fortune?
March 30, 2024: Rob Sachs, Foreign Policy: 'The Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women - HERO Training Africa’s New Female Leaders'
In this episode, we learn about two efforts to increase the number of women politicians in Africa. We begin with a surprising reality TV show in Kenya called “Ms President,” where millions of weekly viewers watched dozens of women compete to be the country’s next “head of state,” so to speak. Then, we hear about Nigerian efforts to get more women on the ballot in last year’s election and why they largely failed. Host Reena Ninan - founder of Good Trouble Productions. She is a television journalist who has worked as a White House correspondent, foreign reporter, and news anchor for CBS, ABC, and Fox News.
March 24: APM Presents: "Beyond 'Reality' TV: Inside the Lives of Older Singles"ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor” brought long-overdue attention to the dating lives of older singles. But how much of the reality TV show actually rang true? In this special, Dating While Gray host Laura Stassi sifts through research and talks to older singles about our dating lives, including: tools and strategies to make love connections, ways we’re incorporating – and discarding – traditional arrangements for marriage and living together 24/7, and how we’re navigating new romance around already established family commitments.
March 17: Embodied, A Women's History Month Special — 'Retrieved: Egg Donors Share Their Stories'
Egg donation in the U.S. is a multibillion dollar industry designed to provide infertile folks with the eggs they need to conceive. But how do we decide what human eggs are worth — and how do the characteristics of the donor factor into the equation.
March 10: WNYC and Financial Times: 'Behind the Money: The Russian Banker'
"For years, the banker Sergei Leontiev and the Russian state have been battling each other in jurisdictions from Manhattan to Lichtenstein. Which of them is telling the truth?"
March 3: Open to Debate: 'How to Resolve Conflict in Relationships: A Conversation with Esther Perel''
"Couples have arguments over many topics. However, it’s through resolving conflict that both people in the relationship feel heard and seen. Psychotherapist, relationship expert and New York Times-bestselling author Esther Perel says conflict when navigated skillfully can lead to growth, resilience and a stronger bond. In this conversation with John Donvan, Perel discusses her new online course, shares her experience working with different relationship types, strategies for transforming conflict into a constructive dialogue, and the importance of validating both sides’ perspectives."
Feb. 25: Open to Debate: 'Is the American Dream in Decline?'
"The American Dream" — the idea that anyone can achieve success in the U.S. through hard work and determination — is under scrutiny, and some worry it’s no longer achievable for the broader population. Those who agree say increasing healthcare, education, and housing costs create difficulty in having financial stability. Those who disagree argue that the U.S. still offers more opportunities for personal and financial growth than elsewhere.
Feb. 4: Scene on Radio: 'Echoes of a Coup'
Echoes of a Coup tells the story of 1898 and puts these events in historical context, at a time when the United States is once again facing threats of political violence, amid orchestrated attacks on democracy – from within.
Jan. 28, 2024: WNYC's More Perfect podcast: 'THE SUPREME COURT V. PEYOTE'
More than thirty years ago, a Native American man named Al Smith was fired for ingesting peyote at a religious ceremony. When his battle made it to the Supreme Court, the decision set off a thorny debate over when religious people get to sidestep the law — a debate we’re still having today.
Jan. 21, 2024: Open to Debate (formerly Intelligence Squared): 'David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts on Conflict, War, and Debate'
Debate is a form of conflict that is played out through civility, and the capability to exchange ideas with people we disagree with. But what leads leaders and countries to fall into conflict? In this conversation with Retired U.S. Army General David H. Petraeus and historian Lord Andrew Roberts, guest moderator Xenia Wickett speaks with them about their new book, the nature of military conflict, and how civil debate and conflict are intertwined.
Jan. 14: 2024: WNYC's More Perfect podcast 'Clarence X'
To many Americans, Clarence Thomas makes no sense. For more than 30 years on the Court, he seems to have been on a mission – to take away rights that benefit Black people. As a young man, though, Thomas listened to records of Malcolm X speeches and strongly identified with the tenets of Black Nationalism. This week on More Perfect, we dig into his writings and lectures, talk to scholars and confidants, and explore his past, all in an attempt to answer: what does Clarence Thomas think Clarence Thomas is doing?
Jan. 7, 2024: Our Body Politic: 'January 6th: An American Story'
We bring you the story of their leadership, and why their mix of lived experience as descendants of enslaved people; children of immigrants; or immigrants themselves deeply shaped the committee’s quest to protect and uphold multiracial pluralistic democracy. These are investigators with degrees from elite schools and a variety of critical law enforcement backgrounds, including a homicide prosecutor in Miami and two JAGs, or military prosecutors. They were the dream team inside the dream team ¾ and the story they tell about the inner workings of the committee also reveal deep rifts over the role of race and Christian Nationalism in the insurrection, and how much of that inquiry to foreground while proving former President Trump’s role in the insurrection.
Dec. 31, 2023: Embodied Specials 'Reclaiming wellness from the wellness industry'
The rise of the wellness industry and marketing of wellness products moves us away from the individualized practices that actually make us feel healthy. How do we find our way back?
Dec. 24, 2023: NPR's Holiday Favorites 'Tinsel Tales 4: 'Stories of the Season Told Through Music'
For many of us, Christmas is about family and traditions. For others it's a stressful or even a sad time. No matter how good or bad your holiday is, it’s quite likely to include music. This year, "Tinsel Tales" includes stories of the season told through music with interviews from the NPR Archives. Kenny Rogers, Katie Melua, Sting, Amy Grant and Jon Batiste talk about the power of music at Christmas. Hosted by Lynn Neary.
Dec. 17, 2023: Foreign Policy: 'The Negotiators: Why Israeli-Palestinian Peace Plans Fail & Hollywood Writers Succeed'
In this episode, we learn about two historic negotiations – one failed and one successful – from the negotiators themselves. We begin with a peace effort from 20 years ago between Israelis and Palestinians that has a lot of lessons for the conflict today. And then, we hear from the chief negotiator of the Writer’s Guild of America about how she negotiated with Hollywood studio heads to end the recent writers’ strike.
Dec. 10, 2023: BBC (APM) World Service Special: 'The Evidence: Putting the mouth back in the body'
From diabetes or dementia, to the health of our hearts and bones, our mouths can tell us so much more about us without uttering a word. Claudia Hammond and her panel of guests examine the evidence.
Dec. 3, 2023: Open to Debate (formerly Intelligence Squared): 'A primer for discussing Israel and Gaza and our divided American political landscape: John Donvan in discussion with author Mónica Guzmán'
How can you have meaningful conversations in increasingly divided times, whether it’s against the backdrop of American politics or the Israel-Gaza war? To author Mónica Guzmán, it’s by asking yourself, “What am I missing?” John Donvan sits down with Guzmán to talk about her work at Braver Angels, staying hopeful in times of conflict or during world events, and why using curiosity to navigate today’s polarized landscape is easier than you think.
Nov. 26: Open to Debate (formerly Intelligence Squared): 'Does Economic Growth Cost Too Much?'
Economic growth is a central goal of many economies, but there are questions about how sustainable relentless growth is. Those arguing “yes” say the right measurements aren’t being used for societal well-being and how much it costs the environment, and call for a new economic model for more equitable and sustainable futures. Those arguing “no” say growth drives today’s prosperity, brings public good, and fuels advancements. Now we debate: Does Economic Growth Cost Too Much?
Nov. 19, 2023: No Small Endeavor: 'Holiday Toolkit: Gratitude and Conversation'
This Holiday, No Small Endeavor brings you four conversations to tee you up for a successful and meaningful time with family and friends. We hear from 4 guests — Amy Grant on gratitude after a bike accident, CNN hero Diane Latiker on the gratefulness that comes from serving her community, Heather Holleman with practical tips on how to have a meaningful conversation, and Oliver Burkeman on contemplating life's finitude to be more present.
Nov. 12, 2023: Ronald Duffy: 'Surviving The Bataan Death March'
Veteran Ken Porwoll’s story recounts his inhumane treatment & riveting story of survival as one of 10,000 American & roughly 50,000 Filipino soldiers on the Bataan Death March of WW II and his ensuing 3+ years as a Japanese prisoner of war. Ken’s graphic recall of these events, told with deep humility and no lingering animosity, captures for listeners the gut-wrenching experience of these soldiers who suffered wartime brutality almost beyond belief. “Surviving The Bataan Death March” is a story of man’s inhumanity to man—yet inside this story of brutality and despair, are powerful moments of warmth, humor, compassion, kindness and faith. Ken’s story is testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome all obstacles and endure - told in such a way it symbolizes the story of all 10,000 American soldiers on the Death March. His account serves as a tribute to all the soldiers on the Bataan Death March who survived this ordeal and the thousands who did not. (Ken Porwoll passed away on Veteran’s Day, 2013.)
Nov. 5, 2023: APM, Call to Mind 'Substance Use & New Paths to Recovery'
Addiction is at an all-time high in the United States and the results are deadly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, binge drinking increased by 21 percent and drug overdoses claimed more than 100,000 lives in just a 12-month period. What causes a person to develop an addiction? Why are substance use disorders so complicated to treat? What new treatments are giving people hope that recovery is possible? This program shares the experiences of people who are managing substance use disorders, and leading experts working to transform the substance use disorder treatment field while decriminalizing the conversation about addiction disorders.
Oct. 28, 2023: Philosophy Talk: 'What Is Masculinity?'
Strong, in control, and stoic—these are traits of the ideal masculine man. Men who fail to conform to this ideal are often penalized, particularly if they are men of color, queer men, working-class men, or men with disabilities. So how do we create different visions of masculinity that make room for all kinds of men? Should we abandon the idea of masculinity altogether, or would that be throwing out the baby with the bathwater? What kind of ideals of masculinity will bring us closer to gender justice in the 21st century? The Philosophers man their mics with Robin Dembroff from Yale University, author of Real Men on Top: How Patriarchy Weaponzies Gender (forthcoming)
Oct. 22: Open to Debate (formerly Intelligence Squared): 'Should Ukraine Get Russia’s Frozen Assets?'
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, economic sanctions led to frozen Russian assets abroad inaccessible and could be relocated to Ukraine. Those arguing yes say it would serve as restitution for Russia’s aggression and compensate for damages and economic disruptions. Those arguing no say relocating the frozen assets could set a concerning precedent, leading to escalated tensions and retaliatory actions. Now we debate: Should Ukraine Get Russia’s Frozen Assets?
Oct. 15, 2023: BBC World Service: 'October 1973: The War That Changed Everything'
Michael Goldfarb tells the story of the war that began on the 6th October 1973 and ended less than three weeks later - yet somehow the Israeli and Arab states combatants, as well as the rest of the world, still live with the aftermath today.
Oct. 8, 2023: Our Body Politic: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Andrea Ambam, host of Level Forward's More to Talk About podcast, speaks with Native women leaders on how they are raising awareness and taking action to end the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis in the U.S. We hear from Prairie Rose Seminole, co-director of the short documentary We Ride for Her; Alecia Onzawah, founder of The Skye Woman Project and Skye Woman Beauty; Darlene T. Gomez, attorney; and Lorna Cuny, chairperson of the Medicine Wheel Riders motorcyclist group.
Oct. 1, 2023: Open to Debate: 'Does America Need a Third Party?'
While the two-party system has been the standard in the U.S. government, third parties have often challenged this status quo and now advocates to be added to election ballots permanently. Those who agree say third parties offer non-partisan solutions and are more representative of ideologies, unlike the polarized partisanship present now. Those who disagree say the two-party system fosters stability and simplifies voting decisions. Now we debate: Does America need a third party?
Sept. 24: 2023: Open to Debate: 'Is Legalizing Marijuana a Mistake?'
While marijuana legalization is gaining more cultural acceptance, effectively regulating weed has long puzzled policy and lawmakers, with some starting to have second thoughts. Those arguing yes say legalization creates more legal problems because it requires extra enforcement to crack down on illegal markets to make way for regulated and legal markets. Those arguing no say legalization reduces the burden on law enforcement and criminal justice systems. Now we debate: Is Legalizing Marijuana A Mistake?
Sept. 17, 2023: Our Body Politic — 'The Rising Danger of Extremism in America'
Farai Chideya speaks with Kristofer Goldsmith, founder and CEO of Taskforce Butler, about engaging veterans in the fight against extremism. Then Farai talks with journalist and Our Body Politic team member Joanne Levine, who attended the Mom’s For Liberty Annual Summit. The show rounds out with a Sippin’ the Political Tea roundtable that includes Robert P. Jones, the president and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute and Anthea Butler, the Geraldine R. Segal Professor in American Social Thought and chair of the department of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
Sept. 10, 2023: Open to Debate (formerly Intelligence Squared): 'Do Unions Work For the Economy?'
After decades of declines, workers are organizing at a pace not seen since the 1930s. Recent polling shows public support for labor unions at 71%, its highest level since 1965. During the old industrialization days, unions were credited with securing better wages, reasonable hours and safer conditions. Some argue unions actually hurt workers and the economy under the guise of supporting both. Advocates, however, argue that unions are desperately needed. In light of recent widespread public support, an overarching question looms large: Do unions work for the economy?
Sept. 3, 2023: PRX, Project Brazen The Closer: 'Back to School Special'
In this episode, host Aimee Keane asks: "Who Killed Toys R Us?" If you were a kid at any point in the last, let's say 60 years or so, there's a decent chance you'll remember visiting a Toys R Us store. Going into Toys R Us felt more like entering this teaming toy Palace than it did a big box store. There were aisles upon aisles of toys. There were the Easy Bake ovens, the Cabbage Patch Dolls and Barbie, everything. So what happened? We take you inside the retailer's final days with Lauren Hirsch, the reporter who first revealed the iconic company's impending bankruptcy. And then we explain what ultimately drove the company out of business.