Books
“The Biggest Bluff:” on luck, life and poker
Author and psychologist Maria Konnikova used high-stakes poker to explore luck, skill and decision-making. Along the way she become a professional poker player.
Air Date: June 26, 2020 10:00 am
Listen 48:59Bolton: Trump and China’s Xi talked ‘frequently’ about Trump’s reelection
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton tells NPR he thought Trump’s “back and forth with authoritarian leaders did not reflect well” on Trump and the U.S.
4 years ago
Judge allows Bolton memoir to proceed, despite Trump administration objection
Judge Royce Lamberth said the administration failed to prove that demanding a halt to publication was "an appropriate remedy" for the complications raised by Bolton's book.
4 years ago
Nuclear security and Chris Wallace on “Countdown 1945”
As U.S./ Russia nuclear weapons talks begin next week, we look at the state of nuclear proliferation and speak with Fox News' Chris Wallace about his book on the atomic bomb.
Air Date: June 16, 2020 10:00 am
Listen 49:13Former Penn Book Center closing for good, coronavirus ends 60-year run in West Philly
The shop nearly shut down last year, before new owners stepped in.
4 years ago
Entrepreneurs of color from around the nation connect at IF Lab’s first virtual symposium
The new speaker series is based in Philly, but has a much wider reach.
4 years ago
Peer pressure and social change
Do our individual actions matter? While policy change is critical, our individual actions carry the social influence necessary to make these changes possible.
Air Date: May 12, 2020
Listen 48:57In Vikram Paralkar's new novel, a surgeon in India has one night to bring three people back from the dead, raising questions about medicine, corruption, and the afterlife.
Air Date: May 7, 2020
Listen 49:01Healing words: poets and the pandemic
We talk with poets Richard Blanco and Nikky Finney about writing and reading poetry during the pandemic.
4 years ago
Listen 35:30Inside Philly’s famous rare books collection
Join The Why's Shai Ben-Yaacov and his son for virtual tours of cool Philly spots they wish they could visit instead of being cooped up at home. First up: The Rosenbach.
Air Date: April 14, 2020
Listen 17:00How to stay occupied during quarantine
What are the best things to read, watch and cook during your time in quarantine?
Air Date: April 10, 2020
Listen 49:13Rowling starts Harry Potter At Home for housebound families
J.K. Rowling is hoping a dash of Harry Potter will help families confined to their homes during the coronavirus pandemic.
4 years ago
10 underrated Philly books to devour in the quarantine era
Buy them online to support local independent booksellers.
4 years ago
National Book Award winner James McBride, author of "The Good Lord Bird, joins Marty to talk about his newest novel, "Deacon King Kong."
Air Date: March 10, 2020 10:00 am
Listen 48:59Who should decide what books are allowed in prison?
Michael Tafolla says the books he read in prison helped him understand how he had landed there in the first place.
4 years ago