
Explainers
How Tropical Storm Isaias is connected to climate change
A new field of climate science known as attribution science examines how a warming atmosphere plays a part in individual weather events.
5 years ago
Masha Gessen on “Surviving Autocracy”
Gessen has spent years studying the totalitarianism of Putin, and their new book provides analyses that could help citizens of other nations, including the U.S.
Air Date: June 24, 2020 10:00 pm
Listen 48:59The battle over the United States Postal Service
The latest institution to face financial ruin in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic is one of America's oldest and most popular agencies: The United States Postal Service.
Air Date: May 14, 2020
Listen 49:00Can dogs really act or is it all an illusion?
Clever choreography, a strong bond between dog and trainer … and evolutionary psychology?
5 years ago
Listen 08:12Explainer: What happens to a bill when a legislative session ends
How process usually works and what changes once new lawmakers are sworn into office
5 years ago
Load management: Sound strategy or ‘crapshoot’ for Sixers’ championship hopes?
Load management has become increasingly prevalent and controversial as more NBA teams are resting their superstars, hoping to keep them healthy for the playoffs.
5 years ago
Listen 4:24Youse millennials are killing the Philly accent
Yo, Philadelphia’s trademark accent is more than just “jawn” and “youse guys.” What makes a Philly accent distinctive, and how are millennials killing it?
Air Date: September 3, 2019
Listen 13:16Refinery’s closure sparks calls for a ‘just transition’ in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ future is unclear and the debate over what should happen to it mirror a conversation that’s taking place across the U.S.
6 years ago
Listen 5:10Goodbye flipboard, hello hemp, and the shutdown ends
We hear about the removal of iconic 30th St. station flipboard sign. Then, Marty talks with Pa.'s Agriculture Secretary about hemp. Last, reaction to the end of the shutdown.
Air Date: January 28, 2019 10:00 am
Listen 49:00Guests: Payton Guion, Marcel Bonn-Miller, Max Tuttleman Perhaps you’ve noticed a mysterious substance called C. ...
Air Date: December 19, 2018 10:00 am
Listen 49:01Why we like sparkling water: The science behind the fizz
Bubbly water purveyors say “a good seltzer should hurt.” The acidity in carbonated drinks lights up the pain receptors in nerve endings — in a way that pleases the tongue.
6 years ago
Tears in Jamestown: A Pennsylvania company’s role in the global tear gas trade
Why a western Pa. company that's become a major player in the global tear gas trade is also embroiled in a legal battle with neighbors of its manufacturing facilities.
Air Date: December 3, 2018
Listen 16:10Love knows no species: Emu and donkey have fallen for each other, caretakers say
A male donkey and a female emu have reportedly "fallen in love," creating an unexpected roadblock for a North Carolina animal shelter in rehousing them.
6 years ago
Guests: Anna Viden, David Fahrenthold The likely murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has placed scrutiny on the ...
Air Date: October 17, 2018 10:00 am
Listen 48:58The queasy truth about why kids are so prone to vomiting
The mechanism of vomiting, or emesis, is the same in kids and adults.
6 years ago