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 How did your life collide with the headlines in 2007? What's your holiday performance story? 
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 Go Climb a TreeTree climbing is a lot more sophisticated these days than when you clambered to the top of one as a child. Today there are all kinds of gear and techniques for reaching those high branches. Hosts Bill Radke and Barbara Bogaev joined a climbing expert recently at Griffith Park in Los Angeles for some serious scaling. (01/04/06) Online resources:
» Tree Climbers International
» New Tribe tree climbing equipment » Sherrill Tree professional and recreational climbing grear Watch video of Barbara and Bill climbing trees:
Should Your Baby Watch TV?The Sesame Street Workshop and a non-profit called Zero to Three are producing a DVD featuring Baby Elmo and Baby Big Bird. Designed specifically for children between 6 months and 2 years old, the interactive program presents exercises for the parent and child to do together. The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood called the DVD a "betrayal of babies and families." Weekend America talks to Carlos and Sara de la Torre, the parents of 14-month-old Luca, to hear both sides of this issue and to help them decide a healthy approach. (03/25/2006) Online resources:
High Brow, Low BrowWeekend America host Bill Radke invites three guests -- Amy Hungerford, a professor of American literature at Yale, Dana Gould, co-executive producer of The Simpsons, and our weather guy/culture vulture, John Moe -- to weigh in on recent news and cultural events and rate them either high, middle, or low brow. (03/18/2006) Online resources:
Never Won an OscarYou may not recognize the name Kevin O'Connell but he has a reputation around Hollywood as being Oscar's biggest non-winner. The sound recording mixer has been nominated 18 times for an Academy Award, but he hasn't yet taken home one of the golden statuettes. Weekend America's John Moe catches up with O'Connell as he braces for another year at the awards, and talks with his mom about his numerous attempts to win a trophy. (03/04/2006) Online resources:
A Note of TriumphOne of this year's Oscar nominees is a short documentary, A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin. It's based on the legendary radio producer's now famous broadcast "On a Note of Triumph." Aired on V-E Day in 1945, it celebrated the Allied victory in Europe and looked ahead to what it would mean for the world. At 95, Corwin still writes, makes speaking engagements and teaches. He joins host Barbara Bogaev to talk about his career. (03/04/2006) Online resources:
Standing Out in a CrowdAs a child, Brian Copeland was noticed quickly in his San Leandro neighborhood. He was Black. His neighbors were nearly all white and many of them were heavily racist. He shares his experiences from that time in his one-man show called "Not A Genuine Black Man." Producer Tania Ketenjian joined him recently for a walk through his old neighborhood. (ADVISORY: Some listeners may find some of the language featured in the one-man play objectionable.) (02/18/2006) Online resources:
ImpermanenceHow do you manage your life knowing you're only on the earth for a short time? Filmmakers David and Hi-Jin Hodge have created a video exhibit called: Impermanence: the Time of Man. Their work is part of an international program called The Missing Peace Project. The program's purpose is to renew and revitalize global dialogue about peace. Weekend America sat down with the filmmakers to talk about how their thoughts on impermanence changed during the making of their work. (01/21/2006) Online resources:
Love JerryLove Jerry doesn't contain the type of subject matter typically associated with a music-filled show. The new musical tells the story of a boy who's sexually molested by his uncle. Weekend America Host Bill Radke talks with playwright Megan Gogerty about the debut of her show. Gogerty explains how music and theatre may help an audience understand the complex emotions at work in a family dealing with incest. (01/21/2006) Online resources:
Hmong IdolFox's American Idol returns to TV this week, showcasing the singing talents of young Americans around the country. But some Hmong living in the U.S. say these type of televised competitions have overlooked their talents. So, they've come up with their own show, Hmong American Idol. Independent producer Sarah Lemanczyk visited with some of the performers in St. Paul, Minnesota.j (01/14/2006) The RingerThe Farrelly brothers movie, The Ringer, opens in theatres next week. Weekend America host Bill Radke talks with director Peter Farrelly about the depiction of the mentally disabled in the film. (12/17/2005) Online resources:
Disability in FilmsWeekend America host Barbara Bogaev talks with Lawrence Carter-Long about the best and the worst depictions of people with disabilities in popular culture. Carter-Long has Cerebral Palsy and is an advocate for disability rights. (12/17/2005) Cowboy LoveThere has been a fuss about the love story between two men in Ang Lee's new film, Brokeback Mountain. And not just because it's a mainstream film with gay male characters, but also because the film is a Western, and Westerns tend to be both macho and old fashioned. Host Barbara Bogaev talks with The Advocate's arts and entertainment editor, Alonso Duralde, about the film and the genre. Barbara then speaks with film critic Nigel Anderson of the Financial Times about how Brokeback Mountain fits into the history of Westerns. (12/10/2005) Online resources:
The Chronicles of LewisThe Disney movie based on C.S. Lewis' book, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe will be released next week. Lewis was a devout Christian. But did he intend for his book to have such religious overtones? Weekend America talks to Alan Jacobs, the author of Lewis' biography, The Narnian. (12/03/2005) Online resources:
» Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C. S. Lewis is available at the Public Radio Book Source.
» Official movie Web site for The Chronicles of Narnia » A boxed set of of C. S Lewis's entire Chronicles of Narnia Series available at the Public Radio BookSource. The CornerFrom time to time, Weekend America showcases up-and-coming public radio projects. This week, host Barbara Bogaev speaks with James McBride about a new American Public Media program in development called The Corner. (11/26/2005) Listen to the entire pilot of The Corner:
A Grand Ole BirthdayThis week, the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 80th birthday. Independent producer Trey Kay brings us this interview with singer/songwriter Rodney Crowell about his memories of the Opry. (11/26/2005) Online resources:
Beyond the MirrorBeyond the Mirror is a new theatrical production taking the stage in New York City. It's a collaboration between New York's Bond Street Theater and the Exile Theatre of Kabul. American and Afghan actors are brought together to depict life in Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion of 1979 to the present. Host Bill Radke speaks with Christina Geslone, an actor and puppeteer with Bond Street Theater. (11/19/2005) Online resources:
Third Coast: The Oscars of RadioHost Barbara Bogaev recently attended the Third Coast International Audio Festival in Chicago. Third Coast is an opportunity for radio producers from around the world to meet and share their work. Awards are presented honoring the best radio stories of the past year. Barbara talks with Jowi Taylor and Paolo Pietropaolo, producers of the Canadian public radio series "The Wire." (11/19/2005) Online resources:
Third Coast: The Oscars of RadioHost Barbara Bogaev recently attended the Third Coast International Audio Festival in Chicago. Third Coast is an opportunity for radio producers from around the world to meet and share their work. Awards are presented honoring the best radio stories of the past year. "A Map of the Sea" won honorable mention at this year's festival. Chris Brooks, the producer, lives in Newfoundland, which was once home to one of the greatest fisheries in the world. "A Map of the Sea" explores the changes that came, when suddenly the fish disappeared. (11/19/2005) Online resources:
One Soldier's OpinionThe new film Jarhead opens this weekend around the country. It's about a Marine's experience in Kuwait during the first Gulf War, based on a non-fiction account written by Anthony Swofford. But does the film capture the reality? To find out, Weekend America host Barbara Bogaev went to see the film with veteran Daniel Ortiz who was a private in Kuwait in 1991. He shares his impressions over dinner. (11/05/2005) Online resources:
My Name Is Angela SheltonEver wondered who else shares your name? Filmmaker Angela Shelton went on a quest to find other Angela Sheltons and discovered dozens of every race and background in cities around the country. But to her surprise, she found a disturbing commonality — a history of abuse. Weekend America correspondent Alex Cohen talks with her about her personal journey to make peace with her past, and the making of her film, My Name is Angela Shelton. (11/05/2005) Online resources:
Pinter and the Nobel PrizePlaywright and screenwriter Harold Pinter was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature this week. Host Barbara Bogaev talks to Jeremy Irons and other actors about Pinter's work and what it means to them. (10/15/2005) Online resources:
Trailers That ShineWould you like The Shining better if it were the feel good film of the year? Film editor Rob Ryang demonstrates to Weekend America host Bill Radke how to make a scary classic more family-friendly with a bit of irreverent editing. (10/15/2005) Online resources:
From Convent to Copy EditorBarbara Nicolosi is a former nun, who is trying to infuse Hollywood with Christianity. She's gone from convent to copy editor, and now she's spreading the word to others through her script writing classes. Independent producer Shannon Mullen spoke with Nicolosi about her mission. (09/24/2005) Programs mentioned:
Hollywood and ChristianityHost Bill Radke talks to Dr. Robert Johnston, professor of theology and culture at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, about the new dialogue between Hollywood and the Christian church. (09/24/2005) The North CountryA movie that premiered at the Toronto Film Festival is sure to create a buzz across the U.S. in coming weeks. North Country is based on the first class-action lawsuit over sexual harassment. The suit was filed in the 1988 by female mine workers in Northern Minnesota. At the same time the movie was being shot in the state's Iron Range, radio producer Catherine Winter was there making a documentary to tell the miners' story. Host Bill Radke talks with Winter about the women, the region and opening old wounds. (09/17/2005) Online resources:
The Other EmmysThe Emmy Awards Sunday night will shine the spotlight on some of the biggest and best TV shows of the past year. At Weekend America, we've chosen to focus on some of the smaller and perhaps not so brilliant productions that have flashed across our screens. Host Barbara Bogaev talks to producer and expert couch potato Liane Bonin for her prize picks. (09/17/2005) Programs mentioned:
Enough AlreadyLast year, the movie Sideways put the California Central Coast wine country on the map. The publicity fueled Pinot Noir sales and prompted visits to local wineries. Reporter Alex Cohen goes on a Sideways roadtrip and talks with vintners about the perils of too much of a good thing. (09/10/2005) Online resources:
Pickett's PicksCan't get out of town for the holiday? Take a vicarious road trip with a movie. Weekend America host Barbara Bogaev talks with Rex Pickett, author of the novel Sideways, about the best road trips on DVD. DVD Picks are available the Public Radio MusicSource:
Pass the CDThere are thousands of ways to express who you are and mixing a CD of your favorite music is the latest thing. Around the country, CD clubs are exchanging mixes, discovering new music and getting to know each other in a unique way. Every month, twelve members of the Bobcats await the latest delivery. Producer Gideon D'Arcangelo explores the world the CD clubs with members from New York City. (08/27/2005) Online resources:
The Play's the ThingThe tradition of free Shakespeare in New York City turns 50 this year. So what are the once and future dreams of one of America's most beloved theater companies? Producer Pamela Renner heads down to Central Park to catch up with the Public Theatre's new artistic director, Oskar Eustis. (08/20/2005) Online resources:
Remix This"Remixing culture" has become a buzz phrase over the last few years. DJs sample musical riffs, writers borrow characters from older stories. Weekend America's technology and culture correspondent, Rick Karr, tells us about the latest in remixed culture -- artists are giving their fans the elements of their work to play with and reinvent. Plus, Weekend America host Bill Radke talks to Classics professor Walter Englert of Reed College about the ancient remixes of Greece and Rome. (08/20/2005) Online resources:
A Dying BreedThere are only a few movie theaters left where you can still hear an organ playing before the movie starts. The music box theatre in Chicago is one of them. Mark Noller is the organist, and he loves his work so much, he's built a tiny replica of the movie theater in his house so he can practice at home. Producer Jonathan Menjivar profiles the last of Chicago's movie house organists. (08/20/2005) Online resources:
Hidden MessageWhen people talk about the CIA, they usually think of undercover operations and national security. But the CIA also has a history of influencing public opinion through arts and culture. The agency bought the film rights to George Orwell's classic Animal Farm, changed the ending and transformed the message in the animated film version. Weekend America host Bill Radke talks with author Frances Stonor Saunders about US propaganda and the arts. (08/13/2005) Online resources:
Low Power to the PeopleIn January 2000, the FCC authorized the Low Power FM radio service, designed to allow individuals and community organizations to operate non-commercial radio stations with transmitters of dozens of watts, instead of the 1000 watts used by normal FM stations. Producer Jennifer Moore traveled to Northampton, Massachusetts, to witness the birth of WXOJ, the city's first microstation. (08/13/2005) Online resources:
A Duet's Work in ProgressIf you want to know what makes a great duet, ask professional songwriters Caitlin Cary and Thad Cockrell. They've explored the musical and romantic tension that's part of a long tradition in country music and discovered their own unique harmonies. Weekend America listens in as they work on their latest album. Produced by David Schulman and engineered by Chris Stamey. (08/06/2005) Online resources:
An Ode to Harry PotterThe newest Harry Potter book was unveiled at midnight. Weekend America producer Heidi Pickman reports on the excitement surrounding Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. (07/16/2005) Online resources:
An Earful of DisneyIt's the 50th anniversary of Disneyland this week. The park is filled with amazing visuals. But sound plays a bigger role than one might expect. Weekend America guest host Alex Cohen talks with the creator of a new musical compilation, Randy Thornton of Walt Disney Records. (07/16/2005) Audio tour of Disneyland:
A Man of Many VoicesNext weekend, the sixth book in the Harry Potter series hits the streets. The books have hundreds of characters and Jim Dale voices them all. He's brought over 100 characters to life in the audio book versions of Harry Potter. Weekend America host Barbara Bogaev talks with him about his unique line of work. (07/09/2005) Online resources:
Car TheaterFind out how a playwright/actress is staging her latest project. Listen to how the front seat of a car gets turned into a stage. (07/09/2005) Online resources:
The next run for Car Theater will start in late August.
Archiving the Great American SongbookMost people know Michael Feinstein as a piano player and performer. But he's also an avid collector of America's musical history. Weekend America host Barbara Bogaev gets a rare tour of Feinstein's archives. (07/09/2005) Artist information:
Willy Wonka Old and NewNext week, the latest film version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory hits theaters. But not everyone is thrilled about the remake. Steve Almond, author of Candy Freak, talks about his favorite film. (07/09/2005) Online resources:
 Live 8Weekend America hosts Bill Radke and Barbara Bogaev speak with Weekend America correspondent Ian Chillag in Philadelphia and WBUR reporter Michael Goldfarb in London, live from the concert to support aid to Africa. Then Barbara finds out what it takes to engage Americans in a charitable cause. (07/02/2005) Online resources:
Drive-In MemoriesSome people are obsessed with movies. Jennifer and her brother Kipp are obsessed with seeing movies outdoors. Weekend America guest host Alex Cohen finds out what's so great about drive-ins. (06/25/2005) Online resources:
Guerilla TheaterWant to see a movie on a moment's notice? Bryan Kennedy can help. He organizes spontaneous drive-ins. Weekend America host Bill Radke talks with Bryan about what you can do with a sheet, a car battery and a dream. (06/25/2005) Online resources:
From the Mouths of BabesArtist Miranda July just directed her first film, Me and You and Everyone We Know. During the film shoot, she bonded with her young co-star, seven-year-old Brandon Ratcliff. He gives her advice about the business. (06/25/2005) Online resources:
Game on at E3Video gaming is a booming business. But is that all it adds up to? Game creators have a new, loftier goal -- to make you feel something. Weekend America correspondent Alex Cohen takes a trip to gamers' ground zero and lives to tell the tale to Weekend America host Barbara Bogaev. (05/28/2005) Online resources:
Cultural MemoriesIt's the 30th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and a new version of the musical Miss Saigon is opening in Seattle. Bill Radke brings together a young member of the cast with no real knowledge of the war, and a woman with vivid memories of it, to talk about the events and how best to portray them. (04/30/2005) Dejected Liberals CD Track List:
The Last DanceAfter forty years, the oldest dancer with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater is hanging up his shoes. But before he does, he shares some of his memories with us. Produced by Pamela Renner. (04/30/2005) Online resources:
 Star GazingFor some, it's Tom Cruise, for others, it's Madonna; but for writer Michael Joseph Gross, there was no one more worthy of teen adoration than Ronald Reagan. Gross talks with guest host Alex Cohen about the psychology of being an extreme fan. (04/16/2005) Online resources:
 Will Act for DrugsDrug ads are lucrative for actors. Sure, they won't win an Oscar, but you can live off the royalties for years and years. As the FDA pulls medications off the shelves, actress Susan Isaacs began to feel the dull ache of losing work. (04/16/2005) Tivo NationTivo has revolutionized the way Americans watch TV. It lets us skip commercials and watch a show anytime we'd like. Rick Karr joins us to answer the question: "What would happen if everyone had a Tivo?" (04/02/2005) Online resources:
 A Long and Winding RoadRemember the teeming masses of teenage girls screaming for the Beatles when they played on the Ed Sullivan show and then crying inconsolably when the band split? Weekend America talks with one of the former teens about her memories of the band. (04/02/2005) Online resources:
Curious About George?Both Bob Dylan and James Brown named wrestler Gorgeous George as one of their influences. So who was this guy, who died penniless at 48? Weekend America sent contributor Ian Chillag to find out. (03/12/2005) Online resource:
And the Winner Is...For 16 years, sound mixer Kevin O'Connell has woken up to an early-morning phone call telling him he's been nominated for an Oscar. And for 16 years, he's gone home from the awards empty-handed. This year he's nominated for his 17th Oscar for his work in Spider-Man 2. He practices his thank-you speech with Barbara Bogaev. (02/26/2005) Online resources:
Lucha Libre Va-VoomForget Spiderman and Batman, it's the Luchadores -- Mexican wrestlers -- that really know how to wear their spandex. Reporter Alex Cohen went to a match and was, quite literally, bowled over. (02/26/2005) Online resource:
Lucha Va-Voom Web site
Upcoming shows: June 29 & 30, Mayan Theatre, Los Angeles, Calif.; May 5, Chicago, Il. To Boldly Go On...When Star Trek fans heard that the show "Enterprise" would be cancelled, they took matters into their own hands. So far, they've raised half of the money needed to buy the show and keep the dream alive. Weekend America host Bill Radke went to a protest against the forces of darkness that want to cancel the program and talked to some fans who've opened their hearts and wallets for the show. (02/26/2005) Online resource:
Requiem for a JingleThere's an old candy bar jingle that went, "Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't." Bill Radke has been humming it for weeks, but he noticed that there aren't many jingles like it on the airwaves now. Bill talked with the guy who wrote the Almond Joy song-and many others-about the death of the jingle. (02/12/2005) Online resource:
More about Joe Levin (MixOnline.com)
 Tribute to Ossie DavisWeekend America takes a look back at the life of actor Ossie Davis, who died yesterday at the age of 87. Ossie Davis and his wife Ruby Dee captured the hearts of Americans with their idyllic love story; the couple also garnered respect with their fight for racial justice on Broadway, on the silver screen, and in real life. (02/05/2005) Online resource:
 Censors Punt Super Bowl AdIt's Super Bowl weekend and the estimated 90 million viewers will not be seeing this ad: A clergyman finds a set of keys in the collection plate and the keys lead him to a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT luxury pickup. What's so objectionable? To find out, Bill and Barbara speak with Philippe Perebinossoff, a former ABC TV censor about the controversy. (02/05/2005) Online resources:
View the censored Lincoln Ad (AdAge.com - registration required)
Ford Pulls Lincoln Spot From Super Bowl (AdWeek.com) Past Super Bowl Ads: 2002, 2003, 2004 (iFilm.com) Nine Lives at SundanceA cat has 9 lives, and so does Rodrigo Garcia. He directed "9 Lives," a film about the lives of nine women trapped in relationships of their own making. Bill talked with Rodrigo Garcia about the inspirations behind the film. (01/29/2005) More about the film:
Sundance Festival LiveThe Sundance Film Festival starts today. We'll go live to our correspondent, Jeff Tyler, who has the scoop on who's there and what's playing. (01/22/05) Online resource:
Reality TV"Temptation Island", "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancee", "Fear Factor"... you may have thought reality television already crossed the line several times with these shows, but as so-and-so tells us, you ain't seen nothin' yet. Enter "Who's Your Daddy?" -- a young woman adopted as an infant courts a group of men and must decide which one is her real father. And there's more to come, according to Alex Ben Block, editor of TelevisionWeek. (01/01/05) Online resource:
Scientology PageantAlex Cohen went to a production of "A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant" and has a review to share with Bill Radke. (12/25/04) Online resource:
more entertainment stories in the archive
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... on our December 15 broadcast:
» Weekend America
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Skip back and forth through stories, see images on iTunes and on your iPod, all with better sound quality.
» The Huckabee Mystique: See video of Mike Huckabee and Chuck Norris.
» Another Great Moment in Small Talk: Read how Charlie Schroeder became an unpopular "tool" because of Borat.
» Listener Letters: Renewable Christmas Trees: Read listeners' alternate endings to "Puff the Magic Dragon."
» Sign Up for the Weekend America weekly newsletter: Find out what's on the upcoming show, and listen to the most popular previous segments.
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Weekend Weather
From the July 5 broadcast
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Awful Car Night
Auburn, N.Y.
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National Brewery Museum Opening Ceremony
Potosi, Wis.
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Sand Sculpture Contest
Bruce, S.D.
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Oregon Coast Geezer Games
Newport, Ore.
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Annual Coolest Fourth of July Celebration
Fort Davis, Texas
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Maui Invitational Band Festival and Blues Fest
Wailuku, Hawaii
 
Find out what's on the upcoming show, listen to the most popular previous segments, and be the first to participate stories about our listeners. » Subscribe to the Newsletter |
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