WAMU-FM: WAMU: The Kojo Nnamdi Show Podcast

FAMILY ECONOMICS: LIVING ON THE BRINK OF POVERTY: One in three American women live in poverty or on the brink of poverty, according to a new report by Maria Shriver and the Center for American Progress. That's 42 million women, plus 28 million children, in economic peril. We explore how the decline in marriage, a lack of employment benefits like paid sick leave and debates over raising the minimum wage are affecting family economics in households across the U.S. (52 min.)

BEHIND 911: CHALLENGES AND CHANGES IN EMERGENCY DISPATCH: From fender benders to serious crimes, the first person to respond to an emergency is the 911 operator. While those operators can often be the voice of calm in harrowing situations, they must juggle critical tasks within seconds, often while battling fatigue amid increased workloads. We look at the personal and professional challenges facing our region's emergency dispatchers, and explore how new technology is changing their role in public safety. (34 min.)

SCOTT STOSSEL: "MY AGE OF ANXIETY" : We all have some anxieties; perhaps a fluttering in the stomach before a speech, or nervousness boarding a plane. But Atlantic magazine editor Scott Stossel's phobias were so severe, he nearly passed out at his own wedding. And beyond the common fears many of us know, he dealt with a whole roster of others, including fears of cheese, germs and even vomiting. Stossel's new book explores his own anxiety disorders and attempts at treatment, as well as the history and science behind these conditions. (52 min.)

PRESERVING CUISINE AS CULTURAL HERITAGE: The cultural arm of the United Nations, known as UNESCO, is committed to preserving some of the most famous historical sites around the world, from the Taj Mahal to Grand Canyon National Park. And, as of recently, it has also extended its world heritage designations to a few of the world's most cherished culinary traditions, such as Turkish coffee and the traditional Japanese cuisine known as Washoku. We explore what it means to preserve culinary culture and weigh the importance of the UNESCO designation. (52 min.)

"THE BURGLARY:" THE INSIDE STORY OF FBI SURVEILLANCE: In 1971, eight people stole and disclosed FBI records that proved the agency was spying on black and anti-war activists under the now-infamous COINTELPRO banner. Four decades later, a new book reveals the burglars' identities, answering questions about how they pulled off the historic heist, and fueling renewed debates over whistle-blowers and government surveillance of its own citizens. (33 min.) "THE SQUARE:" BEHIND THE HEADLINES OF THE EGYPTIAN REVOLUTION : A new documentary takes viewers inside the Egyptian revolution, from the heady protests in Tahrir Square to the subsequent political upheaval. Armed only with cameras and social media, a group of young Egyptian activists document shifting religious, sectarian and political lines. Film director Jehane Noujaim joins us to discuss. (16 min.)

PREDICTING THE FUTURE OF TECH IN 2014 AND BEYOND : Will this be the year our devices spend more time on the Internet than we do, with the vast "Internet of things" collecting and transmitting ever more data about us? Will quantum computers learn to think like humans? Will we see technology ease everyday headaches like traffic and parking, while opening us up to more hacking and identity theft? Tech Tuesday looks at how technology is changing our world, and innovations we're likely to see in the future. (52 min.)

SUE MONK KIDD: "THE INVENTION OF WINGS": Sarah and Angelina Grimke caused a sensation in the antebellum South and beyond by not keeping their abolitionist and feminist views to themselves. Novelist Sue Monk Kidd weaves their true story into her latest work of fiction, "The Invention of Wings." We talk with Kidd about the novel, her inspiration and her work. (52 min.)

THE ARCHITECTURE OF METRO: The Washington Metro system was conceived four decades ago as an expression of "Great Society" — an ambitious, government-funded rail system and civic space that would connect a growing capital region. The Modernist design elements, including underground stations with vaulted, concrete roofs and indirect lighting, were a significant departure from the prevailing architectural conventions seen in D.C. at the time. Kojo examines the architecture of Metro, and considers how its design conventions affect the system today. (44 min.) REMEMBERING AMIRI BARAKA: Amiri Baraka died last week at age 79. Across his long career, the poet and activist became a leading voice for black consciousness and a polarizing public intellectual, prone to incendiary and sometimes offensive statements. While his radicalism — including anti-Semitic essays and comments — will be part of his legacy, so too will the evolution of his views. Kojo revisits an interview with Baraka from 2000. (05 min.)

THE POLITICS HOUR - JAN. 10, 2014: D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray apologizes for misconduct by supporters of his 2010 campaign. In his last week in office, Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell says he's sorry for a gifts scandal that disrupted his administration. Meanwhile, Maryland's lawmakers report back for duty in Annapolis. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. (52 min.)

GARY SHTEYNGART: "LITTLE FAILURE" : Best known for his knife-sharp satire in novels like "A Super Sad True Love Story" and "Absurdistan," Gary Shteyngart's latest work is a memoir of life as the child of Russian immigrants struggling to make it in Queens, N.Y. It's a scathingly funny yet loving portrait of parents whose affection is expressed through regular put-downs (his mother's nickname for him inspired the book's title), but also a powerful love. We speak with the author about how his life has influenced his work. (52 min.)

EQUAL PUNISHMENT? REFORMING SCHOOL DISCIPLINE: In an unprecedented move, the Obama administration this week issued the first federal legal guidance on classroom discipline. The recommendations aim to end the disparities in how students of different races are punished for breaking school rules. They follow years of contention over "zero-tolerance" policies that many parents and administrators say are unnecessarily harsh. Kojo looks at how the new guidelines could impact classrooms and school security. (21 min.) MANAGING THE REGION'S DEER POPULATION: They may be pretty wildlife, but they can also be a Lyme disease-carrying nuisance and driving hazard. The region's deer population and how it's managed continues to be the subject of debate. In the past several years, the National Park Service and regional parks managers have used controlled hunts to thin deer numbers. But animal rights advocates object, saying there are more humane and effective methods that should be considered, like long-term birth control vaccinations. We explore the issues. (32 min.)

CAN SCIENCE EXPLAIN EXTREME WEATHER?: A rare winter weather pattern has plunged Washington and much of the country into single-digit temperatures. Some researchers believe the "polar vortex" that's delivered unusually cold air is linked to melting sea ice in the Arctic. And many activists and scientists believe extreme weather events are becoming more prevalent due to climate change. We examine scientific and political arguments about extreme weather. (52 min.)

SEN. TIM KAINE ON VIRGINIA'S TOP LEGISLATIVE ISSUES IN 2014: Lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill this week and immediately jumped into a debate about extending benefits for the unemployed. While a measure cleared a big hurdle on Tuesday, the debate is far from over — as are debates about a number of critical issues related to the economy and national security. We explore the issues likely to shape the next few months on Capitol Hill with Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine. (24 min.) FOOD & SOCIAL MEDIA: BEYOND INSTAGRAMMING DINNER : Consumers have written letters and signed petitions sent to food manufacturers for generations. Today, the Internet and social media make it easier than ever for shoppers to ask why a company uses potentially harmful chemicals or how they're sourcing ingredients. We consider the changing communication dynamics between food producers and customers and how they're affecting what we eat. (26 min.)

AL-QAIDA'S NEW RISE IN THE MIDDLE EAST: Iraqi armed forces are battling militants to reclaim control of the city of Fallujah in Iraq's Anbar province. For the first time since U.S. forces defeated insurgents in 2006-2007, the region bordering war-torn Syria has become a hub for an al Qaida affiliate called the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Experts join Kojo to understand the rise of militancy in Iraq and its traces in neighboring countries like Syria. (52 min.)

COMPUTER GUYS AND GAL: As the annual Consumer Electronics Show opens in Las Vegas, we explore the new gadgets and gizmos that 2014 will bring. Will this be the year ultra-high-def, 4K resolution TV goes mainstream? Will you buy a smart watch to manage your texts and emails and leave your phone in your pocket? Will passwords finally become obsolete, thanks to new online security measures? The Computer Guys and Gal examine tech innovations and answer your questions. (52 min.)