WAMU-FM: WAMU: The Kojo Nnamdi Show Podcast

"ANTIFRAGILE: THINGS THAT GAIN FROM DISORDER": From the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to the 2008 financial collapse, many of the most consequential events in recent history caught government and investors off guard. In 2007, Nassim Nicholas Taleb provided a highly influential framework for explaining, and adapting to, these unpredictable shocks to political and financial systems, with his book "The Black Swan." His latest work, "Antifragile," expands on his theory of the unknown to explain how we can succeed and thrive in a world ruled by disorder. (24 min.) 80 YEARS OF FEDERAL DIARY: In November 1932, The Washington Post started publishing a new column known as the Federal Diary. For the last 80 years, the Diary has given government workers news that pertains directly to them, from tips for a better work ethic in the office to congressional legislation affecting the federal pay scale. Kojo explores the colorful history of the Federal Diary. (28 min.)

THE POLITICS HOUR: Virginia's lieutenant governor suspends his gubernatorial campaign, seemingly clearing the way for the commonwealth's attorney general to grab the nomination. One of the most familiar faces in Montgomery County politics says he wants his old job back. And D.C. candidates start lining up for the Council's latest job opening. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. (52 min.)

MAPPING VIRGINIA: A new book featuring maps of Virginia's first 300 years has many stories to tell. There's the author, an amateur historian who over 40 years amassed maps from around the world. There's the story of early Virginia and its central role in America's founding. And there are the maps themselves, many both fanciful and beautiful, featuring detailed illustrations by the most talented engravers of the time. We explore our region's history through this cartographic collection.(52 min.)

SHAPING THE CITY: WASHINGTON'S LANDSCAPES: Washington is known worldwide for the dome of the U.S. Capitol, the rotunda of the Jefferson Memorial and other signature architectural achievements. But the landscapes that surround those iconic structures — park lands and open urban spaces — are also a vital part of the city's identity. Architect and Washington Post columnist Roger K. Lewis returns to discuss how landscapes shape the face of Washington, and the challenge of maintaining them. (52 min.)

CHEF BRYAN VOLTAGGIO: Chef Bryan Voltaggio first came to fame on Bravo's "Top Chef" series, where he and brother Michael faced off. But he was making a splash on the local restaurant scene well before his TV debut. We'll talk with him about his local culinary roots, his upcoming D.C. restaurant opening and what holiday meals are like in the Voltaggio family. (52 min.)

ELECTION 2013: A VIRGINIA GOP SHAKE-UP: The Commonwealth of Virginia is one of two states to hold off-year elections for governor in 2013. Today, Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling suspended his campaign for his party's nomination, apparently clearing the path for Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II. We examine how the race is shaping up, and why some are concerned with how the nomination process is shaping the direction of the Virginia GOP. (15 min.) "THE ENTERTAINER": Lyle Talbot's Hollywood career spanned four decades, from near-stardom alongside Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis, to roles in Ed Wood's famously terrible B-movies. He ended up in television as a regular on now-classic shows like "Leave it to Beaver" and "Ozzie and Harriet." Margaret Talbot's new book paints a portrait of her father and Tinseltown's golden years in "The Entertainer." (35 min.)

REBEL ADVANCES FUEL RIOTS IN CONGO: The Democratic Republic of Congo is descending into chaos as rebels take over cities and the nation's army does nothing to stop them. Kojo explores the conflict in this severely poor African nation that has vast reserves of gold, diamonds and other minerals. (20 min.) RAIN PRYOR: Rain Pryor grew up in the shadow of one of the biggest names in show business — she's the daughter of the late comedian Richard Pryor. But she's long since earned a name for herself in theater and film, a name that a local theater company in Baltimore is hoping will rejuvenate its venue. Pryor joins Kojo in studio to chat about her work and vision for the Strand Theater Company, which just started its fifth season. (30 min.)

TRACING YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT ON THE WEB: Think the contents of your Gmail account are private? Think again. The scandal that brought down former CIA Director David Petraeus is shedding new light on the privacy of personal email accounts. Investigators apparently uncovered Petraeus' extramarital affair when they traced a string of threatening emails from a Gmail account, and subsequently rooted around the inboxes of some of the most powerful people in Washington. Tech Tuesday examines the laws that govern online privacy. (52 min.)

WINTER READING: The end of the year brings a rush of new literary releases and awards. Which to choose? Whether you enjoy historical fiction, transporting nonfiction, memoirs or graphic novels, we've got suggestions for your winter reading list. (52 min.)

REMEMBERING LAWRENCE GUYOT: To many of his peers, Lawrence Guyot was an "unsung hero of the Civil Rights movement." He died Friday at the age of 73. He was an original member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and director of the 1964 Freedom Summer in Mississippi, enduring jail and violence to mobilize black voters. But Guyot was also deeply invested in local activism in Washington, DC. We explore his life and legacy. (17 min.) STATE OF THE LABOR UNION: Labor issues are hitting some big-name companies, including Hostess cakes where management says a strike forced them to shut down operations permanently. Walmart workers planned Black Friday protests at 1,000 stores to kick off the holiday shopping season. And locally, the janitors' union at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center says paychecks have been delayed and even bounced. We explore the strategies of companies and workers, and whether labor movements are gaining traction after years of being on the defensive. (32 min.)

"SNOW-STORM IN AUGUST:" D.C.'S FIRST RACE RIOT (REBROADCAST): In pre-Civil War Washington D.C., free blacks ran successful businesses despite the continuation of the slave trade around them. In 1835, a drunken slave entered his mistress' bedroom with an ax, setting in motion events that would lead to the city's first race riot. We learn about the fascinating, and nearly forgotten, characters involved in the incident and its aftermath. (52 min.)

AUTHOR LOIS LOWRY (REBROADCAST): Before "Harry Potter" and "The Hunger Games" there was "The Giver." Author Lois Lowry and her readers became so invested in the dystopian world she created in that novel that three more followed. The latest — and reportedly last — in the series, "Son," was recently published. Kojo talks with the award-winning children's and young adult author about her prolific career. (34 min.) "READING RAINBOW" RETURNS: LEVAR BURTON (REBROADCAST): Actor LeVar Burton is well-known for his roles in "Roots" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation." But to some of his most devoted fans he is, first and foremost, the host of "Reading Rainbow." The long-running children's television show went off the air in 2009, but was recently reborn as an iPad app. We talk with Burton about his acting career and his passion for encouraging kids to become lifelong readers. (18 min.)

ROOT VEGETABLES : As winter nears, it's time to file away recipes for tomatoes and asparagus and make room in the refrigerator and pantry for the season's root vegetables. While their appearance can be dark and earthy, enthusiasts say these under-appreciated winter vegetables can make up a number of flavorful side dishes, entrees and even desserts. Kojo talks about the variety of root vegetables you'll find at market and how you can use them in your kitchen. (52 min.)

TRANSFORMING BALTIMORE: A LONG-AWAITED ZONING MAKEOVER: Baltimore's first zoning makeover in 40 years aims to alter the city's skyline by allowing taller buildings - and more of them. It seeks to kick out corner liquor stores from neighborhoods and encourage a livelier downtown scene. Planning Director Tom Stosur joins Kojo to explain the new vision for Charm City. (38 min.) YOUR TURN: PRE-THANKSGIVING EDITION: Thanksgiving is coming and football is in the headlines. Wilson High School's team was disqualified from D.C.'s Turkey Bowl after a player's Maryland residency came to light. Meanwhile, the University of Maryland is making moves to the Big Ten. In political news, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner decides against a second run for governor. And PolitiFact is offering a guide to political rumors to help you disarm your relatives on Turkey Day. We talk about those stories and what's on your mind. (11 min.)

TURMOIL AT THE BBC: The British Broadcasting Corporation is reeling from two overlapping crises. Earlier this year, it emerged that the network's flagship public affairs program buried an investigation into sexual abuse by an iconic television host. More recently, the same program falsely implicated a former political leader in a separate sexual abuse case. And now, The New York Times finds itself embroiled in the mess after hiring the former head of the BBC to lead as its CEO. We explore the ongoing turmoil at the media giant. (20 min.) TIME BANKING: In the midst of the economic downturn, a number of alternative economies have cropped up offering participants new ways to share goods and services. One idea that's been around since the 1970s is gaining popularity: time banking. It's an exchange of services, ranging from raking a neighbor's leaves to performing medical procedures, based on time and taking market value out of the equation. We look at the pros and cons, and how it can provide a sense of community in addition to a service. (29 min.)