WAMU-FM: WAMU: The Kojo Nnamdi Show Podcast

THE POLITICS HOUR: Maryland takes heat for letting drivers cheat on tolls. D.C.'s chief tax appraiser is thrown into the fire over questions about his background. And the presidential candidates burn up the campaign trail in Virginia. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. (52 min.)

INTRODUCING THE H STREET HERITAGE TRAIL: A revitalized H Street corridor has exploded in the past few years with bars and restaurants, but the area also has a fascinating history, including being the first place the Beatles played in the U.S. We explore the Greater H Street Heritage Trail, which opens this weekend. (21 min.) EDITORIAL CARTOONS AND THE 2012 CAMPAIGN: As voters wade through dizzying campaign barbs and long-winded analyses, a picture and a punch line are worth a thousand words. We meet two editorial cartoonists who use humor and art to satirize politicians and highlight salient issues during this campaign season. (29 min.)

DEAFSPACE: ARCHITECTURE AND THE DEAF COMMUNITY: At first glance, little sets Gallaudet University's newest dormitory apart from new construction projects on other campuses. But look a little closer, and you begin to notice subtle design features that make it easier for deaf students to communicate visually: better natural lighting, wider corridors and surfaces that minimize distracting vibrations. We examine the new architectural framework of "DeafSpace," how design elements in buildings can be manipulated to make built environments more accessible. (52 min.)

"BOOKS THAT SHAPED AMERICA": Creating a comprehensive list of influential books is no easy task, even for the staff of the Library of Congress. But the 88 "Books That Shaped America" on display through the end of this month aren't meant to be a definitive, static collection. Instead, the goal is to spark discussion and suggestions from readers near and far. We consider the titles that made the cut, and some that didn't. (52 min.)

PROTECTING U.S. DIPLOMATS WORKING ABROAD: The U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other American diplomats were killed on Tuesday during an attack on the consulate in Benghazi. The incident has raised questions about the safety of American diplomats posted overseas, particularly those working in dangerous environments. We chat with two former U.S. ambassadors for perspective about what these killings will mean for American diplomacy and security abroad. (20 min.) SPICE AND SCIENCE: THE POWERFUL POTENTIAL OF TURMERIC: For centuries, the bright yellow spice turmeric has been used in Asian kitchens to alleviate everything from the common headache to stomach ailments and even arthritis. But now new scientific studies are showing that turmeric and its compound curcumin could be effective in fighting viruses, including HIV. We explore the science behind this powerful spice, and find out how we can incorporate it into our everyday dishes. (29 min.)

FALLOUT: CHICAGO'S TEACHERS GO ON STRIKE: Teachers in Chicago, home of the third-largest public school system in the country, went on strike on Monday. The labor disagreement marks one of the most high-profile battles over education reform to date. It's a debate that's pitted teachers unions against local governments across the country, including in D.C. We examine the issues in dispute, and what's at stake for the broader national debate in Chicago. (23 min.) RED HOT PATRIOT: KATHLEEN TURNER: Oscar-nominated actress Kathleen Turner is in D.C. for a star turn in a one-woman show on the life of firebrand journalist Molly Ivins. An unapologetic liberal in deep-red Texas, Ivins took on politicos with her trademark razor-sharp wit and intelligence. Of one Texas legislator, she wrote: "If his IQ slipped any lower, they'd have to water him twice a day." In her life and in her writing, Ivins above all aimed to make us care — and to act, a trait shared by the actress portraying her. We talk with Turner about Ivins and her career in acting and activism. (26 min.)

THE COMPUTER GUYS & GAL: From glare-free e-readers and calorie-conscious watches to portable power supplies, we explore the best new gadgets for heading back to school or work. Plus, as we mark the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, we explore new websites and online tools that help us prepare for the unexpected and remember those we lost. The Computer Guys and Gal are back with the latest and greatest from the tech world. (52 min.)

BEHAVIOR, TALENT AND GENETICS: What role does genetics play in talent? If your Dad is a great swimmer or your Mom has perfect pitch, what's the likelihood you and your siblings (or your grandkids) will also share those skills? We talk with science writer Sam Kean about how genes influence our behavior and our identity. (52 min.)

MODERNIZING D.C.'S TAXIS: D.C.'s move to install credit card readers in taxis is on hold as competing companies contest the contract for the devices. We update the overhaul of D.C.'s aging taxi fleet and ask how quickly riders will see the improvements. (21 min.) THE ADVOCACY GURU: Government is most effective when citizens are active participants. And being an "active participant" doesn't just mean voting once every four years. The Advocacy Guru joins us to help explore how "the influence game" is played in Washington, D.C., and how you can become your own best lobbyist. (29 min.)

THE POLITICS HOUR: Virginia gets the VIP treatment at the Democratic National Convention, while the District and Maryland watched President Barack Obama's acceptance speech from the nosebleed seats. As the party wraps at the DNC, we talk with local Democrats and examine the week's big winners and losers. (52 min.)

TEACHERS UNIONS AND DEMOCRATIC POLITICS: Teachers unions have long served as a reliable source of campaign cash and volunteers for the Democratic Party. But that relationship is evolving and, by some accounts, deteriorating as leaders in both parties embrace controversial education reform agendas. Kojo explores the politics of education reform with Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.(23 min.) SOUTHERN DIALECTS: TALKIN' TAR HEEL: A Southern accent carries many associations, from "Gone With the Wind" Southern charm to country bumpkin. Language can also be political, as Yankee politicians quickly find out when they try to pepper speeches with Southernisms like "y'all." We explore the dialects of a changing South — including North Carolina — where transplants are influencing the language. (26 min.)

FORMER DNC CHAIRMAN TERRY MCAULIFFE: Terry McAuliffe has worn many hats over the course of his long career in Democratic politics: prolific party fundraiser, White House confidante to former President Bill Clinton, chairman of the DNC and past — and possibly future — candidate for Virginia governor. He joins Kojo to discuss the national political landscape and his own future in the Commonwealth. (27 min.) FORMER U.S. REP. TOM PERRIELLO : In his one term in Congress, Virginia's Tom Perriello carved out a reputation as an intellectual force within the Democratic Party. Now he's helping set the progressive agenda for many of America's toughest political debates at the helm of the Center for American Progress Action Fund. We chat with Perriello about the Democratic Party's platform and how he thinks it can be mobilized to win elections in Virginia. (23 min.)

CONSIDER THE TAXPAYER: Many economists think reform of America's tangled tax code is long overdue. With a so-called fiscal cliff looming and candidates looking to appeal to voters, now may be the perfect time to float new ideas and changes. So why aren't we hearing much about tax policy on the campaign trail or at the conventions? (23 min.) FOOD AND THE "NEW SOUTH" : Few cities have grown faster in the past 25 years than Charlotte, N.C. But waves of new residents are also challenging the culinary cultures that have defined popular perceptions of the American South for decades. We explore what food says about regional identity in Charlotte and other rapidly-changing parts of the "New South." (26 min.)

A WAR ON WOMEN?: "Women's issues" have played a prominent role in the presidential campaign so far, surprising many activists on both sides of the aisle. During the first night of the Democratic National Convention, speakers frequently referenced what they say is a Republican "war on women." Kojo explores how hot-button debates over abortion, contraception and pay equity will play out in the days and months ahead. (34 min.) SPOTLIGHT ON CHARLOTTE: North Carolina's fastest-growing city is in the spotlight this week as host of the Democratic National Convention. We look at what makes Charlotte tick and how the city is handling the deluge of delegates, protesters, media and VIPs. (15 min.)

BALLOT BOX BATTLES: SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: Last month, gay rights activists successfully lobbied the Democratic Party's platform committee to endorse "marriage equality" for the first time. But voters will ultimately decide whether same-sex marriage becomes the law of the land in states across the country. The issue goes before Maryland voters this fall, as they consider a ballot initiative on the state's same-sex marriage law. Earlier this year, voters in North Carolina approved a constitutional amendment to ban the practice. We chat with advocates and legislators from both states about the dynamics of the issue. (24 min.) MONEY AND PARTIES IN CHARLOTTE: From late-night receptions to tea parties, golf tournaments to boat rides, there's a lot of partying in Charlotte this week — outside the convention hall. Kojo explores which groups are throwing parties and who they're inviting as they seek to influence Democratic Party politics. (18 min.)