WAMU-FM: WAMU: The Kojo Nnamdi Show Podcast

THE POLITICS HOUR - DEC. 6, 2013: D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray revs up a campaign for reelection, while a prominent member of the D.C. Council explores an independent bid for mayor. Virginia's candidates for attorney general dig in for a recount of their race later this month. And Pepco asks regulators in Maryland for another rate increase. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. (52 min.)

FLORY JAGODA AND TRIO SEFARDI: For nearly nine decades, acclaimed singer and composer Flory Jagoda has passed along the colorful, soulful strains of Sephardic Jewish music to audiences worldwide. Considered the mother of Sephardic music and its ancient Ladino language, Jagoda's influence has been felt from classrooms to concert halls, where she has been recognized as an important ambassador of a unique musical heritage. Kojo explores the sounds of Sephardic music with Jagoda and members of the music group, Trio Sefardi. (33 min.) CHINA, THE U.S. AND TENSIONS IN ASIA: Vice President Joseph Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday and reportedly argued against China's contested new air-defense zone in the East China Sea. A senior Chinese official said Xi listened, but any decision on the matter is "up to China." Kojo talks to the director of a leading Chinese think tank about why China made this move, what it means for U.S.-China relations and growing tensions in Asia. (16 min.)

THE MOVEMENT TO REFORM MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES: Earlier this year, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced plans to reform federal guidelines for mandatory minimum sentences. Critics charge that prosecutors have abused mandatory minimum sentences in the past — and that the resulting swelling of America's incarcerated population has profound consequences far outside the legal system. We examine the movement for sentencing reform and where it's likely to go in the immediate future. (21 min.) AN ANCIENT SEA UNDER THE CHESAPEAKE : Scientists exploring an ancient impact crater deep below the mouth of the Chesapeake made an unexpected discovery recently: a sea that is between 100-150 million years old. The discovery will help researchers understand what shaped our continent long ago, and perhaps most exciting, to study a period that could offer clues about the effects of climate change. We explore the ancient sea with one of the lead scientists on the project. (30 min.)

THE FUTURE OF THE PAST: NEW FRONTIERS IN EXPLORATION: Explorers of the past spent years investigating sites in far flung corners of the world. Today's archaeologists and oceanographers use new digital tools — from satellite images to sonar — to locate and explore new sites, often without ever having to turn a spade or plunge into the sea. Kojo talks with National Geographic Explorers about the innovative tools they're using and what they're finding. This is a special WAMU 88.5 broadcast in partnership with the Future of Information Alliance. (52 min.)

D.C. MAYOR VINCENT GRAY TO RUN FOR REELECTION: D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray announced on Monday that he will seek reelection in 2014. He now joins a crowded field competing in the spring's Democratic primary. He's also under the cloud of a federal investigation into the conduct of his 2010 mayoral campaign. WAMU 88.5 reporter Patrick Madden joins Kojo to explore what Gray's decision means for the dynamics of next year's fight for the future of the District. (15 min.) "WOODY SEZ": A MUSICAL ON THE LIFE OF WOODY GUTHRIE: Woody Guthrie's folk anthems are iconic American music. His youth in the Midwest during the Dust Bowl and engagement with labor unions and political causes are reflected in songs like "This Land Is Your Land." Always political, his music has influenced everyone from Pete Seeger to contemporary musicians like Ani DiFranco and Bruce Springsteen. We learn about a new musical, now at Theater J, that explores Guthrie's life and music. (35 min.)

COMPUTER GUYS AND GAL: For the kids on your gift list: racing cars and paper airplanes controlled by an iPhone. For the couch potatoes: a box that lets you stream video and watch on your TV. For everyone else: an all-purpose tablet, the hot-seller of the year. You can buy it all using your smart phone and then fantasize about same-day delivery by private drone. A day after Cyber Monday, the Computer Guys and Gal are here with tech gifts and trends for the holidays. (52 min.)

"THE GOOD LORD BIRD" BY JAMES MCBRIDE: A surprise winner at this year's National Book Award, James McBride's latest novel takes on the story of abolitionist John Brown's doomed raid on the arsenal at Harper's Ferry. In this satirical tale, the young narrator is a boy mistaken for a girl and taken into Brown's retinue. Onion, as he's nicknamed, gets a front-seat view of history as Brown plans his raid, meeting Frederick Douglas, Harriet Beecher Stowe and other well-known historical figures. We speak with McBride about the novel, as well as the band he formed to play music that inspired Brown. (52 min.)

CHEF JOSE ANDRES: AT HOME AND ABROAD : Chef Jose Andres is known for cuisine that's one part tradition, one part science experiment, earning him numerous awards and accolades. His enthusiasm and passion for food extends beyond the plate, propelling Andres' work as an activist and teacher. It's also fueled the growth of a restaurant empire that recently went international. We talk with Andres about his journey — both personal and culinary — thus far, and where he's heading next. (52 min.)

TERRY TEACHOUT: "DUKE: A LIFE OF DUKE ELLINGTON" (REBROADCAST): Washington-born Duke Ellington has been heralded as the greatest American jazz composer of his time. Even 50 years after his death, one can expect the repertoire of any jazz musician to include Ellington-led tunes like "In A Sentimental Mood," "Sophisticated Lady" and "Take the 'A' Train." Yet, despite his place in music history, few were privy to details about the composer's personal life and background. Wall Street Journal critic and author Terry Teachout joins Kojo to discuss the story behind the enigmatic musician and his unusual process of composing. (52 min.)

VIRGINIA ATTORNEY GENERAL RACE: HEADING FOR A RECOUNT: The 2013 contest for attorney general is the closest statewide race in modern Virginia history. On Monday, the State Board of Elections certified results declaring Sen. Mark R. Herring (D) the winner by 165 out of more than 2 million votes. That news is spurring challenger Sen. Mark D. Obenshain (R) to request a recount. Three weeks after the election, we get some insight into when we might know for certain who the next commonwealth attorney general will be. (11 min.) SHAPING THE CITY: DESIGNING NEW BUILDINGS ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES : Universities are big land-owners in the D.C. region and many of them are building new facilities. Some schools are adding housing while others are putting up new academic buildings. We explore the town-grown tensions and economic pressures that influence design and construction on campus. (39 min.)

MOVIES AND THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET: It might surprise some to learn that most American films earn far more at foreign box offices than at home — often more than double the domestic take-- and that market is growing. As a result, American studios increasingly aim to please audiences abroad by catering to Chinese censors and European tastes. We look at the long list of potential Oscar contenders this year, including several featuring African American subjects, and explore how the international market is shaping what we see on the big screen. (52 min.)

"NETIQUETTE" OR MANNERS IN THE DIGITAL AGE: As the Internet becomes an integral part of our social interactions and professional communications, it's ushering in a new etiquette for behavior both online and off. But the new social order has left both technophiles and technophobes scratching their heads about what constitutes polite behavior. Is it appropriate to send an email only to say "thanks"? Does anyone still check their voice mail? And do all invitations necessitate an RSVP? Kojo looks at how technology is redefining good manners. (52 min.)

THE EVOLVING JOB OF PUBLIC SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: Today's public school principals juggle a dizzying array of responsibilities, from teacher training and facilities management to school safety and community outreach. And the results of high-stakes student testing land on their desks, as well. So it's no surprise that many local school districts see high rates of principal burnout and turnover. We explore the evolving expectations placed on public school principals and their impact on school performance. (52 min.)

IRAN'S NUCLEAR DEAL: Iran signed a historic deal over the weekend to slow enrichment of uranium that it maintains is for energy use, but the global community fears could be used in a nuclear bomb. In exchange, the U.S. and the international community will loosen their juggernaut of economic sanctions and unfreeze access to some overseas assets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already blasted the deal, as have some American lawmakers. We explore the terms of the agreement, the potential pitfalls and what happens next. (24 min.) JOHN MULLER: "MARK TWAIN IN WASHINGTON, D.C.": Young Mark Twain, on the cusp of fame as an author, worked as a D.C. journalist for several months in 1867 and 1868. While he's closely linked to the banks of the Mississippi and his home in Connecticut, Twain's time as a capital correspondent is often overlooked. We find out how his short stay in the city shaped his career and trademark satirical style, and discover shadows of Twain's D.C. in the modern District. (28 min.)

THE POLITICS HOUR - NOV. 22, 2013: A breakdown in mental health care services contributes to a tragedy for a prominent Virginia lawmaker. Construction bumps continue to plague the Silver Spring Transit Center. And D.C. planners put the brakes on revising building height limits. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. (52 min.)