By Tim Braine
I listen to a lot of public radio, mostly while walking up and down the Hudson River in NYC—my way of making a workout seem fun. “Radio Dinner” is a compilation of the stories that I find particularly satisfying. NPR News programs spend most of their time delving into the news—as they should. But main course for me is the feature stories that are not news, the ones that make me laugh, move me or are just really interesting. I’m fan of science so a lot of what I pick are science-y or about how things work. Don’t look for a rhyme or reason here…there is none. Just stuff that I like and you might too. Mostly these aired recently on public radio, but some are from the archive.
This week’s playlist: I love space and my son has wanted to be an astronaut since 2nd grade, when he invited his class to go into space on the rocket he was building in his basement. This precipitated a bit of a credibility crisis in the class because half did not believe him and half signed up to go. I was happy he had a passion but I wasn’t sure he was destined to be a scientist or a cult leader…turned out to be scientist. Here’s an astronaut’s view of space walking that just makes me want to go:
For stories that touch, teach, and make you think, tune in to public radio.
Speaking of growing pains, here’s a wonderful interview with Veronica Roth, author of Divergent, on the difficulties of love and growing up:
http://www.npr.org/2016/08/20/490738726/wisdom-from-ya-authors-on-leaving-home-veronica-roth
I don’t know why, but I’m fascinated by hidden infrastructure. And what could be more fascinating than sewage treatment? So here’s a mini documentary about Boston’s famous sewage treatment facility on an island in Boston Harbor:
http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.html?programID=16-P13-00033&segmentID=5
Apparently one of the most challenging questions of science is how to keep your coffee in your cup. Here’s the latest development:
http://www.npr.org/2016/08/13/489883478/how-to-keep-your-coffee-in-its-cup-the-claw-grip
Do you know what the first million-sale record was? “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” 75 years ago. The story is as goofy as the song.
Who doesn’t like another roadside attraction?:
http://www.npr.org/2016/08/08/487384516/an-alabama-museum-you-can-enjoy-from-the-drivers-seat
Don’t know how to introduce this one. Just listen. It will make you feel good:
http://www.npr.org/2016/08/13/489814122/through-organ-donation-a-heart-lives-on
Oh, and I forgot. It will likely make you cry. Never underestimate people. Their stories of love and goodness can change your life. More stories to come.
– This is Tim Braine‘s first post for CultureSonar. Welcome!
PS. While we are on the subject of great radio, there are some BBC radio programs we definitely recommend. Read more about them in our posts Out of This World: The Martian Chronicles on Radio, Nothing Bleak but the Title, and The Best Show You’re Not Listening To. And if you’re looking for interesting podcasts to add to your playlist, check out our post Podcasts to Keep You Company.
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This article originally appeared on CultureSonar
Photo courtesy of NPR