Talk of the Nation

Weekdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Neal Conan

Talk of the Nation links the headlines with what's on people's minds, providing a springboard for listeners and experts to exchange ideas and pose critical questions about major events in the news and the world around them. Each day, Talk of the Nation combines the award-winning resources of NPR News with the vital participation of listeners. The result is a spirited and productive exchange of knowledge and insight that delves deeply into the news and ideas of the day.

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Research News
12:00 pm
Fri January 27, 2012

Ancient Skull Holds Clues to Dog Domestication

A 33,000-year-old skull of a "wolf on the way to becoming a dog" was found in a Siberian cave. Evolutionary Biologist Susan Crockford, co-author of a study about the skull in PLoS ONE, discusses why the discovery challenges common beliefs about dog domestication.

Author Interviews
12:00 pm
Fri January 27, 2012

Can Science Be Done Without Secrecy?

In his book, Reinventing Discovery: The New Era of Networked Science, Physicist Michael Nielsen discusses why scientists jealously guard their data and are slow to adopt online tools for collaboration. Nielsen talks about why attempts to create science wikipedias have failed.

NPR Story
1:02 pm
Thu January 26, 2012

In 'Shoot My Man,' Mosley Tells Tale of Atonement

Credit David Burr /
Walter Mosley is also the author of The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey.

Best-selling author Walter Mosley's book All I Did Was Shoot My Man tells the story of a woman trying to get her life back on track after serving an eight-year prison sentence. Leonid McGill, a private investigator, knows she is innocent and tries to help her start over.

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NPR Story
12:54 pm
Thu January 26, 2012

A Guide To An Insanity-Free, 'Practical Wedding'

When planning a wedding, couples must make scores of important decisions — from whom to invite to how to pay for it. Even the hardiest of partners can feel a little lost. Author Meg Keene's new book focuses on the meaning of marriage, at least as much as flowers and cake.

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Africa
12:00 pm
Thu January 26, 2012

Violence Compounds Problems In Nigeria

Increased violence by the radical Islamist group Boko Haram threatens to ignite a wider Muslim-Christian conflict in Nigeria. Africa's most populous country also continues to face persistent problems with the economy and corruption.

Economy
12:00 pm
Thu January 26, 2012

Grandpa, Mom and Baby, Too — All Under One Roof

As baby boomers age and young people struggle to find work, more families than ever before are choosing to pool resources by moving in together. The economic downturn accelerated this already growing national trend toward multiple generations living under the same roof.

NPR Story
12:00 pm
Wed January 25, 2012

GOP Candidates Gear Up Sunshine State Campaigns

Florida's GOP primary has become a battleground for the four remaining Republican hopefuls in the 2012 presidential race. The state's size and population are much larger than other primary states', and TV advertising is expected to play its largest role yet in the campaign.

NPR Story
12:00 pm
Wed January 25, 2012

The Next Frontier For Florida's 'Space Coast'

NASA ended the U.S. shuttle program in 2011, leaving roughly 9,000 workers at the Kennedy Space Center without jobs. Many in Cape Canaveral hope the private space industry will blossom, and lead the way back into space, and back to work.

NPR Story
12:00 pm
Wed January 25, 2012

Florida's Fight Against Prescription Drug Abuse

Seven people die every day in Florida from prescription drug overdoses, by one estimate. Many of those deaths have been linked to pill mills — medical facilities that illegally prescribe or dispense strong narcotics. Local authorities are taking steps to combat the crisis.

NPR Story
1:43 pm
Tue January 24, 2012

Letters: Love And Autism, Second Medical Opinions

Transcript

NEAL CONAN, HOST:

It's Tuesday, and time to read from your comments. During last week's show on love and autism, many listeners called and emailed, including Eric from Red Bluff, California. We read his email on the air. I will be a 40-year-old virgin in September. I dated once, when I was 32. Other than that, I've had no love interest where the love was reciprocated. I did not expect to ever find love. I do not believe I could be loved. That is all.

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