Word of Mouth Past Shows

Today on Word of Mouth, a new documentary tells the story of late GOP strategist Lee Atwater, the master manipulator who launched whisper campaigns and rumors as ammo to win elections at any cost. We’ll also look at the viral videos that are making voters laugh and groan this election cycle. Plus, a growing number of farmers are helping to solve the environmental problems caused by methane and in the process, they're turning their animals' manure into money. And we hear new releases from Blitzen Trapper and The Muslims.

(Photo by NNDB)

Today on Word of Mouth, hostility and violence towards Arab-Americans has grown since 9/11. We’ll hear about the experiences of young Arabs dealing with discrimination. Plus, we’ll find out how emotions can manifest physically. And we’ll also get a primer on how to put your money where your mouth is - a new guide give shoppers the backstory on the corporations they’re supporting when they buy everyday products. And we find out how some cities are reacting to plastic waste collecting in our oceans.

(Photo by j-No)

Today on Word of Mouth, journalist Stephen Baker tells us how “the Numerati” are using our digital profiles to drum up votes and prevent terrorist attacks. We’ll also look at how voters are using Twitter to chime in on the national political conversation, and hear about an online video game that asks players around the globe to prevent future catastrophes. We’ll also hear from Will Wright, creator of the new game Spore. And we'll hear about one Nashua man's efforts to bring bicycles to the people.

Today on Word of Mouth, we visit the dark world of 19th-century New England. Author Hannah Tinti has been compared to Charles Dickens for her debut novel, The Good Thief. We’ll also be transported to Hollywood, via Vermont. This weekend’s Brattleboro Literary Festival will host seminars on poetry, plays and novels, but this year the festival adds screenplays to the mix. We’ll continue the theme with a revered film critic’s suggestion of 1,000 must-see movies. Plus, what Andy Warhol’s portraits did for the celebrity-obsessed world of politics.

(Photo by Rupert Ganzer)

Today on Word of Mouth, modern artists like Devendra Banhart, Iron & Wine, and Animal Collective are reinventing the sound of traditional music. Journalist Amanda Petrusich travelled the South, probing the history of Americana and drawing connections between today’s artists and those who blazed their paths. Plus, some art collectors are expanding their horizons and finding pieces based on our computer-driven world. We’ll also hear how scientists are growing natural plastic inside of plants, and we get a roundup of new gadgets that would impress your geekiest friends.

(Photo by NRK P3)