Labels get thrown around willy-nilly during primary season, among them? Progressive. However candidates Clinton & Sanders use the term, its history is not so straightforward. On today’s show, the rise and fall and rise again of “progressive” politics.
Then, from anti-bullying seminars to the DARE to keep kids off drugs program, ushering rambunctious students into an auditorium or gymnasium for an all school assembly is a time honored tradition. But sometimes the educational value of the message is questionable.
We’ll also take a look back to see how the ozone hole is doing, and talk to author Megan Abbott about writing.
Listen to the full show:
What Does it Mean to be a "Progressive" in 2016?
Just what does "progressive" mean in 2016. Yale University history professor Beverly Gage, dug into that question for The New York Times Magazine: "More Progressive Than Thou"
A History of Flatulists
There is a largely unknown history of professional flatulence...a once profitable calling that has mostly been killed by the internet. Linda Rodriguez McRobbie wrote about what may be the world's oldest joke for Atlas Obscura: "The True Story of Roland the Farter"
What Happened to the Ozone Hole?
Erin Blakemore blogs daily for Smithsonian.com and wrote about what happened to the ozone hole.
"The Ozone Hole Was Super Scary, So What Happened To It?"
The Post Billiards Age
Our next story also answers a question about our environmental history - one you may have never thought to ask. When and why were plastics first invented? Roman Mars of the podcast 99% Invisible has the surprising story behind one of today's most ubiquitous materials.
You can listen to this story again at PRX.org.
Remembering Weird School Assemblies
An annual snake show? How about a song and dance routine about the dangers of popping pimples? Or a rock cover band playing Supertramp songs at middle schools? Sometimes the purpose of a school assembly can be head scratching or downright inappropriate. We asked some people around the station about their memories of school assemblies and the results were fascinating.
Religious Groups and Assemblies in Public Schools
As ill-advised, strange, or tone-deaf as some school assemblies can be -- in some places, they can be borderline unconstitutional, crossing the blurry line between church and state. Katherine Stewart is an author and a contributor to Slate where she wrote about the overlap between school assemblies and religiously affiliated groups. "Conservative Christians Are on a Mission in Public Schools."
10-Minute Writer's Workshop - Megan Abbott
Megan Abbott, is the author of Dare Me, The Fever, and the forthcoming You Will Know Me, which is due to be published in July. This episode of the 10-Minute Writer’s Workshop was produced by Sara Plourde.