The Pod Piper

1. On the Media -  Define Normal It's easy to write off ethical boundaries when discussing the current presidential campaign in the U.S., but I was very engaged by the opposing views among American psychiatrists on the 'Goldwater Rule.'  The discussion embodies my conflicting methodologies when it comes to ignoring Trump.  Do we ignore him in an effort to cut off the attention on which he thrives, or do we ignore him and then risk being left with the moral weight of the innocent bystander after a tragic event?  There's also a compelling segment of the show on the South African track star Caster Semenya, dealing with gender politics and the Olympics that mixes morality with sport.  How do we act justly to the individual and to the field of competition?  Lots of tough questions and not a lot of clear answers, the very reason to listen to OTM! 2. Planet Money -  Oil #5: Imagine A World Without Oil The leader in investigatory economic journalis...

1. Criminal -  Eight Years (#48) Criminal has the potential to be quite dark.  Sometimes this manifests itself in a description of a grizzly crime, but I think the most affecting stories are those that have an element of mystery.  Such is the case in 'Eight Years,' which captures the unbelievably long-running story of a woman who was stalked by a fan of her blog.  I don't mean to downplay the seriousness of the crime - it is indeed an unfathomable violation that no person should ever have to endure - but the ambiguity of prosecuting cybercrime perpetrated across international borders lends an air of intrigue that tempers the typical sense of disgust that tends to accompany true-crime narratives. 2. Flash Forward-  Revenge of the Retweet Do you ever worry about your cheeky social media presence getting in the way of your future job prospects?  It's hard to think so far down the road when you are at your most impressionable age and when you have the mos...

1. More Perfect -  The Imperfect Plaintiffs Radiolab has a spin-off podcast, and it is all about the mysterious role the Supreme Court plays in the shaping of policy and discourse in America.  This is the first episode I've heard, though all 6 episodes in the first season have now been released.  It seems like this could be a good entry point for those not necessarily interested in politics to see the deep reaching impact of legislation on daily life. 2. Placemakers -  The Cheerful Hurly-Burly When Rebecca Sheir signed off Metro Connection for the final time last year, I was distraught.  There was promise of a revamped show after some time off for reflection, but I knew deep down that it would never be back.  Imagine my delight when I found that Sheir is now at the helm of a new Slate podcast about the people who shape communities from a planning perspective.  Of course the first episode is about urbanist hero Jane Jacobs, and I think it does a go...