Speakers' Forum Newsletter

'Every Twelve Seconds:' Undercover Slaughterhouses With Timothy Pachirat

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, May 31 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
For five months, Timothy Pachirat worked undercover in a slaughterhouse in Omaha, Nebraska. He writes about his experience in "Every Twelve Seconds: Industrialized Slaughter and the Politics of Sight." It explores an industry where, Pachirat says, keeping slaughter from sight somehow makes it more tolerable. Pachirat spoke at the Elliott Bay Book Company on May 9,...

Extreme National Security With Rachel Maddow

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 24 May 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, May 24 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
In her new book "Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power," Rachel Maddow argues that the United States has become a country strangely at peace with the concept of perpetual war. Maddow spoke at Seattle's Town Hall on April 14, 2012 in a talk moderated by Pulitzer Prize–winning editorial cartoonist David Horsey.

Rebuilding The American Dream With Van Jones

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, May 17 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Van Jones spent six months in the White House as the green jobs advisor for President Barack Obama. During that time, he helped oversee $80 billion in green energy recovery spending. In this talk given at Seattle's Town Hall on April 23, 2012, Jones talks about his experience in the other Washington, and the new national movement he has launched called Rebuild the Dream.

Challenges To Mainstream Gay Culture With Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, May 10 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore is worried that gay culture has become too focused on consumerism, marked by designer products like jeans or vodka. She is the editor of a new anthology called "Why Are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots?: Flaming Challenges To Masculinity, Objectification And The Desire To Conform." Sycamore spoke at the Elliott Bay Book Company on March 20,...

Women Entrepreneurs In Afghanistan With Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, May 3 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Journalist Gayle Tzemach Lemmon tells the story of Kamila Sidiqi, a woman in Kabul who began a thriving dressmaking business after she was banned from school and confined to her home after the Taliban seized control. Lemmon spoke at Seattle's Town Hall on March 26, 2012.

Life In Modern India With Akash Kapur

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, April 26 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Akash Kapur was born in India, but he was educated in the United States. In 2003, he left New York City and returned to live in his birth country. He was surprised by India's modernization and rapid economic growth, and he writes about his observatiosn in the book "India Becoming: A Portrait of Modern India." Kapur spoke March 23 at Seattle's Town Hall.

The Meaning Of Religion And Spirituality With Diana Butler Bass

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, April 19 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Over the past decade, there has been a purported rise of people who consider themselves spiritual but not religious. But according to religion scholar Diana Butler Bass, that number has actually remained static since the year 2000. The real story is the increasing number of people who consider themselves spiritual and religious. Bass spoke at the Elliott Bay Book Company on...

'Is Marriage For White People?' With Ralph Richard Banks

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, April 12 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Black women are more than three times as likely as white women never to marry. When black women do marry, they are more likely than any other group to wed a man who is less educated or earns less money than they do. Stanford law professor Ralph Richard Banks explores this trend in his new book "Is Marriage For White People?"

Yoram Bauman, The World's First (And Only) Stand-Up Economist

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, April 5 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Yoram Bauman finally got his Ph.D. in economics — only to realize he wanted to do stand–up comedy instead. The solution? He's a stand–up economist, meaning that he tells jokes about the economy. It's a pretty niche market, he quips. Bauman performed at Town Hall on March 4, 2012.

Feminism And Female Identity: The Best Of Speakers' Forum

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, March 29 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
How has female identity changed throughout the past half century? First, feminist activist Gloria Steinem speaks about separating sexuality from reproduction. Then, history professor Stephanie Coontz shares her views on Betty Friedan's book "The Feminine Mystique." Finally, Peggy Orenstein talks about how young girls today are taught to value appearance over individuality....

Secrets Of French Parenting With Pamela Druckerman

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, March 22 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
French kids don't throw their food, they don't throw tantrums in the supermarket. Pamela Druckerman raised a daughter and twin sons in Paris, and she writes about the differences between French and American parenting styles in her new book, "Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting." Druckerman spoke at the Elliott Bay Book Company...

StoryCorps Love Stories With Founder Dave Isay

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, March 15 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
If there's one tradition that's never faded away in our history as people on this earth, it's storytelling. StoryCorps is a massive oral history project whose mission is to record, preserve and share the stories of Americans from all backgrounds. StoryCorps founder Dave Isay spoke at Seattle's Town Hall on February 7, 2012.

'Cinderella Ate My Daughter' With Peggy Orenstein

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, March 8 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
In a world saturated with Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, what does today's "princess culture" mean for young girls? Author Peggy Orenstein argues that it fuses girlhood to an obsession with appearance in her book "Cinderella Ate My Daughter." She spoke at Seattle's Town Hall on February 15, 2012.

Growing A Farmer With Kurt Timmermeister

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, March 1 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Kurt Timmermeister's farm began as a hobby, something he would do on the side while he ran restaurants in Seattle. Today, Kurtwood Farms on Vashon Island is his full–time job, and he produces cheese that he sells to Seattle retailers and restaurants. Timmermeister spoke at the Elliott Bay Book Company on February 1, 2012.

Amy Tan: Creative Minds Do Not Think Alike

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Amy Tan's mother wanted her to become a doctor and a concert pianist. Instead, Tan chose to write fiction. Tan's novels include "The Joy Luck Club," "The Bonesetter's Daughter" and "Saving Fish From Drowning," all New York Times bestsellers. Tan spoke at the University of Washington's Meany Hall on January 12, 2012.

'The Queer Art Of Failure' With Judith Halberstam And Chandan Reddy

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, February 16 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
What types of anti–capitalist narratives are hidden in Pixar films? Judith "Jack" Halberstam explores this topic in her book "The Queer Art Of Failure," which dissects the role of winners and losers in capitalism and in the queer community. She spoke along with UW Professor Chandan Reddy at the Elliott Bay Book Company.

Learning To Play Music At Any Age With Gary Marcus

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, February 9 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Scientist Gary Marcus was never musical as a child. In the fourth grade, he stumbled through "Mary Had A Little Lamb" on the recorder. But at age 40, after being bested too many times by the video game "Guitar Hero," Marcus decided to teach himself how to play the guitar. In his book, "Guitar Zero: The New Musician And The Science Of Learning,"...

Special: 'The Tobolowsky Files' Memories Of 'Groundhog Day'

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, February 2 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
"The Tobolowsky Files" is a regular show featuring compelling, moving and profound stories about life, love and the entertainment industry as told by legendary character actor Stephen Tobolowsky. In this episode, Stephen Tobolowsky discusses "Groundhog Day," and reveals the story behind the story.

Deciphering Health Care Reform With Jonathan Gruber

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, January 26 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
To help decipher the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, economics professor Jonathan Gruber decided to write a graphic novel to break down the massive, 900–page bill that's changing our country's health care system. He spoke about his book and the new law at Town Hall on January 9, 2012.

Marion Nestle Helps You Decide 'What To Eat'

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, January 19 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Overwhelmed by bread options at the grocery store? How about lettuce? You're bound to find 10 different options just for romaine lettuce, and more for bread, water, cheese, broccoli — everything! How do you decide what to buy? Marion Nestle helps you break down the colossal American supermarket in her book on nutrition and the food industry, "What To Eat."...

Made-Up Knowledge With John Hodgman

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, January 12 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
John Hodgman has finally finished his quest for complete world knowledge. The self–proclaimed deranged millionaire documents the journey in his new book "That Is All," the third in a trilogy of fake almanacs. This volume is filled with made–up facts about wine, sports and how to survive the coming superpocalypse.

Clay Jenkinson On The Lewis And Clark Expedition

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, January 5 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
When Lewis and Clark set out on their Corps of Discovery expedition across the United States in 1804, they were walking off the edge of the known world. Humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson provides a first–person account of the journey, speaking as the character of Meriwether Lewis.

Eric Liu And Nick Hanauer On Democracy

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, December 29 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
American democracy is informed by the 18th century's most cutting–edge thinking on society, economics and government. Eric Liu and Nick Hanauer, the Seattle creators of the True Patriot Network and co–authors of "The Gardens Of Democracy," argue that some of those fundamental assumptions need updating.

Richard White Covers Raiload's History (And Failures)

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, December 22 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Historian Richard White in his book "Railroaded: The Transcontinentals And The Making Of Modern America" argues that though the railroads are seen as a great success, it is actually the corrupt failures of the railroads that changed our country.

Trans Politics And Legal Structures With Dean Spade

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, December 15 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Seattle University Law Professor Dean Spade advocates a politic that goes beyond demands for equal access and legal inclusion of transgender people. In his book "Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics And The Limits Of Law," this legal scholar argues for a critical examination of legal structures, the state and social justice organizing.

Adam Winkler On The Politics And History Of Gun Control

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, December 8 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
America's political battle over gun control and the right to bear arms is four centuries old. From the Founding Fathers and the Second Amendment to the origins of the Klan as a gun control organization, the debate over guns has always generated controversy. Adam Winkler explores the history and gives insights to where the future of guns may lie in his book "Gunfight:...

Robert Trivers On Deception

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, December 1 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Why does deception play such a prominent role in our lives? From a romantic relationship to a conflict at work to judging how we look in the mirror, deceit is everywhere, especially self–deception. The cost of this deception is alienating us from the truth. Robert Trivers explores why we behave like this in his new book.

'Morning Edition's' Steve Inskeep

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, November 17 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Steve Inskeep is the host of NPR's "Morning Edition" and has written a book, "Instant City: Life And Death In Karachi." He investigates the bombing of a religious procession in 2009 and discovers that despite the violence, Karachi is a thriving civil society with signs of tolerance and vitality.

Jeremy Rifkin: 'The Third Industrial Revolution'

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, November 10 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
We are on the cusp of a third industrial revolution — one that could either mean economic collapse, or whole world revitalization. Economist Jeremy Rifkin says that green energy is the key to our survival, and he has a five–point plan to get the world running on sustainable energy.

Deepak Chopra And Leonard Mlodinow

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:00:00 -0700

Thursday, November 3 at 8:00 p.m. on "Speakers' Forum"
Deepak Chopra and Leonard Mlodinow met at a televised debate on the future of God. One (Chopra) was the advocate of spirituality, the other (Mlodinow) is a physicist: Together, they have collaborated on a book called "War Of The Worldviews: Science Vs. Spirituality." It's about their very different worldviews that is both fiercely argued and completely respectful....