The Open Mind, hosted weekly by Alexander Heffner, is a thoughtful excursion into the world of ideas across politics, media, science, technology, the arts, and all realms of civic life.
Episodes
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Episode 39, Season 2024
The Pursuit of Tranquility: How Many Times Do You Need To Blow Up The World?American fighter pilot Amy McGrath discusses U.S. security policies.28:53 -
Episode 38, Season 2024
Accountability and DisarmamentProject on Managing the Atom researcher Mariana Budjeryn discusses the Russia-Ukraine war.28:46 -
Episode 33, Season 2024
Energy to PeaceOppenheimer Project founder Charles Oppenheimer discusses nuclear counterproliferation.28:56 -
Episode 35, Season 2024
The Doctor GovernorAt Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii Governor Josh Green and Alexander break bread over poke.28:40 -
Episode 34, Season 2024
The City of OriolesAt Camden Yards, Governor Wes Moore and Alexander break bread over stadium concessions.28:40 -
Episode 36, Season 2024
History in Boston HarborOn the harbor, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Alexander break bread over oysters.28:57 -
Episode 37, Season 2024
Pigs and PistolsAt his farm, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Alexander break bread over pork sandwiches.28:53 -
Episode 28, Season 2024
The Future of Reproductive FreedomUniversity of Oregon sociologist Krystale Littlejohn discusses the post-Roe climate.28:10 -
Episode 32, Season 2024
Cheeseheads and MilkpeopleIn rural Wisconsin, Senator Tammy Baldwin and Alexander break bread at a family farm.28:50 -
Episode 31, Season 2024
The City of OriolesAt Camden Yards, Governor Wes Moore and Alexander break bread over stadium concessions.28:40 -
Episode 25, Season 2024
Ranchers for AmericaIn Buffalo, WY, Governor Mark Gordon and Alexander break bread over steak and potatoes.28:55 -
Episode 24, Season 2024
A Bridge from Alaska to the NationIn Chena Hot Springs, Senator Lisa Murkowski and Alexander break bread over salmon.28:57 -
Episode 23, Season 2024
Courage in FlightSenator Mark Kelly and Alexander break bread over Sonoran hot dogs; then fly over desert.28:12 -
Episode 14, Season 2024
Baskets and BurgersSenator John Thune and Alexander play basketball and then break bread over cheeseburgers.47:35 -
Episode 13, Season 2024
A Mexican Restaurant in OklahomaGovernor Kevin Stitt and Alexander break bread over carne asada tacos.34:20 -
Episode 18, Season 2024
Elk Fajitas in the DesertSenator Martin Heinrich and Alexander break bread over homemade elk fajitas.36:32 -
Episode 17, Season 2024
Country Pancakes and Country RoadsSenator Shelley Moore Capito and Alexander break bread over flapjacks.47:34 -
Episode 15, Season 2024
Christmas Every MorningGovernor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Alexander break bread over enchiladas.44:11 -
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Episode 22, Season 2024
Where Theodore Roosevelt LivesGovernor Doug Burgum and Alexander break bread over homegrown bison and potatoes.46:00 -
Episode 21, Season 2024
The Soul of New JerseySenator Cory Booker and Alexander break bread over vegan chicken and waffles.49:50 -
Episode 20, Season 2024
Governing and BBQGovernor Roy Cooper and Alexander break bread over pulled pork plates and banana pudding.46:50 -
Episode 16, Season 2024
Cooking in the House of BlaineMaine Governor Janet Mills and Alexander break bread over homemade chicken a l'orange.43:19 -
Episode 30, Season 2024
Gaming the FutureNeuroscientist Kelly Clancy discusses her new book Playing with Reality.28:32 -
Episode 29, Season 2024
Words to Preserve DemocracyPlanet Word founder Ann Friedman and director Nikki Sertsu discuss their DC museum.28:19 -
Episode 27, Season 2024
Campus on Edge...Civics to the RescueUniversity leaders Jeremy Haefner and Jonathan Holloway discuss speech and protest.28:28 -
Episode 26, Season 2024
The Science of StorytellingUniversity of Nevada scholar Emma Bloomfield discusses strategies for storytelling.28:52 -
Episode 12, Season 2024
The Alternative of Indigenous EconomicsUniversity of Arizona economist Ronald Trosper discusses the Native American tradition.28:49 -
Episode 11, Season 2024
Peacekeeping at HomeCivic leader David McCullough III discusses the mission of the American Exchange Project.28:46 -
Episode 10, Season 2024
Surveillance, Truckers, and YouPrivacy expert Karen Levy discusses the future of workplace surveillance.28:56 -
Episode 9, Season 2024
Decency in DeclineAuthor Alexandra Hudson discusses her new book "The Soul of Civility."28:54 -
Episode 8, Season 2024
American AmnesiaDocumentarian David France discusses his HBO documentary "How to Survive a Pandemic."28:46 -
Episode 7, Season 2024
The Origin of the FDA MandateNovelist Jennifer Vanderbes discusses the secret history of thalidomide in America.28:57 -
Episode 6, Season 2024
Optimizing Ourselves to DeathMathematician Coco Krumme discusses her book "Optimal Illusions"28:37 -
Episode 5, Season 2024
Brain on BrainScience writer Benjamin Ehrlich discusses his new book "The Brain in Search of Itself.”28:11 -
Episode 4, Season 2024
Chips, AI, and WWIIIAuthor Chris Miller talks about the intersection of chipmakers and geopolitical crises.22:30 -
Episode 3, Season 2024
What Fungi Means for HumanityMycologist Keith Seifert discusses what could be responsible for the next pandemic.27:48 -
Episode 2, Season 2024
The Next Hub of American InnovationTech journalist Robert Buderi discusses his new book "Where Futures Converge."28:26 -
Episode 1, Season 2024
The Persistence of EugenicsUndark magazine editor Ashley Smart discusses the intersection of science and society.27:51
