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Progressive News Radio (podcasts)

Podcasting news and interviews from the Left

We’re On Hiatus – Be Back Soon

Jul 21

Posted by admin in Podcast | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

Dear valued listeners,

We wanted you to know that we’re certainly not giving up or leaving for good.

As Host and Producer of Progressive News Radio,  I’ve had some rather gnarly health issues the past few years and have noticed myself getting extremely worn down. So I’ve decided to take a little time off, relax, read, nap and get some exercise. I am going on to recharge and get healthy. We’ll probably be back sometime in October, in plenty of time to get ready for the November elections.

As I said earlier, we will be back. We’ve made some great friends with the wonderful people at The Truman National Security Project and have been given some great interview opportunities through another great friend and colleague, Kathlene Carney from Carney and Associates in Bodega Bay, California.

If you would like to subscribe to our mailing list so you won’t miss our return, just email us HERE and type in “subscribe” in the subject line. That way, you’ll be sure to get the latest notices on the newest interviews as they are posted on the site.

Have a great rest of the summer.

Jim

Conversation with Sexologist Jessica O’Reilly

Jul 8

Posted by admin in Interview, Podcast, sex and relationships | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 15:22

 
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(Jessica O'Reilly)

The United States is STILL one of the most backwards countries of developed nations in the world when it comes to sex. Between religious institutions, parental “guidance” and other influences, the average American is not really aware of what to do to either pleasure their partner more or direct their partner in helping themselves feel great. That’s where Jessica O’Reilly enters the picture.

From Jessica’s Website:
Jessica is a sexologist and Ph.D. researcher who values sex as an essential element of relationships, culture, self-identity and health. Her primary goal is to provide sex-positive education that empowers clients to enjoy fulfilling, healthy and pleasurable sex lives.

Jessica believes “sex should be an enriching and healthy component of our lives. Beyond its meaningful role in reproduction, it is a valuable source of pleasure, intimacy, self-expression and relaxation. Through workshops, classes, program development and consulting, Jessica promotes healthy sexuality and cultivates sex-positive values“.

Listen to the interview for a great conversation about opening up to pleasure and intimacy for your relationship.

You can visit Jessica’s website HERE

You can read Jessica’s Blog HERE

Jessica’s BIO is HERE

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Is Net Neutrality In Jeopardy? – A talk with Megan Tady from FreePress.net

Jul 4

Posted by admin in Internet, Interview, News, Podcast, Politics, Technology | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 28:20

 
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For a while, I thought “Net Neutrality” (open access to all websites for every one) was pretty much a done deal. Not according to our guest Megan Tady (pictured at left) from our good friends at Free Press.

Apparently, Federal Communications Commissioner Julius Genakowski has been conducting meetings behind closed doors with the big Internet players such as AT&T and Comcast, as well as lobbyists.

IS Net Neutrality really in jeopardy? Are deals going to be struck by yet another government agency? We hope not.

Megan Tady from FreePress.net explains what’s at stake if we internet users lose the deal for Net Neutrality.

Megan also spoke with us about who the media conglomerates like Clear Channel have been pulling the strings on basically most radio stations in most every section of the country (see the video below).

More about MEGAN TADY
Megan Tady is Communications Coordinator for Free Press, she blogs for Free Press Web sites, write opinion pieces, develops content for Free Press campaigns and makes videos to educate the public about media issues. Before joining Free Press, Megan was a national political reporter for In These Times magazine,a staff reporter and editor for The New Standard, and worked extensively as a freelance journalist. She earned her B.A. in journalism from Northwest Missouri State University.

Megan’s article “Hate Corporate Radio? Well Speak Up—the FCC Is Listening” can be found at “In These Times” HERE.

YOU CAN GET INVOLVED AND YOU CAN HELP. BUT YOU MUST SPEAK AND YOU MUST SPEAK LOUDLY. Listen as Megan tells us how we can make sure our voices are heard and that the internet remains open to everyone, all the time.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK THE LINKS BELOW


The disturbing Clear Channel Video

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Dr. Kerry Crofton, PhD. – “Wireless Radiation Rescue” – Mobile Phone Alert

Jul 4

Posted by admin in Health, Podcast, Science, Technology | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 22:07

 
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Electro-pollution is a relative new term being used by physician’s and scientists who are studying the effects of radiation on humans.

The argument continues as to whether cell phones are causing major damage to our brains from emitted radiation said to cause brain tumors. While the usual doubter’s say “the jury is still out”, Dr. Kerry Crofton, Phd. (pictured at left) says, in fact, the jury is IN on cell phone radiation as well as that of laptop computers and wireless routers. (Laptop computers MAY effect an unborn child)

Her book “Wireless Radiation Rescue” (published by Global Wellbeing Books) explains in great detail the dangers that await those of us who use wireless routers for our computers, laptops, cellphone and microwave ovens.

Dr. Crofton joins us on this edition of Progressive News Radio not to yell “The sky is falling“, but to tell us the dangers AND what we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Dr. Crofton’s Bio
Dr. Kelly Crofton, PhD. has a doctorate in health psychology, and her thirty years of professional work includes: a clinical practice, developing and delivering wellness programs for air traffic controllers, commercial and fighter pilots, nurses, teachers, parents, and others in high-stress occupations. She has directed a hospital-based cardiac program, and co-produced a television program on heart health.

LINKS:
Radiation Rescue Website

You can buy “Wireless Radiation Rescue”
at the Amazon link below

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Progressive News Radio presents “The Truman Report”: Nathan Gonzalez – The Threat from Iran [program #3]

Jun 27

Posted by admin in Interview, News, Podcast, Politics, Technology, Truman Project, Truman Report | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 25:41

 
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Iran has been a major player in the news for some time, but more so lately as Congress has given the thumbs up to more sanctions against the Middle-Eastern powerhouse. The constant threat of an Iranian nuclear program, capable of building a nuclear bomb has played a major role in the concerns of the world. Recently, that country refused to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) into the country. Equipment has allegedly been removed from one of the scientific sites.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has recently refused to address the notion of having to contain a nuclear armed Iran, saying that the efforts of the United States were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring atomic weapons. According to Secretary Gates “a military strike against Iran remains on the table”.

(Nathan Gonzalez)

On this edition of  Progressive News Radio presents “The Truman Report” we speak with Nathan Gonzalez, a fellow The Truman National Security Project to talk about and explain this precarious position of the U.S. and the World.

Nathan Gonzalez Bio:
Nathan Gonzalez is a fellow at The Truman National Security Project. He is the author of “Engaging Iran: The Rise of a Middle East Powerhouse and America’s Strategic Choice” (published by Praeger) and his latest book “The Sunni-Shia Conflict: Understanding Sectarian Violence in the Middle East” (published by Nortia Press). A veteran of several political campaigns, Nathan contributes regular commentary on elections and foreign policy at The Huffington Post; Foreign Policy in Focus and other online publications. In 2002, he received a prize from the University of California, Los Angeles, for his research on Iraq, through which he predicted that a U.S. invasion would bring about massive sectarian violence, pervasive anti-Americanism in Iraq, and a stronger Iran. He holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in political science at UCLA.

Nathan Gonzalez’s website is HERE

You can purchase either of Nathan’s books from Amazon.com: (links below)

“Engaging Iran: The Rise of a Middle East Powerhouse and America’s Strategic Choice”

“The Sunni-Shia Conflict: Understanding Sectarian Violence in the Middle East”

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Mark W. Moffett, Author of “Adventures Among Ants” (University of California Press)

Jun 25

Posted by admin in Ecology, Interview, Podcast, Science | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 24:56

 
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Mark Moffett

When I first thought about interviewing Mark Moffett, the author of “Adventures Among Ants: A Global Safari with A Cast of Trillions“, I was first curious as to what I could possibly ask him about ants. After all, how many of us see ants in the house and scurry to squash them? Or as kids, how many of us used to burn their little tails using the sunlight through a magnifying glass? (Guilty! – Sorry, Mark)

Then I read through his book “Adventures Among Ants” and found the book exceptionally interesting as well as informative and entertaining. Mark, as a photographer has had more than 500 of his photographs published in National Geographic Magazine. His talents for photography shine through with some of the most amazing pictures of our little friends that I have ever seen.

I was really surprised at what ants do when we’re not looking (which is most of the time). They travel in huge mass populations, help our eco-system and attack each others colonies. The queen ant is the only one who reproduces, as the males have sex, then die. (Been there a time or two myself)

In this interview, you’ll be truly amazed at Mark’s findings, where he has studied all over the world from The Amazon to California and plenty of spots within.

Be sure to take a look for and buy his book, “Adventures Among Ants: A Global Safari With A Cast of Trillions“. You’ll see some links below for the book and Mark’s websites.

Mark Moffett’s website include:
Adventures Among Ants.com
Doctor Bugs.com
You can purchase “Adventures Among Ants” directly
from The University of California Press HERE

Or at Amazon.com (click the book cover below)

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Conversation with Author James Howard Kunstler

Jun 19

Posted by admin in Climate Change, Ecology, Internet, Interview, News, Podcast, Politics, Science | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 22:44

 
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Most of my day is spent looking at a large number of websites to search for the most interesting topics I can bring to the table for Progressive News Radio.

(Photo by Cal Crary)

I was intrigued and frightened after I had read an article written by author James Howard Kunstler called “Which Horizon”. I was intrigued and frightened enough by his article to contact Mr. Kunstler and asked him to appear with us on Progressive News Radio. He graciously accepted the invitation.

The article “Which Horizon” (which is available to read on his website), deals with the recent oil spill courtesy of British Petroleum.

As we hear worse news every day about the consequences of this environmental catastrophe, James spoke with us about the spill, its consequences for us as a country, its economic impact, the price of gasoline and how we need to start thinking about getting off our addiction to oil NOW.

(click image for larger size)

His website provides you a tremendous amount of material: Past articles by James, his podcast (Kunsterlcast), his paintings as well as a list of his many books and where to buy them (we both strongly suggest an independent book seller) He is best know for the book “The Long Emergency” as well as “The Geography of Nowhere” and many others.

Our thanks again to James for his time and insight. From speaking with him on the phone for about a half hour, he also appears to be one helluva nice guy to sit down and talk over a beer.

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Progressive News Radio presents “The Truman Report”: Interview with Devin Stewart (U.S.-Japanese Relations) [program #2]

Jun 9

Posted by admin in Interview, News, Politics, Truman Project, Truman Report | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 32:14

 
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Our friends at The Truman National Security Project in Washington, D.C. are continuing to collaborate with us to present a special bi-weekly interview with a fellow from The Truman Project to inform us on details in topics of interest that affect The United States National Security. Whether it’s Afghanistan, The World Economy, terrorism, Iraq or many other topics currently in the news and some that escape the scrutiny of the main stream media, we’ll give you the understandable details.

Mr. Kan

There’s been yet another change in the government of Japan as Naoto Kan (at right) becomes Prime Minister after the stepping down of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. Hatoyama’s promised changes including the removal of the United States Military Airbase off the Island of Okinawa did not come to fruition.

So just where do the United States and Japan stand on relations between the two countries?

(Devin Stewart)

We spoke with Devin Stewart (at left), a fellow at The Truman National Security Project in Washington, D.C. in another episode of our continuing interviews on national security with fellows from The Truman Project.

As well as being a fellow at The Truman National Security Project, Devin Stewart is also the Program Director and Senior Fellow at The Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. During the interview, Devin spoke of the proximity of Japanese housing near the US Military Base. A photo of the base is below. You can click on the photo for a larger  version or CLICK HERE for a link to the map at Google Maps.

If you would like to get on the mailing list for “The Truman Report“, simply send us an email with the word “subscribe” in the subject line and send it HERE.

You can also learn more about The Truman National Security Project by clicking HERE or clicking on their logo below.

If you miss a program in the coming months, simply go to the right hand column of this page and look for “categories“. Click on “Truman Report” and the entire library of past programs will be at your fingertips.

(click image for larger size)

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“Washington: Inside & Out” with Ben Armbruster

May 25

Posted by admin in Interview, News, Podcast, Politics | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 7:46

 
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The far right wing-nuts are all over the news this week, so our political analyst Ben Armbruster from Think Progress and The Center for American Progress is not worried about a subject for this week’s talk.

Ben and I discuss the recently ridiculous “applause editing” done by Fox News during President Obama’s address at West Point. If Fox News thinks viewers wouldn’t notice the edit, making them think there was no applause by the military students at West Point, they must think a lot of their viewers are stupid. But then again……

I say just start sending out a cardboard cut out of Sarah Palin along with a cassette tape of her usual drumbeat of “Death Panel Communist Socialized Medicine Not Born in This Country” chatter instead of sending her. Seems she gives the same “speech” over and over again, as witnessed by this past week’s Real Estate Convention, where she never even mentioned real estate. Duh! Just don’t forge to send the 100K check and have chilled cold bottled water ready. And don’t you dare forget the damn “bendy straws”. You betcha!

ABOUT BEN ARMBRUSTER
Ben Armbruster is Assistant Editor for ThinkProgress.org and The Progress Report at the Center for American Progress Action Fund. Ben grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Ohio University and a master’s degree in international relations from King’s College London. Ben previously served as a national security research assistant at the Center for American Progress and has also held research positions at Media Matters for America; the Henry L. Stimson Center; and the Verification Research, Training and Information Center in London. His work has been published in online and print outlets as well as various international security journals.

Remember – We’re always happy to hear from you with comments about any of our featured programs.
AND you can get on our email list so you can be notified as soon as a new program is posted. Just send your email HERE.

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Progressive News Radio presents “The Truman Report”: Interview with Eric Wasserstrom (World & National Economy/Mortgages) [program #1]

May 23

Posted by admin in Interview, News, Politics, Truman Report | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 22:24

 
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This edition of Progressive News Radio (podcast) is the first of a continuing series called “The Truman Report“.
Our friends at The Truman National Security Project in Washington, D.C. will collaborate with us to present a special bi-weekly interview with a fellow from The Truman Project to inform us on details in topics of interest that affect The United States National Security. Whether it’s Afghanistan, The World Economy, terrorism, Iraq and many other topics currently in the news and some that escape the scrutiny of the main stream media, we’ll give you the understandable details.

This program’s guest is Truman National Security Project Fellow Eric Wasserstrom as he talks about the latest news of Greece’s economy and the subsequent demonstrations, riots and how it affects us here in the United States and across the globe.

Eric’s expertise on finance and the mortgage industry helps us digest and understand the root causes of the United States Housing crisis and its fallout on homeowners.

If you would like to get on the mailing list for “The Truman Report“, simply send us an email with the word “subscribe” in the subject line and send it HERE.

You can also learn more about The Truman National Security Project by clicking  HERE or clicking on their logo below.

If you miss a program in the coming months, simply go to the right hand column of this page and look for “categories“. Click on “Truman Report” and the entire library of past programs will be at your fingertips.


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“Washington Inside & Out” with Ben Armbruster

May 19

Posted by admin in Interview, News, Politics, guns | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 12:18

 
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Our political analyst from Think Progress and The Center For American Progress, Ben Armbruster, had the dubious honor of spending the weekend at the NRA’s annual conference in Charlotte, NC. (Poor lad).

Ben says on the program this week that some of the more outlandish comments and talking points of the right-wing loony bin came from attendants of the conference who had their own “truth” about guns and the Second Amendment to the Bill of Rights.

“A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State,
the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.”

(click for full size)

Ben goes on to say that he doesn’t really “get” why the founding fathers put the second amendment into the Constitution to begin with…and does somebody REALLY need an AK-47 to go hunting?

As for Think progress’ posts from the weekend, there are six for you to read. The links are below and to the left.

Read each of Ben Armbruster’s posts:

HERE
HERE
HERE
HERE
HERE
AND HERE

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NET NEUTRALITY: An Interview with Craig Aaron from Free Press.net

May 16

Posted by admin in Internet, Interview, News, Podcast, Technology | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 38.41

 
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Hundreds of millions of people use the internet every single day of the week. As of right now, the sites that you visit regularly or even occasionally are easily accessible and usually quick to load.

But what if SOME of the sites you visit are purposely made to load slowly so you get frustrated and go elsewhere?

That’s what may happen (and no doubt will) if we, as the American public, don’t demand Net Neutrality. The recent merger between Comcast and NBC/Universal could mean you may be getting slow downloads or no availability to websites such as ABC-TV, CBS-TV, CNN or Fox’s because Comcast, the largest internet provider has decided they don’t want you to visit those sites because Comcast owns NBC.

Craig Aaron, a frequent guest to the program, joins us to talk of the importance of Net Neutrality, the actions that you need to take and the people you need to contact to assure that the Internet is all available to everyone.

About Craig Aaron
Managing Director Craig Aaron (pictured at left) leads all Free Press program, advocacy, and public education work. Before joining Free Press, he was an investigative reporter for Public Citizen’s Congress Watch, where he helped create and launch the WhiteHouseForSale.org website. Craig previously worked as the managing editor of In These Times magazine. He edited the book Appeal to Reason: 25 Years In These Times and co-edited the book Changing Media: Public Interest Policies for the Digital Age. His reporting, commentary and criticism have appeared in numerous national publications.

Two Million Strong For Net Neutrality
Facts About Net Neutrality
About Free Press

Click logos to go straight to these websites.


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Interview with Jim Reed – Democratic Candidate for California’s 2nd Congressional District

May 12

Posted by admin in Interview, Podcast, Politics | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 29:03

 
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(Democrat Jim Reed)

California’s 2nd Congressional District covers a huge portion of The Golden State. The Northern portion ends at the Oregon State border while stretching all the way to just North of the state capitol of Sacramento. (SEE MAP HERE)

(Herger)

The current and incumbent Republican candidate , Wally Herger (pictured at right) is a 24 year veteran of the House of Representatives. A Republican with a horrible voting record, even for topics that matter for his constituency. He does hold the honor of being in the top ten percentile of the worst Congressional Representatives in the United States government. As he no doubt sits at his desk in Washington, D.C., doodling on paper, reading the latest edition of “Field and Stream” and waiting for House Minority leader John Boehner to phone Wally’s office and tell him how to vote, the time has plainly come to send Wally home to retirement.

In 2008, Democrat Jeff Morris came extremely close to beating Herger, considering the large agricultural population and Conservative majority.

You’d think Herger would get the message. But he continues to beat the same drum as every other Republican in Congress. You might remember the “town hall meeting” (read that as a Herger Rally), where a resident stood up to the microphone and proclaimed that he  “is proud to be a right-wing terrorist.” (See video below)

This election, it’s time to look another way. Though you may have been somewhat frustrated about the lack of progress for the White House agenda, this is no time to give up and NOT vote. The fight must go on. And that’s why Jim Reed needs to be elected.

We are eternally grateful to have Jim allow us nearly 30 minutes of his time to speak with us about how the 2nd Congressional District in California is NOT being served by the incumbent.

In his own words, Jim Reed explains the needed change and his stands on such topics as Wall Street reform, gun control and abortion. You can check out Jim Reed’s website HERE or by clicking on the campaign banner above.

The Proud Right-Wing Terrorist (below)


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“Washington Inside and Out” – with Ben Armbruster

May 4

Posted by admin in Ecology, Interview, News, Podcast, Politics | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME -10:58

 
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Aren’t you glad that the White House is/was behind exploration for oil of the Atlantic Coast? Now the BP company’s underwater oil gusher has the capability of outdoing the Exxon-Valdez spill in Alaska. And we see how much Exxon has paid of their fine. (by the way it’s ZERO).

Progressive News Radio’s political analyst, Ben Armbruster talks with us this week about oil exploration, the bills in Congress for and against it AND the latest group of Republicans to “punt” on making decision to back Arizona’s Immigration Act. Hey Republican boys and girls, as your former commander in chief, George W. Bush would say, “Are ya with us or against us?”

Enjoy!

Jim

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Childhood Obesity – An Interview with Lisa Bennett from The Center For Ecoliteracy

Apr 29

Posted by admin in Children, Ecology, Interview, News, Nutrition, Podcast, Science | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 18:36

 
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In today’s world of fast foods, two parents working, video games, television and an increasing supply of “junk food”, children are becoming more and more dangerous to themselves in regards to childhood obesity.

Today’s generation of children are more apt to grow older with Diabetes, heart disease and other serious health issues that aside from having their lives at risk, will cause health care costs to skyrocket even farther.

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Bennett (pictured left) from The Center for Ecoliteracy. Lisa is also co-author of “Smart By Nature: Schooling for Sustainability” (Watershed Media/U.C. Press, 2009)(links to purchase the book are below).

In this interview, Lisa speaks with us about the importance of nutrition for children and the need for sweeping changes in school lunch programs.

Even a retired Rear Admiral from the United States Navy has said that today’s children will be unfit for the military when they come of age. (STORY HERE)

You can find out more about the “Center for Ecoliteracy” HERE
Purchase Lisa’s co-authored book “Smart By Nature” at THIS LINK or below

More about Lisa Bennett

Lisa Bennett, communications director, is a former fellow at Harvard University’s Center on Press, Politics, and Public Policy in the John F. Kennedy School of Government. She is a contributor to the Center for Ecoliteracy’s book,  Smart by Nature: Schooling for Sustainability (Watershed Media/University of California Press, 2009)…. Her writing has appeared in many newspapers, magazines, and blogs, including The New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, Chronicle of Higher Education, Education Week, and Huffington Post. She has spoken at the National Press Club and appeared on numerous television and radio programs.


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“Washington Inside & Out” with Ben Armbruster

Apr 27

Posted by admin in Interview, News, Podcast, Politics | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 9:18

 
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Ben Armbruster

C’mon, now. You really didn’t think the slimeballs from Goldman Sachs were going to give Congress any real answers to their questions, did you? It would have been nice, but nobody’s talking. Lloyd Blankfein and his minions know exactly what they did and they’re probably going to get away with it.

The Republicans are the beneficiaries of lots and lots of Wall Street cash for re-election donations. And do the Republicans care that people know this? Of course not. And that’s why they’re so against the Wall Street reform. Their coffers will dry up.

Just why aren’t the teabaggers screaming about the Arizona State crackdown on immigration? They’re NOT racist, they’re against big government and “The Man” telling them what to do. So why don’t we see the streets littered with moronic misspelled placards denouncing the wrongdoing?

Our political analyst Ben Armbruster from Think Progress and The Center for American Progress helps us dissect and try to get some answers.

Meanwhile, the comedy continues. If it wasn’t so mind boggling and financially killing the country, it might actually be hilarious.

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Interview with Melanie Lenart, Author of “Life In The Hothouse”

Apr 27

Posted by admin in Climate Change, Interview, News, Science | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

Running Time – 18:20

 
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Environmentally, most of us know that if we don’t do something to stop or slow down the amount of carbon dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere, we are all in deep trouble. A climate bill is stalled as legislation in Congress, but the action WE as citizens of the United States must do is act now.

Fortunately, we do have some help. Earth itself works to cool itself by creating more hurricanes, storms, rain, flooding, snow, etc. to stave off a mammoth heatwave.

This is where Melanie Lenart comes into the picture. Melanie has a new book that has just been published by The University of Arizona Press titled “Life In The Hothouse: How a Living Planet Survives Climate Change”.

Melanie’s scientific accounts and explanation of this phenomena are easy to understand in her book and make for some compelling reading and learning about Earth’s own “thermostat”. “Life In The Hothouse” gets a little bit scientific, but Melanie does a stellar job in helping us to get a grasp on the concept and simply understand it.

We recently spoke with Melanie about her book and the Earth’s efforts to cool itself. (Podcast of the interview is above)

Have a listen to the interview and then buy her book and see how we can help Earth help itself.

Melanie’s book is also available at The University of Arizona Press bookstore HERE.

Melanie Lenart’s Biography:
Melanie Lenart is an environmental scientist and writer. Since 1996, she has dedicated most of her time to understanding how the planet changes with climate — and conveying this information to the public.

After receiving her Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Global Change (2003) from the University of Arizona in Tucson, she took a postdoctoral research position with the UA’s Institute for the Study of Planet Earth, now the Institute of the Environment (IE). In this position, Lenart worked to inform a variety of stakeholders throughout the Southwest on climate variability and change.

Lenart also holds a master’s degree in forestry (1992) from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and a bachelor’s degree in journalism (1984) from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Her scientific research has involved studying carbon cycling, the effect of high carbon dioxide levels on plants, tree-ring dating and tree uprooting dynamics. She has explored both physical and social questions working in subtropical, temperate and tropical forests.

From 1982 through 1996, she worked primarily as a newspaper reporter and editor, including at Puerto Rico’s English-language daily newspaper The San Juan Star and several papers in the Chicago area. Since then, she has continued to report on climate and its impacts for a variety of venues, including Landscape Architecture and Nature Reports Climate Change. She teaches environmental writing at the university and in workshops.

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“Washington Inside & Out” with Ben Armbruster

Apr 20

Posted by admin in Interview, News, Podcast, Politics | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 13:38

 
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Ben Armbruster

It’s always a pleasure to have Ben Armbruster from The Center for American Progress and Think Progress join us for a good political discussion of what’s in the news.

This past week saw Michele Bachmann claim that “Bill Clinton wants to take me out.” Not sure if she meant having her “snuffed” or taking her out on a date. But that doesn’t matter, ’cause she’s nuttier than squirrel poo.

Former Presidential Spokesmodel Dana Perino spoke to Greta Van Susteren about the public’s trust in American Government. Turns out 80% don’t trust our elected officials, making it the lowest popularity rating in fifty years. Of course, there was no mention whether it was the Democrats, Republicans or the fact that Republicans are the “Party of NO”. It was a pretty dependable effort from Pew Research.

Ben and I have a laugh or two and do actually get down to business.

As always, our many thanks to Ben for taking time out from his busy schedule to join us each week!

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SPECIAL GUEST: Alexandra Bell – The Truman National Security Project

Apr 20

Posted by admin in Interview, News, Podcast, Politics | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio/
with special thanks to Frankie Sturm
at The Truman Project

RUNNING TIME – 15:05

 
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President Obama recently signed a treaty with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev to reduce the amount of nuclear warheads held by both countries.

The President was also the host of the Nuclear Security Summit held during the week of April 12, 2010 in Washington, D.C.
The purpose was to get all the countries together that possessed nuclear materials to make sure they are secure and to work toward efforts that keep nuclear bomb making materials out of the hands of terrorists.

We were honored recently to speak with Alexandra Bell, a Fellow at The Truman National Security Project in Washington.
Alexandra is a Project Manager at the Ploughshares Fund. During the 2008 election, Bell worked on arms control and nonproliferation issues for the Obama campaign. Bell was previously a Research Assistant for Nuclear Policy at the Center for American Progress. She has worked with the Study Group on the Economics of Security and was an international reporter for ATV News in Hong Kong. From 2001-2003, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in southwest Jamaica. Bell received a Master’s degree in International Affairs from the New School and a Bachelor’s degree in Peace, War and Defense and U.S. History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Read Alexandra’s article from April 15, 2010 on The Hill.com HERE

Read more about The Truman National Security Project HERE

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“Washington Inside & Out” with Ben Armbruster

Apr 6

Posted by admin in Interview, News, Podcast, Politics | Comments off

by Jim Swanson
Progressive News Radio

RUNNING TIME – 8:00

 
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This week’s discussion includes information on Republican Senator John Kyl’s attempt to, once again, stall the extension of unemployment benefits to MILLIONS. His reason? He says people on unemployment have no incentive to go look for a job!

Also, another attempt to make a citizen’s arrest on Karl Rove. **

Ben Armbruster, our weekly guest from The Center for American Progress and Think Progress.org helps us dissect this week’s politics and make a better understand of topics that mean a lot to all of us.

As always, great thanks to Ben for his continued participation on Progressive News Radio.

** How To Make A Citizen’s Arrest

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