Think from KERA

The unbreakable bond of found family

Unraveling the history of the Jim Crow South, personal stories are interwoven with humor and heartbreak. Tayari Jones is an author and C.H. Candler Professor of English and Creative Writing at Emory University. She joins host Krys Boyd to discuss her new novel, which follows two young Black women – both motherless and as close as sisters – navigating the era with different trajectories. The book is called “Kin.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

David Sedaris on the absurdity of aging

When you have the natural curiosity of David Sedaris, ordinary observations turn into moments of humor and humanity. The best-selling author joins host Krys Boyd to discuss his latest book of essays that lays out life in in the 21st Century, from his walking habit that garnered him a garbage truck, his souvenir from meeting the Pope, and what he thinks of life, death and even our love of dogs. His newest book is “The Land and Its People.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Is America a bad neighbor?

America has long enjoyed a relatively calm home in North America, but President Trump’s recent moves could upend that stability. This hour, Krys Boyd sits down with three guests to break down the state of U.S. relations with Mexico, Canada and Cuba. We’ll explore why these nations have landed in Trump’s crosshairs and examine what shifting diplomacy could mean for America’s security in the years ahead. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Do nukes still prevent wars?

Nuclear weapons have long been thought to be deterrents for global warfare– are they still? Rose Gottemoeller is William J. Perry Lecturer at the Center for International Security and Cooperation and a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. From 2016 to 2019, she served as Deputy Secretary General of NATO. She joins guest host Paige Phelps to discuss why nuclear weapons are largely ineffective in stopping sustained attacks by cheap drones and why countries who want to acquire nukes should reconsider that strategy. Her article in Foreign Affairs is “The Strange Defeat of Nuclear Deterrence.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The joy of small moments

We often look for happiness in big, emotional moments but something as simple as touching grass can spark joy. Ian Bogost joins guest host Paige Phelps to discuss the difference between satisfaction and gratification.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices