Americana: inside the USA

Americana: 9 Sep 11: Ground Zero

For a special 45-minute live show, Americana comes from Ground Zero, in downtown New York, where Jonny Dymond will talk with Americans about how their country - and mindset - has changed in the decade since 9/11. Also featuring a round table discussion with journalist and author Peter Beinart, the Gothamist blogger and managing editor John Del Signore, Daily Beast contributor Dana Goldstein and Pastor Vernon Williams, of the Perfect Peace Ministry in Harlem.

Americana: 4 Sep 11: Detroit

A special show on one of America's most troubled cities, Detroit. Americana talks with the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Barbara McQuade about the rocketing homicide rates in Detroit. Detroit's bravest man - the proud owner of new Fiat dealership - discusses the auto trade's nascent recovery. And violinist Regina Carter explains why Motor City's world famous jazz festival is about more than just bringing in the tourist dollars.

Americana: 28 Aug 11: US Postal Service

The US Post Master General discusses the fate of the US Postal Service as demand and profits decline. Professor Bill Marling discusses James M. Cain's American noir classic, "The Postman Always Rings Twice." And in a week when the people of Martha's Vineyard dealt once again with a presidential holiday, Americana talks finds that not everyone enjoys the attention.

Americana: 21 Aug 11: Barack Obama's approval-ratings

This week, as Barack Obama's personal approval ratings slump to an all-time low of just 39%, we'll ask Democrat Strategist Terry McAuliffe whether the President can still pull off a dramatic comeback, in the style of number 33, Harry Truman. Brother and sister Tamim Ansary and Rebecca Pettys recall an idyllic American childhood...spent in Afghanistan's Helmand Valley. The author Philip Connors gives us a call from his self-imposed solitude among the treetops of New Mexico's Gila National Fores...

Americana: 14 Aug 11: the Chicago Mercantile Exchange

As international stock markets see-saw in the wake of America's downgrade from AAA status, we bring you the economic outlook from America's other trading floor - the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Mormon blogger Joanna Brooks exposes the greatest myths surrounding Mormonism in America - and assesses the prospects of two Mormon presidential hopefuls. Vera Farmiga - star of 'Up In The Air' - talks about her directorial debut, "Higher Ground," in which she explores America's relationship with relig...