Tell Me More
 
April 30, 2007

A New Day in Radio

Tell Me More Logo Lee Hill, NPR
 
Michel Martin Lee Hill, NPR

It's launch day! Our crew came in this morning a little after 6, and by 7 this place had turned into a circus. There were people running, shouting (many to themselves), sighing and pacing...but sadly, no twirling.

At 9 a.m. we were on the air and our new website had its debut here on NPR.org

And so we toast...to new beginnings. We made it through our first show!

So, what did you think of the stories? How was your listening experience for Day One of Tell Me More?

Wish you were here!

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Family, Money and Drama

Empty

What happens when lending or giving to family takes its toll?

Source: -Mandie-

Hey there, my peoples!

I know it's been a while since you've heard (read?) from me, but we've been working our collective fingers to the bone preparing for our REALLY BIG DAY! More to come on this tomorrow...

We want to get you involved in something we're working on. In the works for next week is another segment with one of our amazing coaches. The topic? We're taking on money and the family, baby!

Do you have a family member on the dole?...Where one person (or more) in the family always seems to have a financial crisis? And the other person (or people) -- who just happens to be the most financially stable -- feels they have to support the others? (I'm tempted to write ne'er do wells but I want to avoid the editorial) Does it cause stress in the family, maybe among siblings who think one kid is always taking advantage? We've actually seen this scenario in the movies. Remember Soul Food or Million Dollar Baby? But, really. How many of us have actually talked about this seriously?

So, we ask...can you relate?
Have you been a borrower or a lender in your family?
Have your loved ones ever caused you to secretly regret your own financial success?
Or, have your loved ones ever caused you to feel bad for asking for their help?

Our money coach plans to take the dynamic of the Bank of Dad head on, so...
Have a question or scenario you'd like to discuss?
Want advice?

Drop us a line, and tell us more...

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April 27, 2007

Until We Meet Again...

Goodbyes for me are never easy. This one is bittersweet.

After today, we'll no longer be a part of NPR's Rough Cuts. Beginning Monday, April 30th, we officially launch as a full-fledged NPR program! We've graduated!

As you might recall, Rough Cuts was never designed to be a permanent location (or name...and thanks again to all of you who played the name game with us! That was crazy...). Instead, the whole idea was that this space was to serve as the "launch pad" or "laboratory" for new NPR projects. We had the honor of being the first such project.

A lot has happened here over the past six months. When we first came to you, we were nameless, pretty much shapeless and searching to find our place (kind of like smooth cheeked little babies, but maybe not as cute). Now, I don't know what your attitude is about this, but in the nature vs. nurture debate I am a both-and woman. That's my way of saying, we may have come here unformed, but the development process was both learning how to do this radio thing, and discovering and refining what was already within us. What you will hear, we hope, is a combination of what we've learned from you -- what you've told us works or doesn't work -- but also what we all brought with us, in our hearts, souls and minds, about what this program should be.

Looking back over the 16 pilots and nearly 20 other non-piloted stories posted here, I can say that every minute of this preliminary journey has been enriching. Don't get me wrong, we've had labor pains (and once we launch, we'll have growing pains), but they've been fruitful...and we're about to deliver!!!

We always expected to put on a great program -- at least we plan to do everything we can to make it great -- but in the spirit of full disclosure, I'll admit that what we didn't expect was to make such great friends here -- You. We've been overwhelmed by the support, constructive criticism, the ideas, the personal stories. Can I just tell you? You have really shown us the love. Our entire team is humbled and gratified by it.

Speaking of team...we finally have one! When we started Rough Cuts in December, I could count all of us on one hand. Those days are over (thankfully). We're blessed to have a fantastic -- not to mention brilliant -- group of folks working with us. Some time after we launch, I'll introduce them to you...

So, what's next? Monday, we officially launch as NPR's Tell Me More with Michel Martin on stations across the country.

If you don't hear us Monday on your local public radio station, you still have options! Catch us on Sirius Satellite Radio, download our podcasts on iTunes, or check us out on the web.

And don't worry! Our blog will not die. I repeat. Will not die. It will serve as a supplement to our daily on-air conversations. Trust me, one of our producers, Lee Hill, will see to that. He assures me we have many exciting ideas to bridge the digital divide between what you hear on the radio and what you'll see on our website (he'd better or he's toast -- Lee...kidding...pre-launch aggression, nothing more) In other words, fasten your seat belts...we're ready to go!

So, cheers to Rough Cuts. And cheers to new beginnings -- for us here and for you...

Thanks for helping us find our way!

See you Monday at www.npr.org/tellmemore.

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April 26, 2007

Next Week: Family, Money and Drama

Empty

What happens when lending or giving to family takes its toll?

Source: -Mandie-

Hey there, my peoples!

I know it's been a while since you've heard (read?) from me, but we've been working our collective fingers to the bone preparing for our REALLY BIG DAY! More to come on this tomorrow...

We want to get you involved in something we're working on. In the works for next week is another segment with one of our amazing coaches. The topic? We're taking on money and the family, baby!

Do you have a family member on the dole?...Where one person (or more) in the family always seems to have a financial crisis? And the other person (or people) -- who just happens to be the most financially stable -- feels they have to support the others? (I'm tempted to write ne'er do wells but I want to avoid the editorial) Does it cause stress in the family, maybe among siblings who think one kid is always taking advantage? We've actually seen this scenario in the movies. Remember Soul Food or Million Dollar Baby? But, really. How many of us have actually talked about this seriously?

So, we ask...can you relate?
Have you been a borrower or a lender in your family?
Have your loved ones ever caused you to secretly regret your own financial success?
Or, have your loved ones ever caused you to feel bad for asking for their help?

Our money coach plans to take the dynamic of the Bank of Dad head on, so...
Have a question or scenario you'd like to discuss?
Want advice?

Drop us a line, and tell us more...

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April 20, 2007

The Perceptions of Tragedy

Virginia Tech Campus

Roses at the foot of a light post serve as a small memorial outside Norris Hall, where 30 students were killed this week at Virginia Tech this.

Source: Getty Images

A week ago today, the "Hokies" of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University knew the weekend was fast-approaching. Thinking back to my own college days, I'd bet they were trying to figure out how to get the most out of their weekend -- study hard for finals, maybe play hard too...especially those graduating seniors.

They didn't know that only a week later, their academic sanctuary -- the training ground for their greatest pursuits -- would be visited by utter mayhem and reduced to a crime scene of historic proportions. In the space of a couple of hours on Monday, Blacksburg, Virginia suddenly became a major topic of conversation -- and headlines -- across the globe.

So far, all we really know is that the gunman was one sick young man. And the rest of us are left to try to make sense of whatever we can...Like everyone else, we have been trying to figure out what we can constructively add to the national conversation about all this.

In our first blog entry, we wondered whether a gun control conversation might begin -- again. Many of you sent us thoughtful responses -- which we very much appreciate -- but we didn't see a way to make that conversation different from so many you've already heard.

Then we started to notice something: Since the moment it was revealed that Sueng-Hui Cho was a native of South Korea, members of the Korean-American community across the US seemed to feel a special responsibility to express their regret and horror at the incident...even to apologize. One such leader is Washington State Sen. Paul Chin. We talked with him and asked why he felt an apology is in order...

Also, learning the race of Cho Sueng-Hui Cho stirred interesting cultural reactions. Was the fact of his race and heritage overpowering enough to influence how we think about the crime...and its aftermath? What is to be said about individual's perceptions here? Blogger Phil Yu (his blog is called Angry Asian Man...and trust me, it's actually very smart and warm and often hilarious) helped us out with this one, as did Alvin Alvarez, Ph.D., president of the Asian American Psychological Association.

In our last discussion (at least, for this pilot) on the Virginia tragedy: There's a debate about how closely the presumed shooter is being associated with his South Korean heritage by we, the media. This week the Asian-American Journalists Association (AAJA) urged journalists to exercise caution in reporting on Cho's ethnicity. What's behind their concerns? Jeanne Mariani-Belding, president of that organization tells us more...

We think that's a thorough portion on the happenings of this past week. It's enough to keep you thinking (and blogging)...

Now for a few of our signature dishes we love:

Faith Matters -- Question: what happens when a registered sex offender desires to become a member of a church? Should churches -- many of which are thriving with young children -- feel obligated to extend the hand of fellowship? A congregation in California is grappling with this question. We talk with the pastor and two of his members, both of whom are parents of young children.

*** PAUSE. SOUL BREAK ***

Oliver Wang, the music and culture writer and curator of "Soul Sides Volume Two: The Covers" helps us with our groove for a minute...thank goodness, right on time...

Sound Vault -- We posted a while back on the whole Ken Burns/PBS controversy (which is still being worked out, it seems). Well, here's more dialogue on the contribution of Latinos to WWII. This week, two remarkable men share their experiences -- including the obstacles they faced -- while serving as soldiers in a war that didn't always make them feel heroic.
And...

Heard on the Street -- Gotta love this one! The music of Don Witter, Jr. is the daily soundtrack for scores of New Yorkers who pass through the city's subway system. For him, it's proven to be a labor of love. He gives us "a day in the life..." (courtesy of our friends at NPR member station WNYC)

So, blog it out...

What do you think about the reporting on of Sueng-Hui Cho's ethnic background? Relevant or overplayed?
Really. Be honest here (and everywhere): Did Cho's ethnicity influence your thinking about the crime? How so?

And, if you belong to a religious community, how would you react to a convicted sex offender who tried to join your church?

Tough one...or not?

Have a good weekend.

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April 19, 2007

We Could All Use a Little Peace...

Shalom Source: iStock

We've said it before, but we can't say it enough...our hearts go out to all those affected by the tragedy at Virginia Tech, and indeed all those who are missing loved ones today due to violence. Very soon, we'll be bringing you some interesting conversations about this tragedy...

Two segments today:

Is your home in desperate need of some serious shalom (it's Hebrew for "peace")? Well, I'll be the first to admit that -- as a full-time wife, mother and journalist...at NPR -- I could use a little Kum Ba Yah every now and then.

Ok, enough of my business...get it together Michel!

Listen in as we speak to Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, family counselor and host of Discovery's Shalom in the Home. He talks about establishing (and maintaining) peace in your house...and even in his house! We also explore how the culture we live in might sometimes pose an obstacle to this...

And, again, Can I Just Tell You?

Part of me is worried that this is dated but then a part of me says...yes, it is still relevant. It's my last word on Imus. With all that's going on in the world, the question is, when and how do we decide to focus on the little hurts that coarsen our daily lives? Who gets to decide what matters?

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April 18, 2007

Tools of Mayhem at Virginia Tech

Seeing Double Source: AFP/Getty Images

We were devastated to learn of the tragic loss of lives at Virginia Tech. Our hearts go out to the families and the campus community there. We were in the studio recording our Monday program, while the events were unfolding, but before anyone outside the VTECH community knew about it...it all became public a short time later. Needless to say NPR has been covering the story closely...

We're thinking about what constructive conversations we might have about the terrible events at Virginia Tech. Inevitably, a conversation about gun control ensues after an incident like this. Douglas Hopper, one of our producers, took a cab home the other night. The driver offered the opinion that it was a good idea that the courts have overturned D.C.'s strict handgun ban, the idea being if the government can't protect you, you'd better be able to protect yourself. But, clearly, others would argue that the very reason these incidents occur is that guns are so readily available in this country. So we would like to ask -- if we can ask this without being exploitative -- have you ever had occasion to defend yourself with a gun? Or, have you been in a situation that caused you to believe that the right to bear arms is worth defending?

On the contrary, we'd also like to know if you've ever had a personal experience that caused you to reject the use of weapons, or to believe that access to weapons should be restricted.

Talk to us...

And thank you for allowing us into the sensitive corners of your lives.

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April 17, 2007

Imus Out, Apple In...

Don Imus

Radio "shock jock" and television personality Don Imus was recently fired from MSNBC and CBS over comments about the Rutgers University Women's Baketball team.

Getty Images
 
Apple TV

The new Apple TV.

Source: niallkennedy

The window on the latest "shock jock" drama -- it made world headlines -- is now closing. Aside from Don Imus' actual comments, what made this particular incident so important is the furor it incited. The public outcry was remarkable. Don't you think so?

Judging by the comments to our blog last week...everyone else's blogs...and the chit chat at the supermarket, or maybe church...it seemed that just about EVERYONE had an opinion on this -- talk radio listener or not. And such strong opinions.

This I'd bet on: that the radio veteran had no idea that a few seconds of his show would generate such a deep discussion, a discussion which seems so much bigger than him.

In the middle of all this yak yak we were trying to figure out what our contribution could be...because if you're hearing the same thing you're hearing on everybody else's air, why do you need us? First we thought, we wanted to at least try to get at what was, and still is, at the core of this whole...mess: what's the appeal of Imus, and indeed the genre we call "shock-jock" (a term some people hate btw)? So we put out a call in this space for people who say they listen to the show and asked them to join us. (What's up with all you Imus listeners that so many of you said, "not me!"?) But we were happy to have Anthony Duignan-Cabrera, an Imus listener and an editorial director for Imaginova Corporation; and -- a first for us -- a frequent commenter on our blog, Steve Petersen. We also wanted the perspective of a talk show industry insider so we were very lucky to get Michael Harrison, editor and publisher of Talkers Magazine in between his 50 million newspaper and television interviews.

And, then we thought it would be interesting to hear from a group of African American women. (As you know, the subject of Imus' remarks was the Rutgers Women's Basketball team -- predominantly black females). Participating in that discussion: Rose Scott, freelance sports writer; Teresa Wiltz, writer for the Style section of the Washington Post; and journalist and professor E. R. Shipp.

Curious where you come out on this. I hope you hear your view represented somewhere in these conversations...OR that someone had a thought that hadn't occurred to you.

And because we cannot just live in the land of intensity we have some other dessert for you:

Next Big Thing -- For all of you iPod worshippers out there...it will soon have a sibling. We take a look at the new Apple TV. (It's basically an iPod, but for television content.) You knew it was coming, right? Allen Weiner takes us on a test drive and gives us his full "user experience..."

Last, can a baseball widow become a baseball fan? Sydney Trent has a lovely story -- literally rooted in love -- on how and why she taught herself to become a great fan of the sport.
Yes, she's a "gal of summer."

Ok, your turn.

So, what do you think is next for Imus? Do you think he'll pop up on satellite like his brethren in the business Howard Stern and Opie and Anthony? Do you even care? When you get a moment, scroll down and read our posts on this from last week.

iPodder? Are you craving the next big thing: Apple TV? Hmm...I wonder what will follow the Apple TV. Maybe the Applemobile luxury sedan. GPS standard, of course.

Blog it out...

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April 13, 2007

Double the Pleasure...

Seeing Double Source: alborz_d92


Rolling out our new name, sharing our first FULL pilot hour, tweaking it all; a quick trip to New York to help NPR member station WNYC mark its capital campaign to pay for their new fancy studio space...a lot on our plates this past week. Then, Imus.

Need I say any more?

But, somehow I've enjoyed...most of it. I'm beginning to think I actually function better without sleep. Could that possibly be true? (And no, I will NOT be asking for a second opinion)

ANYWHO...It's Friday the 13th. We're not superstitious so we're going to take a chance on posting two full pilot hours today and hope that no buggies take us down. So, let's get to it...

Pilot A: You'll hear a discussion on circumcision and talks in New York to encourage adult men to have the procedure as a way to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS. . (Gee--wonder why none of the guys on our staff wanted to work on this segment?!) We also talk baseball and Barry Bonds. Some predict that he'll soon pass Hank Aaron's homerun record. But that got us to thinking: given Bonds' checkered history, do his homerun stats alone mean that we should think of him as a "hero?"...

Plus, we talk to the only woman currently working as an umpire in professional baseball. Yep, we found her--no easy feat, since she calls a game just about every night during the season and is constantly on the road. Sorry, I know some people hate this "first-only woman/black/purple/ whatever person to do this or that" coverage. But I couldn't help myself. I love stories about people who've broken barriers, and ( you might have figured this out by now) I really like sports.

You'll also hear a discussion on differences among ethnicities when it comes to end of life decisions. I confess the discussion forced me to think about my own attitudes about this...

Pilot B: Katrina -- We are very interested in following the stories of those affected by the storm. And we remain intrigued by the stories of where everyone has gone and how they have fared. In this program we focused on folks who have moved to Atlanta. Why Atlanta? You'll just have to listen.

Then...could you have a fantasy about money? No, not that you'll win Powerball (we all have that). One of our money coaches stops by to give us some tips on how we'd know if we are actually disconnected with reality when it comes to our cash. And of course...Mocha Moms. Are you a stay-at-home mom? If so, could you be doomed!? A new book by Leslie Bennetts calls staying home "The Feminine Mistake." But don't worry...the Moms don't play! It's as good it gets for a very balanced discussion.

Twice the segments...twice the fun, right? I'm giving you the entire weekend to chew on these, so you'll have more than enough time. Let us know what you think...

Now, here are couple things I'd like to know...

Are there pioneers whom you'd like to know more about ? (hopefully living ones I could interview -- but wait --even some historical figures might be in our sound vault!)

Heads of state?
Sports figures?
Scientists?
People in your community?
What kind of achievers interest you? And do you have their cell phone numbers?
(Of course, that is a "yes" or "no" question...no cell numbers on the blog, please)

Have a great weekend!

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April 12, 2007

My Thoughts on Imus

Can I Just Tell You?... Our blog entry below has generated some spirited comments in response to this whole Don Imus flap.

Lend your ear to this commentary and hear my thoughts on the issue...

(This was recorded before the MSNBC suspension, and so on...)

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April 9, 2007

Forging Our Way

Another week of piloting... and BREAKING NEWS!
Are you ready??
We have a name!!!!!!
Drumroll (cue announce)...
Are you ready?

TELL ME MORE with Michel Martin

It has been a long process...
I can't even tell you how many names we explored. Thousands, literally. YOU sent us some great ones... but alas, SO many great ones were already taken!

So, here's why we think this one will work: It says exactly what we're trying to do: We're listening.
We've got our collective ears to the ground.
And to you, it says we want to know more -- so much more.
We're going behind the headlines to give you the angles and the perspectives that others might miss or just not talk about.

So...Tell Me More. That's why we're here.

(And sorry! Nobody won the dinner. The name came from in-house!)

And even more BIG NEWS! In honor of our new name and our drive toward our on-the-air launch, this week, we share with you our first FULL pilot hour!
(Um, sorry... give me a minute. Sniff!) Sorry to get emotional. This is kind of a big deal to us because it's the first entire show that we're making available to you

As you know, our earlier posts have just featured "samples" from our piloting. We wanted to tweak things just right -- at least to us -- before revealing ALL. (Just like I wouldn't come out of the house with my hair in a doo-rag... ya feel me? )

So, here's what's up for today's full hour:

Award-winning documentarian Ken Burns is facing controversy. Critics say his upcoming 14-hour series on World War II overlooks the contributions and experiences of Latinos who fought and served. Some believe Burns' omission is a major slap in the face, while some other documentary filmmakers say, "Not so fast." We wanted to hear from both sides.

We talked to Maggie Rivas Rodriguez, a journalist and historian at a major Texas university and Nina Gilden-Seavey, a filmmaker in her own right. In a separate conversation, Latino filmmaker Hector Galan also weighs in. We were debating whether a film that has yet to premiere really merits so much attention. But we decided the issues raised were so interesting -- and that these three points of view were so compelling we really couldn't handle it in less time. Hope you agree.

By now, we are probably all aware of major conflict in Darfur and how it's affecting lives. (If not, catch up here). We hear a lot about the number of people displaced. But one thing I always wonder when I hear that is: Where do the people go? One answer (although not the whole answer, by any means) is: a small Midwestern town. Where? You'll have to listen. Suliman Giddo, co-founder of Darfur Peace and Development Association, and Abdula Salah, a Dafari refugee.

Barbershop -- It's back! We took your advice. I'm just eavesdropping this time. (I have tough skin; it's ok. Brooklyn, remember?) Listen to these fellas talk about some of everything. They cover presidential fundraising and a bit of recent celebrity "baby daddy" drama. In the shop this week is Jimi Izrael, from the last go-around;
Michael David Cobb Bowen
, freelance writer and author; Quibian Salazar-Moreno, a freelance writer whose work has appeared in URB magazine and AOL Black Voices, and Ruben Navarrette, a syndicated columnist for the San Diego Union-Tribune and CNN.com.

Lastly, it's your turn. No, really! We read from your blog posts and feedback to what we're doing. Take a listen. You might hear from yourself!

That's a wrap. Do you think that Ken Burns is obligated to be more inclusive in his war documentary? Or is his artistic freedom more important? What do you think about all the fuss?

Let us know what you think about the full selection of content...and listening to our first release of a (mock) full show.

We love hearing from you -- and you hearing us. We're getting closer to our launch!

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Imus-itis

Sorry in advance about the language but there's no way to tell the story otherwise:

If this is the first you're reading -- or hearing -- of this here's the deal: Last week, radio "shock jock" Don Imus, on his show, described the Women's basketball team (predominantly African-American) of Rutgers University, the NCAA finalists, as "nappy headed ho's." You can read more about it here.

It's not the first time for Imus. He once called a prominent African-American reporter "the cleaning lady" and a Jewish reporter...well, enough already.

Many people have now called for him to be fired, including the President of the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. He has since apologized (the sincerity of which some question but still..) and had a fairly contentious appearance on the Rev. Al Sharpton's radio program this morning (Monday, April 9) where he insisted he is not a racist and said he wanted to meet with the young ladies on the basketball team to let them know he's not a bad guy. Rev. Sharpton, for one, says he still thinks Imus needs to go and will organize pickets until Imus does go.

But we have a couple of questions. Isn't that the game? They don't call him a "shock jock" for nothing. Isn't getting people riled up the very reason he draws his handsome paycheck? So, where, exactly is the line?

We are hoping you can help us with this.

We want to know if you listen to Imus and if so, what do you like about the show? We are particularly interested if you are: A) a woman -- since a lot of people think his comments were at least as sexist as they were racist -- or B) a person of color (see "A") or white man and you consider yourself politically correct or progressive. That is to say even if YOU don't go around calling people nappy headed...whatevers...you still enjoy the banter.

We want to understand the appeal and we'd rather get it from listeners than people who study listeners, although we might ask them too. We also want to know where you draw the line? Have you ever turned off a show or stopped watching or listening all together because the host went too far?
We're hoping to construct the entire segment from people who actually listen to the show.
When you're not listening to NPR, of course...

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April 4, 2007

Spirit-Filled Conflicts

Homosexuality and the church

Many religious communities continue to grapple with ideas of homosexuality within the church.

iStock
 
Rene Syler

Rene Syler has written a new book on motherhood.

Source: Rene Syler




What if you could know whether your baby is gay?

I know, I know. This sounds like something from the supermarket tabloid wars. But this question has set off a serious theological discussion within one of the nation's more conservative denominations, the Southern Baptists. The President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Albert Mohler, took that question and wrote a rather serious meditation on the implications as he saw them. You can read the article for yourself here.

I could have told Rev. Mohler that his writing would produce one thing for sure: lots and lots of DRAMA!

Given that many of the world's major religions are struggling over the issue of homosexuality, we thought it would be interesting to talk about how other religious leaders are grappling with the issue, particularly within the Baptist tradition (given that Rev. Mohler is Baptist).

What are his colleagues saying? Do they agree? Should the matter even be up for discussion?

You'll hear from two ministers with similar roots who embrace very different ideas. They are Dr. Kenneth Samuel, pastor of Victory for the World Church in Atlanta, and Dr. Hershael York, associate dean at the Southern Baptist Seminary, and pastor of Buck Run Baptist Church. In addition to the controversial "gay baby" article, they talk about their beliefs on opening the "doors of the church" to the gay community.

They also chime in on the debates some states are having about whether to apologize for slavery. Good idea, bad idea?

From there, travel back in time with us for our "History Minute." (I hope you're keeping a list of our new signature segments...you never know when you'll be tested). We rediscover a powerful letter written by Abigail Adams, wife of former president John Adams. Best part of all: Reading the letter for us -- and somehow capturing all of its intended passion -- is the acclaimed actress Ruby Dee.

Then, we go...Behind Closed Doors.

Rene Syler, former anchor of The Early Show on CBS, talks candidly about deciding to have her breasts removed (yes, both of them) after realizing how vulnerable she was to breast cancer, and about motherhood. And get this...she lost her breasts and her job all within one month's time. She's a trouper. Her new book is "Good-Enough Mother: The Perfectly Imperfect Book of Parenting."

And (drum roll) the moment you've been waiting for, our Culture Coach segment...

I don't know if you've been monitoring our post asking for your questions, but there has been rich dialogue there...good stuff. Blogger Samuel has been holding it down...

Harriette Cole cuts to the chase and answers some of your most interesting questions about those awkward situations that we all sometimes have. Just one of the experiences she addressed: A guy in the car (as a passenger) with a group of friends. A popular hip-hop song comes on the radio that generously drops the "n" word (of course, "for entertainment purposes only."). Uncomfortable? What to do? Listen to her advice...

The church debate over homosexuality? What's your belief? Will there ever be common ground? Apologies for slavery. Necessary, or forgive and forget? Let us know!

And KEEP THOSE EXPERIENCES COMING FOR OUR LIFE COACHES. If you have a life dilemma, we want to know about it...

AND, any travel experiences THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE?...We want to know about it all, your questions, your insights, your ideas...yes, we're greedy.

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