Patricia T. O'Conner

Why do some people succeed, while others never seem to reach their full potential? Malcolm Gladwell talks about how luck, skill, and hard work affect your chances at success. Also: we look into the ongoing debate over who owns the past. Hear about a new theater piece that deals with ...

Hear about factory cities that have spring up all over China, and the hundreds of millions of workers who have migrated to them from small villages. Plus: States of the Union is all about Florida, which has been a make-or-break state in past elections. Then, a look at ...

Sichan Siv made a narrow escape from Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge when he was a young man. Find out how he went on to become the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Also: States of the Union is all about Maine! Francine Prose talks about her new novel. And ...

Find out why energy policy is one of the hot topics of the Democratic convention in Denver so far. Also, we look at art conservation as a forensic science. Plus, the poems of W.S. Di Piero. And word maven Patricia T. O'Conner takes your calls on the English language.

John Harwood, the chief Washington correspondent for CNBC, tells us who wields the most influence in our nation’s capital..from strategists to fundraisers to lobbyists. Also: policy analyst Kenneth Pollack's grand strategy for America's role in the Middle East. Laurie Anderson on her new piece, “Homeland.” And word maven Patricia T. ...

Trash vs. rubbish. Truck vs. lorry. Underwear vs. pants. Word maven Patricia T. O'Conner talks about the differences between English in the U.S. and in the U.K.!

Find out how organized crime all over the world is influencing our lives in many unexpected ways. Also: a fictionalized version of the life of Robert Frost. Pras Michel, formerly of The Fugees, on the time he spent undercover as a homeless man for a new documentary. And word maven ...

Senator Arlen Specter talks about how he dealt with a cancer diagnosis while serving in the Senate. Also: we hear about a mysterious bat-killing disease striking caves throughout the Northeast. States of the Union is all about Wyoming. And word maven Patricia T. O’Conner takes your calls on ...

How will the growing strength of Asia affect world politics, economics, and history? We also look into what the West could do to stay competitive with Asia. Plus: a father and son talk about how meth addiction can tear apart families. We hear about a historical novel based on the ...

Ashley Rhodes-Courter spent much of her childhood bouncing among fourteen different foster homes. She explains how the system failed her, and what she’s doing now to help out today’s foster kids and parents. Also: artist Maira Kalman. Word maven Patricia T. O’Conner. And writers Zadie Smith, Vendela Vida, and George ...

Barry Gibbs and David Shepard spent years in prison for crimes they didn’t commit. They've both been exonerated, but freedom hasn't been easy. Find out why it’s so difficult to return to the outside world. Also: what jokes can teach us about philosophy. On States of the Union, the election ...