To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Most Americans take their sovereignty for granted - the nation’s right to make its own laws and govern its own people. The same rights we recognize in other sovereign nations, with one glaring exception — the Native nations and tribes who were here first. For Native Americans, sovereignty is not some abstract idea. It’s an ongoing, daily struggle. Original Air Date: July 13, 2024Interviews In This Hour: The battle over tribal rights in Bad River — Quannah ChasingHorse’s two worlds – Native activist and supermodel — Are Indian casinos the key to tribal sovereignty? — No more Native American 'trauma porn'Guests: Mary Mazzio, Quannah ChasingHorse, Steven Andrew Light, David TreuerNever want to miss an episode? Subscribe to the podcast.Want to hear more from us, including extended interviews and favorites from the archive? Subscribe to our newsletter.Categories: tribal sovereignty, sovereignty, native american, land, land back

The podcast dives into the ethical dilemmas surrounding psychedelics, emphasizing exploitation and cultural appropriation of Indigenous practices. It features the tragic legacy of Maria Sabina, who introduced psilocybin to the West. The conversation highlights the need for decolonization within the psychedelic movement and the importance of Indigenous voices. It also critiques how affluent seekers of enlightenment can disrupt local economies. Overall, it calls for respecting traditional knowledge while examining the complex history of psychedelic research.

The rise of radical politics is explored amidst global turmoil. Insights from a Marxist feminist philosopher challenge the sustainability of capitalism. The relevance of the Communist Manifesto is highlighted, calling for grassroots democratic control. Younger generations are embracing socialism to tackle modern issues like racial justice and environmental crises. Transformative protests reveal deep connections between identity and activism, while advocating for nationalization of resources to address systemic inequalities and drive radical change.

Jim Thorpe was one of the greatest athletes the world has ever known — a legend in the NFL, MLB, NCAA, and in the Olympics. Today he is being celebrated by a new generation of Native Americans.  Rapper Tall Paul’s album is called, “The Story of Jim Thorpe." Tall Paul is an Anishinaabe and Oneida Hip-Hop artist enrolled on the Leech Lake reservation in Minnesota.  Biographer David Maraniss is the author of "Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe." Activist Suzan Shown Harjo is the recipient of a 2014 Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee. Patty Loew is the director of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research at Northwestern University. She is a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. Special thanks to Robert W. Wheeler and the Smithsonian for archival audio.Original Air Date: January 14, 2023Interviews In This Hour: Was Jim Thorpe the greatest athlete who ever lived? — The white man's trophy — A hero who looks like me — Indigenous excellence: Hip hop and the legacy of Jim ThorpeGuests: Tall Paul, Suzan Shown Harjo, Patty Loew, David MaranissNever want to miss an episode? Subscribe to the podcast.Want to hear more from us, including extended interviews and favorites from the archive? Subscribe to our newsletter.

Ezra Klein, a prominent journalist and host of "The Ezra Klein Show," joins Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist Deborah Blum and Rob Gurwitt, founder of the hyperlocal newsletter "Daybreak." They discuss the crumbling trust in journalism and the factors behind it, from media weaponization to the impact of social media. Klein shares insights on the evolving role of journalism in a digital age, while Gurwitt emphasizes the value of local storytelling. Together, they explore innovative strategies to reclaim the public's trust in an increasingly complex media landscape.

In this chat with Jordan Ellenberg, a mathematician renowned for linking math to life, listeners dive into the surprising emotional connections people have with geometry. Ellenberg explores how geometry shapes our understanding of everything from democracy and gerrymandering to romance novels. He discusses its impact on American ideals and historical figures like Lincoln. The conversation highlights how geometric principles influence human cognition and perception, suggesting that our relationship with shapes might even define what it means to be human.

Join Jennifer Ackerman, a writer and birder known for "What an Owl Knows," as she shares insights on the emotional connections we forge with owls. Mark Obmascik, author of "The Big Year," dives into the thrilling world of competitive birdwatching, highlighting the intense dedication of birders. Christopher Benfey explores the cultural significance of hummingbirds and their links to Darwin, weaving together art and evolution in 19th-century America. Together, they reveal how birdwatching transcends mere hobby to become a profound passion.

Food evokes powerful memories, and this conversation explores how dishes can transport us through time. Discover the deep ties between culinary practices and familial roots, like the ritual of cooking green beans that honors ancestors. The podcast also highlights the intersection of food and faith, revealing how dietary traditions shape community identities. Enjoy nostalgic tales from a beloved diner in Wisconsin and learn how flavors interplay with emotions, creating a rich tapestry of shared human experiences.

This discussion revolves around rethinking our relationship with our bodies, questioning societal pressures and the concept of body neutrality. Guests share insights on how detaching self-worth from physical appearance can lead to liberation. The conversation highlights the intersection of identity and activism, especially within marginalized communities. It emphasizes the importance of somatic awareness in personal and social change, while also celebrating joy and pleasure as essential elements of resilience in activism.

We celebrate Mother's Day with a collection of stories from our archives, by and about moms. Stories about care and about courage — about the work of mothering. Original Air Date: May 13, 2023 Guests: Stephanie Land, Eula Biss, Jacqueline Horner Plumez, Amanda Henry, Ayelet Waldman