1A

If you've been following the news lately — including with 1A — it can be a lot to take in.We've heard from many of you about how the news makes you feel. But what can we do in chaotic moments of history to build a sense of control in our lives? Maybe it's organizing in your community, starting a new hobby, or picking up that TV show from 10 years ago that you promised you'd get around to watching.What can finding agency in the chaos look like? Why should we actively focus on something rather than simply react to what's happening?Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Join Amanda Rodewald, a senior director at Cornell's Lab of Ornithology, who shares insights from the alarming 2025 State of the Birds report, highlighting significant population declines across habitats. Bradley Wilkinson, from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, discusses conservation policies and the crucial role of community data in recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Drew Lanham, a wildlife ecology professor and poet, reflects on the emotional ties to birding and the urgent need for grassroots conservation to protect these vital species.

Marc Berman, a psychology professor and director of the Environmental Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Chicago, dives into the fascinating ways nature impacts our well-being. He reveals that just a short walk outdoors can boost your attention span by 20%. Even if you don’t love the outdoors, nature can still enhance your mood and focus. Berman also discusses the importance of taking breaks from screens and suggests that simulated nature, like indoor plants, can provide valuable cognitive benefits. Embrace nature for a healthier mind!

Join Mark Cooper-Jones, a cartography enthusiast, and comedian Jay Foreman, the creative minds behind Map Men, as they delve into the quirky world of maps. They discuss the baffling case of Sandy Island, a phantom isle that misled many until proven nonexistent. Mark explains legal map requirements and why errors can tell deeper stories about societies and power dynamics. They explore how GPS affects our spatial skills and reflect on the nostalgia maps evoke, all while revealing the comedy in cartographic misadventures.

Emily Peck, a National correspondent at Axios, discusses the alarming rise in in-home care costs significantly outpacing inflation. Financial columnist Beth Pensker shares her insights on the emotional and financial burdens caregivers face, recounting personal experiences with her mother's care. Dana Lynn Rutherford offers her unique perspective as a caregiver for her disabled daughter, revealing the challenges of navigating state support and financial planning. Together, they explore the systemic changes needed to ease the financial strain on caregivers.

Join Sarah Gold McBride, a lecturer and author delving into 19th-century hair culture; Christopher Oldstone Moore, an historian exploring masculinity and facial hair; and Igor Bobik, a political reporter analyzing contemporary trends. They dive into the history of beards in American politics, from Lincoln to today's candidates, discussing how whiskers symbolize power, masculinity, and identity. The conversation explores shifting perceptions, the social cues that facial hair sends, and the implications of beard trends on voter trust and image.

Megan Scully, Congress editor at Bloomberg News, teams up with HuffPost's Arthur Delaney and U.S. News & World Report’s Olivier Knox to dissect the week’s major political events. They delve into Trump's economic messaging and the implications of his controversial drug pricing claims. Gun violence in the U.S. and a deadly shooting in Australia raise urgent concerns. They also explore the ongoing tensions with Venezuela and Ukraine, alongside the shifting landscape of global security and legislative dynamics.

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Matt Richtel and clinical psychologist Amara Khalid as they delve into the complexities of modern adolescence. They discuss how earlier puberty impacts brain development and emotional responses, highlighting the dangers of increased risk-taking and social media's mixed effects. With strategies for supporting teens, Amara emphasizes the importance of open communication and understanding their experiences. Both guests advocate for balancing awareness of the chaotic world while encouraging optimism and connection.

Scott Taylor, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, discusses the fascinating world of birds. He delves into the extraordinary adaptations of black-capped chickadees, their survival strategies, and how climate change impacts bird behaviors and habitats. Scott also shares insights on bird monogamy, the effects of avian flu, and the mental health benefits of birdwatching. Listeners learn practical tips for attracting birds and enhancing their local environments, making birding both an enjoyable and educational pastime.

Nancy Youssef, a national security writer for The Atlantic, Phil Stewart, a Reuters correspondent specializing in military affairs, and Colonel David LaPan, a former Pentagon spokesman, delve into the challenges facing press freedom at the Pentagon. They discuss new restrictive policies, the departure of major media outlets, and the implications of a predominantly right-wing press corps. The conversation highlights the chilling effect on accountability, the importance of independent reporting, and the potential erosion of trust in military narratives.