1A

In this insightful discussion, Erica Sinner, author and CEO, advocates for workplace pet bereavement policies. Dr. Sarah Hogan, an experienced emergency veterinarian, shares the emotional toll of losing a pet and the nuances surrounding euthanasia decisions. Clinical psychologist Katie Lawler highlights the unique concept of disenfranchised grief that pet owners face, emphasizing the societal need for compassion and understanding. Together, they address the evolving support systems for grieving pet owners and the importance of mental health in veterinary professionals.

Richard Osman, known for the Thursday Murder Club series, Louise Penny, celebrated for her Chief Armand Gamache novels, and Tracy Clark, creator of the Detective Harriet Foster series, unravel the art of mystery writing. They discuss crafting compelling characters that resonate with readers and the evolution of narrative across series. The trio emphasizes the importance of knowing a story's conclusion before diving into revision, the balance of creativity with structure, and the key elements that hook audience interest in their whodunits.

Vincent Accovino, a video game journalist at NPR, Rebecca Valentine, a senior writer at IGN, and Shannon Liao, deputy editor at Inverse.com, dive into the complexities of the gaming industry in 2024. They discuss the contrast between developer layoffs and the abundance of new releases, spotlighting exciting indie games like 'Animal Well.' The guests also analyze the rise of 'Black Myth Wukong,' trends in AI impacting game narratives, and the anticipation for major titles like 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth' and 'GTA 6.' A fascinating look at both challenges and innovations shaping gaming.

Slava Leontyev, a Ukrainian artist and former Special Forces member, joins forces with Brendan Belomo, co-director of the documentary 'Porcelain War.' Together, they discuss how art can combat the chaos of conflict. They explore their creative process amid the Russian invasion and the importance of cultural preservation. Listeners will learn about the film's emotional resonance, audience reception, and the vital role of artistic expression in conveying resilience and hope during turbulent times.

Joe Schutt, a journalist and author, discusses the nuanced human relationship with rats, framing them as both pests and misunderstood companions. Matt Fry, an urban pest management expert, shares innovative strategies to tackle rat populations, especially after New York City's first national urban rat summit. Todd Zwilich, a correspondent and former neuroscience student, reflects on the emotional complexities of working with rats and the ethical dilemmas in research. Together, they explore the broader implications of rats on health, safety, and urban living.

Join John Horn, 1A's entertainment correspondent, and Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, as they dissect the cinematic landscape of 2024. They explore a long-awaited sequel, a crowd-pleasing musical, and a thought-provoking drama-comedy set on a Holocaust tour. Discover standout films like Sean Baker's 'Anur' and the emotional depth of animated storytelling, including a touching tale of a robot raising a gosling. They also discuss anticipated films for the coming year and critically analyze disappointments in this year's cinematic offerings.

Kris Bowers, an Oscar-winning composer celebrated for his work on films like 'Green Book' and the Netflix series 'Bridgerton,' discusses his latest project, 'The Wild Robot.' He shares insights into how the score evolves as the robot, Roz, learns to communicate with her island's wildlife. Bowers highlights the emotional depth of the music, using unconventional sounds to mirror the wilderness. He also emphasizes the importance of live musicians in enriching the storytelling experience through music.

Rebecca Valentine, a senior reporter for IGN, shares insights into Tetris's cultural impact and its surprising longevity. Frank Cifaldi, from the Video Game History Foundation, reveals the fascinating origins and legal battles surrounding the game. Gene Park, a critic for The Washington Post, highlights the design brilliance of Tetris and its various iterations. Together, they explore the psychological effects of the game, the nostalgic memories it evokes, and its unparalleled influence on modern gaming.

Lauren E. Oakes, a conservation scientist and author of "Tree Keepers, The Race for a Forested Future," discusses reforestation's crucial role in combating climate change. She explores how trees can capture carbon and the need for global efforts to support this goal. Oakes emphasizes the need for community engagement in sustainable practices and highlights successful agroforestry models. She also addresses the importance of biodiversity in reforestation and the connection between human health and forest ecosystems, shedding light on innovative approaches to preserve our planet.

Christopher Kimball, the host of Milk Street Radio and a culinary expert, is joined by Dominique Ansel, the inventive pastry chef behind the Cronut. They delve into holiday recipes, sharing techniques that ease festive baking stress. Expect tips on freezing cookie dough and a lively debate over the effects of light versus dark brown sugar in baking. Ansel recounts the chaotic rise of the Cronut, while both reflect on the emotional ties between food and cherished memories, offering a delicious mix of innovation and nostalgia.