Throughline

Heidi Schreck, an accomplished actor and writer, shines a light on her personal journey with the U.S. Constitution in this thought-provoking discussion. She explores the document's complex legacy, reflecting on its protective ideals juxtaposed with its failures. Through anecdotes, she connects familial struggles with broader societal issues, emphasizing how the Constitution shapes American identity. Schreck also critiques the legal system’s shortcomings for women's rights, urging listeners to confront historical injustices that continue to resonate today.

Eric Garcia, Senior Washington correspondent for The Independent and author of *We're Not Broken*, shares his expertise on autism. He dispels myths surrounding the autism spectrum and advocates for a shift in societal perceptions, prioritizing quality of life over outdated beliefs. Garcia critiques media narratives, discusses the importance of accurate information, and emphasizes the need for systemic support. He passionately calls for validating autistic experiences and fostering inclusivity, aiming to transform the dialogue around autism for better understanding.

Larry Kramer, former dean of Stanford Law School and author of 'The People Themselves,' delves into the evolving power of the Supreme Court. He discusses how the judiciary's authority has expanded well beyond its original scope, touching on pivotal cases like Marbury v. Madison and Dred Scott. Kramer also explores the political dynamics that have shaped Supreme Court decisions throughout history, reflecting on their impact on civil rights and state authority. The conversation raises crucial questions about the balance of power in American democracy.

Journalist Steve Cole, an expert on Afghanistan and dean at Columbia’s journalism school, dives deep into the Taliban's origins. He explores the dramatic shift from local vigilantes to a dominant force, shaped by historical complexities and foreign influences. Personal stories highlight the resilience of Afghan culture amidst conflict. Cole examines significant figures like Ahmad Shah Massoud, the impact of the Soviet invasion, and the harsh realities of life under the Taliban, revealing the multifaceted nature of Afghanistan's tumultuous history.

Afghanistan has long stood at the crossroads of civilizations, rich with history and culture. The narrative shifts from outsider perspectives to the voices of mystics and poets, revealing a land of love, liberation, and resilience. Discover the impact of key figures like Rumi and Mahmoud Tarzi, who shaped a nation's identity amidst struggle. Explore the profound role of radio in expressing cultural shifts and hear personal stories of survival and hope, all while examining a complex landscape of modernization and tradition.

What happens after everything falls apart? The end of the Bronze Age was a moment when an entire network of ancient civilizations collapsed, leaving behind only clues to what happened. Today, scholars have pieced together a story where everything from climate change to mass migration to natural disasters played a role. What the end of the Bronze Age can teach us about avoiding catastrophe and what comes after collapse.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Octavia Butler's alternate realities and 'speculative fiction' reveal striking, and often devastating parallels to the world we live in today. She was a deep observer of the human condition, perplexed and inspired by our propensity towards self-destruction. Butler was also fascinated by the cyclical nature of history, and often looked to the past when writing about the future. Along with her warning is her message of hope - a hope conjured by centuries of survival and persistence. For every society that perishes in her books comes a story of rebuilding, of repair.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Venezuela is facing an economic and humanitarian crisis as extreme poverty and violence have forced many to flee the country in recent years. How did a country once wealthy with oil resources fall into such turmoil? Through the lives of two revolutionaries turned authoritarian leaders separated by two centuries, we look back at the rise and fall of Venezuela.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Great Depression was a revolutionary spark for all kinds of things — health insurance, social safety nets, big government — all of which were in response to a national crisis. Through the personal accounts of four people who lived during the Great Depression, we look back at what life was like back then and what those stories can teach us about the last time the U.S. went through a national economic cataclysm. This is the second episode of our summer series "Movies for Your Mind." Summer movies like you've never heard before.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You've been looking at screens for what feels like forever. Now it's time to sit back, close your eyes, and come with us to worlds you've never seen, and histories you've never imagined. This is the first episode of our summer series "Movies for Your Mind."What happens when teenagers are shipwrecked on a deserted island? Can you find the fingerprint of God in warzones? Why was the concept of zero so revolutionary for humanity? More than a year into a pandemic that has completely upended the lives of people around the world, we look at how we cope with chaos, how we're primed to make order out of randomness, and why the stories we're taught to believe about our propensities for self-destruction may not actually be true.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy