Simon Garfield joins us to talk about the fascinating worlds of maps and timepieces, based on his terrific books On the Map:  A Mind-Expanding Exploration of the Way the World Works and Timekeepers:  How the World Became Obsessed with Time. 

A journalist of fifteen plus years, Kurczy’s work has appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, The Economist, The New York Times to name a few. Work and wanderlust have provided Stephen the chance to travel extensively and research a number of topics, including the fascinating basis of our discussion, The Quiet Zone.

Jon Gertner, author of The Idea Factory:  Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation, joins us for a wonderful discussion of the world-changing technologies that Bell Labs helped create in the 20thcentury.

Grandson of President Harry S. Truman. Clifton, the oldest of the Turman grandchildren, he also portrays his grandfather on stage in the one-man-play, “Give ’em Hell, Harry.” Clifton has written books on his grandfather’s family and legacy. 

An award-winning environmental journalist published in National Geographic magazine, Politico, and Discover magazine. She is a professor and teaches journalism classes at the University of Florida. The book, Rain, which has garnered much acclaim, is our topic today. 

Dr. Alan Icenhour, Deputy for Laboratory Operations at Oak Ridge National Laboratory discusses his role facilitates isotope production, enrichment technology, and the operation of ORNL’s nuclear facilities. He has also been senior technical adviser to the National Nuclear Security Administration and served as a Naval office on a nuclear submarine.

Jack A. Riggs served for 20 years in the U.S. Congress, including 13 years as staff director of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power. A Senior Fellow at the Aspen Institute from 1995 to 2006 he directed its Program on Energy and Environment. 

A journalist, author, and a fellow of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities at the University of Virginia, Earl Swift's seven books have punctuated a diverse writing career through hundreds of newspaper features and magazines. Today’s conversation revolves around the book, Across the Airless Wilds. 

On this episode we discuss the incredible efforts of East Tennesseans and the inhabitants of the former “Secret City” during the Manhattan Project, World War Two, and beyond. Dewaine Speaks, and Ray Smith, they are long time associates, both authors and historians on their own. In this discussion we dive into the characters, efforts, and vitalization of a region and the nation.

After studying engineering at Cambridge University, Paul Sen became an award-winning television and film producer of science programs such as Triumph of the Nerds and Gravity and Me.  He is the author of Einstein’s Fridge:  How the Difference Between Hot and Cold Explains the Universe.