Trust in civic, religious, and academic institutions is at an all-time low in America. But this phenomenon did not, as some Americans might believe, begin when President Trump was elected. It has been on the decline for decades.

New York Times best-selling author Susan Orlean says ignorance about a subject is a powerful ignitor of curiosity.

If Dr. Martin Luther King was still alive today, what would he think of the progress of the black community? How far have we come toward racial equality since the civil rights era?

What if you examined your life in the context of all of its stages? David Brooks, author and New York Times op-ed columnist, says life’s mountains and valleys shape who we are and eventually lead us to a “second mountain.”

How is creativity cultivated in childhood? And, does a creative culture at home result in a creative career later on? Authors Jess Walter, Dani Shapiro, and Jericho Brown explain how their early years contributed to a life of writing.

Author Eric Motley speaks with Joshua Johnson, host of "1A," about his book "Madison Park: A Place of Hope." Madison Park, Alabama was founded by freed slaves in 1880. Motley says the town's history powerfully shaped his upbringing.

Freelance journalist Theo Padnos was held captive by al-Nusra, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, for 22 months. His story of survival is a lesson for us all on how to cope with the lowest times in life. He speaks with Atlantic Media owner David Bradley and NBC's Andrea Mitchell.

For 60 years, the US government has been laying secret doomsday plans to save itself in the event of nuclear war — even while the rest of us die. Today, a third generation of doomsday planners are settling into life inside a network of bunkers that are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to house top government officials in the event of catastrophe.

America has always meant business. We’re a nation of self-starters, strivers, and entrepreneurs — with the courage to take big risks and the confidence to determine our own destiny. But, are courage and confidence alone enough for success?

Is the internet loosening our collective grasp on the truth? Pioneers of digital news once argued that new online sources would bring us new perspectives about the world. They did not anticipate the internet would destroy traditional media gatekeepers.