Bill Moyers Journal (Audio) | PBS

How did Big Finance grow so powerful that its hijinks nearly brought down the global economy – and what hope is there for real reform with Washington politicians on Wall Street's payroll? Bill Moyers talks with authors Simon Johnson and James Kwak, two of the nation's most respected economic experts and authors of the new book 13 BANKERS: THE WALL STREET TAKEOVER AND THE NEXT FINANCIAL MELTDOWN. Also, a Bill Moyers essay on the true costs of war.

In the months before his death, Dr. Martin luther King Jr. had expanded his focus on racial justice to include reducing economic inequality. On this week's 42nd anniversary of King's assassination, Bill Moyers sits down with attorneys Bryan Stevenson and Michelle Alexander to discuss how far we've really come as a country, how poor and working class Americans have been falling behind and what America must do to fulfill Dr. King's vision. And a Bill Moyers essay on inequality in America.

Eighteen months after the economic meltdown, and following successful drives for stimulus and health reform legislation, why has Washington been unable to deliver serious financial reform and rein in Wall Street?  Bill Moyers speaks with financial journalist Gretchen Morgenson for a candid look at the obstacles facing substantive reform of the financial system and what Washington's proposed legislation would – and wouldn't – accomplish. Morgenson, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize, writes the Market Watch column for The New York Times. Also on the program, Bill Moyers takes a closer look at the newly signed health bill and explores why some say that reform is not yet done with The Nation Washington correspondent John Nichols and National Organization for Women president Terry O'Neill.

Dr. Jane Goodall. Despite dire warnings for our endangered planet, Jane Goodall says all is not yet lost - we can change course if we act now. And, the Jane Goodall institute's global youth program, Roots and Shoots.

Bill Moyers sits down with NYU president and modern renaissance man John Sexton for a wide-ranging conversation about God, baseball, and the importance of thoughtful discourse in society. Previously a champion debate coach and scholar of religion and law, Sexton discusses his unique take on theology, contemporary politics, and the evolving role of universities throughout the world. Born to a struggling Catholic family in Brooklyn, John Sexton still teaches undergraduates in addition to his work as president of one of the world's largest and most prestigious universities.

Bill Moyers sits down with former insurance executive turned public health advocate Wendell Potter, who argues that all is not lost in the healthcare bill and details what he likes about the legislation. Then, single-payer advocate Marcia Angell on why she thinks the debate over reform needs a fresh look at the economics and delivery of the care promised in the bill. And, Bill Moyers checks in on viewer mail.

Once adversaries in 2000's Bush v. Gore Supreme Court case, now two of the nation's premier lawyers -- one conservative and one liberal -- have teamed up to make the constitutional case for same-sex marriage.

In the wake of a controversial Supreme Court decision giving corporations and unions more freedom to spend on elections, many federal and state lawmakers are hoping to curb Citizens United V. FEC's effect on elections. Find out how some legislators are fighting to curb Big Money spending even as the Court invalidates laws in 24 states aimed at keeping elections clean. And, libertarian journalist Nick Gillespie and legal scholar lawrence lessig discuss public financing of campaigns and the effects of money on politics. Also, Pediatrician Margaret Flowers speaks about protesting for change and her recent arrest in an effort to get a Medicare-for-all plan back on the table. And, Bill Moyers on money, politics and retreats with lobbyists.

Are America's elections now up for sale? The JOURNAl explores what the Supreme Court's decision means for campaign finance reform and the future of our democracy with progressive legal experts Monica Youn and Zephyr Teachout. Monica Youn directs the campaign finance reform/money in politics project at NYU's Brennan Center for law and Justice and Zephyr Teachout teaches law and politics at Fordham University's School of law. Then, America's workers need jobs, and AFl-CIO president Richard Trumka is calling on them to stand up and fight. Trumka joins Bill Moyers to offer his perspective on President Obama's first State of the Union address and on whether organized labor can grow and generate jobs in the 21st century. Trumka has previously worked as a coal miner, a lawyer, and president of the United Mine Workers of America. And, Bill Moyers remembers historian Howard Zinn.

The JOURNAl assesses Obama's first year as President in the wake of Democrats' defeat in Massachusetts' special election for Senate with Princeton politics and African American studies professor Melissa Harris-lacewell and journalist Eric Alterman. And, faced with the increasing global demand for oil and the threat of climate change, experts say that America needs a new energy policy - but what are our options? Bill Moyers sits down with analysts Jean Johnson and Scott Bittle to discuss how we can power America's future. And, a poem and hope for Haiti.