This week we're considering the history behind Columbus Day and why we celebrate it. We also welcome back NPR's Terry Gross who interviews Oscar winner Tom Hanks in a new installment of Considerations.

In our 30th episode we're considering the implications of a new report on child labor. We'll also consider your questions in a special 'Ask Alex' edition of Consider Your Health. Ash Muncaster also has the day's headlines.

This week we're talking to regular Americans about the Government shutdown. We're also considering the relationship between President Obama and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Ash Muncaster also has the day's headlines.

This week is Consider Our Knowledge's Pledge Drive! Please listen and find out how you can help us out, as well as your local NPR affiliates. We've got our COK team working hard to bring in pledges, as well as some considerable guests.

This week we're considering the hot and cold relationship between President Obama and Vladimir Putin. We're also considering the legacy of famous cheat Lance Armstrong who turns 41 this week. Ash Muncaster also has the day's headlines.

In this week's episode we're considering the far reaching implications of September 11th. We'll also welcome Lynne Ruffle who will give us her picks for fall reading in Book Look. Ash Muncaster also has the day's headlines.

This week we're considering what the IRS's recognition of same sex couples for tax purposes means for the future of gay marriage. We'll also consider some tips for battling Rosacea in our Consider Your Health series. Ash Muncaster also has the day's headlines.

Consider heading back to school and the upcoming college football season in this week's show. We'll be joined by parenting and bullying expert Dr. Marion Morrison, and our sports guy, Rick Van Patten.

This week we'll consider the type of people the Republican Party needs to embrace to win in 2016. We'll also welcome back Fresh Air's Terry Gross for an interview with Playboy creator Hugh Hefner.

This week we're considering the Mars Curiosity Rover with Dr. Sheldon Moon. We'll also welcome back Leslie and Constance Kincaid for our favorite segment Consider the Source.