How to Fix the Broken Debates (17:46)

Ruth Sherman. Ruth is a strategic communications consultant. Political debates have long been a part of our democracy. In particular, presidential debates have been used as a means to better understand the candidates, their stance on pressing issues, and gain insight into how they would lead our country. However, over the years the process has become less dignified and almost childish. From schoolyard taunts and insults, to inappropriate references, this presidential season had no shortage of entertainment.  The debates have become an opportunity for the media to boost ratings rather than provide the public with the necessary information to make an informed vote. So what needs to be done to fix the debates? On the phone with us, in Greenwich, CT, is Ruth Sherman. Ruth shares with us ideas and thoughts on how to fix these “broken debates.” 

Spelling Society (1:03:32)

Stephen Linstead is Chairman and Honorary Treasurer for the English Spelling Society. Some of the most difficult languages to learn include: Chinese, Finnish and Arabic. Although English isn’t on the list, it is still no cake-walk to learn. Languages can become difficult to learn for grammatical reasons, because of colloquial terms and accents. Stephen Linstead from The English Spelling Society argues that it is in fact “spelling” that makes English a challenge to learn. 

Liana Tan: St Patrick's Day (1:22:19)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Hope you are wearing green or you’re in for a few pinches! Where did that tradition come from? Why is it that we wear green on St. Patrick’s Day- or even celebrate it at all? Today we’ll get the low down from one of our producers, Liana Tan, who recently discovered all the nitty gritty details of St. Patrick’s Day. 

Parenting Pre-Teens (1:51:15)

Heather Johnson, M.S., has been an adjunct faculty member at Brigham Young University for nearly 10 years. She is passionate about teaching students the principles behind successful families and the importance of families spending time