A direct follow-up to the previous episode, this show focuses on the question of "What's Next?" from four unique perspectives: politics, policy, press, and protests. Each perspective invites its own set of questions and Nick speaks to some great minds to help provide answers: St. Louis Alderman ANTONIO FRENCH (politics), PROF. TODD SWANSTROM (policy), HAZEL TRICE EDNEY (press), and Steve Klein (protests).

Please note that this episode follows the "Special Programs" clock that NPR uses (which basically means that a station could broadcast it in an hour slot with breaks for news and other stuff). So, this structure provides a different feel than maybe we're used to.

Rest assured, the next episode is under way and it's back to the "normal" approach of podcasting.

Nick visits the town of Ferguson, MO in the aftermath of the Michael Brown shooting. All of these interviews occurred on a particularly volatile weekend (August 16-17), when a curfew was placed on the town and the Missouri National Guard was brought in to enforce it. Nick speaks with members of the community, people who have traveled to participate in the protests, and with James Knowles, the mayor of Ferguson.

While this falls outside of this podcast's usual format, it does hold true to my desire to reach out to new people and hear their stories. I left Ferguson with a variety of emotions and I hope these recordings help to inform your feelings about all of the issues that the Michael Brown shooting have brought up.

Remember to visit www.onedegreewithnick.com to view pictures from Nick's visit. Also, remember to share the podcast with others, subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher, and leave a rating. Thanks!

In a very special bonus episode, Nick shares a pilot episode for an NPR-style music education podcast. Give it a listen and then visit www.onedegreewithnick.com and check out the whiteboard teaser video he created! Also, let him know what you think and if he should keep going... he's trying to figure out what's next. A new episode is coming very very soon! Remember, www.onedegreewithnick.com.

In our long awaited fourth episode:

Nick's various attempts at opening the podcast fall apart and we're left with... something. A late night phone call with his brother, Kenny, provides the podcast with SOME structure. Then, an update on everybody's favorite segment. Lastly, Nick talks with Teri Griege - a woman who completed an Iron Man triathlon while undergoing treatment for stage 4 colon cancer.

Make sure to go to Facebook.com/onedegreewithnick to find out how to get your own personalized theme song! Contest ends 5/15/2014.

Nick makes a mysterious call that leads him to research a superstitious Abraham Lincoln. Then, Nick writes a screenplay - IN HIS MIND! Lastly, Nick speaks with Denise Lieberman, a civil rights and voting rights attorney. The two talk about recent legislation, the politics of voting rights, the influence of money in our political system, and some other interesting topics.

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First, listen to The Mans (Nick and his bro, Matt) write and record the new ODoS theme song. Later, Nick talks about the national anthem. Lastly, veterinarian John Clark talks about Death and Life. Plus, a bonus song from The Mans.

Nick tries to make sense of the future of his podcast and turns to a familiar method to get it done. Later, Nick shares a recent experience he had with a piece of music. Then, Nick visits with some new friends and lets them tell him what to do with his life. Lastly, Nick barges in on a stranger's home.