The program 1A -- produced in Washington and distributed nationally by NPR -- follows Smart Talk on WITF every Monday through Friday.

Hosted by veteran broadcast journalist Joshua Johnson, 1A brings a fresh look to the issues and the stories that are making news.

From the program website: "Launched at a tumultuous time for news and inspired by the 1st Amendment, Joshua Johnson and 1A bring new insight and inquiry to the most pressing issues of our time."

"My professional passions have always centered on creativity, exploration and service," Joshua notes. "This moment in history demands these attributes of us. It's a chance to tell stories more creatively, to explore ideas beyond our own, and to refocus on serving others."

Along the way, 1A and Johnson promote the public media ideals of civil and thoughtful discourse.

1A host Joshua Johnson appears on Thursday's Smart Talk to to discuss those ideals and the program.

Also, JD Evolution 2017 is an annual conference presented by business leader and consultant John Dame. Its scheduled for next Tuesday in Harrisburg. Evolution '17 is a gathering of business leaders interested in exploring and developing a template for implementing purpose-driven leadership.

On Thursday's Smart Talk, we'll discuss leadership with an emphasis on business with John Dame business leader and consultant and global business leader and inspirational speaker Brett Pyle, who will speak at the conference on Your Extraordinary Why: Living a Successful Life of Significance.