Take Me Through It

B.J. talks with four journalism students from the University of Connecticut to get their take on the future of their chosen profession. In this era of the Great American Polarization, can the truth prevail in an atmosphere of mistrust, lies, ignorance and mis-information?

BJ visits the campus of the University of Connecticut at Avery Point, and talks to author Gail B. MacDonald about her new book, "Morton F. Plant and the Connecticut Shoreline: Philanthropy in the Gilded Age."

BJ and Mike continue their conversation with Dr. Mark Shelhamer of Johns Hopkins University and NASA's former Chief Scientist for Human Research. Mark looks into the future and discusses the challenges and the reality of the next space frontier: a trip to Mars.

What is the impact of long term space travel on humans, and can we make it to Mars in the next 20 years? BJ and Mike (producer of the movie classic "Inner Space") go deep into the galaxy for a probing interview with Dr. Mark Shelhamer, NASA's former chief scientist for human research. This episode is out of this world.

BJ and Joan visit Fenway Park for the star-studded launch party for "The Ice Bucket Challenge: Pete Frates and the Fight Against ALS," a new book by Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge. We learn firsthand how several generations of a family facing a terrifying disease come together to make a permanent difference in the world.

B.J. takes a time out from today's non-stop news cycle, to go back in time, to the moment when a "gentle man" stopped a tyrant in his tracks, not through violence, but with words.

BJ talks to New York Times bestselling author Casey Sherman, who has co-authored a new book about the Ice Bucket Challenge, the social media explosion that has raised hundreds of millions of dollars in the fight against ALS. The focus of the story is a young man, his wife, and their family, who have turned their battle against this devastating disease, into a world wide awareness and fundraising campaign that is already paying dividends.

How does a kid, born and raised in Red Sox Nation become a fan of the (gasp!) New York Yankees? All it takes is an aging superstar in pinstripes, a ball thrown into the stands, and an egg hurled from the upper deck. We also learn how one day in the Bronx led this boy to the love of his life ten years later in the wilds of eastern Connecticut.

B.J. visits Manhattan's Theater District, and ends up having a howling good time at Broadway Barks. The stories of these wonderful animals and the people who adopt them give us all a renewed sense of hope and happiness.

B.J. travels to Plymouth Notch, Vermont to celebrate the 4th of July and the 145th birthday of President Calvin Coolidge. From a stirring naturalization ceremony to a surprise encounter with the President himself, B.J. shares the unique story of how a small town boy from the hills of Vermont became the 30th President of the United States.