The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

To be an Olympic athlete requires not just skill and talent, but years of practice, perseverance, mental toughness, and sacrifice. All that is what makes U.S. speedskater Brittany Bowe’s generosity – selflessly giving up her Olympic spot – so noteworthy. Also: today’s stories, including a look at ‘mental chaos’ in Iran, plea deals in the U.S. justice system, and the values of Russia’s ‘Putin Generation’. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

For years, mothers in the workplace have gotten the message that it’s best to pretend their kids don’t exist. But for our reporter Stephanie Hanes, parenting has transformed the way she works, in ways she was grateful for. In today’s stories, we explore the power of motherhood in fueling climate science and activism, the rights of rural migrants in Chinese cities, and why homicide rates are declining in parts of the U.S. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Mall-watching on Christmas Eve is something of a holiday tradition in Laurent's household. But over the years, the way people spend time at the mall has changed. Also: today’s stories, including a contest for what it means to be Southern in Georgia’s gubernatorial election, what the chaos in Kazakhstan has revealed about national identity in post-Soviet countries, and how a Senegalese activist is planting a tree for every home in his country. Join the Monitor's Laurent Belsie and Noelle Swan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The pioneering Black actor Sidney Poitier lived his values on screen and always carried himself with dignity and respect. He also faced down stereotypical attitudes about what Black actors could do by declining to go along with them. Mr. Poitier’s death was announced on Friday. Also: today’s stories, including a brawl inside Jordan’s Parliament; how Angela Merkel paved the way for gender parity in Germany; and the latest episode from our “People Making A Difference” podcast. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and April Austin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The media has incredible power to shape national thoughts and narratives. It’s one reason Mary Baker Eddy founded the Monitor “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind.” Is that possible in a country that seems so divided? Also: today’s stories, including a look Jan. 6 from the perspective of those who were there, Putin’s efforts to expand Russia’s geopolitical power, and how one author is showing a different side of Israeli society. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Noelle Swan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

On June 7, 1892, Homer Plessy, a Black resident of New Orleans, boarded a “whites only” train car and was promptly arrested for violating Louisiana’s Separate Car Act. But today, as descendants of both Plessy and Ferguson looked on, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a posthumous pardon, lifting up a healing moment. Also: today’s stories, including a look at trust in voting in Wisconsin, migrant crossings along the English Channel, and why golden jackals are spreading across Europe. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Dave Scott for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Good news: People value people. In a survey of 17 “advanced economies” conducted in the first half of 2021, Pew Research Center asked nearly 19,000 adults what in their lives they “find meaningful, fulfilling or satisfying.” In all but three countries, the first response was family. Also: today’s stories, including a look at efforts to curb extremism in the U.S. military, climate-resilient coffee, and underground bike tours in Rome. Join the Monitor's Trudy Palmer and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

As we begin 2022, the struggles of the past year still loom large in our memories. But the Monitor’s Lindsey McGinnis also found 257 signs of progress worth highlighting in 2021. Today she reflects that it’s not about turning a blind eye to hardship – it’s about making sure we don’t let it obscure our sense of reality. There’s always a reason for hope, if you look for it. Also: today’s stories, including fifth graders’ hopes for the future; an update on the Marshall Fire in Colorado; and a year’s worth of high notes from around the world. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Why are scientists still testing Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity 106 years later? Also: today’s stories, including a new mayor’s aims in New York, diplomacy’s challenge on Iran nukes, the resurgence of multicultural superheroes, and our photographers’ favorite images of 2021. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Noelle Swan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

’Tis the season for Yuletide music. And yes, there’s that Mariah Carey jam. There’s also “Songs of Disappearance,” featuring the tweets and warbles of 53 threatened Australian bird species. It’s an unexpected hit. Also: today’s stories, including why the ’70s are (sort of) back, a move to help heal ex-child soldiers, and a 2022 wish list from Times Square. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.