The Exchange

COVID-19 rates are rising in New Hampshire. When the vaccine comes, who’s going to get it? And who is keeping track of a two-dose-required system? Lawmakers kicked off their work for the new session and they did so outdoors to stay as safe as possible. And a Granite Stater gets drafted to Team Biden. Air date: Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on upcoming shows here. GUESTS: Jordyn Haime - NHPR's healthcare reporter. Check out her stories for NHPR on COVID-19. Nancy

Last month, 13 mayors sent Governor Chris Sununu an open letter requesting a new statewide plan to address homelessness. Sununu has since established a Council on Housing Stability to take up the task. Meanwhile, for those on the front lines of this issue, worries are mounting as winter approaches amid a pandemic. We discuss what contributes to this problem -- and some possible solutions, both short-and long-term. Airdate: Dec. 3, 2020

Have you hiked Mount Lafayette in N.H.'s Franconia Notch? We talk with author Ty Gagne, about his new book “The Last Traverse: Tragedy and Resilience in the Winter Whites." It’s the true story of two friends on a winter hike that goes awry, and the search-and-rescue efforts that keep it from becoming a bigger tragedy. What makes it especially relevant for this moment is the insight into how we make high-stakes decisions and manage risk in uncertain situations. Airdate: Wednesday, December 2,

How has the pandemic affected your friendships? We discuss the evolving nature of these important relationships. Friends play a crucial role in our physical and mental health, but in 2020, many Americans find their friendships altered: sometimes improved, sometimes not. How have your friendships changed this year? Air date: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020.

We talk with philosopher Robert Talisse about his book, Overdoing Democracy: Putting Politics In Its Place. He argues that politics is dominating our lives and minds right now, at a moment when we might make more of a difference by nurturing social connections, cooperation and civic engagement. We find out more, and ask: Has the pandemic increased political polarization? Airdate: Monday, Nov. 30. 2020

It's our Annual Holiday Book Show, a little earlier than usual given the pandemic’s impact on both the book industry and how people shop. We ask independent booksellers how they’re approaching both in-person and online sales this holiday season. And of course we find out what books they recommend for inspiration or a little escape from reality! How has your reading changed this year? What books are on your list - either for gifting or for reading this winter? Airdate: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020

Enjoy our earlier conversation about writing during upheaval. With an ongoing pandemic, social unrest, and an economic slump, some people are using their time at home to write memoirs, while others are turning to poetry or song-writing for solace, and some are struggling to write at all. We talk with Granite State authors about how they're making sense of these times, what they're working on, and what advice they have on how to get started. Air date: Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020. It was originally

Enjoy our earlier conversation with practical ideas about how you can "slash your trash." We’re all familiar with Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, but have we overlooked the REDUCE part? We hear about the failures of recycling, and look at practical ways we could be producing less waste in the first place. We hear from NPR reporter Laura Sullivan on her investigation: Is Plastic Recycling A Lie? Oil Companies Touted Recycling To Sell More Plastic . This program is part of NHPR's climate reporting

The unconventional holidays this year present new challenges for practicing empathy with loved ones, along with the perennial issues, like talking politics. We discuss how to navigate holiday conversations, and also check in with food banks in New Hampshire about their holiday plans, and opportunities for you to give back. Air date: Monday, November 23, 2020 at 9 a.m.

On Thursday, N.H. Governor Chris Sununu announced a mask mandate, starting Friday, Nov. 20, applying to all indoor public spaces and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained. State officials also announced 529 new COVID-19 cases, with all counties in the state now considered to have a substantial level of community spread. As COVID-19 cases have surged across the country, we get an update on the pandemic in this region, including how state officials are responding in Maine, Vermont,