The Roundtable

This week's Book Picks comes from Tara Ludwin from Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, NY and Manchester Center, VT and we also welcome Kira Wizner from Merritt Bookstore in Millbrook, NY.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are: JP Miller - The Empire Report’s founder and publisher.Donna Welton - Diplomat in Residence at Bard College. She retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2025 after over 30 years in public service. Her last post was ambassador to the SE Asian country, Timor-Leste.Warren Whitlock - a former federal senior executive having served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Diversity & Leadership, and Associate Administrator for Civil Rights at the Federal Highway Administration.Mark Wittman - Investment Banker on Wall St.

Robert Pape is a political scientist at the University of Chicago and the founding director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats, where he has spent years studying political violence and its causes.In his new book, 'Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Age of Violent Populism,' Pape examines the growing acceptance of political violence in the United States. Drawing on historical research, surveys, and interviews, he argues that the danger extends beyond organized extremist groups to ordinary Americans who increasingly see violence as a legitimate political tool.Pape looks at the forces driving this shift, including demographic change, economic inequality, and declining trust in institutions, and considers what it will take to restore the norms of peaceful political disagreement

New York Times bestselling novelist and Northshire Bookstore’s own Kim Van Alkemade is celebrating the release of her latest novel, 'Upstate.' It’s a moving story about found family, second chances, an abandoned bookstore, and the surprising ways our past can shape our future.Known for her richly drawn characters and compelling storytelling, Van Alkemade will discuss the new book with fellow novelist Kate Fagan at Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs on Tuesday, October 27th, at 6 p.m. The evening will be a lively conversation about writing, relationships, and the healing power of stories.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are: Libby Post - Political Consultant and lobbyist.Robert Pondiscio - Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.Mike Spain - Former Times Union Associate Editor.

What happens when a photographer returns to one of the world's great wine regions more than fifty years after his first visit? The new book, 'Bordeaux Chronicle,' tells that story through stunning photographs from 1969 and 2024.Peter Aaron is an acclaimed architectural photographer whose work has appeared in Architectural Digest and other major publications. He's joined by Jane Anson, one of the world's leading Bordeaux experts, a longtime wine journalist, and author of 'Inside Bordeaux.'Together, they explore the vineyards, châteaux, winemaking families, and remarkable changes that have transformed Bordeaux while preserving the traditions that make its wines so celebrated.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are: Chris Gibson - a writer and analyst. He recently retired from the presidency of Siena College and was a former NY Congressman. His new book is “The Spirit of Philadelphia.”Kevin Gaugler - the Assistant Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Professor of Spanish at Marist University. He is the chair of the task force on AI and World Languages for the Modern Language Association.Heather Mulligan - CEO of The Business Council of New York State.Catherine Tan - an Associate Professor in the department of sociology at Vassar College. Her research is on health, wellness, and medical knowledge.

For decades, our next guest has examined the forces that shape what Americans eat and who benefits from those choices. Marian Nestle's new book is 'Sugar Coated: Unboxing the Hidden Forces Shaping America's Favorite Breakfast Food.' Yes, it's a book about cereal. Nestle and her co-author Lisa Sutherland take a close look at breakfast cereal from its ingredients and nutritional claims to packaging, marketing, and the ways manufacturers appeal to kids and adults.Nestle is Professor Emerita of nutrition, food studies, and public health at New York University, and the author of such influential books as 'Food Politics,' 'What to Eat,' and 'Soda Politics.'

As SPAC celebrates its 60th anniversary, Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, celebrates her 10th anniversary as CEO this month overseeing SPAC’s transformation into a year-round cultural organization.SPAC has expanded its programming, significantly grown its educational reach, renovated and reimagined its campus. Elizabeth, welcome and congratulations.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are: Jim Hendler - Tetherless World Professor of Computer, Web and Cognitive Sciences at RPI.Larissa Phillips is the founder and director of the Volunteer Literacy Project. She is also a columnist for The Free Press and a Greene County resident.Warren Whitlock is a former federal senior executive having served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Diversity & Leadership, and, Associate Administrator for Civil Rights at the Federal Highway Administration.