Think from KERA

America has a long history of people “passing” themselves off as a different race or gender. That was Brando Skyhorse’s experience as a Mexican American whose mother introduced him to people as an American Indian. He joins us to talk about why people choose to pass. He’s an editor of and contributor to the anthology “We Wear the Mask: 15 True Stories of Passing in America” (Beacon Press).

Scientists believe that dolphins, whales and porpoises are among the earth’s most intelligent creatures. Understanding how their minds work is a different matter. Georgetown University cetacean biologist Janet Mann talks about what we’re still learning from these amazing ocean dwellers. She’s the editor of the new book “Deep Thinkers: Inside the Minds of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises” (University of Chicago Press).

In “Thank You for Your Service,” journalist David Finkel tells the stories of young men returning from battle in Iraq. The book has been turned into a movie that’s in theaters today. Host Krys Boyd talks to Finkel about what he learned about the return home in spending time with these veterans. And we’ll also be joined by Jason Hall, who directed the movie, Adam Schumann – a soldier whose life is depicted – and Miles Teller, who plays Schumann in the film.

Darwinism and the study of evolution are what guide biologists in their study of life. J. Scott Turner, a professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, joins guest host Lauren Silverman for a conversation about biology’s still unanswered questions. His new book is called “Purpose & Desire: What Makes Something ‘Alive’ and Why Modern Darwinism Has Failed to Explain It” (HarperOne).

With all the hours we spend at the office, it would be nice to actually enjoy some of them. University of Pennsylvania senior fellow Annie McKee joins guest host Lauren Silverman to talk about cultural shifts that employers can make to improve workforce morale. She writes about her ideas in “How to Be Happy at Work” (Harvard Business Review).

Hurricane Harvey caused an estimated $180 billion in damage, forced more than a million people from their homes and killed dozens. Jim Blackburn, Rice University environmental lawyer and engineer, joins us to discuss how Texas might prepare for the next mega-storm. He lays out his thoughts in the book “A Texan Plan For The Texas Coast.”

Last week, President Trump gave his administration’s response to the disaster in Puerto Rico a “10.” Filmmaker, writer and Columbia University professor Frances Negrón-Muntaner joins us to give her take on the tragedy. Her recent piece for The Root is “The Crisis In Puerto Rico Is A Racial Issue. Here’s Why.”

As a mortician, Caitlin Doughty is surrounded by death every day at work. She talks about how she visited Indonesia, Japan, Bolivia and other places to learn how other cultures care for their dead. Her new book is called “From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death” (W.W. Norton).

Viewers of Ken Burns recent PBS series “The Vietnam War” learned about the major themes and events of the conflict. Journalist Mark Bowden further explores one of the pivotal battles of the Tet Offensive – the 24-day fight for the city of Hue. His new book is called “Hue 1968: A Turning Point of the American War in Vietnam” (Atlantic Monthly Press). He signs books tonight at Barnes and Noble in Plano and Wednesday night at Interbang Books in Dallas.

As the leader of a polygamist cult, Ervil LeBaron had 13 wives and more than 50 children. One of his daughters, Anna LeBaron, joins us to talk about how she felt alone even while surrounded by so many siblings – and about living in constant fear as her dad was wanted for murder. Her new memoir is called “The Polygamist’s Daughter” (Tyndale).