Why We Wrote This

JJJJJerome Ellis used to think his stutter was his fault. But he’s done blaming himself. This is the story of how he took his time back – and how disability, gender, and race all affect our access to time. Guests: cultural critic, academic, and activist Brittney Cooper, linguist Deborah Tannen, and composer, performer, and poet JJJJJerome Ellis. Part 5 of 6. Hosted by Rebecca Asoulin and Eoin O'Carroll. Visit csmonitor.com/time for the full transcript, episode art, and links to the research and performances mentioned in this episode.

Have you ever been too glued to the clock? Ten-year-old Madeline was becoming a little obsessed with her alarm clock. So her mom took it away. But Madeline isn’t alone. We look at how the clock became king in the West – and how its rule is both tyrannical and liberating. Guests: Historian Alexis McCrossen, time and work expert Dawna Ballard, and clock enthusiast Madeline Hanes. Part 4 of 6. Hosted by Rebecca Asoulin and Eoin O'Carroll. Visit csmonitor.com/time for the full transcript, episode art, and links to research mentioned in this episode.

If you feel like you don’t have enough time, you’re not alone. We objectively have more free time than ever before, but we feel more pressed for time than ever. Why do we feel this way? And are there ways to get the most out of the time we do have? Part 3 of 6. Guests: Psychologist Ashley Whillans and sociologist Leah Ruppanner. Hosted by Rebecca Asoulin and Eoin O'Carroll. Visit csmonitor.com/time for the full transcript, episode art, and links to research mentioned in this episode.

Why the most exciting parts of being alive are creative moments. For the renowned physicist and writer Alan Lightman, dreaming up a fictional character or discovering a new equation leads to unparalleled exhilaration. In this interview, Dr. Lightman shares his definition of time, and discusses Albert Einstein's work, and the joys of creating. This is a bonus episode of “It’s About Time.” Hosted by Rebecca Asoulin and Eoin O'Carroll. Visit csmonitor.com/time for the full transcript, episode art, and links to Dr. Lightman’s books that are mentioned in this episode.

Have you ever wanted to time travel? Modern physics shows that it's possible to manipulate time. But does that mean we can travel to the past? And what does this say about what time actually is? The last word often comes from physicists, but there are many definitions of time. Guests: sci-fi writer Ted Chiang (17:16), physicist Ron Mallet (9:02), and philosopher Heather Dyke (3:00). Part 2 of 6. Hosted by Rebecca Asoulin and Eoin O'Carroll. Visit csmonitor.com/time for the full transcript, episode art, and links to books and stories mentioned in this episode.

Why does time fly when you're having fun? But slow to a crawl when you're under stress? Experiencing the world more like a child could help us all slow down and make the most of our time. Guests: Psychologist Peter Tse and magician Debbie O'Carroll. Part 1 of 6. Hosted by Rebecca Asoulin and Eoin O'Carroll (yes, he's Debbie's son). Visit csmonitor.com/time for the full transcript, episode art, and links to research mentioned in this episode.

Do you know what time is? No, not "what time is it?" But "what time is." In this six-part science series, "It's About Time," experts unravel the mysteries of time. Because understanding time more deeply can help you make the most of the time you have. Hosted by Rebecca Asoulin and science reporter Eoin O'Carroll. Visit csmonitor.com/time for episode transcripts, episode art, and links to research mentioned in the show.

For many societies, 21 is a significant age. It’s a period of promise and potential, of leaving behind childhood to forge a way into the world. So what happens when a pandemic stalls that momentum? In this episode, we talk with Ryan Lenora Brown, the lead reporter in the Monitor’s new special global report “21 in ‘21.” She shares how the project came to be, the experiences of the 12 young adults the Monitor interviewed, and the common threads they all shared – wherever they were in the world. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza and Samantha Laine Perfas.

The false narrative that President Donald Trump won the 2020 election was powerful. It led to his supporters storming the Capitol, his second impeachment by the House of Representatives, and even to extremists discussing the possibility of infiltrating President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. In this episode, we take a close look at political conspiracy theories. Why are they so compelling? And how do we combat them? Part 2 of 2. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza and Samantha Laine Perfas.

Ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, Americans remain divided over the integrity of the election. This is despite Congress having certified the results, and officials assuring the public that the 2020 election was perhaps “the most secure in American history.” But what does it mean to have secure elections? And why do conspiracy theories around our elections continue to thrive? In this episode, we look at what truly makes elections fair, free, and secure. Part 1 of 2. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza and Samantha Laine Perfas.