Check It Out

Future Perfect: Dreamers, Schemers and Visionaries on WPR

April 1st, 2009 Alicia

To the Best of Our Knowledge presents a four-part series on individuals looking to the future. Shows about the future of technology, the economy, the environment, and the happiness of humans feature interviews with today’s most influential innovators, including Naomi Klein, Paul Krugman, Greg Mortenson, Jane Goodall, Al Green, and Madison’s own Richard Davidson. Presentations can be heard on Saturday mornings at 9:00 a.m. on the NPR News & Classical Music Network and Sundays at Noon on the Ideas Network, both on Wisconsin Public Radio. Programs began airing on Saturday, March 21, and are available for download on the Future Perfect website.

March 21-22 : Our Computers - Full program details and download.

March 28-29 : Our Money - Full program details and download.

April 4-5 : Our Earth
Our environment is in trouble. It’s not hard to imagine global catastrophe as problems like climate change and overpopulation take their toll. But there’s always hope; get acquainted with some visionaries who are making a difference. Like Wangari Maathai, who won a Nobel Peace Prize for her extraordinary efforts to plant trees in Kenya. And, Geir Haarde, the President of Iceland, whose country is now running on over eighty percent green energy.
Full program details.

April 11-12 : Our Peace of Mind
The happiness industry is booming. And with good reason - everyone wants to be happy. Today science can light the way. Brain researcher Richard Davidson can sum it up quickly: learn to meditate. Davidson’s research studying the brains of longtime Buddhist monks has discovered that most of the time, the brain that meditates is a happy brain. And, a Harvard-trained neuro-scientist finds nirvana in the devastation of a stroke.
Full program details.

Entry Filed under: Authors and Books