Story in the Public Square
Story in the Public Square
Story in the Public Square is a weekly, 30-minute series that brings audiences to the intersection of storytelling and public affairs. Hosted by Jim Ludes and G. Wayne Miller, Story in the Public Square offers a spirited but respectful dialogue. Often funny, always provocative, each episode of Story in the Public Square moves beyond traditional public affairs programming to consider the impact of …Social links:
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Eric Deggans on the pitfalls of "argument culture" in public discourse
Arguments are natural and can be authentic. But media critic Eric Deggans warns that the rise of so-called “argument culture” breeds cynicism while sapping the public’s confidence in reliable news and information.
28:39
Tamryn Spruill on the WNBA's Fight for Visibility, Fair Pay, and Respect
For 30 seasons, female professional athletes in the United States have been part of an effort to build a professional basketball league while also confronting racism, sexism, and anti-LGBTQ bias. Award-winning journalist Tamryn Spruill recounts that history—and the players whose gritty determinatio…
27:58
Carissa Véliz envisions our future with AI
From the oracles of antiquity to the AI-driven tech giants of today, humanity’s desire to foresee the future is long-standing. AI ethicist Carissa Véliz warns that predicting the future is not the same as foretelling the truth.
27:41
Off air, on record. Carol Lin on the moments that shaped her behind the anchor desk
They come into our homes regularly: people we think we know because we see them on television all the time. Author and journalist Carol Lin reveals a complex personal backstory to the familiar faces we watch on television—even as she remembers 9/11 and one of the moments that made her a household n…
28:02
Improving cancer outcomes and bettering lives with Cheryl L. Willman
Dr. Cheryl L. Willman, Director of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses cancer’s toll as the second leading cause of death throughout the world and the research aimed at improving outcomes and bettering lives.
27:46
Nicholas Reynolds and Katie S. Sanders on Peter Ortiz's daring exploits behind enemy lines in World War II
Historian Nicholas Reynolds and award-winning journalist Katie S. Sanders tell the story of a combat-veteran of the French Foreign Legion who ultimately distinguished himself for valor as a U.S. Marine fighting in Europe during the Second World War.
28:12
Sean O’Callaghan breaks down Pope Leo XIV's insights on artificial intelligence
The Vatican has long concerned itself with the practical interaction of theology with the world in which its followers live. Scholar Sean O’Callaghan says that the recent message from Pope Leo XIV on Artificial Intelligence follows in that tradition and offers profound insights for believers and no…
27:35
Amy Hanauer on the inequities in the American tax code and their implications for all of us
It’s been said that the only things certain in life are death and taxes. But Amy Hanauer of the Institute on Tax Policy and Economic Policy says that for some, taxes might not be on that list anymore—with societal implications for us all.
27:52
Mary Afsari on the frontlines of womens' healthcare
The data says that more than half of the country’s population is made up of women. But women’s healthcare has grown increasingly politicized. Dr. Mary Fariba Afsari is on the front lines of care, offering healthcare from a mobile clinic that meets patients where they are.
27:30
Farnaz Fassihi on the conflict in Iran, its impacts and efforts to end it
The United States and Israel began bombing Iran in February 2026. In the months that followed, we have seen spasms of violence and claims of diplomatic progress. New York Times reporter Farnaz Fassihi covers the conflict, its impact on the Iranian people, and the diplomatic efforts to end it.
27:52