Skip to main content

The Conversation

By

The Conversation covers current events in politics, public affairs, culture and science. Host Ross Reynolds opens the phone for listeners to participate in spirited discussions on the issues of the day. This program is no longer on air.

Episodes

  • Back Alley Caviar

    The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has charged two men with illegally selling caviar, steelhead and salmon as a part of an international fish poaching ring. The men are accused of selling undercover agents American paddlefish eggs and salmon and steelhead that was poached illegally here in Washington state waters. Ross Reynolds talks with Mike Cenci, marine patrol captain for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Program.

  • Sub Pop Records: Going Out Of Business Since 1988!

    Sub Pop Records may have started small but the label has always made a big impression. Sup Pop, which began as a fanzine and evolved into a record label in the late 1980s, is considered the epicenter of the grunge movement. Megan Jasper, vice president at Sub Pop, gives Ross Reynolds a tour of the office.

  • A New Bill Would Require Kids To Start School At Age Six

    By law, children in Washington state don’t have to attend school until they’re 8 years old. In every other state, besides Pennsylvania, children have to attend school when they’re younger — usually 6 or 7, sometimes even 5. Now a group of lawmakers wants to lower Washington’s compulsory age of education from 8 years old to 6 years old. The bill’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for tomorrow morning and today Ross talks to the main sponsor of the bill, Renton Democrat and state Representative Marcie Maxwell.

  • How Will Washington State React To The President's Call For Gun Control?

    President Obama asked congress to pass new gun control legislation earlier today calling for tougher penalties for anyone who buys guns intending to sell them to criminals, universal background checks for firearms purchases, and a 10-round limit for gun magazines and a ban on military style assault weapons.

  • Why Don't We Eat Our Dogs?

    Why do most people love animals they consider cute, like puppies or panda bears, but they don’t have a lot of love for animals they consider ugly, like naked mole rats? Western Carolina University Psychology professor Hal Herzog explores the paradoxical relationship people have with animals in a new book, "Some we love, some we hate, some we eat: Why it’s so hard to think straight about animals."

  • Should Zoos Have Elephant Exhibits?

    Critics of Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo say that the elephants there are not being treated well and that they don’t do well in captivity. Defenders say zoos are key to global conservation efforts. Should zoos, including Woodland Park, continue to display elephants?

  • caption: Jacob was homeless for more than two years. Now he's in technical school and high school in Mount Vernon.

    Homeless And Under Age 25

    It’s estimated that in King County, around 700 people under the age of 25 don’t have permanent housing. Among adolescents in general, LGBTQ youths are more vulnerable to health and psychological problems than heterosexual youths. Many are victims of parental physical abuse, turn to substance abuse, and have both mental and general physical health problems.

  • Seattle Children's Hospital Tries New Treatment For Leukemia

    Leukemia is said to be the most common form of cancer found in children. Now Seattle Children’s Hospital says it is ready to try a brand new method of treatment. Leukemia is usually treated with a bone marrow transplant, but researchers say that there might be a better way to fight off the disease.

  • Amory Lovins On Reinventing Fire

    Energy expert Amory Lovins outlines a path to eliminate use of oil and coal in the United States by the year 2050 in his new book "Reinventing Fire." Lovins says the path will grow the US economy by 158 percent, and it can happen with no new federal taxes or subsidies.

  • Zadie Smith Talks "NW"

    Novelist Zadie Smith’s most recent work, "NW," is named after the postal code for an impoverished neighborhood in London. It’s just been called one of the 10 best books of the year.