Listen to The Sound of Ideas on WCPN 90.3 in Cleveland, OH

Dealing With Depression (Friday, May 23)

Fri, May 23 Listen

The numbers are staggering… and the illness debilitating. One in five people suffer from mental illness. But the stigma keeps too many of them from seeking help. Let’s tackle that stigma with an open a conversation on depression, the most common mental illness. What are the best ways to identify and treat it? We’ll talk to the experts – the doctors and those who are recovering. Dealing with depression and mental illness on The Sound of Ideas.

Reporters’ Roundtable: Reform, Revenue Sharing, and Rethinking Payday Loans

Thu, May 22 Listen

A call for reform in Cuyahoga County government is denounced as an attack on the Democratic Party, and options abound for the proposed medical mart site. Elected officials across the region agree to share tax revenue and decision-making power over land use planning. Also, prices for local steel have hit all time highs--that's good news for the mills, but bad news for anyone who needs to buy steel. In Columbus, payday lending legislation heads for the governor's office, and the legislature...

The Foreclosure Crisis: From Bad to Really, Really Bad (Wednesday, May 21)

Wed, May 21 Listen

The foreclosure crisis is sort of like a horror film for economic development types: just when you think you know how bad it is, it gets worse. As Cuyahoga County Treasurer Jim Rokakis says, "You're talking about dealing with a problem that really nobody has had to deal with before. You're talking about thousands of properties being dumped into a market." This week, ideastream's Mhari Saito is filing daily reports on previously untold angles of the sub-prime mess. She joins us along with...

New Math v. The Old School (Tuesday, May 20)

Tue, May 20 Listen

Bob drives along the turnpike at 60 miles an hour. Melissa passes him, driving in the same direction at a constant speed. Thirty seconds after Melissa passed Bob, their cars are a quarter mile apart. How fast is Melissa driving? Educators have spent decades experimenting with new ways to teach math, but today's students aren't significantly better at math than their parents were. And that's not all. A new study suggests real world examples don't really help students. That gives renewed...

The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East (Monday, M

Mon, May 19 Listen

This month marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the modern state of Israel. Depending on your perspective, that's either a a cause for celebration or mourning. Through a variety of perspectives, Sandy Tolan tells the story of an unlikely friendship between an Arab exile and a Jewish migr, both of whom are connected to the same house. We'll spend the hour with the author of The Lemon Tree, listening to excerpts from the radio documentary that came before the book, and talking...

How To Be Safe (Friday, May 16)

Fri, May 16 Listen

Taking the stairway or walking your dog and ending up a victim of violence. It happens. Maybe not often, but once is too often. Most attacks are random and rare, but worth some thought. What should you do if accosted? Fight? Or flee? Should you carry mace or gun? How do we minimize exposure to attacks? We'll ask the experts. How to be safe, on The Sound of Ideas.

Reporters’ Roundtable: Embattled on Every Front (Thursday, May 15)

Thu, May 15 Listen

Attorney General Marc Dann has become the most important person in Buckeye State politics. On the Sound of Ideas reporters’ roundtable, we’ll talk about the latest developments in the story that has eclipsed all other work in the Ohio statehouse, and we'll let you air your concerns about the story, too. In other news, though, a Cuyahoga County Commissioner wants to restructure county government, and he's finding a little help in Columbus. Also, State Senator Tim Grendell says he'll likely...

Does Alzheimer’s Disease Exist? (Wednesday, May 14)

Wed, May 14 Listen

Alzheimer's disease affects about one in eight senior citizens and the costs of care are approaching a 160 billion dollars a year. One prominent local neurologist says much of what the medical community says about Alzheimer's is more myth than science. Peter Whitehouse's provocative challenge also questions current treatment. Now, it has been more than 100 years since Alzheimer's disease first enters the medical lexicon. After decades and billions of dollars in research, there are today...

Fighting Lake Invaders (Tuesday, May 13)

Tue, May 13 Listen

Scientists say there are about 185 invasive species living in the Great Lakes, and a new one arrives every eight months. The US Congress now has a plan to fight them. There are a couple of hurdles, though--the Senate and a threatened presidential veto. On the Sound of Ideas, we'll talk about the feasibility of fighting invasive species by changing basic shipping practices. And we'll find out if it's going to be enough to head off any future invaders...such as killer shrimp. You're invited to...

Science Cafe: Just How Do Batteries Work? (Monday, May 12)

Mon, May 12 Listen

Count up the number of things in your life that run on batteries. Your cordless phone, your cell phone, your bluetooth headset.... You get the idea, but most of us don't really know much about how batteries work -- nor do we appreciate how batteries have evolved to make today's portable electronic life possible. As part of our ongoing coverage of Cleveland's Science Cafe, we'll talk to a chemist and a consultant about the powerful science of batteries and what the next generation of batteries...

The Ultimate Cheapskate (Friday, May 9)

Fri, May 9 Listen

Jeff Yeager is the author of The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map to True Riches: A Practical (and Fun) Guide to Enjoying Life More by Spending Less. Yeager is from rural Ohio and has had a long career in the non-profit world. He has always been frugal with money -- so much so that he found he could retire at 46 -- or as he calls it, become "selfishly employed." He is now bicycling around the country, staying with friends and volunteering. Friday morning at 9, Regina Brett interviews the...

Reporters’ Roundtable: Politicians in Pickles (Thursday, May 8)

Thu, May 8 Listen

In the news this week, embattled Cleveland councilman Joe Santiago faces renewed scrutiny--there's no recall this time, just an FBI investigation. Meanwhile, in Columbus, the battle over payday loans heats up and members of the General Assembly gear up for a possible impeachment proceeding targeting the Attorney General. Also, there's fallout from charges of excessive patronage appointments at the Cuyahoga County Recorders office. We'll talk about those stories and others on the reporters'...

Banning Butts and Taxing Twinkies (Wednesday, May 7)

Wed, May 7 Listen

So, it has been about a year since Ohio's smoking ban went into effect. Some restaurant and bar owners are still complaining about the ban's negative impact on business. If you talk to public health officials, however, they say the economic impact of a healthier workforce make the ban a major victory. The smoking ban's success is up for debate on the Sound of Ideas, and we'll talk about just how far public health legislation might go...Twinkie tax, anyone? Join us, Wednesday morning at 9...

Politics and Apologies (Tuesday, May 6)

Tue, May 6 Listen

Tension is growing in Columbus: The Governor and Ohio's leading democrats are asking for Attorney General Marc Dann to resign. And now...there appears to be a standoff. Barely a month has passed since sexual harrassment allegations became the only news coming out of the AG's office. The story raises important questions about ethics in politics and when and why a scandal can take down an elected official. Join us Tuesday morning at 9, and we'll look for some answers.

Surviving Rape (Monday, May 5)

Mon, May 5 Listen

Few crimes are more traumatic than rape. The scars run deep and victims rarely want to talk about it publicly. So, when one does, it commands our attention. Reporter Joanna Connors was sexually assaulted on a Cleveland college campus 23 years ago. It haunted her until she began to retrace the life of the rapist and face the inner conflicts the assault produced in her own life. Read about it in Sunday's Plain Dealer and then join the conversation with the author this morning at 9:00.

Growing Old with Glee (Friday, May 2)

Fri, May 2 Listen

The secret to happiness could be growing old. A new study shows that Americans grow happier as they age. What connection do aging, health and happiness have? Another study indicates the stereotype of the isolated elerly is more myth than fact. Seniors are more socially connected than those in middle age. Elderly folks have fewer intimate relationships but they’re more likely to volunteer, go to church and and spend time with their neighbors than people in their 50s. Happiness and aging ......

Thursday Reporters’ Roundtable (Thursday, May 1)

Thu, May 1 Listen

In the news...State lawmakers prepare to pass the nation's tightest cap on the payday lending business and Republicans are in the lead. Continental Airlines decides to continue flying solo rather than merge. That seems to be good news for Hopkins Airport. National City's CEO tells shareholders he feels their pain. And Shaker Heights offers a bounty for new condo buyers. Join the discussion on the reporters' roundtable Thursday morning at 9:00 on the Sound of Ideas.

Rising Gas Prices: The New Economics of Energy (Wednesday, April 30)

Wed, Apr 30 Listen

As gasoline prices approach four-dollars a gallon we may be on the verge of a milestone. Americans may fiinally be willing to change driving behavior. With gas pricesat historic highs, the government predicts gas use will go down this summer for the first time in almost two decades. What lifestyle changes are you making? Join us Wednesday morning at 9 on 90.3 as we consider the gas price tipping point.

Preparing for Challenging Times (Tuesday, April 29)

Tue, Apr 29 Listen

That big tax rebate will be in the mail soon and it's going to be decision time. Save it or spend it? If so, on what? Questions like that make these economically taxing times...especially as fuel prices head north and housing values head south. On The Sound of Ideas, we'll talk with expert financial planners about the best ways to stay afloat, protect our nest-egg, and keep our sanity in challenging times. Join us at 9:00 Tuesday morning on 90.3.

Digital TV Revolution (Monday, April 28)

Mon, Apr 28 Listen

Say goodbye to snow, ghosts and washed out color. The digital TV revolution is here. And for some of us, the biggest adjustment is yet to come. If you have cable, you're probably getting digital TV now. However, the 21 million American households who still use rabbit ears will need a converter box. Confusing? It doesn't have to be.

Spring Cleaning (Friday, April 25)

Fri, Apr 25 Listen

Everything is in bloom which means it's time for spring cleaning. Time to air out the attic, police the basement and de-grunge the garage. How did all that stuff get in there? We'll have two national clutter coaches on hand to teach us how to find ourselves under all that junk. Learn how to do the 27 Fling Boogie, the five-minute room rescue, the Hot Spot Fire Drill. Join Regina Brett and learn how to clear away the clutter this morning at 9:00 on the Sound of Ideas.

Reporters’ Roundtable: Political Drama with Dann and Dimora (Thursday, Apri

Thu, Apr 24 Listen

Two Plain Dealer reporters get bounced by Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora. Attorney General Marc Dann releases redacted emails but can't escape the spotlight. The House and the Governor square off on the energy bill. Join us for a conversation about those stories and others from the week's news.

What Do You Get for Seven Billion Dollars? (Wednesday, April 23)

Wed, Apr 23 Listen

So, now we all know what it takes to keep a Fortune 500 bank afloat in these uncertain times: about seven billion dollars and a huge cut in share value. National City CEO Peter Raskind says, "No one is pleased about that or proud about that, but of the available alternatives to us that we very thoroughly explored, we're convinced that this is the best." Wednesday morning at 9, we'll try to understand the deal to save National City and what it will mean for everyone associated with the bank...

Questions for Cleveland’s Mayor (Tuesday, April 22)

Tue, Apr 22 Listen

We'll spend the hour with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson. The city's work is pressing on a number of fronts. Last year was a tough one for public safety. The mayor's new safety plan will redraw police district boundaries. That idea has found a few critics, and it's set to begin in early May. Also, the mayor's office is taking a new approach to violent crime, involving...

Get in the Game, with Cal Ripken (Monday, April 21)

Mon, Apr 21 Listen

You've heard it before, that eighty percent of life is showing up? How about showing up to two thousand six hundred and thirty two games in a row? Woody Allen, meet Cal Ripken, Jr. Major League Baseball's Iron Man has a new book about his life and explaining his unparallelled success. Here's a hint: it's about perseverance. We'll chat with Cal Ripken about his life and the lessons we all can learn from it. Get in the Game, Monday morning at 9 o'clock.

Catholicism Today (Friday, April 18)

Fri, Apr 18 Listen

Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States sheds light on the widening gulf between traditional Catholics and liberal Catholics. Pope Benedict has called the church sexual abuse scandal a 'deep shame.' He seeks to heal a fresh wound for a church divided over key issues like abortion, birth control and how to resolve the priest shortage. Join Regina Brett for a discussion on what Catholics want from the Pope and their church Friday morning at 9:00 on The Sound of Ideas.

The Return of the Cuyahoga (Thursday, April 17)

Thu, Apr 17 Listen

On April 22, Earth Day, WVIZ premiers The Return of the Cuyahoga, the new film documenting the river's transformation from the burning waterway of recent history to the main artery of one of the most visited National Parks in the United States. On our program, we'll preview the documentary, talk about how clean the Crooked River has become, and hear about the remediation work that remains to be done.

21st Century Schools: The Successes of E-Prep (Wednesday, April 16)

Wed, Apr 16 Listen

In August, roughly than ten percent of the students are proficient in math and reading. By April, that's more like 70 percent. Welcome to Entrepreneurship Prep. As one student tells it, "At my old school you didn't have to do homework. I'd say my dog ate it, My pig ran over it. I didn't do homework." Not so at E-Prep in Cleveland's Glenville neighborhood. The school teaches the same children as the rest of the city schools but gets remarkably different results. As part of our coverage of 21st...

21st Century Schools: Akron Remakes the Middle School (Tuesday, April 15)

Tue, Apr 15 Listen

It is becoming common knowledge that American students are falling behind in science and math. Now, Akron Public Schools have a plan to turn that around. The Beacon Journal profiles Akron's future math and science middle school Monday. It's the product of a collaboration between the district and the National Inventors' Hall of Fame. Tuesday on the Sound of Ideas, we'll talk about out how this new STEM school plans to prepare and engage the next generation of engineers. Join us at 9 a.m on 90.3.

Alternative Nutrition (Monday, April 14)

Mon, Apr 14 Listen

We’ve been told since childhood that we are what we eat. So many of us are looking for an edge with nutritional supplements. Vitamins, herbs, organic compounds of all sorts….we use them to gain energy, lose weight, alleviate pain. But not all are effective and some are harmful. We’ll examine the pros and cons of alternative nutrition Monday morning at 9 on 90.3.

The Sound of Ideas (Current Affairs)