The Open Mind, Hosted by Alexander Heffner
The Open Mind is a thoughtful excursion into the world of ideas across media, politics, technology, the arts and all realms of civic life.
Episodes
488 episodes since 2018
The Pursuit of Tranquility: How Many Times Do You Need To Blow Up The World?
American fighter pilot Amy McGrath discusses U.S. security policies.
September 05, 2024
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28:27
Accountability and Disarmament
Project on Managing the Atom researcher Mariana Budjeryn discusses the Russia-Ukraine war.
September 04, 2024
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28:21
Pigs and Pistols
At Pillen Family Farms, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Alexander break bread over pork sandwiches; then practice skeet shooting.
August 28, 2024
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27:41
Energy to Peace
Oppenheimer Project founder Charles Oppenheimer discusses his grandfather's legacy and nuclear counterproliferation.
August 26, 2024
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28:30
Cheeseheads and Milkpeople
At Marieke Gouda farm in rural Wisconsin, Senator Tammy Baldwin and Alexander break bread over fondue and curds; then tour the plant.
August 22, 2024
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27:33
The City of Orioles
At Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland, Governor Wes Moore and Alexander break bread over stadium concessions at a baseball game.
August 15, 2024
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28:37
Gaming the Future
Neuroscientist Kelly Clancy discusses her new book "Playing with Reality: How Games Have Shaped Our World."
August 14, 2024
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28:06
Words to Preserve Democracy
Planet Word founder Ann Friedman and executive director Nikki Sertsu discuss their Washington DC museum.
August 09, 2024
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27:54
The Future of Reproductive Freedom
University of Oregon sociologist Krystale Littlejohn discusses the post-Roe climate in the United States.
August 02, 2024
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27:45
Campus on Edge…Civics to the Rescue
University of Denver chancellor Jeremy Haefner and Rutgers University president Jonathan Holloway discuss speech and protest.
July 29, 2024
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28:02
Ranchers for America
In downtown Buffalo, Wyoming, Governor Mark Gordon and Alexander break bread over steak and potatoes at The Historic Occidental Hotel.
July 28, 2024
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28:52
A Bridge from Alaska to the Nation
At the annual renewable energy fair in Chena Hot Springs, Senator Lisa Murkowski and Alexander break bread over salmon burgers, halibut, and scallops; then take a nature walk.
July 11, 2024
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28:54
Courage in Flight (Season Premiere | Breaking Bread)
In Tucson, Arizona, Senator Mark Kelly and Alexander break bread over Sonoran hot dogs and then fly over the desert.
July 04, 2024
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28:09
Country Pancakes and Country Roads
In Fayetteville, West Virginia, Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Alexander break bread over flapjacks and then visit America's newest national park.
July 04, 2024
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47:48
Cooking in the House of Blaine
At her annual maple tapping, Maine Governor Janet Mills and Alexander break bread over homemade chicken a l'orange.
July 03, 2024
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43:33
Christmas Every Morning
At Tomasita’s restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Alexander break bread over red and green chile enchiladas and then hike a trail.
July 03, 2024
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44:26
Governing and BBQ
In his boyhood home of Nashville, North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper and Alexander break bread over pulled pork plates and banana pudding.
July 02, 2024
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47:04
God and Thai in Utah
At Sara Thai Kitchen in Salt Lake City, Governor Spencer Cox and Alexander break bread over spicy seafood and vegetables.
July 01, 2024
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50:06
The Soul of New Jersey
At Blueprint Cafe in Newark, Senator Cory Booker and Alexander break bread over vegan chicken and waffles and then toss a football.
June 28, 2024
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50:04
Where Theodore Roosevelt Lives
In the North Dakota badlands, Governor Doug Burgum and Alexander break bread over homegrown bison, potatoes, and strawberries.
June 28, 2024
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46:14
Elk Fajitas in the Desert
At the Elena Gallegos Open Space in Albuquerque, Senator Martin Heinrich and Alexander break bread over homemade elk fajitas.
June 27, 2024
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36:47
A Mexican Restaurant in Oklahoma
At San Marcos restaurant in Oklahoma City, Governor Kevin Stitt and Alexander break bread over carne asada tacos.
June 27, 2024
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34:34
Baskets and Burgers
At the Harold Thune Auditorium in Murdo, South Dakota, Senator John Thune and Alexander play basketball and then break bread over cheeseburgers.
June 26, 2024
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47:49