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
493 episodes
Counterproliferation and De-escalation in the Middle East
Arms Control Association nonproliferation policy director Kelsey Davenport discusses Iran.
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28:21
The Reverend Senator
In his hometown of Savannah, Georgia, Senator Raphael Warnock and Alexander break bread over chicken and waffles (and crab cake benedict); then visit his childhood home.
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27:24
In the Land of Eisenhower
In Hays, Kansas, Senator Jerry Moran and Alexander break bread over chili and milkshakes; then visit the local library.
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27:33
Dreams of Aloha
At her favorite local restaurant, Senator Mazie Hirono and Alexander break bread over Japanese fare; then visit the Honolulu high school from which she graduated.
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28:41
Fiesta in Pueblo
At the first-ever food hall in Pueblo, Colorado, Governor Jared Polis and Alexander break bread over a smorgasbord of hot chicken, roast beef, and ramen.
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27:30
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.
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28:27
Accountability and Disarmament
Project on Managing the Atom researcher Mariana Budjeryn discusses the Russia-Ukraine war.
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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.
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27:41
Energy to Peace
Oppenheimer Project founder Charles Oppenheimer discusses his grandfather's legacy and nuclear counterproliferation.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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50:06