Instapundit.com (v.2)

The Glenn and Helen Show: Brian Anderson on Media Freedom

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:34:39 -0500

Brian Anderson is the author of South Park Conservatives, and now he's got a new book out with Adam Thierer entitled A Manifesto for Media Freedom. We talk to Anderson about efforts to restore the Fairness Doctrine, the prospect of media regulation via subterfuge, and the likelihood of efforts to squash the alternative media in the next Congress -- as well as what to do about it.

You can listen to the podcast directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. Or you can download it and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. Music is byJohn T. Baker.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Adam Shepard on Making it from Scratch

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:55:43 -0500

Can you still make it from scratch in America? That's the question that Adam Shepard asked himself in college. On graduation, he took a train to Charleston, South Carolina and started out with nothing but $25 and a backpack. A year later, he had a car, and apartment, and $2500 in the bank. How he did it -- and what he learned along the way -- is the story of his new book, Scratch Beginnings: Me, $25, and the Search for the American Dream.

We talk to Shepard about what it takes to get ahead, how better-off Americans have lost touch with the world of work, and what politicians and pundits ought to be talking about.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. Or you can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here.

Music is by Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere.

The Glenn and Helen Show: T. Boone Pickens on Wind Energy and America's Future

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:42:25 -0500

T. Boone Pickens is an oilman, a takeover expert, and a longtime observer of the American scene. He's got a new book out -- The First Billion Is the Hardest: Reflections on a Life of Comebacks and America's Energy Future -- and a new wind energy plan for reducing America's dependence on imported oil.

We talk to Pickens about oil dependence, wind power, NIMBYism, and the future of America -- plus, how to get rich and the future of entrepreneurialism among American youth.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the entire show and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. Or you can get a free subscription via iTunes if you like -- and why wouldn't you?

Music is "Time's Right" by 46 Long, and "69365" by the Nebraska Guitar Militia.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Carla Howell on Abolishing Massachusetts' Income Tax

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:28:49 -0500

Like many states, Massachusetts has an income tax. But in Massachusetts, people are trying to do something about it. Libertarian activist Carla Howell organized an initiative in 2002 that would have abolished the state income tax. It got over 45% of the vote, and now she's back with another effort.

We talk to her about libertarian politics, politicians and taxes, and whether this initiative might start a national anti-tax trend. Plus, what you can do, if you want to help.

You can listen to the file directly -- no downloads needed -- by going right here and clicking on the gray Flash player. Or you can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. And, of course, you can always get a free subscription via iTunes. Free!

Music is by Audra and the Antidote ("Revolution") and Carla Howell ("The Tax Song.") Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Kathleen Parker on Why Men Matter

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:04:51 -0500

They used to say that it was a man's world, but you don't hear that much any more. Women outnumber men in college, get preferential legal treatment in many areas, and in general seem to be doing better, while boys lag girls in education and men generally seem to be doing worse. Should anyone care?

Yes, says Kathleen Parker in her new book, Save the Males: Why Men Matter Why Women Should Care. We talk with her about what's going on, why the condition of men matters to women, and why many men are afraid to speak out. Plus, Barack Obama on fatherhood.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and selecting the gray Flash player. You can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. And you can always get a free subscription via iTunes -- and why not, really?

Music is by The Mr. T. Experience. Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Doug Feith on War and Decision

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:52:38 -0500

Douglas J. Feith served as Undersecretary of Defense for Policy from 2001 through 2005. His new book, War and Decision: Inside the Pentagon at the Dawn of the War on Terrorism, looks at the response to the 9/11 attacks, the invasion of Afghanistan, and most significantly the Iraq war and its aftermath. Feith's book is copiously documented, and he's also made a lot of his documents available on his website. But the book, though selling well online, hasn't gotten the kind of Big Media attention you'd expect. We talk to him about the war, the Bush Administration, the media, and whether the American political class is up to dealing with matters of national security. And we discover that he's donating all proceeds to veterans' support groups.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going right here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can also download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. Plus, you can get a free subscription from iTunes and never miss an episode. Why not?

Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com. Music is by Mobius Dick.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Robert Kagan on the Return of History

Mon, 19 May 2008 10:00:31 -0500

In the 1990s, people talked about the "end of history," when international power politics wouldn't really matter. In his new book, The Return of History and the End of Dreams, Robert Kagan talks about democracy, autocracy, and the return of Great Power politics to international relations.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download a copy and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup, etc., by going here and selecting "lo fi." And you can always get a free subscription from iTunes. Free!

Music is by Mobius Dick. Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Fred Thompson on John McCain and Judges

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:10:23 -0500

With Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama still slugging it out in the Democratic primaries, John McCain has already cleared the way to the Republican nomination. He's spending his time laying out his positions for the general election, and one of the most important issues has to do with judicial nominations. We were lucky enough to catch up with McCain's friend Fred Thompson, who talked with us about McCain's positions, the current and possible future states of the federal judiciary, and whether there's a place for an Attorney General Fred Thompson in a McCain administration. ("No Ma'am" he responded, when Helen asked.) Thompson said this was the first interview he's given on McCain and the judiciary, but it won't be the last.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. You can get a lo-fi version, suitable for dialup, Treos, etc., by going here and selecting "lo-fi." And you can get a free subscription via iTunes right here. Free!

Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com. Music is by Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Cass Sunstein on Libertarian Paternalism

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:35:54 -0500

Cass Sunstein is the Karl Llewellyn Professor of Jurisprudence at the University of Chicago, and the coauthor, with Chicago colleague Richard Thaler, of Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness.

Sunstein and Thaler espouse a theory of "Libertarian Paternalism," in which people have more choice than they do now, but in which ignorance and sloth are exploited to encourage them to make good choices even when they're lazy. We talk about libertarian paternalism, the virtues and vices of technocracy, and which Presidential candidates favor Sunstein and Thaler's approach.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version, suitable for dialup, etc., by going here and selecting "lo-fi." You can also get a free subscription via iTunes -- never miss another episode!

Music is "Time's Right" by 46 Long. Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Michael Yon on the Moment of Truth in Iraq

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:16:47 -0500

Michael Yon is a blogger, and independent journalist, and he's actually the longest serving embedded journalist in Iraq. He's also got a new book out, Moment of Truth in Iraq: How a New 'Greatest Generation' of American Soldiers is Turning Defeat and Disaster into Victory and Hope. It's a terrific book, and a must-read for anyone interested in the war on terror.

We talk to Michael about independent blogging, the situation in Iraq and how it's changed since he started reporting in 2004, and his new book. Plus, advice for the Presidential candidates on what to say, and do, about Iraq over the coming year.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going right here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup, etc., by going here and selecting "lo fi." As always, you can get a free subscription via iTunes, and never miss another episode.

Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com, and music is by Mobius Dick.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Retiring Rich Despite Economic Turmoil

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:27:40 -0500

Tax Day is approaching, the markets are turbulent, and people are wondering how to move financially. So we talked with Jim Schlagheck, producer of public TV's Retirement Revolution and author of The Cash-Rich Retirement: Use the Investing Techniques of the Mega-Wealthy to Secure Your Retirement Future. The book is interesting, action-oriented, and -- in my opinion -- more conservative and realistic than a lot that I've read. Our discussion includes what to do financially, how the housing bubble and the "coming demographic storm" of Baby-Boomer retirements are likely to affect investments, and what economic problems will confront the next President.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup, cellphones, etc. by going here and selecting the lo-fi option. And of course, you can get a free subscription via iTunes -- and it's free.

Music is by Mobius Dick. Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com. As always, comments and discussion are hosted at my lovely and talented cohost's place.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Austin Bay and Jim Dunnigan on Iraq, Venezuela, and America

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 10:21:51 -0500

We talk to Jim Dunnigan, publisher of StrategyPage.com and author of numerous books on war, intelligence and security, and Austin Bay, who blogs at AustinBay.net, and who is the author of both novels and nonfiction works on war and military matters. They fill us in on the latest developments in Iran, Iraq, and Venezuela, and talk about why the Obama Campaign is good for America. (An Obama Presidency is a different story . . . .)

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version suitable for cellphones, dialup, etc. by going here and selecting lo-fi. And you can always get a free subscription via iTunes absolutely free. Never miss another episode!

Music is by Mobius Dick. Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com.

Comments and discussion here.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Troy Dunn on Raising Rich Kids

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:09:47 -0500

Want to raise a rich kid? Or at least a kid who knows how to make money without waiting for someone else to offer a job? That's what Troy Dunn offers in his new book, Young Bucks: How to Raise a Future Millionaire. We talk to Troy about why parents should want their kids to be entrepreneurial, how to encourage them to strike out on their own, and what the Presidential candidates are missing when they talk about economics.

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going right here and clicking on the gray Flash player. Or you can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. A lo-fi version, suitable for dialup, cellphones, etc. is here. And you can always subscribe via iTunes -- and why wouldn't you, since it's free?

Music is by Mobius Dick. Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com. As always, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments and suggestions for future shows.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Mitt Romney Talks Super Tuesday

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 19:59:42 -0500

We've already done our big get-to-know-you interview with Mitt Romney, but with Super Tuesday coming up in a couple of days and the race tight, we thought we'd catch up with him again. We asked him about gun control -- he says he'll veto any gun control bills that cross his desk as President, including a renewal of the "assault weapon" ban, which is more than George W. Bush ever promised -- about the economy (and the Zubrin flexfuel plan), and about John McCain, and Ann Coulter's promise to campaign for Hillary if McCain is nominated. Plus, whether Romney is mean enough for politics. Can he pull off a Turnaround?

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash Player. You can download the file directly and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version, suitable for cellphones, Treos, etc., by going here and selecting "lo fi." You can also get a free subscription via iTunes and make sure you never miss an episode. Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com.

Music is "Superluminal" by Mobius Dick. As always, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments. (Bumped to top).

UPDATE: Romney charged with flip-flopping on guns, but his team responds with this. You decide.

ANOTHER UPDATE: More here. I'm beginning to question his sincerity.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Rudy Giuliani and Gene Sperling on Politics and Policy

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:36:26 -0500

IT'S A BIPARTISAN ELECTION DOUBLE-HEADER. We caught up with Rudy Giuliani as he barnstormed across Florida this weekend, and asked him about the Second Amendment (he says it protects "an individual personal right to bear and carry arms, not just one that's related to the militia"), about health care, energy policy (including the Zubrin plan), and much more.

Gene Sperling is the author of The Pro-Growth Progressive: An Economic Strategy for Shared Prosperity. He also chaired the National Economic Council in the Bill Clinton Administration, and serves as senior economic advisor to the Hillary Clinton campaign. He talks about Hillary's stimulus package, health care, and whether we're in danger of 1970s style "stagflation" again.

Plus, Helen managed to crack me up over "podcast tax credits." You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file and listen at your leisure at by clicking right here. You can get a lo-fi version suitable for cellphones, Treos, and dialup connections by going here and clicking "lo fi." And, of course, you can always get a free subscription via iTunes. Free! Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com.

Music is "Black UFOs," by Mobius Dick. And, as always, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Bob Zubrin on How to Break OPEC

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 09:04:30 -0500

How can we break the OPEC oil cartel for $100 a car? Engineer Bob Zubrin has the answer -- by requiring all new cars sold in the United States to be flex-fuel vehicles that can run not just on gasoline, but on ethanol and methanol. (Note that methanol can even be made out of kudzu, which we southerners will find highly appealing.)

We talk to Zubrin about his successful new book -- the first printing sold out in December-- Energy Victory: Winning the War on Terror by Breaking Free of Oil, about how oil money funds terrorism, and about how proven off-the-shelf technology could undercut OPEC's power.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file and listen at your leisure at by clicking right here. You can get a lo-fi version suitable for cellphones, Treos, and dialup connections by going here and clicking "lo fi." And, of course, you can always get a free subscription via iTunes. Free! Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com. Zubrin's website is at EnergyVictory.net

This podcast brought to you by Volvo Automobiles. Music is "Indistinguishable from Magic" by Mobius Dick.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Jonah Goldberg on Hillary, Huckabee, and Liberal Fascism

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:39:34 -0500

It's sure to make a splash, and it's already got some left bloggers in a tizzy even though it doesn't come out until next week. It's Jonah Goldberg's new book, Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left, From Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning. The title comes from H.G. Wells, and the history won't be news to people who've paid attention -- which means it will be news to a lot of people -- but Goldberg has a lot to say about the "progressive" roots of both socialism and fascism and the way they're reflected in contemporary politics. (He goes out of his way to make clear, though, that he's not saying liberals are fascists.) Plus, thoughts on the Hillary and Huckabee candidacies.

You can listen to the show directly -- no downloads needed -- by going right here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the whole file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here, and you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup by going here and selecting "lo fi." And, of course, you can always get a free subscription from iTunes if you like -- and why wouldn't you? Show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com.

This podcast was brought to you by Volvo Automobiles. Music is "Nobody's Full" by Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere. (Bumped.)

The Glenn and Helen Show: John McCain in the Home Stretch

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:12:17 -0500

The Iowa Caucuses are just around the corner, and we thought it was a good time to catch up with Senator John McCain, who's seeking the Republican nomination for President. (Our earlier interview with Sen. McCain is here.) We talked about the election, Supreme Court appointments, the Second Amendment, Iraq, and much, much more -- including whether the CIA should be abolished, or just shaken up. McCain was rested, relaxed, confident, and full of I-told-you-sos, but then he was staying in a Holiday Inn Express when we talked to him.

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file and listen to it at your leisure by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup by going here and selecting lo-fi. Plus, there's a free subscription available via iTunes -- why wouldn't you want one?

This podcast was brought to you by Volvo Automobiles. Music is by Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Bob Levy on the Supreme Court and the D.C. Gun Ban Case

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:14:56 -0500

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the D.C. gun ban case, and we caught up with Bob Levy, a senior fellow in constitutional studies at the Cato Institute and the moving force behind the case, on Tuesday morning just before the Court's announcement. We talk about the Second Amendment, the Supreme Court, and the case's likely influence on the 2008 elections, as well as why Levy bucked the advice of many to put this case in motion.

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. Or you can download the show and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. You can get a lo-fi version, suitable for dialup, by going here and selecting lo-fi. And you can always get a free subscription via iTunes -- and we'd like it if you did. Our show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com.

This podcast was brought to you by Volvo Automobiles. Music is by Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Advice for Daring Girls

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:03:15 -0500

First, it was the Dangerous Book for Boys, and now it's the Daring Book for Girls. We talked to Daring Book authors Andrea Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz about girls, the outdoors, and the shockingly large number of fun activities that don't involve cellphones, televisions, or videogames.

There's lots of talk about hopscotch, building forts, the virtues of Swiss Army knives and scooters, and the importance of doing things out in the world. Plus, the surprising virtues of boys. And is Hillary Clinton a daring girl?

You can listen directly (no downloading needed) by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version, suitable for dialup, cellphones, etc. by going here and selecting lo-fi. A free iTunes subscription is available here, and you can visit our show archives at GlennandHelenShow.com.

This podcast was brought to you by Volvo Automobiles. Music is by Audra and the Antidote.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Amory Lovins et al., on Science, Engineering, and Society

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:05:37 -0500

We traveled to the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Conference in New York, and talked to energy efficiency guru Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute, MacArthur Genius Award winner and science educator Shawn Carlson, and appropriate-technology entrepreneur Shawn Frayne. It's a fascinating discussion of everything from how America can save energy and protect the environment without sacrificing our lifestyle, to ways of helping the third world, to techniques for energizing American students' interest in science and technology.

Amory Lovins' website: Winning the Oil Endgame. Shawn Frayne's website: Humdinger Wind Energy, LLC. Shawn Carlson's website: Labrats.org. And there's much more background on all of them at the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough page.

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the entire file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here, and you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup by going here and selecting lo-fi. Plus, you can always get a free subscription via iTunes -- and why wouldn't you, really?

Visit our show archives for past episodes and updates at GlennandHelenShow.com. Music is by Mobius Dick.

This podcast is brought to you by Volvo Automobiles. Buy a Volvo today and tell them it's all because of the Glenn and Helen Show!

The Glenn and Helen Show: Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:27:04 -0500

Mike Huckabee is running for President. He was governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007, he's the author of numerous books including From Hope to Higher Ground, and the book about how he lost over 100 pounds, Quit Digging Your Grave with a Knife and Fork : A 12-Stop Program to End Bad Habits and Begin a Healthy Lifestyle. He's the Jared of Presidential candidates! Helen's also a fan of his book on juvenile violence, Kids Who Kill.

We talk to Governor Huckabee about gun rights and gun control, health care (and diet), his support for the "Fair Tax" plan, gay marriage, and more. He's got some interesting things to say, and it turns out he remembers Helen from the aftermath of the Jonesboro school shooting.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. Or you can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version, suitable for dialup connections, by going here and selecting "lo fi."

This podcast was brought to you by Volvo USA. Music is "Nobody's Full," by Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere. Visit our show archives at GlennandHelenShow.com.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Power to the People!

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 09:00:37 -0500

We talk to Laura Ingraham about her new book, Power to the People, which looks at ways that ordinary people can empower themselves in the culture and in politics. We talk about large families and prejudice against parenting, her campaign against porn (we're a lot more favorable on the subject than she is, which leads to some . . . discussion) and politics, plus a look at the 2008 elections and the immigration battle.

It's an interesting discussion, and Ingraham is different from many other social reformers in that she largely stresses individuals using their voices and market power, as opposed to the force of law, to effect changes in culture, politics and media. She also suggests that individuals get involved in reporting on local politics, school boards, and the like, a place where one or two people can make a real difference. It's an appealingly Army of Davids-like approach.

You can listen to the show directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and taking advantage of the gray Flash player. Or you can download the file directly by clicking right here and listen at your leisure. As always, there's a free subscription available via iTunes -- you can't beat free! Check out previous shows in our show archive at GlennandHelenShow.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Volvo Automobiles. Music is by Doktor Frank's band, the Mr. T Experience.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Jack Goldsmith on Law, Terror and Politics

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:36:49 -0500

The sixth anniversary of September 11 is just past, and it's a good time to look at where we are, and what to do in coming years. We spoke to Harvard Law Professor Jack Goldsmith, whose new book, The Terror Presidency: Law and Judgment Inside the Bush Administration, tells the story of his experience working at the Defense Department and as head of the Office of Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice, and also looks at how the decisionmaking process relating to terror is being "strangled by law." Goldsmith talks about his experiences, his book, and what the next President and Congress should do.

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and taking advantage of the gray Flash player. Or you can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here.

This podcast was brought to you by Volvo Motors. Music is by Mobius Dick. Visit our show archives for updates and prior episodes at GlennandHelenShow.com. And, as always, you can get a free subscription via iTunes.

UPDATE: There's a transcript available now -- click "read more" to read it.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Richard Epstein on Drugs and Health

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 11:00:13 -0500

Richard Epstein is the James Parker Hall Distinguished Service Professor of Law at the University of Chicago, and the author of Overdose: How Excessive Government Regulation Stifles Pharmaceutical Innovation as well as Mortal Peril: Our Inalienable Right to Health Care?

These are topics of particular interest to us, as Helen is kept alive by Tikosyn, a somewhat unusual anti-arrhythmic drug. We talk to Epstein about the pharmaceutical industry, its critics, and what to do to promote new drugs and treatments for problems that people are dying from today. Epstein also discusses some criticism in The New Republic, something he has answered at greater length here.

You can listen directly (no downloading needed) by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file directly and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup by going here and selecting "lo-fi." As always, you can get a free subscription via iTunes and never miss another episode. You can't beat free.

This podcast is brought to you by Volvo USA. Music is by Mobius Dick.

UPDATE: That was fast.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Austin and Annabelle Bay on War, History, and Life.

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:34:45 -0500

Austin Bay is a novelist and nonfiction author (author of The Wrong Side of Brightness and A Quick and Dirty Guide to War), blogger and host of Pajamas Media's Blog Week in Review. He and his daughter spent part of this summer following the route of Austin's great-great-grandfather in the Civil War, shooting video and working on a book project tentatively entitled Eli's War.

They passed through Knoxville, and we managed to have dinner with them. Join us for a talk about war, history, and family. You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can also download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here, and you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup by going here and selecting "lo-fi." And, of course, you can get a free subscription via iTunes -- never miss another episode!

This podcast was brought to you by Volvo USA. Music is by Doug Weinstein's band, XTemp.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Michael Yon Reports from Iraq

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:57:24 -0500

We caught up with independent journalist Michael Yon via satellite phone this afternoon. Yon, who's been covering Operation Arrowhead Ripper in the (former) Al Qaedah stronghold of Baqubah reports on how things are going, what he thinks will happen next, and his thoughts on the likely consequences of premature withdrawal.

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the whole file and listen at you leisure by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version, suitable for dialup, by going here and selecting the lo-fi version. And, of course you can always get a free subscription via iTunes.

Music is by Mobius Dick. This podcast is sponsored by Volvo Motors.

UPDATE: Money quote: "I see progress being made here now. I see the surge working, and it's working faster than I actually thought it could."

The Glenn and Helen Show: Hector Qirko on Music and Life

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:35:32 -0500

He's played with everybody from Lonnie Brooks and Albert King to Terry Hill and Balboa. We talk to legendary guitarist Hector Qirko about music and life -- and his work remastering some of the late Terry Hill's lost tapes. We also listen to some tunes by Hector, Terry, and R.B. Morris.

Links mentioned in the show include Hector's own site, the site of R.B. Morris, and the Terry Hill memorial page. Plus, the Lonesome Coyotes and, of course, Balboa.

You can listen to the show directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. Or you can download the entire file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. You can get a lo-fi version for dialup by going here and selecting "lo fi" and -- of course -- you can subscribe via iTunes by clicking right here. Visit our show archives for new and old episodes at GlennandHelenShow.com. As always, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments and suggestions for future shows.

This podcast was brought to you by Volvo USA -- buy a Volvo and tell 'em we sent you!

The Glenn and Helen Show: Austin Bay and Jim Dunnigan on Iraq and America

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 11:00:31 -0500

The surge is well underway, Baqubah is under assault, Anbar is mostly pacified, and while people in iraq seem somewhat more optimistic, American politicians are getting increasingly wobbly. Meanwhile, we're seeing assassinations and riots in Iran. What's going on, and what should we expect in coming months?

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here, and you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup by going here and choosing the lo-fi version. Plus, you can always subscribe for free via iTunes, which is what all the cool kids do.

This podcast is brought to you by Volvo USA -- buy a Volvo and tell 'em it's all because of the Glenn and Helen Show!

The Glenn and Helen Show: Bill Frist on Fighting Global Hunger and Supporting Fred Thompson

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 16:04:46 -0500

Bill Frist isn't Senate Majority Leader any more, and he says he gets more respect when he goes by "Doctor" than when he goes by "Senator." But he hasn't given up on changing the world, and he's working -- with Tom Daschle -- on a bipartisan program called One Vote '08, aimed at helping the people that Paul Collier calls the bottom billion.

Since he's from Tennessee, we also had to ask him what he thinks about the Fred Thompson campaign, and he sounded pretty positive.

You can listen online (no downloading needed) by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file directly and listen to it at your leisure by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version, suitable for dialup, by going here and selecting "lo-fi." As always, a free subscription is available via iTunes.

This podcast is sponsored by Volvo Motors, and the music is by Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere, from their album Heartbreak and Duct Tape.

As always, comments and discussion over at my lovely and talented co-host's place.

UPDATE: Some thoughts here.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Conn Iggulden on Boys and Danger

Thu, 17 May 2007 11:03:27 -0500

Are we turning into a nation of wimps? Do boys need to be boys? Is there something parents and schools should be doing differently? We talk with British author Conn Iggulden, whose new book, The Dangerous Book for Boys, takes an old-fashioned positive look at boyhood, bravery, and the nature of risk, about those subjects and others -- including the effect of modern parenting and education on military recruitment and the future of Western civilization. Is being optimistic old-fashioned? Plus, revelations about Helen's misspent youth!

Iggulden thinks that the pendulum is swinging back, and I suspect that the strong reaction to his book is evidence that people want to help -- and check out the enthusiasm in the reader reviews.

You can listen to the show directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can get the file directly for listening via Windows Media, Realplayer, Quicktime, etc., by clicking right here. And you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup, cellphones, etc. by going here and selecting lo-fi. And, of course, you can always get a free subscrption via iTunes -- as we say in ~~radio~~ podcasting, "Wow! What a deal!" And you can visit our show archives here.

Music is "Status No" and "IWDWIST" by Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere. This podcast sponsored by Volvo Motors USA. Plus, comments and discussion over at my lovely and talented cohost's place.

UPDATE: Reader Rick Sawyer emails:

I bought this book a few weeks ago when I saw it at a bookstore. I bought it b/c of your mention, actually! It was a great read. What I'm going to do, is add some of the interesting stuff I did as a boy, give it to the older men in my family for their ideas, and then give it to my brother in law who has three boys under the age of five. I thought it would be a great male bonding exercise for my family…

I think it would. Iggulden said the book is in part a "refresher course for dads."

The Glenn and Helen Show: David Verklin on Online (and Offline) Advertising

Thu, 10 May 2007 11:00:46 -0500

Traditional media are worried, and new media are excited. In both cases, it has a lot to do with where the advertising money is going, and where it's not going. Nobody knows more about advertising than David Verklin, CEO of Carat Americas. Carat is the world's largest independent media buying operation, and Verklin is also the coauthor -- with Bernice Kanner -- of Watch This, Listen Up, Click Here: Inside the 300 Billion Dollar Business Behind the Media You Constantly Consume. We talk to him about what's happening now, what will happen next, and how the future of advertising might actually be more pleasant for consumers, as advertisers serve up ads based on things people are actually interested in.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file by clicking right there, and you can get a lo-fi version, suitable for dialup, etc., by going here and selecting "lo fi." And of course, you can get a free subscription via iTunes -- and why wouldn't you, really?

This podcast is brought to you by Volvo Motors USA. Music is "Nobody's Full," by the Opposable Thumbs.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Michael S. Malone on the Past and Future of Silicon Valley

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 10:37:44 -0500

Hewlett-Packard is now the biggest information technology company in the world, having surpassed both the $100 billion mark and IBM. How did it get there, over a period of time when so many promising companies fell apart? That's the topic of Michael S. Malone's new book, Bill and Dave: How Hewlett and Packard Built the World's Greatest Company. We talk with Malone about the role of old-fashioned values in surviving new-era corporate challenges, and the difficulties that HP has had in sticking to its approach as times change. It's a very interesting story, underscoring the fact that the most important part of every technology story involves the people behind the technology.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file yourself by clicking on this link -- that's easy too! -- and you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup by going here and selecting "lo-fi." Our show archives with past and future episodes are at GlennandHelenShow.com, and, of course, you can get a free subscription via iTunes. That's right, free! As we say in ~~radio~~ podcasting, "Wow, what a deal!"

And Bill & Dave is an excellent book, which I highly recommend.

This podcast brought to you by Volvo USA. Music is Indistinguishable from Magic, by Mobius Dick.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Should Adolescence Be Abolished?

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 10:52:23 -0500

Are we infantilizing teens to the point that we are raising a nation of wimps? Is adolescence extended so long that people have gray hair by the time they become adults? Robert Epstein, Director Emeritus of the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies in Massachusetts and author of The Case Against Adolescence: Rediscovering the Adult in Every Teen talks about these questions and more on today's podcast. Epstein's new book argues that adolescence is an artificial and unnecessary part of life that people are better off without. Find out how your teen's exposure to school and Western media may be setting him or her up for incompetence, poor judgement and social-emotional turmoil. What can you do about it? Read the book or listen to the podcast to find out. Or go take Dr. Epstein's competency test to find out how adult your teen is (or how adult you are) at www.howadultareyou.com or visit his website at drrobertepstein.com.

You can listen directly by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player, or you can download the file by clicking right here. You can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup by going here and selecting lo-fi. And, of course, you can get a free subscription via iTunes -- and wouldn't you want to, really?

Music is "The High School Song" by Audra and the Antidote. This podcast is brought to you by Volvo Cars -- buy one and tell 'em it's all because of the Glenn and Helen Show!

UPDATE: Interesting discussion in the comments, here.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Michael Yon Reports on the Surge

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:08:13 -0500

The surge is well underway in Iraq, and by some reports it's already making a big difference. We contacted the blogosphere's man-on-the-spot in Baghdad, Michael Yon, by satellite phone, and got his take on how things are going. Some important bits: The dispersal of troops out of big bases and into Iraqi neighborhoods has had a big impact -- somewhat like the "community policing" approach in New York and elsewhere -- and is generating a lot more intelligence and assistance from ordinary Iraqis. "Just being there makes a huge difference," says Yon. But don't expect overnight results: "The surge itself will go on well past summer," and it'll be Fall before we can tell if the trends are good or bad.

Listen to the whole thing -- he's also got some interesting takes on changing tactics and changing press coverage. You can stream the file by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player, or you can download the file directly by clicking right here. There's a lo-fi version suitable for dialup here -- select the lo-fi version -- and, of course, you can subscribe for free via iTunes. Is that a deal, or what?

Music is by Mobius Dick. This podcast was brought to you by Volvo Motors -- buy a Volvo today and tell 'em it's all because of the Glenn and Helen Show!

And as always, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments and suggestions.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Duncan Hunter on Why He Wants to Be President

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 10:40:20 -0500

We talk to Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) about why he wants to be President. We caught up with Rep. Hunter as he was getting ready to go to Iraq, and talked with him about the war, gun control, stem cell research and cloning, and much more. (His core principles statement is online, but we noticed a surprising omission.) Plus, what his son learned serving in Fallujah.

You can listen directly -- no download needed -- by going here, or you can download the entire file by clicking right here. A lo-fi version suitable for dialup is available by going here and selecting lo-fi. And, of course, you can subscribe for free via iTunes, and you should!

As always, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments and suggestions.

Music is by Doug Weinstein's acid jazz band, XTemp, from the album Bugsy's World. (Sadly, it's not available online.) This podcast is brought to you by Volvo USA.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Training the Afghan Army and Police

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:42:41 -0500

We talked with Col. David Enyeart, Deputy Commander of Task Force Phoenix, the command dedicated to training the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police.

Col. Enyeart talks about addressing corruption, the much-anticipated Taliban spring offensive (which he calls "make or break for the Taliban") addressing corruption and illiteracy, and the success in recruiting efforts. His conclusion: "This is a winnable war over here."

Also on the call are Mark Finkelstein of Newsbusters, Andrew Lubin of On Point, Scott Kesterson of the Huffington Post, and John Noonan of Op-For.

You can listen directly by clicking here -- no downloads needed -- or you can download the entire file by clicking right here. You can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup, satellite phone, or whatever by going here and selecting lo-fi, and you can always subscribe for free via iTunes. Visit our show archives at www.glennandhelenshow.com for old episodes or to check for updates.

Music is by Mobius Dick. This podcast was brought to you by Volvo USA.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Claire and Mischa Berlinski on Two New Novels

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 10:08:36 -0500

It's a brother-sister novelist act, as we talk to Claire Berlinski, author of last year's powerful nonfiction book, Menace in Europe and now of a new novel of Internet dating and espionage, Lion Eyes -- and her brother, Mischa Berlinski, whose novel Fieldwork, on missionaries, anthropologists, and murder in the hills of Thailand, was published on the same day as Lion Eyes.

The conversation ranges from Internet dating and blogger romance, to the historical conflicts between missionaries and anthropologists, to the advantages of novel-writing over having to hold a real job. Plus, a year-later look at how the predictions in Menace in Europe -- which is now out in paperback -- have held up. (And last year's interview with Claire Berlinski on that book can be found here.)

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. Or you can download the file and listen at your leisure by clicking right here. You can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup by going here and selecting "lo-fi." And you can always subscribe via iTunes. Why not?

As always, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments and suggestions.

Music is "Black UFOs" and "Temptation" by Mobius Dick. This podcast sponsored by Volvo Motors USA. Buy a Volvo and tell them we sent you!

The Glenn and Helen Show: Five for Fighting's John Ondrasik on War, Peace and Music

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 09:26:11 -0500

John Ondrasik is Five for Fighting. Unless you've been living in a cave in Waziristan, you've heard his songs like 100 Years, Superman, and The Riddle. But the title cut to his latest album, Two Lights, turns out to come from a lunch with none other than blogosphere fave Victor Davis Hanson. (There are some streamable samples at the link, too.) We talk to Ondrasik about politics in the music business, what drives his songwriting, what aspiring musicians should do to make it, and more -- including his new, about-to-launch web-video-based viral charity enterprise, What Kind of World Do You Want? (Hear his music on iTunes here.)

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file directly by clicking right here. You can get a lo-fi version suitable for download by going here and selecting lo-fi. And, of course, you can get a free subscription via iTunes -- and you should! As always, of course, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments and suggestions.

Music is by Five for Fighting. This podcast is sponsored by Volvo USA. Buy a Volvo, and tell 'em we sent you!

The Glenn and Helen Show: Michael Yon from Camp Victory

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 15:17:19 -0500

Michael Yon is back in Iraq, where he's been for over a month now. We caught up to him via satellite phone this afternoon and got his views on the surge (it will be "unlike anything we've seen before"), the status of Iraqi security forces (they've made "tremendous progress" since he was there last year, but things are "still dicey"), evidence of Iranian involvement in terror attacks in Iraq, what the Iraqi public thinks, and much more. Plus a couple of "normal explosions" in the background.

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. Or you can download the file directly by clicking right here. And there's a lo-fi version, suitable for dialup, etc., available by going here and selecting lo-fi. Or, of course, you can always subscribe via iTunes. We like that. And our show archives are online at GlennandHelenShow.com -- check up on past episodes there.

Music is "Superluminal," by Mobius Dick. This podcast is brought to you by Volvo USA -- buy a Volvo and tell 'em we sent you!

The Glenn and Helen Show: I See Dead People

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 10:01:21 -0500

Pioneering forensic anthropologist Dr. Bill Bass is the inventor of the University of Tennessee "body farm," made famous by Patricia Cornwell's bestselling novel of the same name. Bass is also, with Jon Jefferson, a bestselling author in his own right under the name Jefferson Bass. We talk about forensic anthropology, their new novel Flesh and Bone, what CSI gets wrong, and how to have fun in Chattanooga's gay bars. Plus, Dr. Bass's new effort to find out what happened to the Big Bopper in his plane crash with Buddy Holly and Richie Valens.

You can listen directly -- no downloading required -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. Or you can download the file directly by clicking right here. You can get a lo-fi version, suitable for dialup, cellphones, etc., by going here and selecting the lo-fi version. And, of course, you can always subscribe via itunes. Please do! And, as always, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments and suggestions.

Music: "Temptation," by Mobius Dick. This podcast was brought to you by Volvo USA -- if you buy a Volvo, tell them it's because of The Glenn and Helen Show!

The Glenn and Helen Show: Gordon Crovitz on the WSJ, Old and New Media, and Blogging as an Art Form

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:44:04 -0500

People in the newspaper business seem awfully gloomy about the future right now, and with reason. But there's one bright spot: The Wall Street Journal's publisher Gordon Crovitz, who describes himself as "the last person in the country with 'newspaper publisher' in his title who nonetheless is an optimist."

We'll talk about why he's optimistic, about how the Wall Street Journal's online edition came to be the fourth biggest newspaper in the country -- bigger than the Washington Post or the L.A. Times -- and how newspapers, and newspaper publishers, should be adapting to the new era. Plus, his view of blogging as "a great journalistic art form."

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file directly by clicking right here, and you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup, cellphones, etc. by going here and selecting lo-fi. And, of course, you can always subscribe via iTunes. We like it when you do that. Check out past shows and look for new ones at GlennandHelenShow.com. As always, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments and suggestions.

Music is "Superluminal" by Mobius Dick. This podcast sponsored by Volvo USA. If you buy a Volvo, tell 'em it's all because of The Glenn and Helen Show.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Mitt Romney on the War, the Campaign and the Future

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 23:09:03 -0500

Mitt Romney has officially declared his interest in the 2008 Presidential election. In this interview, he responds to a controversial YouTube video about his positions on abortion and other social issues, and talks about the war, gun rights, health care, research and development, and the role of the blogosphere in the 2008 election, among other things.

That's kind of cool, using a podcast to respond to a YouTube interview. All new media, all the time! I was going to hold this until tomorrow, but it's already getting press. [LATER: Wow. Rather a lot of press.]

You can listen to the show directly (no downloads needed) by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the show by clicking right here, and you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup, iPhone, etc. by going here and selecting the lo-fi version. And, of course, you can always subscribe via iTunes. And our show archives are at GlennandHelenShow.com. Check out our interviews with Romney rival John McCain, or non-candidate Mark Warner., who explains why he decided not to run.

Music is by Mobius Dick. This podcast is brought to you by Volvo Automobiles.

As always my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments and suggestions.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Kay Hymowitz on Marriage and Caste in America

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:19:09 -0500

Does marriage still matter? We talk to the Manhattan Institute's Kay Hymowitz about her book, Marriage and Caste in America: Separate and Unequal Families in a Post-Marital Age. Hymowitz talks about the role of marriage in childrearing, wealth accumulation, and more -- and how the unequal popularity of marriage is making the rich richer and the poor poorer. It's interesting stuff, though I remain unpersuaded that gay marriage is any threat, and remain unclear on how that fits with the rest of her analysis.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file by clicking right here, or you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup, cellphones, etc. by going here and selecting lo-fi. A free iTunes subscription -- the best way to go -- is available by clicking here.

This podcast is sponsored by Volvo Motors at volvocars.us.

Music is by The Have Nots.

As always, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments and suggestions.

The Glenn and Helen Show: A Martha Stewart Christmas!

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 11:50:36 -0500

It's a Martha Stewart Christmas at the Glenn and Helen Show! Well, it's a show about Martha Stewart at Christmastime, anyway. We interview law professor Joan Heminway about her book, Martha Stewart's Legal Troubles, which comes out next week. We're joined by Professor Ellen Podgor and talk not only about Martha Stewart's legal troubles, but about the Sarbanes-Oxley bill, white-collar crime, and the criminalization of nearly everything.

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file by clicking right here, and you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup, cellphones, etc. by going here and selecting the "lo-fi" version. And, of course, you can always subscribe via iTunes so that you'll never miss an episode.

As always, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments and observations.

This podcast is brought to you by Volvo Motors USA. Christmas music by Audra and the Antidote. They rock! Check out their new website. And here's the promised cookie recipe. . . .

UPDATE: In connection with this podcast, it's worth reading Michael S. Malone's column in today's Wall Street Journal. (Subscription only, but this link should work for a week.) And thanks for the kind words from Stephen Bainbridge: "It's a very nice discussion of the problem of over-criminalizing agency costs, which in turn provides a really nice example of how new media can treat issues with a depth that the MSM usually won't." Hey, that's what all this technology stuff is for, and that's why it's so cool.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Suicide is Painful

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 09:28:44 -0500

You hear a lot about suicide and depression during the holiday season. We talk with Dr. Eric Caine, head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester and a consultant to the President's Commission on Mental Health, about suicide and suicide prevention. Do antidepressant drugs raise the risks of suicide or lower them? What preventive steps work, and what should general medical practitioners, or concerned friends and family, do? Dr. Caine offers lots of answers, and interesting discussion.

You can listen to the show directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file by clicking right here, and you can subscribe via iTunes by clicking here. A lo-fi version suitable for dialup, cellphones, etc. is available by going here and selecting the lo-fi version.

You can visit the Suicide Prevention Action Network at www.spanusa.org for more information on suicide or take a look at Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide, a book recommended by Helen.

Music is by Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere.

This podcast is brought to you by Volvo at www.volvocars.us.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Questions and Answers

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 09:08:58 -0500

In this episode, we take listeners' questions and answer them -- including a few that were emailed in audio form, making it a sort of call-in show. We talk about things personal, political, and podcast-related, and about the blogosphere in general.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going right here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can also download the podcast by clicking right here, and you can subscribe via iTunes -- all the cool kids do! -- by clicking here. For a lo-fi version suitable for dialups, cellphones, etc., go here and select lo-fi.

In response to one question, here, as promised, is a link to a post on how the shows are put together.

Music is by Mobius Dick.

This podcast sponsored by Volvo USA. If you buy a Volvo, tell 'em we sent you!

The Glenn and Helen Show: Orson Scott Card on Empire and Division in American Politics

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 10:41:26 -0500

Most people agree that political divisions have gotten worse in recent years. Orson Scott Card's new novel Empire looks at whether and how those divisions might lead to an American civil war in the near future. It's a thriller novel, a la Tom Clancy, but it's also a cautionary tale. We talk with Card about the novel, about storytelling, about the political scene, and what Americans should be doing.

You can listen directly -- no downloads needed -- by going right here and clicking on the gray Flash player, or you can download it directly here. You can subscribe via iTunes -- and, really, why not? -- by clicking right here, and you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup by going here and selecting the lo-fi version.

This podcast is brought to you by Volvo USA. If you buy a Volvo, tell 'em we sent you!

Music is "Splitters" by Mobius Dick.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Fixing America's Health Care System

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 10:03:41 -0500

With the Democrats back in Congressional majority, there's more talk of health care regulation, and perhaps even a Canada-style socialized-medicine approach. Dr. David Gratzer is the author of a new book, The Cure: How Capitalism Can Save American Health Care, and -- as the foreword by Milton Friedman might suggest -- he suggests a very different approach. Gratzer, a Canadian physician who has practiced in both the Canadian and American medical systems, looks at the flaws in both approaches, and observes: "The problem and the predicament of American health care can be stated in a single, paradoxical sentence: Everyone agrees that it's the best in the world, but nobody really likes it."

We discuss HMO's, single-payor, Health Savings Accounts, and how Wilbur Mills and Fanne Fox (well, mostly Wilbur Mills) played a major role in creating today's problems. Plus, what to do about them.

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file directly by clicking right here. There's a lo-fi version for dialup available here, and, of course, you can subscribe via iTunes (we like that) by clicking right here. Show archives with past episodes are here.

This podcast brought to you by Volvo USA. Music is "Submarine on Europa," by Mobius Dick. More about Mobius Dick here and here.

The Glenn and Helen Show: Old Media and New at Popular Mechanics

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 10:19:17 -0500

Are old media doomed to be replaced by new media? Or is there more likely to be some sort of symbiosis?

Lots of people wonder about that, and we took the opportunity to talk with Angela Diegel and David Dunbar from Popular Mechanics when they came to town. Diegel is the magazine's online director, while Dunbar is the Executive Editor. They say that print isn't dead, but that magazines that are going to make it will make much smarter use of the web -- and they relay their experience that putting free content on the Web helps to sell magazines, rather than cannibalizing sales.

You can listen directly by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player, or you can download the file directly by clicking right here. A lo-fi version suitable for dialup is available here. Better still, you can subscribe via iTunes, by clicking here.

Music, "Math and Bar Napkins," is by The Opposable Thumbs. Recorded live on location using this digital recorder and this external microphone. I think the sound is awfully good.

This podcast is brought to you by VolvoCars.us -- if you buy a Volvo, tell them it was all because of The Glenn and Helen Show!

The Glenn and Helen Show: Austin Bay and Jim Dunnigan on Rumsfeld, the Elections, and the War on Terror

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 19:27:16 -0500

The Democrats have taken the House and, it appears, the Senate. Donald Rumsfeld has resigned, to be replaced by Robert Gates. What's next for the War on Terror and U.S. national security?

We talk to Jim Dunnigan, publisher of StrategyPage.com and author of numerous books on war, intelligence and security, and Austin Bay, who blogs at AustinBay.net, and who is the author of both novels and nonfiction works on war and military matters. They describe Rumsfeld's legacy of military reform and warfighting, and talk about what's coming next. Sounds like it's not quite time to get fitted for a burka just yet. Plus: Now that the Democrats are in charge, will Charles Rangel bring back his proposal to reinstate the draft?

You can listen to this podcast -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. Or you can download the program by clicking right here. A lo-fi version suitable for dialup is available by going here and selecting the "lo fi" version. And you can always subscribe via iTunes, which is what all the cool kids do, by clicking right here. Show archives are here.

This podcast is brought to you by Volvo Cars US -- if you buy a Volvo, tell 'em it's all because of The Glenn And Helen Show.

UPDATE: The Mudville Gazette: "Listen twice."

The Glenn and Helen Show: A Foreign Perspective on U.S. Politics

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 09:49:44 -0500

The American media have been obsessed with this week's Congressional elections, but the foreign media have been just as interested. We caught up with Mark Little and Ken O'Shea of Irish TV's "Primetime" -- a show that's a bit like our "Nightline" -- to see what interests them about the American elections, and what has surprised them about their reporting. Plus, a look at the effect of American portion sizes on Irish waistlines.

You can listen directly -- no downloading needed -- by going here and clicking on the gray Flash player. You can download the file directly by clicking right here, or you can get a lo-fi version suitable for dialup by clicking here and selecting the lo-fi version. Better still, you can subscribe via iTunes by clicking here. As always, my lovely and talented cohost is taking comments and suggestions.

Music is "Tom Brokaw," by The French Broads.

This podcast is brought to you by VolvoCars.us -- if you buy a Volvo, tell them that it was all because of this show!

And it was recorded with this digital recorder and this external microphone, which I think did a good job despite multiple talkers and lots of background noise.