The Open Mind, Hosted by Alexander Heffner

The Open Mind on PBS

The Open Mind is a thoughtful excursion into the world of ideas across media, politics, technology, the arts and all realms of civic life. read less
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The Origin of the FDA Mandate
Feb 12 2024
The Origin of the FDA Mandate
Novelist Jennifer Vanderbes discusses the secret history of thalidomide in America.

Episodes

The Origin of the FDA Mandate
Feb 12 2024
The Origin of the FDA Mandate
Novelist Jennifer Vanderbes discusses the secret history of thalidomide in America.
Optimizing Ourselves to Death
Feb 8 2024
Optimizing Ourselves to Death
Mathematician Coco Krumme discusses her book "Optimal Illusions: The False Promise of Optimization"
Brain on Brain
Feb 1 2024
Brain on Brain
Science writer Benjamin Ehrlich discusses his new book "The Brain in Search of Itself.”
Chips, AI, and WWIII
Jan 23 2024
Chips, AI, and WWIII
Author Chris Miller talks about the intersection of chipmakers and geopolitical crises.
What Fungi Means for Humanity
Jan 17 2024
What Fungi Means for Humanity
Mycologist Keith Seifert discusses what could be responsible for the next pandemic.
The Next Hub of American Innovation
Jan 8 2024
The Next Hub of American Innovation
Tech journalist Robert Buderi discusses his new book  "Where Futures Converge: Kendall Square and the Making of a Global Innovation Hub."
The Persistence of Eugenics
Jan 2 2024
The Persistence of Eugenics
Undark magazine editor Ashley Smart discusses the intersection of science and society.
Mom’s and Dad’s Brains
Dec 28 2023
Mom’s and Dad’s Brains
Science journalist Chelsea Conaboy discusses how parenthood evolves the brain.
The Resilience of the Vagina
Dec 23 2023
The Resilience of the Vagina
Author Rachel Gross discusses her new book Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage.
Living With (And Ending?) Pandemics
Dec 12 2023
Living With (And Ending?) Pandemics
Science journalist Richard Conniff discusses public health policies.
The Future of Science Journalism
Dec 8 2023
The Future of Science Journalism
Knight Science Journalism @MIT director Deborah Blum discusses the challenges and tactics of contemporary science journalism.
Addiction in America and the World
Nov 27 2023
Addiction in America and the World
Physician Carl Erik Fisher discusses the past, present, and future of addiction.
Math Rules the World
Nov 22 2023
Math Rules the World
Mathematician Manil Suri discusses why the objectivity of math is essential to preserving civil society.
A Multiplicity of Generational Crises
Jul 31 2023
A Multiplicity of Generational Crises
Elder justice leader M.T. Connolly discusses her new book "The Measure of Our Age."
The Science of Decisionmaking
Jul 26 2023
The Science of Decisionmaking
University of Minnesota neuroscientist David Redish discusses the science of our choices.
Rejuvenating American Citizenship
Jul 18 2023
Rejuvenating American Citizenship
Raj Vinnakota of Institute for Citizens & Scholars discusses how rejuvenate American citizenship.
Porn and Us
Jul 12 2023
Porn and Us
University of Nebraska sociologist Kelsy Burke discusses pornography in American society.
Food Will Save the Union
Jun 5 2023
Food Will Save the Union
Historian Alex Prud'homme discusses diplomacy in American political life.
Speaking of Empathy and Patriotism
May 31 2023
Speaking of Empathy and Patriotism
Army National Guard veteran Joseph Earl Thomas discusses his new book "Sink: A Memoir."
Empowering Without Disempowering
May 24 2023
Empowering Without Disempowering
University of Oklahoma bestselling author Honorée Fanonne Jeffers discusses free speech and book banning.