KCTS 9 Podcast - Conversations

Mitch Albom

KCTS 9 Podcast — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST

Most people know Mitch Albom as the author of the huge best-seller "Tuesdays with Morrie." In addition, Albom is a journalist, screenwriter, playwrite, and radio and television broadcaster. He has also founded several charities, primarily to help the homeless in Detroit, Michigan. Now, Albom has a new book, "Have a Little Faith: A True Story." It is the story of Albom's own search for faith -told through his relationships with his childhood Rabbi, and an African-American pastor in Detroit. In this episode of Conversations, we speak with Albom about his new book - what he learned beyond "organized religion" about faith, forgiveness and love from two very different men, who both ultimately had a profound impact on Albom's own life.

Nicholas Kristof

KCTS 9 Podcast — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST

Nicholas Kristof is an op-ed columnist for the New York Times and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes. He is, perhaps, best known for bringing to light human rights abuses in Asia and Africa, such as human trafficking and the Darfur conflict. In this episode of Conversations, we speak with Kristof about his new book "Half the Sky," about gender equality around the world.

MIRA NAIR

KCTS 9 Podcast — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST

Mira Nair Award-winning film director and producer Mira Nair has entertained audiences with feature films such as Mississippi Masala, starring Denzel Washington, Vanity Fair with Reese Witherspoon, and The Perez Family starring Marissa Tomei and Alfred Molina, just to name a few. Winner of the National Film Award, and a multiple Academy Award nominee, Nair is also a passionate philanthropist starting a charity to help street children in India. In this episode of Conversations at KCTS, Enrique Cerna talks with Mira Nair about her career in filmmaking, her passion to help others, and what new projects she is currently undertaking.

BILL GATES, SR.

KCTS 9 Podcast — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST

Bill Gates, Sr. is co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He and Governor Gregoire serve as co-chairs of Thrive by Five Washington's Board of Directors, as a director for Costco Wholesale, and is on the board of regents for the University of Washington. He previously practiced law and co-founded the law firm Preston Gates & Ellis LLP (known today as K&L Gates).. He is well known for his book "Showing Up for Life: Thoughts on the Gifts of a Lifetime" and has served on the board for multiple community organizations including Planned Parenthood.

MARK MORRIS

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST

Enrique Cerna talks with the outspoken and often outlandish Mark Morris about growing up in Seattle, his love of music and dance, starting his own dance company in New York, and a career working with some of the greatest ballet companies and dancers in the world.

HELEN THOMAS

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST

She has covered every president from John F. Kennedy to Barrack Obama, becoming perhaps the most famous member of the White House Press Corps. But even at 88, Helen Thomas shows no signs of slowing down. Serving first as a correspondent, then White House Bureau Chief for UPI, and later as a columnist for Hearst Newspapers, Thomas has earned a reputation as a feisty and unrelenting journalist who will put any president through his paces. In this Conversations at KCTS 9, Enrique Cerna talks with Thomas about her 60-year career in journalism; her secret thoughts about some of our nation's most notorious Chief Executives, including John Kennedy Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and most recently George W. Bush; and her recent Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University.

BOB SCHIEFFER

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:06:00 EST

If you had to choose one word to describe Bob Schieffer, it might be "modest." The former CBS Evening News anchor and host of Face the Nation has spent the last 50 years quietly but reliably gathering and reporting the news. From the assassination of John F. Kennedy, to the 2008 presidential race, and just about everything in between -Scheiffer has covered it all, but always putting the story first and his own ambitions and personality second. Now, Schieffer has been bestowed one of journalism's highest honors -- the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University. In this Conversations at KCTS 9, we turn the tables on Bob and put the humble newsman in the spotlight: how he almost didn't become a reporter; what it was like working with the likes of Dan Rather, Walter Cronkite, Roger Mudd and others in the heyday of Washington D.C. journalism; hosting the 2008 Presidential Debate; and the biggest story Schieffer almost got with Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald.

DEBBIE REYNOLDS

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST

From famous films such as Singin' in the Rain, The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Mother, to smash songs such as Tammy, to a hit variety TV show, and even guest appearances on programs like The Love Boat and Will & Grace, there is little that Debbie Reynolds hasn't done in the entertainment industry. A singer, dancer and actress, Reynolds has a career spanning more than 50 years that includes an Academy award nomination, two Golden Globe nominations, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and two lifetime achievement awards. Join Enrique Cerna for a special edition of Conversations at KCTS 9, as he talks with this living Hollywood legend about everything from her unusual and sudden rise in Hollywood, to her headline-making marriage to Eddie Fisher, a sometimes-tumultuous relationship with daughter Carrie Fisher, and what she's working on now.

DAVID NEWELL

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST

You may not recognize his name, but you'll certainly know David Newell's PBS alter ego. Millions of American children have grown up watching Newell play Mr. McFeely - the kindly delivery man on Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. Every so often, Mr. McFeely would drop in on Mr. Rogers with his trademark "speedy delivery," bringing packages and lessons about life too. In this episode of Conversations at KCTS 9, Enrique Cerna talks to David Newell about his life and career: how he landed the job as Mr. McFeely; behind the scenes stories about Fred Rogers; and the importance of children's educational television, especially on PBS. Plus, a look at new documentary, Speedy Delivery, about Newell's career and how he and others are working to keep Fred Rogers' commitment to children's education alive and kicking.

SCOTT SIMON

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST

He is the soothing voice millions of Americans wake-up to every Saturday morning. Scott Simon's "smooth, Midwestern cornhusk purr," as his voice has been described, has been a fixture on NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday since 1977. The Peabody-Award-winning journalist and former war correspondent brings listeners a faithful blend of news, analysis and features, covering everything from mainstream issues like the current financial crisis, to the off-the-wall stories such as dental credit cards, and even reading entire children's books over the air. Now, Simon is branching out into a new career as an author. In this edition of Conversations at KCTS 9, Enrique Cerna talks with Simon about his new novel, Windy City, a comic look at Chicago politics. Plus, a rare glimpse of Simon's personal life, as he shares he and his wife's recent decision to adopt two girls from China.

KEN BURNS

KCTS 9 Podcast — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST

Conversations at KCTS 9. Insightful interviews with the most interesting local and national personalities. Join KCTS 9's Enrique Cerna for in-depth candid conversations with noted journalists, authors, filmmakers, politicians, athletes, and intriguing individuals that live and work in our community and world. When that 10-second sound bite just isn't enough, tune in for Conversations at KCTS 9.

NEIL DeGRASSE TYSON

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST

While most of us were sleeping through science class in high school, Neil deGrasse Tyson was the kid in the front row raising his hand to answer every question. Now he's on a mission to make science "cool." Tyson is the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History in New York, the host of PBS's NOVA scienceNOW, a frequent guest on programs like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and the author of nine books on science and astronomy. His most recent book, The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet, details the recent de-listing of Pluto as an official "planet." In this episode of Conversations at KCTS 9, Enrique Cerna talks with Tyson about his career in science, how he inadvertently started the whole hullabaloo about Pluto, and, in Tyson's words, why "Pluto had it coming."

TAVIS SMILEY

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST

From radio to television to the written word, Tavis Smiley is on a mission to expose you to the issues, people, and places that you don't see in mainstream media. He is the outspoken host of a daily television show on PBS and a radio show on Public Radio International, and the author of numerous books. His latest book, Accountable, challenges Americans to get more involved in government and hold all our elected officials more accountable to realizing the American dream. In Conversations, Enrique Cerna talks one-on-one with Tavis Smiley about his life, his career and what's next. Plus, Smiley's thoughts about the first black president of the United States, and what path he thinks America should be on now.

QUINCY JONES

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:14:00 EST

Renowned music producer Quincy Jones discusses his roots as a musician in Seattle's jazz underground to a career where he has worked with some of the most famous musicians in the world. He is best known for producing "Thriller", by pop icon Michael Jackson, which has sold 104 million copies worldwide, and for producing and conducing the charity song "We Are the World."

During five decades in the entertainment industry, Quincy Jones has 79 Grammy Award nominations, 27 Grammys, including a Grammy Legend Award in 1991. Enrique Cerna talks with this living legend about his history, his legacy, and a life in music.

Annie Leibovitz

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:21:00 EST

You know you've reached the pinnacle when Annie Leibovitz wants to take your picture. Over the last 30 years, she has taken some of the best-known and most unusual photographs of the world's celebrities. From John Lennon and Yoko Ono to the Queen of England, Leibovitz has pioneered the art of modern portraiture. In this edition of Conversations at KCTS 9, Enrique Cerna points the camera at Annie to give us a look behind the lens of America's most celebrated photographer: how she became a photographer almost by accident; her groundbreaking work at Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair; and the stories behind some of her most famous photos.

Jamie Moyer

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:30:00 EST

Former Mariner Jamie Moyer is one of the most methodical pitchers to ever play the game of baseball. At 45, he is the oldest active player in the major leagues, and he shows no signs of slowing down. Off the field, he is just as driven, especially when it comes to philanthropy. Jamie and his wife Karen have started the nonprofit Moyer Foundation, dedicated to helping children in distress. In this edition of Conversations, Enrique Cerna talks with Jamie and Karen about their incredible work for children; about his future in baseball; and about how, despite Jamie's being traded to Philadelphia, the Moyers will always call Seattle home.

Edward Olmos

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:30:00 EST

Many know him from the movies: Zoot Suit, Blade Runner and American Me. A fresh generation of sci-fi viewers recognizes him as Commander Adama on the new Battlestar Galactica. And PBS viewers know Edward James Olmos from critically acclaimed performances in Stand and Deliver and American Family. But few know of his other side, a passionate activist for peace, community and humanity. KCTS 9's Enrique Cerna talks one-on-one with this legendary actor about both his craft and his commitment to helping others.

Don Hewitt

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:30:00 EST

Don Hewitt is a legendary TV Producer who began his career working with Edward R. Murrow and Fred Friendly, and went on to create and produce one of the most respected news programs in television history, 60 Minutes, winning eight national Emmy-awards.

Dave Niehaus

KCTS 9 Podcast — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:30:00 EST

Baseball broadcasting legend and the Voice of the Mariners, Dave Niehaus, talks about his induction into the hall of fame, his favorite Mariner moments and where he got his famous phrases.

Rick Steves

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST

He is known for his wildly popular public television program Rick Steves' Europe, and for his travel books, syndicated column and weekly radio program. But there's more to Rick Steves than just a travel guru. Steves recently traveled to Iran, which he called a mission to diffuse tensions and build understanding and peace. Host Enrique Cerna talks with Steves about his controversial trip to Iran, and how Steves sees himself as more than just a travel writer ever since 9/11. Steves also talks about his outspoken view about legalizing marijuana in America.

Roger Mudd

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EST

From his start as an ambitious radio reporter in Washington, D.C., to anchoring CBS News, NBC News and NBC's Meet the Press, Roger Mudd has seen and covered it all. In this intimate interview, Enrique Cerna talks with Mudd about some of the pivotal moments in his life and career. Don't miss this rare interview with a journalist who not only covered history, but helped shape it as well.

Aaron Brown

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EST

He has been an anchorman for ABC News and CNN, reporting on the biggest national and international stories over the last 20 years, including widely-hailed coverage of 9/11 from New York City. Starting as an overnight assignment desk assistant for KING 5 News, Brown worked his way up to become one of Seattle's premier reporters and anchormen. Now teaching at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, Brown is returning to television with PBS as the host of this season's Wide Angle. Enrique Cerna sits down with his former KING colleague to talk about Brown's storied career in Seattle, his entry into the world of public television, and an unflinching look at the state of journalism in America today.

Fareed Zakaria

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EST

Fareed Zakaria, the editor of Newsweek International and former host of public television's Foreign Exchange has written nearly a half dozen books and appeared as an analyst and expert on programs such as ABC News and This Week with George Stephanopoulos. This summer, he launches Fareed Zakaria GPS, a new program about international affairs on CNN. His latest book, The Post-American World, is a critical look at American foreign policy and an examination of what he calls "the rise of the rest". Host Enrique Cerna has a blunt conversation with Zakaria about his book and the greatest threats facing America today.

Pepper Schwartz

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EST

You could call her the Dr. Ruth of the Northwest . For more than 30 years, University of Washington sociologist Pepper Schwartz has focused her research and attention on pretty much one thing: sex. Her latest book, Prime: Advice and Adventures on Sex, Love and the Sensuous Years, describes her own experiences as a single woman after 23 years of marriage. Enrique Cerna sits down with Dr. Schwartz for a revealing conversation about love, sex and relationships with one of the top sexologists in the nation.

Phil Donahue

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST

A true pioneer in television, Phil Donahue is the father of daytime talk. Now, this esteemed former TV host is turning his considerable talents to film, co-producing a new documentary called Body of War, a critical examination of the war in Iraq through the eyes of a young soldier who was shot and paralyzed days after arriving in Baghdad. Enrique Cerna talks with Donahue about his film, the war, politics today, and a career in television and journalism that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Apolo Anton Ohno

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST

From Olympic medals to the championship on Dancing with the Stars, when Seattle skater Apolo Anton Ohno sets his sight on something, watch out! Now in training for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, Enrique Cerna sits down with Ohno to find out where he gets his inspiration and drive to win, and how the Vancouver games would be a homecoming of sorts. Plus, hear about the stunt Apolo pulled as a teenager that nearly ended his skating career before it began.

Sherman Alexie

KCTS 9 Podcast — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST

One of the most fascinating and prestigious authors of the Northwest, Sherman Alexie recently won the National Book Award, among the highest honors a writer can receive. Alexie won for his new novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, a semi-autobiographical story and his first book for teens. Enrique Cerna about talks intimately with Alexie about his childhood on the Spokane Indian Reservation, overcoming illness and alcoholism, and the inspiration behind his award-winning novel.