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The Leonard Lopate Show

Tuesday, January 15, 2008
  • Differentiated human embryonic stem cells
    Differentiated human embryonic stem cells

    Starring Stem Cells

    The debate over stem cell research became very personal for Dr. Jack Kessler when his own daughter became paralyzed in an accident. Find out why he believes that stem cells are the best hope for his daughter’s recovery. Also: how Hollywood created some of its biggest stars. We hear about a new Mark Twain comedy, "Is He Dead?" And a look at how lives are changed by money - whether it's through a sudden windfall, or a massive debt.

Stem Cell Research: A Doctor’s Personal Mission

The debate over stem cell research became very personal for neurologist Dr. Jack Kessler when his own daughter became paralyzed in an accident. Now he believes that stem cells are the best hope for his daughter’s recovery, and he’s devoted his own career to researching them. Dr. Kessler is the subject of a new PBS Independent Lens documentary called "Mapping Stem Cell Research: Terra Incognita." It premieres on Friday, January 18 at 10:00pm on CHANNEL 13 (Thirteen/WNET New York).

Weigh in: Is the debate over stem cell research of personal significance to you?

PBS’s "Mapping Stem Cell Research" website

Hollywood’s Star Machine

From the 1930s to the 1950s, Hollywood studios worked hard to create their stars. Wesleyan film studies professor Jeanine Basinger explains how the "star machine" selected, groomed, and maintained celebrities like Lana Turner, Errol Flynn, and Tyrone Power – and why that machine no longer works in today’s Hollywood. Basinger’s new book is The Star Machine.

Is He Dead? A New Mark Twain Comedy

Playwright David Ives adapted a newly-discovered Mark Twain comedy for "Is He Dead?" The play is about a struggling artist who stages his own death to drive up the price of his paintings. It’s at the Lyceum Theatre, at 149 W. 45th St. between 6th and 7th Aves.

Official website for "Is He Dead?" including tickets and information

Money Changes Everything

Whether it’s a sudden windfall of cash, massive debts, or a disputed loan...money changes lives and relationships. Jenny Offill and Elissa Schappel are editors and contributors of an essay collection called Money Changes Everything..

Weigh in: Tell us about a relationship that was improved or ruined by a change in your financial circumstances.

The Franken Factor

Al Franken will be declared the winner of the Minnesota Senate race recount, even though Norm Coleman is expected to challenge the results in court. Al Franken has been a guest on the Lopate Show several times, most recently in 2005. Hear him talk about his journey from performing to politics.

Caroline Kennedy on the Lopate Show

The Leonard Lopate Show

Caroline Kennedy’s bid for Hillary Clinton’s Senate seat could make her the latest member of the Kennedy family to take on a major role in national politics. She’s been a guest on the Lopate Show twice – once to talk about Americans’ right to privacy, and more recently to discuss examples of political courage.

Leonard is on Facebook

Now Leonard is on Facebook! We’re posting photos, status updates, links to notable interviews, and lots more. Check it out.

Barack Obama, Circa 2004

The Leonard Lopate Show

Listen to President-Elect Barack Obama on the Leonard Lopate Show in November 2004. He had recently won a seat in the U.S. Senate, and only a few months before, his rousing speech during the 2004 Democratic National Convention catapulted him into the national spotlight.

Guest Picks

The Leonard Lopate Show

Find out surprising facts about some recent guests on the Leonard Lopate Show. Check out our Guest Picks section! Did you know that football star Herschel Walker loves Judge Judy, Laurie Anderson is a big fan of agility training for dogs, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi likes Johnny Depp?