PODCAST · society
Watching America
by WHRO Public Media
Hosted by British born host Dr. Alan Campbell, Watching America combines interviews, engaging audio, and deep dive talks in to our local and national culture through the eloquent and ever-curious lens of a ‘Brit’ who has spent over two decades ‘figuring it all out’; Watching America.
Episodes
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Scott Eyman on Charlie Chaplin Beyond The Screen
Known as one of the greatest entertainers in movie history, Charlie Chaplin rose to fame in the silent films of the nineteen-hundreds, and created one of the most iconic characters ever seen on the screen. But his career was derailed after being caught in the crossfire of political turmoil and...
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Katy Milkman: Unveiling the Secrets of Lasting Change
Looking for a new start? Want to begin some new habits? It turns out science can help you get from where you are to where you want to be. Award-winning Wharton Professor Katy Milkman is a trailblazer in behavioral science. She has devoted her career to the study of behavior change exploring ways...
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Clancy Martin: How Not to Kill Yourself
The last time Clancy Martin tried to kill himself was in his basement with a dog leash. It was one of over 10 suicide attempts throughout the course of his life. Yet, he survived — as he had numerous times before. Martin is a prolific author and a professor of philosophy. His research covers the...
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Hampton Court Palace: 500 Years of History
From the Tudors to the Windsors - intrigue, scandals, and power took center stage within the halls of the magnificent and breathtaking Hampton Court Palace. This week author Gareth Russell takes us through 500 years of history in the palace that was home to such significant events as the...
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A Conversation With Filmmaker Jerry Aronson
From his early days in photography capturing President Eisenhower to the gripping tales of Native American lives in "The Divided Trail" and the environmental masterpiece "Chasing Ice," filmmaker Jerry Aronson has had an illustrious career. Aronson has been capturing the stories of others since…
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Americans in London: Benjamin Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Sam Wanamaker
Take a trip to London, England. Host (and native Brit) Alan Campbell took a trip "across the pond" to visit the home of Benjamin Franklin, Jimi Hendrix's flat, and the reconstructed Globe Theatre where actor and director Sam Wanamaker labored for years. We hear stories from historians and tour...
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Alan Cosgrove: Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
They have performed for over 950,000 Fleetwood Mac fans across the world to date, and they have garnered over 100-million views across YouTube. How do they capture the heart and soul that lies behind the music of one of the most popular rock bands in the world? This week Dr. Alan Campbell speaks...
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Jill Duggar: Counting the Cost
Jill Duggar Dillard grew up as star on the hit TLC reality TV show “19 Kids and Counting.“ She was the first Duggar daughter to marry, and over 4.4 million people tuned in to watch the two-hour televised wedding. Viewers were fascinated with her family’s way of life and their strict adherence to...
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Eerie Excursions: Unearthing the Mysteries of America's Cemeteries and Tombstone Tourism
Get ready for a spine-tingling journey through the realm of the departed. We’re unearthing the secrets of cemeteries with two exciting guests. YouTuber Arthur Dark is an expert on tombstone tourism and offers video tours of the final resting places of famous entertainers. And author Greg Melville...
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Douglas Brunt: The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel
Acclaimed novelist Douglas Brunt served as CEO of a tech company until he decided to become an author. Now he writes full time and hosts a popular podcast on which he interviews some of the world’s greatest writers — giving a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process. Though he’s best…
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Dr. Terry Lindvall: Exploring the Work of Literary Giant C.S. Lewis
From the magical world of Narnia to the thoughtful exploration of the Christian faith found in the pages of “Mere Christianity,” author C.S. Lewis made faith accessible to a wide audience. Dr. Terry Lindvall is a distinguished C.S. Lewis scholar, and he joins Dr. Alan Campbell this week on…
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Remembering Patsy Cline
Music legend Patsy Cline was born as Virginia Patterson Hensley in Winchester, Virginia. From humble beginnings she rose to become known as one of country music's greatest vocalists. Tragically, her life was cut short at age 30 when she died in a plane crash. In this episode of Watching America,...
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Capturing Truth: A Conversation with Renowned Documentary Filmmaker John Scheinfeld
When his parents took him to a local movie theatre to see Lawrence of Arabia at the age of 12, John Scheinfeld was completely captivated and began to dream of a career in Hollywood. Today, he is best known for his highly personal, idiosyncratic documentary films. He has been entrusted with the...
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Jonathan Losos: The Cat’s Meow
Do lions and tigers meow? Why does your cat keep leaving dead mice on the doorstep? From ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics to the vast array of modern cat breeds, the world has always had a unique relationship with cats. This week we are entering their fascinating world, with an evolutionary…
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Trumpeting Success: Chris Botti's Journey in Music
Acclaimed trumpeter Chris Botti has collaborated with some of the biggest superstars on the planet, including Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and more. He successfully crossed over from jazz renown to pop stardom — but his first album…
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A Conversation With Jazz Artist Kat Edmonson
Born in Texas, Kat Edmonson was raised on the music and film of the early-to-mid-twentieth century, and she has been writing songs since she was a little girl. The vintage jazzy pop singer is a rare artist who embodies the spirit of the past while remaining resolutely current. She began crafting...
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The Crappy Childhood Fairy: Anna Runkle on CPTSD
By the time she was in her 20s, Anna Runkle was struggling with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain that seemed to have no cause. Therapist after therapist failed to diagnose what she was experiencing - until one day in 1994, everything clicked for her. Now, she teaches her innovative…
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Unveiling the Joys of Solitude: Amy Key's Journey
We enter a world where romantic love takes a backseat, and the vibrant hues of independence and self-discovery shine through. Using Joni Mitchell's iconic album, "Blue," as her guide, author Amy Key takes us on a poetic journey through the uncharted territories of a life lived on one's own terms…
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Katy Kelleher: 'The Ugly History of Beautiful Things'
Crushed beetle shells in our lipstick? Burnt cow bones baked into our dishware? This week, we are uncovering the hidden stories behind the beautiful objects that surround us. Katy Kelleher has spent much of her life chasing beauty. As a child, she uprooted handfuls of purple, fragrant little...
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Stephen M.R. Covey: The Importance of Trust
Do you trust your coworkers and company leaders? Leadership expert Stephen M. R. Covey says trust is the most critical component of a successful organization. Covey is a trust expert, an executive thought leader, and a #1 bestselling author. Two of his recent books on the topic of trust include...
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Sergio Mendes: Six Decades of Joy From Music
From his pioneering contributions to bossa nova to the era-defining Latin-pop sound of his iconic group Brasil ’66, Brazilian artist Sergio Mendes exploded onto the American music scene in the 1960s. He quickly produced many hit songs which earned him spots on some of the most popular television...
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From Memory to Manuscript: Ruta Sepetys Explores How To Unlock The Stories Within You
Born as the daughter of a Lithuanian refugee, best-selling author Ruta Sepetys has harnessed the power of story to highlight the lives of those who would otherwise become lost in the cracks of history. Her impact goes far beyond the pages of her novels. She was honored by the President of…
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Karen Grassle: Bright Lights, Prairie Dust
Fans may know her best for her portrayal of “Ma” on the popular television series Little House on the Prairie, but Karen Grassle has also had a far-reaching career in theater and film as well. In her new memoir, "Bright Lights, Prairie Dust: Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love from Little House's...
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A Conversation With Jazz Icon Herb Alpert
At the age of eight, Herb Alpert was drawn to the trumpet in a music appreciation class in his elementary school. He went on to master the instrument, earning numerous awards along the way. He recorded his first hit song, "The Lonely Bull" in 1962. Since then, he has earned five #1 hits, 9…
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Jaime Green: The Possibility of Life
Could there be life beyond our planet? It’s a question that has captivated our imaginations for centuries, and one that scientists continue to explore today. In a new book, acclaimed science journalist Jaime Green offers a spellbinding exploration of alien life and the cosmos. Incorporating…
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Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt: 'Wake Up With Purpose'
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt took the world by storm as the chaplain for the 2018 Loyola Chicago Final Four men's basketball team. And last year she celebrated her 103rd birthday! Sister Jean is a religious sister of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She has spent her entire adult...
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Carl Sferrazza Anthony Discusses 'Camera Girl: The Coming of Age of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy'
She is perhaps one of the world’s most iconic figures. Jacqueline Kennedy captivated the nation and the rest of the world with her intelligence, beauty, and grace. But who was she before she became a household name? From her adventures abroad in Paris to her groundbreaking career as a writer and...
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Crafting the Fantastic: A Conversation With Bruce McAllister
Dive into the mesmerizing mind of acclaimed science fiction author Bruce McAllister. McAllister’s first story, “The Faces Outside,” was published to acclaim when he was 16, earning him the label “science fiction prodigy.” Since then he has spent five decades venturing into the darkest realms of...
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Patti McCracken Uncovers ‘History’s Most Astonishing Murder Ring’
It is a story that reads like one of today’s popular fiction crime novels — a 1920s village midwife known as “Auntie Suzy” had a knack for murder. And many of the women in her village were quick to adopt her murderous methods. And their dark secret remained undetected for more than 15 years. In…
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Robots Among Us: A Conversation With Dr. Dennis Hong
What was once the stuff of science fiction has become reality. Robots are being used today for everything from fixing automobiles to exploring space, and they are increasingly becoming more human-like. Well-known roboticist Dr. Dennis Hong is the inventor of a number of cutting edge robots...
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Feasting on Stoic Wisdom: David Fideler Reveals Insights from ‘Breakfast with Seneca’
Ancient stoic philosopher Seneca provided time-tested wisdom in his day. Does any of it still apply? Author and speaker David Fideler says it does - and it can help us foster true contentment. Ancient philosophy meets modern relevance as Dr. Alan Campbell speaks with Fideler about his book,...
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More to Life: A Conversation With Os Guinness
Author and prominent social critic Os Guinness believes there are moments in our lives that prompt us to search for a deeper meaning. Sociologist Peter Berger described these as "signals of transcendence" that awaken us to unseen realities. How do we find them? And what would happen if we were to...
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Richard Sterban: From Elvis to Elvira
He went from a background singer for Elvis to singing center stage with one of the most well-known quartets in music history. Richard Sterban, bass singer for the Oak Ridge Boys, recently celebrated 50 years with the iconic group, and he has published a book about his journey, “From Elvis to...
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Holly Harris: Relentless Survivor
Human trafficking, gangs, drugs — Holly Harris never expected these things to become a part of her life. But at just 19 years old, her choices led her to a prison sentence and to the realization that something had to change. Now she hopes her experiences can help others on a similar path. On this...
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Sally Harris: Parenting Defiant Adult Children
When her daughter’s life spiraled out of control, Sally Harris found her own life in a tailspin. Her daughter had been traveling down a self-destructive path since her teen years. After heavily using drugs and alcohol, her daughter became a victim of sex trafficking. There were times Sally didn’t...
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Brad Buchanan On Being A Chimera
Few people have survived the nightmare of a stem cell transplant gone sideways. Poet and professor Brad Buchanan was diagnosed with a rare form of T-cell lymphoma in February 2015, and after chemotherapy and radiation treatments, underwent a stem cell transplant at the U.C. Davis Medical Center…
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Hollywood, Teach Us To Pray
A new documentary by local university professors examines the role of prayer in movies. From devout religious ritual to irreverent monologues played for comedy, what do these prayers say about us and about American culture? This week on Watching America we hear from Dr. Terry Lindvall, a…
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Music of the Beatles with Tom Payne
March marks the 60th anniversary of the release of the Beatles’ debut studio album “Please Please Me,” and die-hard fans remember where they were when they heard their first Beatles’ song. That’s the case for William & Mary Professor of Music and resident Beatles expert Tom Payne. In a course he...
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Stacy Pearsall: After Action on PBS
As an Air Force photographer, Stacy Pearsall traveled to over 41 countries, served in three combat tours, and earned a Bronze Star Medal—but when she returned home, that’s when the real fight began. This week on Watching America, she discusses her military career and the challenges many veterans...
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Five Generations in the Workplace with Haydn Shaw
Many of today’s workplaces feature 5 different generations — a factor that sometimes leads to misunderstandings and irritation due to generational differences. Dr. Alan Campbell speaks with the popular business speaker and generational expert Haydn Shaw. Hailed as a “leadership guru,” Shaw works...
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A World of Wonder: Exploring The Science of Awe With Dr. Dacher Keltner
When was the last time something left you in awe? Maybe it was staring at the millions of stars in a vast night sky or marveling at the birth of a child. Dr. Dacher Keltner, the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, has spent years…
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Holly Knight: I Am The Warrior
Throughout the 1980s, singer/songwriter Holly Knight composed anthems that became the soundtrack for millions of people’s lives. In her new book, "I Am The Warrior: My Crazy Life Writing the Hits and Rocking the MTV Eighties," Knight reveals the stars and the stories behind her mega songs,...
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A Fortunate Chat With Lemony Snicket
Writing as Lemony Snicket, author Daniel Handler has given countless children important life lessons about tragic accidents, conspiracies, reptiles, secret societies, doom, and malevolence. He talks to Dr. Alan Campbell about his work and career, and what to do to alleviate boredom. A charming,...
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Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz
Engineering professor Leidy Klotz says human beings are wired to add, not subtract. In fact, he says we're twice as disappointed to lose something as we are happy to gain something of the same value. The human aversion to subtraction can result in inferior design, unmanageable amounts of...
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Samuel C. Spitale: How to Win the War on Truth
In a culture where we are bombarded with information, and often mis-information, how do you know what’s true? Author Samuel C. Spitale’s new book offers help. "How To Win the War on Truth: An Illustrated Guide to How Mistruths Are Sold, Why They Stick, and How to Reclaim Reality" examines the use...
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Jason Umidi: Jesus + Seltzer
Former actor and model Jason Umidi nearly lost everything after years of heavy drinking and drug addiction. In his book “Jesus + Seltzer: Stories and Meditations on Sobriety and Recovery,” he discusses how he got clean and sober after entering detox and a 12-step program. In this interview with...
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Hayley Arceneaux: Wild Ride
The youngest American to ever orbit the earth—cancer survivor, Hayley Arceneaux, believes that when we face our fears with hope and faith, extraordinary things can happen. In this week’s episode, she discusses her memoir “Wild Ride: A Memoir of I.V. Drips and Rocket Ships.” Arceneaux recounts her...
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Brian McDonald: Five Floors Up
Brian McDonald is accustomed to telling other people's stories. His books have been prime sources in several television documentaries and the sole inspiration for “My Father's Gun," a full-length documentary that aired on the History Channel. In his latest work, “Five Floors Up,“ he explores the...
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Mike Rinder: A Billion Years
Mike Rinder, one of the highest-ranking defectors from Scientology, exposes the secret inner workings of this powerful organization in his new memoir A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology. In this interview with host Dr. Alan Campbell, Rinder discusses growing...
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Dr. Randall Bell: Post-Traumatic Thriving
Dr. Randall Bell is an economist and a sociologist who boasts the nickname "Master of Disaster." He's been a consultant for hundreds of catastrophes, include the biggest tragedies of our time: the World Trade Center attack, Sandy Hook, Hurricane Katrina, the Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test sites, the…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hosted by British born host Dr. Alan Campbell, Watching America combines interviews, engaging audio, and deep dive talks in to our local and national culture through the eloquent and ever-curious lens of a ‘Brit’ who has spent over two decades ‘figuring it all out’; Watching America.
HOSTED BY
WHRO Public Media
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Watching America have?
Watching America currently has 215 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Watching America about?
Hosted by British born host Dr. Alan Campbell, Watching America combines interviews, engaging audio, and deep dive talks in to our local and national culture through the eloquent and ever-curious lens of a ‘Brit’ who has spent over two decades ‘figuring it all out’; Watching America.
How often does Watching America release new episodes?
Watching America publishes regularly with 215 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Watching America?
You can listen to Watching America on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Watching America?
Watching America is created and hosted by WHRO Public Media.
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