Shelf Life

When The Virginia Company landed more than 100 settlers at Jamestown, Va., 400 years ago, things didn't start off so well. History professor Karen Kupperman talks with Kai Ryssdal about how the company operated.

In his latest book, economist Daniel Altman looks at a day in the lives of workers and businesses in the globalized economy. He talks with Kai Ryssdal about what works . . . and doesn't.

In his recent novel, author Christopher Buckley offers a modest proposal of sorts toward dealing with America's impending Social Security problem — government incentives for suicide. He discusses the idea with Kai Ryssdal.

Author Benjamin Barber says the American economy has taken a wrong turn toward encouraging consumption — and that's not what capitalism was supposed to be about. He talks with Kai Ryssdal.

You know those people in your office who love making your life miserable? Your boss? A co-worker? Author Bob Sutton says we should have a rule against them. They're bad for morale and business. He talks with Kai Ryssdal.

British Airways announced it's buying four new jets from Boeing — not Airbus — with the option to buy four more. John Newhouse, author of a new book on the Boeing-Airbus rivalry talks with Kai Ryssdal.

Cash Peters digs around inside JanSport to bring us a behind-the-scenes look at how the popular backpack maker made it happen.

Yale sociologist Rachel Sherman did some hands-on research into what it's like to work in a low-wage job at a five-star hotel. She talks with Kai Ryssdal about her experience.

Author Margaret Heffernan has researched women-owned businesses and come to the conclusion that they're doing a lot of things right - and, in some ways, better than their male counterparts.