Bottlemania

Jun 9, 2008
We think it's cleaner and safer, and we'll pay any price to get it, even though it comes out of faucets for a fraction of a cent. Author Elizabeth Royte talks to Kai Ryssdal about America's obsession with bottled water.

Local bookstore's support on the rise

May 29, 2008
Even in an era of economic downturn and the big box store, independent book store Skylight Books is expanding. Commentator Kerry Slattery says it's all thanks to growing shopper awareness for the impact of local businesses.

An inside look at 'the Family'

May 22, 2008
In his new book, Jeff Sharlet, a research scholar at New York University's Center for Religion and Media, writes about the fundamentalist Christian group at the center of U.S. economic evangelism. He talks with Kai Ryssdal.

A cautionary tale of wine and avarice

May 14, 2008
In his new book "The Billionaire's Vinegar," Ben Wallace guides his readers into the shady, ultra-expensive world of vintage wines, where frauds expertly replicate rare bottles and "buyers beware" takes on a whole new meaning.

Reading Suggestions

May 12, 2008
Question: I'm a 33 yrs old stay-at-mom and I also work freelance a couple of hrs per week. I have 2 kids under 5 yrs old. My husband is a research...

Fishing for crabs, dealing with danger

Apr 29, 2008
The Discovery Channel just started the third season of its hit show "Deadliest Catch," a wild ride with crab fishermen on the Bering Sea. Kai Ryssdal talks with the two stars, brothers Andy and Johnathan Hillstrand.

The bottom line? Lighten up a bit

Apr 25, 2008
In their new book, "The Levity Effect," Adrian Gostick and Scott Christopher contend that having a sense of humor in the office can actually help the bottom line. They shared that view with Kai Ryssdal.

For public good, not for profit.

Global crises call for common efforts

Apr 21, 2008
Some of the world's poorest consumers in Africa and Asia have rioted recently over rising prices of wheat and rice. Economist Jeffrey Sachs, author of "Common Wealth," talks with host Kai Ryssdal about how more food riots and skyrocketing energy costs may be on the way.

A look inside 'Bush's Law'

Apr 15, 2008
Eric Lichtblau, author of "Bush's Law: The Remaking of American Justice," talks with host Kai Ryssdal about the Bush administration's warrantless wiretapping program and other covert tactics.

Underground economy is booming

Apr 9, 2008
Best estimates are that about 15% to 20% of the world's economy happens off the books. Journalist Mischa Glenny takes a tour of the underground economy in his new book, "McMafia." He talks about it with Kai Ryssdal.