Perspective Podcast From ABC News Radio: Recent Episodes
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Perspective is an award winning news magazine program that takes you beyond the headlines of today's stories and trends.
In this edition of Perspective...
Amtrak 188: Tragedy On The TracksOn Tuesday night, an Amtrak train traveling from Washington D.C. to New York City derailed, killing at least 8 people and injuring more than 200. Excessive speed was a factor as the train was traveling 50 miles over the speed limit around the curve where it crashed. ABC's David Wright was on the scene:
Autistic Airline Controversy
We've been takling about train travel, but millions more Americans fly every day. A recent government survey found a 55 percent increase in consumer complaints against airlines for delays, missed connections and cancelled flights. Now, a recent incident involving an autistic teenager on board a United Flight probably won't help the airline's PR problems. ABC's Cecilia Vega has the story:
ISIS Productions
The FBI says the terror group ISIS is extending its reach deep into America - thanks in part to a slick and sophisticated social media campaign. ABC News Senior Justice Department Correspondent Pierre Thomas investigates the group's hi-tech recruiting efforts:
How To Retire At 30
Retiring at age 30? Seems impossible to most of us, but at least one man has done it. And he says he's not a millionaire, just somebody who made some smart decisions with his money. So what are his secrets? Here's ABC's Gloria Riviera:
Reservation Ripoffs
Whether it's a five-star resort or a roadside motel, the Internet has made it easy for any traveler to find vacation deals. But some of these deals may be coming from sites that can be misleading - which can cost you big money. ABC News Chief Business and Economics Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis has more:
Living With Food Allergies
We’re deep in the heart of allergy season. Thankfully, those season allergies don’t last too long. But for the millions of people that suffer from food allergies, it’s a different story - they last a lifetime. We talked to a chef who has to cope with food allergies every day:
Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: David Rind
In this edition of Perspective...
Terror In Texas
This past Sunday, two men descended on a controversial cartoon-drawing contest in suburban Dallas and opened fire. They were shot and killed by police on scene. Authorities admit the attack could have been much worse, but how did it get this far, especially with one of the men on an FBI watch list for 10 years? ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross has the details:
Roommate From Hell
If you've ever had a roommate, you know things can get tense sometimes. However, this week new video from an off-campus college apartment in South Carolina goes way beyond tense - it shows a young woman allegedly trying to poison her roommate's food with window cleaner. And as ABC's Chris Connelly tells us, it doesn't take long for a friend to turn from "frenemy" to full-blown enemy:
Freed From Death Row
A couple weeks ago, we told you about a man who got an apology after spending the last 30 years on Death Row. Now, we have another story of a man freed after decades in prison...ABC's Byron Pitts tells us how he got out, and what he plans to do now:
"American Wife"
We've heard a lot about "American Sniper" Chris Kyle over the last year, from the Hollywood movie about his life to the very real trial over his murder. Now, we're hearing from Kyle's wife, who is sharing her side of the story - and opening up about her own healing process. She spoke to ABC's Robin Roberts:
ABC News Fixer: Reloadable Debit Cards
Reloadable, pre-paid debit cards are a pretty easy way to manage your money without going through a bank. However, you want to be careful so you don't end up like Sandra Malone, who says thieves drained the money from her card - right before her eyes. Here's ABC's Stephanie Zimmerman:
"Jesus Christ Superstar" Still Going Strong
It was billed as a 'cinema event.' It happened in New York, to celebrate "Jesus Christ Superstar," the 1973 film about the final six days of the life of Jesus. ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Bill Diehl was there:
Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: David Rind
In this edition of the Perspective podcast...
Baltimore Erupts
This past week, the city of Baltimore erupted as demonstrators looted stores and set fires after the funeral of 25-year-old Freddy Gray, who suffered a spinal cord injury and later died while in police custody. On Friday a big turn in the case - the Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby ruling Gray's death a homicide and the arrest illegal. She also brought criminal charges against the six police officers involved in the arrest. Earlier in the week, ABC's Byron Pitts was in Baltimore as the protests began:
CO Theater Shooting Trial
This week, a jury began hearing testimony in the trial of the man accused of opening fire inside a crowded Colorado movie theater in 2012 . It's a trial that promises to drag on for many months, and as ABC's Alex Stone - who's been in the courtroom - tells us jurors have been hearing some very emotional testimony:
Marathon Bombing Trial Continues
Another high-profile trial continued this week, nearly two thousand miles away in Boston. The defense made its case in the sentencing phase of Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev - arguing he should spend the rest of his life in prison as opposed to receiving the death penalty. ABC's Aaron Katersky has been covering that trial in Boston:
Bruce Jenner: What You Didn't Hear
We're hearing more from Bruce Jenner's family in the wake of his interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer where he revealed his lifetime struggle with gender identity. Here's ABC's Chris Connelly:
College Rape Crisis
It's a growing problem that some are calling a full-blown crisis - sex assaults on college campuses across America. It's been an especially big problem for The University of Montana in Missoula, and now a renowned author is turning the spotlight on law enforcement there, saying they haven't done enough to bring attackers to justice. ABC's Juju Chang has the story:
Finally Free
Three girls held captive in a Cleveland home for over a decade made a miraculous escape in May of 2013. Now, two of those survivors are telling their side of the story and how they plan to move forward in their lives, speaking exclusively to ABC's Robin Roberts:
Vacation With A Stranger
Picture your perfect vacation. Is it sightseeing in Europe? Doing absolutely nothing on a sandy beach? Whatever you imagine, now picture doing it with a perfect stranger who's paying for everything. Yep, that's the idea behind a new website called "MissTravel" ..but some are saying it seems a little too much like an escort service. ABC's Matt Gutman takes a closer look:
Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: David Rind
In this edition of Perspective...
Women Soliders In AfghanistanNot many people know what life was like for women soldiers in Afghanistan. It turns out the unique cultural challenges a Muslim country presents required the skills of a group of elite women fighters - who had to keep their mission a secret, even from their families. ABC's Diane Sawyer has their stories:
On Trial For Murder - Again
Cal Harris says he did not kill his wife Kim - and his children agree. However, prosecutors believe otherwise and they're putting him on trial for the murder of his wife for a third time. ABC's Matt Gutman has the details:
Frozen Embryo Legal Battle
"Modern Family" star Sofia Vergara is locked in an unorthodox custody battle - over frozen embryos. When it comes to having kids, embryo freezing is becoming a popular way for women to plan ahead. However, it can cause some serious legal headaches. ABC's Linsey Davis explains:
Death Row Apology
One man spent 30 years on Death Row for a crime he says he didn't commit but was recently released after investigators uncovered new evidence. Now the man who helped put him away is offering an apology. Here's ABC's Dan Harris:
"Oversharenting"
How much is too much when it comes to parents sharing on social media? One mom recently received an angry letter saying "no one cares" after posting picture after picture of her kid - and she's not the only one getting pushback for what some are calling "oversharenting." ABC's Paula Faris has more:
Party Like A President
Sure, being President means politics and policies, but it can also mean big-time parties. Brian Adams is out with a new book that runs down which Presidents got a little wild during their time in office. He spoke to Yahoo News' Olivier Knox and ABC News Political Director Rick Klein:
Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: David Rind
In this edition of the Perspective podcast...
#BringBackOurGirls: One Year Later
It's been one year since Boko Haram militants captured nearly 300 young girls from a school in northeastern Nigeria, sparking a social media campaign calling for their release - #Bring Back Our Girls. While the social media traffic has slowed a bit, at least 200 girls are still missing. ABC News International Affairs Correspondent Hamish Macdonald is with us from London:
Record-Breaking Kidney Transplant Chain
You may have heard about that record-breaking chain of kidney transplants last month - complete strangers, making sacrifices from across state lines to give the gift of life. We went behind the scenes of that operation to see how it all went down. Here's ABC's Byron Pitts:
Forbidden Love
It's been called one of the most scandalous affairs in American history. A teacher and her student - decades apart in age entering in an intimate relationship - one that landed the teacher in prison for child rape. Now, they're celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary and raising two children of their own. They are also revealing more about that initial spark that started it all. ABC's Juju Chang has more:
Best Boss Ever?
This past week, the CEO of a little known credit card processing company in Seattle made headlines when he bumped up his employee's minimum salary to $70,000. Yes, you heard that right…so why'd he do it? He sat down with ABC's Ryan Smith:
Pope Francis & Exorcisms
There's plenty of movies about exorcisms out there if you've brave enough to watch, but it turns out real-life interest in demonic possessions and how to get rid of them is at an all-time high - and the very popular Pope Francis may be the reason why. ABC News Chief Business and Economics Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis explains:
Smart Homes
Chances are you own a smartphone. But what about a smart home? The "Internet of Things" is connecting systems and appliances in our homes that you may take for granted…but is a truly connected home too good to be true? ABC's Neal Karlinsky investigates:
Host: Scott Goldberg
Producer: David Rind
In this edition of Perspective...
Marathon Bombing Trial Verdict
On Wednesday, a jury of seven women and five men delivered a verdict in the Boston Marathon Bombing Trial. They found Dzhokhar Tsarnaev guilty of all 30 counts, 17 of which carry the possibility of a death sentence. ABC's Aaron Katersky was in the courtroom when the verdict was read:
South Carolina Police Killing
This past week, a South Carolina police officer was charged with murder and fired from the force after video showed him shooting an unarmed man repeatedly after that man tried to run away after being pulled over for having a brake light out. The incident is once again raising racial tensions as questions are being asked about unnecessary police force. ABC's Steve Osunsami has more from North Charleston:
Tech Culture & Gender
Ellen Pao was at the center of a high-profile gender discrimination lawsuit filed against a venture capital firm, whom she accused of inappropriate behavior. The jury did not find in her favor, but she believes her case opened up the conversation about the treatment of women in the technology sector. She spoke to Katie Couric of our ABC News partner Yahoo:
FLDS Custody Standoff
On last week's show, we told you about the allegations raised against the former leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints, how he could still be controlling the group from his jail cell. Now, we have a new story about one mother's desperate struggle to reclaim her children after leaving the congregation. ABC's Dan Harris has the details:
The Business Of Egg Freezing
Egg freezing. It's the latest trend for women across the country who are worried about their chances of getting pregnant in the future. Even the latest woman to say yes to "The Bachelor" had it done. But is this expensive procedure right for everybody? ABC's Linzie Janis has more:
Tim Gunn: "Make It Work"
You probably know Tim Gunn from the hit show "Project Runway." The fashion consultant became known for his catchphrase on the show - "make it work" and now he has a new book out explaining exactly what that means. He sat down with ABC's Scott Goldberg:
Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: David Rind
In this edition of Perspective...
FLDS Church Controversy
Warren Jeffs, the former leader of the FLDS Church, is serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting two underage girls. However, members of law enforcement say Jeffs is still controlling his congregation - and the local government - from inside prison. ABC's Dan Harris has the story:
Robin Williams Estate Battle
After the death of comic great Robin Williams, a family feud is playing out in court - his widow and his children are arguing over who should take possession of valuable items from his estate. ABC's Linsey Davis has the details:
An Astronaut's View Of Space
Last week, astronaut Scott Kelly took off for an historic mission - one year in space aboard the International Space Station. He's poised to break the U.S. record for time in space by taking part in a study where scientists will compare his body to his identical twin brother's back on earth. Researchers to hope to use the information for a potential mission to Mars. But what's life really like for the astronauts aboard the Space Station? ABC's David Kerley talked to former astronaut Ron Garan who says the trip to space changed his whole outlook on life itself:
Surgery In The Womb
It was an agonizing decision for two parents who learned their child had a disease while still in the womb. Their choice? To undergo a risky but potentially beneficial in-utero surgery. ABC's Byron Pitts has more:
Driven To Distraction
It's a dangerous mix that can sometimes turn deadly - teenagers, cars and distractions. We have a new warning not only for teens, but for anyone who gets behind the wheel. Here's ABC's Linzie Janis:
Pope Francis & Young Catholics
According to a recent Pew Research Center study on religion, nearly a quarter of all Americans consider themselves Catholic - and they've begun to notice a change in the Church - a change from the top down:
Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: David Rind
In this edition of Perspective...
French Alps Plane Crash
This past Tuesday, a Germanwings plane flying from Barcelona to Dusseldorf, Germany crashed in the French Alps, killing all 150 people on board, including three Americans. A few days after the crash - a stunning finding - with investigators saying the co-pilot deliberately set the plane on a downward course after the pilot was locked out of the cockpit. ABC's David Kerley has more:
Angelina Jolie's Second Surgery
It's been less than two years since Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy to reduce her chances of developing cancer. Now, the actress and humanitarian is opening up about her choice to undergo another preventative operation. ABC's Cecilia Vega has the details:
Cyberbullying & Teens
Cyberbullying is a growing problem for teenagers who spend a lot of their free time on social media - they're finding it hard to escape from the bullies even when they're not at school. Monica Lewinski - who considers herself one of the first cyberbullying victims - is even taking up the cause. Here's ABC's Ryan Smith:
Swimming With Sperm Whales
Sperm whales are some of the largest creatures on this planet, but there's still a lot we don't know about them. For instance, those signals they send through a series of audible clicks…just who are they trying to reach? ABC's Matt Gutman went to find out:
Daring Travel Hacks
He's the travel pro who some say is more con man than cost conscious. His hacks are daring - but if you have the confidence to pull them off, you could save yourself a ton of money. ABC's David Wright explains:
Al Pacino Still Going Strong
You probably know his classic roles in movies like Scarface and The Godfather, but did you know Al Pacino was actually rejected from the first acting school he applied to? Things have worked out just fine for the 74-year-old, but he tells ABC's Byron Pitts he still considers himself a "survivor:"
Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: David Rind
In this edition of Perspective...
Jehovah's Witnesses Sex AbuseOne young woman raised as a Jehovah's Witness says she was molested by a fellow church member. After she told her story, those she accused of the crime remained with the church. What's more, she said the church protected them. Now, more victims are coming forward. Here's ABC 's Dan Harris: Intersex ControversyIt's a serious dilemma for parents -to say the least - whose children are born with the anatomy of both a boy and a girl. There's pressure to perform surgery right away, but some parents are practicing patience when it comes to these "intersexed" children. ABC's Juju Chang has the details: NYPD RetrainingLast summer, video of an unarmed man being choked to death by a New York City police officer sparked a debate about race and policing in America, one that spilled onto the streets when the officer was not indicted. Now, the NYPD is being retrained - every last officer. ABC News World News Tonight anchor David Muir got an exclusive invite: Mission To MarsWould you sign up for a trip to be among the first humans to set foot on Mars? What if you were told you could never come back? Turns out hundreds of people around the world are auditioning for this very opportunity. ABC News International Affairs Correspondent Hamish MacDonald has the story: America's History With BoozeAmerica has a somewhat complicated history with booze. There was once a time when it was as common as coffee at the breakfast table, and another others where it was outlawed altogether. Bruce Bustard is the curator of a new exhibit detailing all the twist and turns, and ABC's David Kerley went to the National Archives Museum to see it:
Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: David Rind
In this edition of Perspective...
OU Frat Firestorm
After a short video of some of its members singing a racist chant went viral, the University of Oklahoma kicked the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity off campus and expelled two of its members. It's just the latest controversy surrounding Greek life on college campuses all over the country. ABC's Ryan Owens went to the campus to get reaction:
Sexual Assaults On Campus
Meanwhile, a new film is helping shine light on the growing problem of sexual assaults on college campuses. It argues the schools are failing to protect their students and must do better. ABC's Amy Robach has more:
Robert Durst Murder Investigation
Robert Durst, the eccentric New York real estate tycoon has only been formally charged with murder once. However, he's suspected of many more killings. Now, his participation in a new documentary is raising more suspicion - and more interest in his case. ABC's Dan Harris explains:
Iraqi PM Talks ISIS
Iraq is one of the countries most deeply affected by the rise of the terror group ISIS…and the country's prime minister says they need more help in the fight. ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz went to Baghdad to talk to him:
Pill-Free Pain Relief
How do you treat pain? Most turn to medication to cure whatever ails them. Now, a new treatment promises that same relief - without any pills. ABC's Juju Chang explains:
Tinder For Snobs?
Some dating apps are more exclusive than others. Take the new app that some are calling the "Tinder for snobs" - it only allows the most ambitious and beautiful people out there to join - and not everyone is on board with that idea. ABC's Rachel Smith has more:
Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: David Rind