The arduous, often unpredictable journey to the U.S. presidency has attracted some of the most unique characters in history. With "unusual" presidential candidates grabbing headlines for the foreseeable future, Contenders shines a welcome spotlight on individuals that felt inspired to offer their uncommon perspectives and special talents to lead the nation. From heartbreaking near-misses (Stevenson, Bryan) and historic firsts (Woodhull, Chisolm, Smith), to campaigns that never stood a chance (Allen), Contenders provides fascinating insights into the American political process, along with unforgettable tales of the individuals we've met along the way. Featuring:Victoria Woodhull: The First Woman to Run for PresidentWilliams Jennings Bryan: The Speech That Changed PoliticsAdlai Stevenson: A Candidate in the Age of TelevisionMargaret Chase Smith: Cold War in PearlsShirley Chisolm: The Politics of PrincipleGracie Allen: The Joke that Became a CampaignThe "Veep": Alben Barkley's "Buck" Stopped with Harry TrumanAnd more!
Since 1996, the Teenage Diaries series has given tape recorders to young people around the country. They conduct interviews, keep audio journals, and record the sounds of daily life—usually collecting more than 30 hours of raw tape over the course of a year, edited into documentaries airing on NPR’s All Things Considered. Whether it’s the story of Amanda, a gay teen trying to understand her sexuality, or the story of Juan, who crossed the Rio Grande with his family illegally, these stories offer insight into the mysterious life of teenagers. Sixteen years later, five of those diarists return to chronicle their grownup lives.
Radio Diaries has helped pioneer a new form of citizen journalism, empowering ordinary people to report on their own lives and histories. Radio Diaries has won every major award in broadcast journalism and produced some of the most memorable documentaries ever heard on public radio.
