The Open Mind, Hosted by Alexander Heffner
The Open Mind is a thoughtful excursion into the world of ideas across media, politics, technology, the arts and all realms of civic life.
Episodes
492 episodes
The Reverend Senator
In his hometown of Savannah, Georgia, Senator Raphael Warnock and Alexander break bread over chicken and waffles (and crab cake benedict); then visit his childhood home.
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27:24
In the Land of Eisenhower
In Hays, Kansas, Senator Jerry Moran and Alexander break bread over chili and milkshakes; then visit the local library.
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27:33
Dreams of Aloha
At her favorite local restaurant, Senator Mazie Hirono and Alexander break bread over Japanese fare; then visit the Honolulu high school from which she graduated.
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28:41
Fiesta in Pueblo
At the first-ever food hall in Pueblo, Colorado, Governor Jared Polis and Alexander break bread over a smorgasbord of hot chicken, roast beef, and ramen.
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27:30
The Pursuit of Tranquility: How Many Times Do You Need To Blow Up The World?
American fighter pilot Amy McGrath discusses U.S. security policies.
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28:27
Accountability and Disarmament
Project on Managing the Atom researcher Mariana Budjeryn discusses the Russia-Ukraine war.
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28:21
Pigs and Pistols
At Pillen Family Farms, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Alexander break bread over pork sandwiches; then practice skeet shooting.
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27:41
Energy to Peace
Oppenheimer Project founder Charles Oppenheimer discusses his grandfather's legacy and nuclear counterproliferation.
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28:30
Cheeseheads and Milkpeople
At Marieke Gouda farm in rural Wisconsin, Senator Tammy Baldwin and Alexander break bread over fondue and curds; then tour the plant.
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27:33
The City of Orioles
At Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland, Governor Wes Moore and Alexander break bread over stadium concessions at a baseball game.
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28:37
Gaming the Future
Neuroscientist Kelly Clancy discusses her new book "Playing with Reality: How Games Have Shaped Our World."
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28:06
Words to Preserve Democracy
Planet Word founder Ann Friedman and executive director Nikki Sertsu discuss their Washington DC museum.
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27:54
The Future of Reproductive Freedom
University of Oregon sociologist Krystale Littlejohn discusses the post-Roe climate in the United States.
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27:45
Campus on Edge…Civics to the Rescue
University of Denver chancellor Jeremy Haefner and Rutgers University president Jonathan Holloway discuss speech and protest.
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28:02
Ranchers for America
In downtown Buffalo, Wyoming, Governor Mark Gordon and Alexander break bread over steak and potatoes at The Historic Occidental Hotel.
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28:52
A Bridge from Alaska to the Nation
At the annual renewable energy fair in Chena Hot Springs, Senator Lisa Murkowski and Alexander break bread over salmon burgers, halibut, and scallops; then take a nature walk.
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28:54
Courage in Flight (Season Premiere | Breaking Bread)
In Tucson, Arizona, Senator Mark Kelly and Alexander break bread over Sonoran hot dogs and then fly over the desert.
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28:09
Country Pancakes and Country Roads
In Fayetteville, West Virginia, Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Alexander break bread over flapjacks and then visit America's newest national park.
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47:48
Cooking in the House of Blaine
At her annual maple tapping, Maine Governor Janet Mills and Alexander break bread over homemade chicken a l'orange.
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43:33
Christmas Every Morning
At Tomasita’s restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Alexander break bread over red and green chile enchiladas and then hike a trail.
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44:26
Governing and BBQ
In his boyhood home of Nashville, North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper and Alexander break bread over pulled pork plates and banana pudding.
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47:04
God and Thai in Utah
At Sara Thai Kitchen in Salt Lake City, Governor Spencer Cox and Alexander break bread over spicy seafood and vegetables.
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50:06
The Soul of New Jersey
At Blueprint Cafe in Newark, Senator Cory Booker and Alexander break bread over vegan chicken and waffles and then toss a football.
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50:04