Ben Lewellyn: Member of the Month, January 2016
I’m Ben Lewellyn, and I’m the Sales Director at Good People Brewing Company where I’ve worked since 2011. I’ve lived in Birmingham and the suburbs my whole life except for a two-year stint in Texas for graduate school. While I was in Texas, I started listening to the podcast of This American Life and discovered the world of public radio from there. I guess that is the most millennial thing about me — I was introduced to great terrestrial radio through podcasts.
My favorite programs these days are probably On The Media or Says You, although a great episode of World Cafe or This American Life is still a treat. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I was comparing notes with a fellow public radio fan about our favorite stories from TAL. My answer is “The Super,” the wild story that Jack Hitt tells about the manager of his NYC apartment building in the early 80s. I won’t ruin it for you, but that story has stayed with me and been forced upon unsuspecting family and friends for many years now.
For a few years, WBHM has been my primary information and entertainment source. I’m proud to be a sustaining member of this station, whose original reporting and programming schedule — just like our local beers — are as good as anywhere else in the country!
Dr. Peter Hotez takes the war against science very personally
In an interview about the new book he co-authored, Science Under Siege, Hotez talks about forces driving the anti-science movement, the risks it poses — and why he won't debate RFK Jr.
Trump says he’s fighting crime. Illinois Gov. Pritzker sees a power grab before 2026
Steve Inskeep speaks with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker about President Trump's threats to send National Guard troops to Chicago and the future of the Democratic Party.
Who is Lachlan Murdoch, the anointed media tycoon?
His position in leading News Corp. and Fox is now secure, as his father ends a dramatic succession battle. Lachlan grew up in New York City but has lived in Australia for much of his adult life.
Trump’s control of the D.C. police is due to expire tonight. Then what?
Trump needs an extension from Congress to control D.C. police for more than 30 days. Some Republican lawmakers are focused on pursuing legislation that would exert power over D.C. in other ways.
33 million voters have been run through a Trump administration citizenship check
Tens of millions of voters have had their information run through the tool — a striking portion of the U.S. public, considering little has been made public about the tool's accuracy or data security.
You’re more likely to reach for that soda when it’s hot outside
People drink more sugary beverages when it's hot, researchers found, significantly increasing their sugar intake. That impact could grow as climate change raises the world's temperatures.