AirTalk

An analysis of President Obama's health care address to Congress, and Larry talks to Po Bronson about new thinking in raising children and his book "NurtureShock".

U.S. consumer debt dropped a record $21.6 billion in July. How will this affect an economic recovery? Larry Mantle also discusses the business challenges for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Then, a preview of President Obama's speech to Congress on health care reform. And do people respond to disasters with goodwill more than panic? Larry talks with Rebecca Solnit, author of "A Paradise Built in Hell", about the altruistic behavior that arises from natural and man-made catastrophes.

Happy Labor Day! AirTalk goes on the road to ask, "Is California governable?" Then, author Christopher Cokinos joins Larry Mantle to discuss the allure of shooting stars. Finally, Larry talks with Simon Schama about the American future, and how the stories from the past will determine its course.

Woe is Obama? AirTalk looks at the hirings, firings, and Capitol Hill battle over health care. Then, as water mains flood Studio City, how is the rest LA's infrastructure holding up? Later, Larry and guests discuss General Stanley McChrystal's new plan for Afghanistan. And, oh the humanity! Author Richard Wrangham tells Larry how cooking made us human.

President Obama will address the nation's schoolchildren next week, and opponents are accusing him of trying to indoctrinate the country's youth. Larry Mantle discusses the uproar over the planned speech. And, scientists may be closer to developing an AIDS vaccine. Larry also talks with So Cal's fried food king, "Chicken Charlie". Then, it's FilmWeek on AirTalk. Larry and critics discuss the week's new movies, including All About Steve, Extract, and Amreeka. And Larry talks with Doug Pray, director of Art & Copy.

Larry Mantle gets an update on local fire conditions. Then, the SEC could have stopped Bernard Madoff, but didn't, despite "more than ample information." What went wrong? Finally, Larry talks with Washington Post correspondent T.R. Reid about what the United States can learn from the health care systems of other countries.

Larry Mantle gets an update on fire conditions, then talks with Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich. And Southern California's supermarkets are engaged in a price war to win back consumers. Are your grocery bills lower? Finally, a look at new and innovative treatments for brain cancer.

SPECIAL AIRTALK FIRE COVERAGE BEGINS AT 9AM. Share your fire stories with KPCC at (866) 893-5722.

SPECIAL AIRTALK FIRE COVERAGE BEGINS AT 9AM. Share your fire stories with KPCC at (866) 893-5722.

David gets all the latest news on the fires burning in Southern California. Then, in light of the case of Jaycee Lee Dugard, the 11-year old kidnapped on her way to school almost 20 years ago and found this week in Antioch, David talks with listeners about how much freedom do you give your young children? Then, It's FilmWeek on AirTalk. David and the critics discuss the week’s new film releases, including Taking Woodstock, Five Minutes of Heaven, World’s Greatest Dad, and Play The Game, among others. And, David talks with director and comedian Bobcat Goldthwait.