On Being with Krista Tippett: religion, meaning, ethics, and ideas -- on public radio and online [OnBeing.org]

February 16, 2012
The singer and composer Meredith Monk is a kind of archeologist of the human voice. She's also an archeologist of the human soul, with a long-time Buddhist practice. Through music and meditation, she reaches to places in human experience where words get in the way — and she tells us what she learns about mercy and meaning, about spirit and play.
» Learn more + listen to the show.

About the Image

Meredith Monk performs "Ascension Variations" on March 5, 2009 at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.

(photo: David Heald)

In the Know:

» Romney, Mormonism, and the American Compromise
Lauded for their choirs and their football, Mormons now threaten a "devil's bargan" made in 1893 says Terryl Givens. And Mitt Romney's presidential candidacy now threatens this pact. A list of five fundamentals of Mormonism that should ground any debate about Mormon beliefs in the Christian community.

Recent Shows:

Journalism and Compassion
Journalism can make us care — or it can numb us to human suffering. Nicholas Kristof's columns in The New York Times wrap hard news inside human stories with broad appeal. Krista Tippett talks with him about the lessons of his life covering some of the worst atrocities in the world. He draws on insights of neuroscience, for example, to pierce through compassion fatigue.

Toward Living Memory
Public historian Tiya Miles unearths an especially painful chapter of the American experience — the little-known narratives that Cherokee landowners held black slaves. Even with history this difficult, she shows us that the canvas of the past can stretch wide enough to hold both hard truths and healing.

The Inner Landscape of Beauty
The late Irish poet and philosopher John O'Donohue insisted on beauty as a human calling. He believed that people can live through the toughest times if they manage to keep something beautiful in their mind.

Becoming Detroit
Detroit is a place where neighbors are reimagining work, food, and the very meaning of humanity. We speak with civil rights legend and 96-year-old philosopher Grace Lee Boggs. She's at the center of a community of passionate people who are recreating their corners of the world.

The Art of Peace
"Peace" is a strangely generic and divisive word. We infuse it with unpredictable images from a wise and adventurous life in conflict transformation around the world. Learn the difference between conflict resolution and enduring change.

Rosanne Cash, Time Traveler
The legacy of Johnny Cash weaves throughout our conversation with singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash. Hear about her life "circumscribed by music" and where art intersects with her religious desire.

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Upcoming Shows:

Desmond Tutu's God of Surprises (Feb 23, 2012)

» Listen to Tutu's intimate story of discovering his own psychological aftershocks of apartheid, even against his better instincts.

Desmond Tutu says that despite all the evil and suffering in the world, human beings are "remarkable things" who are "made for goodness."

Months before his retirement, the Nobel laureate and archbishop emeritus sat down with Krista in the Michigan woods. They explore how his understanding of God and humanity has unfolded through the history he's shaped — and even through his friendship with the Dalai Lama. An intimate hour of conversation, laughter, and learning not to be missed.

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On Beingon

We take submissions. Get published!

1»
Adele: "I Can't Make You Love Me"
Valentine's Day is as much about love + loss than romance, isn't it? Adele's cover captures Bonnie Raitt perfectly. A reprieve on this Tuesday afternoon.

2»
Is Our Political Identity Overtaking Our Religious Identity When Choosing a Mate?
The top traits men look for in potential wives may be changing somewhat, but is political similarity overtaking the religious? What does that mean about ourselves and our culture?

3»
"Lonely Old Widow" Eloquently Argues on Behalf of Same-Sex Marriage
Rep. Walsh's speech and story showcase the best of political discussion and civil debate, no matter what side of the issue you support. Oh, if we could all model this kind of civility in our public and private lives. Just marvelous. Be sure to watch this 4-minute speech.

4»
St. Petersburg Time-Lapse Symphony with Blazing Violins
Check out a dramatic time-lapse video of this Russian city pulsing with beautiful music and dramatic fireworks. A good Friday afternoon video snack, wouldn't you say?

5»
Bluegrass Unites: A Musical Collaboration Between an Orthodox Jew and an Evangelical
Take ten minutes and listen to this joyful story on how bluegrass music brought together country music star Ricky Skaggs and klezmer virtuoso Andy Statman to record the classic 18th-century hymn, "The Lord Will Provide." When faiths unite.