42. Timothy Johnson on the Vietnam War

In honor of Veterans Day, I sit down to talk to Private First-Class Timothy Johnson, a military cook and paratrooper who served in the Vietnam War. I recently returned from Normandy, where I visited the D-Day beaches and landing sight of paratroopers in WWII like, Major Dick Winters from Band of Brothers.  The visit to the Normandy American cemetery left me awestruck.  As I walked the grounds of the park, I truly felt proud to be an American.  I have the deepest respect for those that selflessly serve this country in the military.  It is a sacrifice, that I do not believe I am strong enough to make, and I am grateful for their service.  I admittedly have not been as active in outreach for Veterans as I should be, and after speaking with Tim, realize this is another social issue that needs attention.

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35. Larry Nager on the art of life: Music, Cuban-American collaboration and Washboards

Larry Nager is an award-winning writer, music historian, documentary filmmaker, educator and musician based in Nashville, TN. Larry shares his experiences on his current project, Havana Time Machine, a PBS Great Performances event airing on October 6. It was filmed entirely in Cuba, and features GRAMMY-winning Americana performers Raul Malo & The Mavericks in concert with some of Cuba’s finest musicians. (see the link below for artists) Larry and I chat about music and the ability for art in all forms to bring people together. We discuss the politics of today and how history keeps repeating itself, but what each of us can do to make a difference.

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