Added 10.2.18. Dating to not later than the mid-90s, this episode focuses on archaeology tied to the biblical lands and times. With eminent experts rich in field-dig experience and historical perspective, Milt explores whether, in fact, the walls of Jericho really may have come tumbling down as Joshua led the attack. Or does the evidence suggest otherwise? And what about Baby Jesus? Was he really born in a manger? The larger framework around which this episode is centered is the fascinating and painstaking process by which archaeology reveals – confirms, alters, denies – historical or allegorical tales which may have been taken as truth, if not always “gospel truth.” Milt’s guests included Dennis Groh, then a Professor of the History of Christianity at Garrett Theological Seminary; and Walter Rast, then a Professor of Old Testament and Palestinian Archaeology at Valparaiso University.

Added 9.25.18. When Rachel Bertsche moved to Chicago to be with her boyfriend (soon to be husband) she left behind her “besties,” or best girlfriends, in New York. So, using digital and analog means she intentionally set out to meet – once a week for a whole year – with candidates to take their place. She chronicled the outcomes in an engaging memoir titled “MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search For A New Best Friend.” Milt in this 2012 episode engages Bertsche about what she learned along the way. They explore the nature of friendship, research on the topic, and more.

Added 9.25.18. Architecture can make our souls soar, or sink. At the same time, in big cities it is bound up in the economics of land development and the politics of preservation and zoning. In recent years, sustainability, landscape integration and practical functionality have all become more important in the practice of the craft. Or is architecture – can it be? – less a craft or industry than an art? If so, when and how does it rise to that level? Certainly, Chicago has a rich tradition of enduring, classic architecture in the city’s many vibrant neighborhoods and in its downtown. Milt in this 2011 episode explores the world of modern-day architecture, with a Chicago focus. His guests are the Pulitzer prize-winning architecture critic writing for The Chicago Tribune, Blair Kamin; and John Ronan, principal of the Chicago firm John Ronan Architects.

Added 9.18.18. Milt in this vintage 1980 broadcast talks with noted philosopher, educator and author Mortimer Adler about his then-new book, “How To Think About God: A Guide For The 20th Century Pagan.” His central contention is that “there are rational grounds for believing that God exists.” Milt, a self-admitted “20th Century Pagan,” spars in a friendly but probing manner with Adler about how non-believers should approach the idea of God, if at all. Adler was a prolific writer and influential popular intellectual of the 20th Century. Early in his career he was appointed a professor of the philosophy of law at the University of Chicago Law School. Among many other pursuits, he later co-founded the Great Books Of The Western World program, and served as an editorial director for Encyclopedia Britannica. Among his dozens of other books were, “How To Read A Book,” “The Capitalist Manifesto,” “The Idea Of Freedom,” “Reforming Education,” and “How To Think About The Great Ideas.”

Added 9.18.18. Milt in this 2012 episode talks with  Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, a cardiologist – and science writer Kathryn Bowers. They authored the book, “Zoobiquity: What Animals Can Teach Us About Health And The Science Of Healing.” This fascinating discussion explores the underpinnings and philosophical ramifications of how the study of animal health and well-being can and does guide advances in human health. It starts – as Milt notes – from the premise that “we are very much like our animal neighbors in our pathologies.”