For a special 45-minute live show, Americana comes from Ground Zero, in downtown New York, where Jonny Dymond will talk with Americans about how their country - and mindset - has changed in the decade since 9/11. Also featuring a round table discussion with journalist and author Peter Beinart, the Gothamist blogger and managing editor John Del Sign…

A special show on one of America's most troubled cities, Detroit. Americana talks with the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Barbara McQuade about the rocketing homicide rates in Detroit. Detroit's bravest man - the proud owner of new Fiat dealership - discusses the auto trade's nascent recovery. And violinist Regina Carter explai…

The US Post Master General discusses the fate of the US Postal Service as demand and profits decline. Professor Bill Marling discusses James M. Cain's American noir classic, "The Postman Always Rings Twice." And in a week when the people of Martha's Vineyard dealt once again with a presidential holiday, Americana talks finds that not everyone enjoy…

This week, as Barack Obama's personal approval ratings slump to an all-time low of just 39%, we'll ask Democrat Strategist Terry McAuliffe whether the President can still pull off a dramatic comeback, in the style of number 33, Harry Truman. Brother and sister Tamim Ansary and Rebecca Pettys recall an idyllic American childhood...spent in Afghanist…

As international stock markets see-saw in the wake of America's downgrade from AAA status, we bring you the economic outlook from America's other trading floor - the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Mormon blogger Joanna Brooks exposes the greatest myths surrounding Mormonism in America - and assesses the prospects of two Mormon presidential hopefuls. …

Presenter David Willis talks to journalist Stephen Glain about his new book, State vs. Defense. The two discuss the impact of the US military on American finances and the role it could play as the nation struggles to regain its footing. Author Mim Harrison explains how a common language divides much of the United States. Musician Warren Wolf Jr. de…

Analysts Lou Zickar and Eleanor Clift discuss what it will take to get America's silent majority to raise their voices for change. Throughout her term in office, Governor of Washington Christine Gregoire made tough decisions in order to keep her state's economy from collapse. She talks about how hard times forced her hand and why she's not campaign…

As the presidential campaign for 2012 ramps up Americana checks in with leaders and laymen from the African American community about how interest in this season may compare to voter engagement in years past. Political commentator Michelle Bernard and professor of political science Dr Hasan Crockett weigh in. Comedian Alonzo Bodden has become a mast…

As America's political candidates rack up their visits to factory floors across the nation hoping to garner support, Americana examines the past and future of manufacturing in the US. Further from the industrial centres of the U.S., America's pea farmers share perspectives on the tough economy, And one of America's most beloved country stories, Cha…

Americana looks at the changing shades of green across the US from the farm fields sown to the philosophies of the open roads. Experts debate the pros and cons, promises and goals of green investments and subsidies, Senator Jim DeMint talks about his new book "The Great American Awakening," Georgia farmer Bo Herndon discusses the impact that potent…

As the final Shuttle mission nears, Jonny Dymond looks at America's adventures in Space. Curators at the National Air and Space Museum are on hand to talk about America's past - and what might yet lie ahead. George Takei of "Star Trek" recalls that when his show began broadcasting on TV, space travel was science fiction. But its characters, Mr. Sul…

This week, Matt Frei completes his tenure as Americana's presenter with a look at why so many Americans fetishize their own history -- and why so many others can't even name the Vice President. We'll hear the voices of eminent historians, and ordinary Americans. Matt also asks author Andrew F Smith about America's unique contribution to culinary hi…

As President Obama travels the country hoping to inspire job creation, Americana examines the changing fortunes of American cities from Omaha, Nebraska to Fresno, California. Presenter Adam Brookes talks to Jennifer Grant, about her famously charismatic father Cary and about life as a Hollywood kid. Jeffery Deaver tries to explain how an American a…

Adam Brookes talks to Jared Bernstein, who recently resigned as economic advisor to Vice President, Joe Biden; a new radio production of A Midsummer Night's Dream with Midwestern accents and flashy sound effects, and ukulele mastery from Hawaiian musician, Jake Shimabukuro.

Americana discusses the impact of immigrants on the economics, security and cultural richness of the United States today.

Americana asks why English culture isn't more celebrated across the U.S. and author Michael Bronski explains how English Puritans framed the history of homosexuality in America.

As President Obama's visit to Ireland gets underway, Americana examines the impact of Irish culture on the USA and the strength of Irish American communities across the nation.

Jonny Dymond talks to debate expert Mark Oppenheimer about America's complex relationship with rhetorical gymnastics and the lost art of debate. Plus a former SEAL talks SEALs.

University can be a hefty investment. Americana talks with education experts to learn the value, and risks, of a well-educated public in a debt laden nation.

The poor strive to be them, politicians strive to please them, but the definition of America's middle class remains elusive. Americana takes a closer look.

The 2012 election season is under way - and Barack Obama is the man the Republicans need to beat. There are plenty of contenders out there, but has the GOP found the man or woman with the winning combination? This week, Joe Scarborough - the host of MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' and a former Republican congressman himself - is on hand to guide us though th…

As American companies clock some of the fastest growth in 60 years, with CEOs and executives pocketing salaries and stock options to match, Matt Frei takes a closer look at the widening gap between rich and poor in America. Film-maker Morgan Spurlock talks about his newest film funded entirely by product placement. And musician and Louisiana native…

Civil War Today: Yale's Professor David Blight joins Matt Frei to discuss the political, social and racial tensions of the Civil War era, still reverberating through America today. American Voices of the Civil War: The experiences of ordinary Americans at the Battle of Antietam - STILL the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. Dean Faulk…

Science, technology and engineering can drive growth; are they driving America forward? While the movies and television programmes can popularize science for American audiences, Americana examines how, or if, the realities of science are capturing US attention.

American Opinion on Involvement over Libya: With US warplanes among those flying over Libya to enforce the no-fly zone, Allison Keyes gathers a roundtable discussion with the American people to learn what they think of the latest US efforts in the Middle East. Ageing in America: Growing older in the United States can be a complicated experience. Au…

The Death Penalty: America's first settlers brought the death penalty with them from Britain and ever since, crime and punishment have been continually debated and revised across the United States. Katty Kay talks to Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who recently banned capitol punishment in the state. Freedom Bail Bonds: If you get arrested and you d…

Budget Crunch Time: Christina Romer, former chairwoman of the President's Council of Economic Advisors, explains what tough choices loom on the horizon of the nation. American Talk Radio: The BBC's Jonny Dymond makes a confession about his feelings for talk radio and American commentator Bill McKibben reconsiders his political leanings with the hel…

America's role in the Middle East: With violence, protests and chaos rampant in parts of the Middle East Americana asks former U.S. Ambassador Marc Ginsberg what could and should the US do to protect their interests. What impact will the unrest have on the average US citizen? Drunkenness of Nations: The legal drinking age across the United States i…

American Unions: Credited with creating the 40 hour work week and minimum wage, American labor unions are also criticised for creating headaches and hurdles for American businesses. With comment from James P. Hoffa, President of the Teamsters union and son of the late Jimmy Hoffa, experts Judith Stein and Kevin Williamson discuss the history and po…

Philadelphia's Return to a Balanced Budget: As Washington insiders wrangle over the annual Federal budget, guest presenter Adam Brookes takes Americana on the road to Philadelphia -- where Mayor Michael Nutter describes how he has steered his city back into the black. Can the Federal government learn anything from Philly? Virginia's relics of Eliza…

The American Filibuster: As the row over filibustering in the UK heats up, Americana takes a look at the history of this increasingly popular senatorial tactic in the U.S. Can it be put to good use - or is it really just the resort of the time-wasting obstructionist? Melting Pot Myth? The BBC's Matthew Wells tests out the immigrant's dream of melti…

Presidential Doctrine: American diplomacy experts Susan Glasser, Editor-in-Chief of Foreign Policy Magazine, George Friedman, founder of the private intelligence agency STRATFOR and journalist David Millar explain the history of America's past Presidents and how they defined their stances on international policy. Walk the walk and talk the diplomat…

President Ronald Reagan would be 100 years old next week. His son Ron talks about growing up in the shadow of the actor, turned governor, turned President of the United States. Butch and Rita McNinch own Dutch Diner in President Reagan's hometown. They talk about the challenges of, and value in, operating a small business in Tampico, Illinois. This…

Americana talks to Congressman Doug Lamborn and to Vivian Schiller, the President and CEO of National Public Radio, to learn more about how radio is financed (without the help of a national Licence Fee). Arlen Specter, the long-serving former Senator from Pennsylvania was a Republican for 44 years before switching to the Democratic Party. He shares…

"Live free or die" is the slogan found on the license plates of vehicles throughout New Hampshire. It's America's most libertarian state. As the nation reels from the shock of the mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona, SE Cupp and Chris Hayes explain how the American ideals of individualism and freedom, which form the foundation of libertarianism, attra…

As the new year begins, all across America people are setting resolutions in the hopes of living a healthier life in 2011. Goals could include a new diet, less alcohol, or just a bit of regular exercise. New York City Health Commissioner, Dr Thomas Farley, takes Americana along on his daily jog through Central Park (even as New York is buried under…

America's top military award is the Medal of Honor and 25-year-old U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Guinta recently became the first living recipient from the Afghanistan War to receive that award. In the land of make-believe C.S. Lewis was a master-crafter of fiction but some, including prominent leaders in the United States like Sarah Palin, un…

For a better understanding of Washington DC beyond the Capitol, Matt Frei travels to Ward 8, in the south east quadrant of the city. He talks to DC's political legend, Marion Barry. The four-term Mayor of the '70s, '80s and '90s explains some of the current divisions the city faces and talks about his hopes for the District's future. Hours north an…

Alice Rivlin, the first director of the United States Congressional Budget Office and Christopher Whalen, the author of 'Inflated: How Money and Debt Built the American Dream', discuss America's relationship with debt and the prospects for improvement in the future. Presenter Richard Wolffe talks to Gore Vidal. The internationally renowned essayist…

This podcast contains content that may offend. Matt Frei examines the big cities and small towns of the United States. Sir Harold Evans, former editor of the Sunday Times, reflects on the ways that America transforms with time; award-winning actor Robert Duvall explains the understated charms of some of the USA's most enduring locations - its small…

As Americans continue to celebrate, and recover from, the Thanksgiving holiday, Americana examines US food choices and "going without". Professor and UN special advisor, Jeffrey Sachs, discusses the increase in poverty and hunger across the nation. Nationally renowned California chef Alice Waters explains why she thinks everyone can, and should, ca…

Examines how the USA, in establishing its autonomy from Britain, went on to earn acceptance from its neighbours and garner a sense of belonging across its citizens. Award-winning author Ron Chernow explains how the character and leadership of America's first president, George Washington, live on. Jennifer Egan explains the ways that people strive f…

The British author Jonathan Raban presents the programme from Seattle. He talks to Seattle's former mayor, Greg Nickels, about the city's tech and environment revolution. A husband and wife team of loggers out in Washington State explain how the job's changed since the days when lumber was the industry which made Seattle rich. Dock owner and 'ancie…

Americana examines the impact of this week's midterm elections. Now that the elections have come to a close President Obama heads overseas for a visit to India. Americana hears from a few citizens about what it means to carve out a sense of cultural identity as an Indian living in the U.S. today. As America continues to build and refine its relatio…

Once every ten years, when U.S. Census figures are updated, American politicians have the opportunity to draw crooked lines to map out districts of political supporters to their advantage. The abuse of power is called gerrymandering. The honest practice is called redistricting. Americana talks with the filmmaker Jeff Reichert about his new film on …

Michelle Malkin, one of America's most prolific right-wing blogger journalists talks about the conservative movement today. Valerie Plame and Joe Wilson discuss their experiences with the Central Intelligence Agency and the film that tells their story, and fly fisherman Lefty Kreh, who has fished with Ernest Hemingway and Fidel Castro, tries to tea…

Americana steps up to bat around the relationship between Americans and baseball. The historian, John P. Rossi, explains how and when baseball became so deeply intertwined with America's national identity. The sports writer, Frank Deford, reflects on the heroes of the game and the National Symphony Orchestra musician, Glenn Donnellan, performs a fe…

Matt Frei talks to the Harvard University professor, Robert Putnam, about his newest book, American Grace. They consider faith and the impact of religious affiliation on the culture of the nation. Americana follows the historian, Walter Borneman, on a vintage train ride to retrace one of America's most famous transcontinental rail routes. The autho…

Recalling public officials is a familiar pastime in the United States. Over the past two years, mayors across the USA have faced more attempted recalls then ever before. Matt Frei talks to Mayor Doug Isaacson of North Pole, Alaska. Mayor Isaacson faces a recall vote next week and shares his opinion of this tool of the American democratic process. F…

As members of the Tea Party movement campaign enthusiastically ahead of this year's midterm elections, the political analyst Michelle Bernard and the national political columnist John Heilemann parse what members, supporters and scholars have to say about the Tea Party. Keli Carender is credited with organising one of the first Tea Party rallies - …