Space tomatoes, Hanging out, RSV explained, Struggling US parents

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time
A teacher carries a child on each hip as she heads down stairs.
Fewer and more expensive options for childcare are one of the reasons parents in the US struggle more than in other countries.

We learn about a UW connection to experimenting with growing tomatoes beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Next we talk about the art of doing nothing in particular. Then we hear what to know about the rise of the respiratory virus RSV. And we explore the problems American parents face compared with those in other countries.

Featured in this Episode

  • Tomatoes in space!

    Tomatoes are on their way to the International Space Station, thanks to researchers at UW-Madison. We learn about the challenges of growing plants in zero gravity and what they’re hoping to learn from the latest experiment.

  • The art of hanging out

    As we spend more time on our screens, simply “hanging out” with people is becoming more rare. We talk with the author of a new book about the value of unstructured hang out time with friends and family.

  • What to know about RSV

    The respiratory virus RSV has been making headlines again this winter. We talk to a public health expert and infectious disease specialist about how RSV differs from other respiratory illnesses, what to do if you think you have it, who is eligible for the new RSV vaccine, and more.

  • Why it's so hard to be an American parent

    As Americans, we often think of ourselves as some of the most privileged citizens in the world. But parents in the US are left relatively unsupported in caring for their kids compared to other wealthy nations. We talk to a journalist about why US parents struggle so much in our current system, and what we can do about it.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Simon Gilroy Guest
  • Sheila Liming Guest
  • Morgan Finke Guest
  • Dr. James Conway Guest
  • Stephanie H. Murray Guest
  • Dean Knetter Producer
  • Richelle Wilson Producer
  • Beatrice Lawrence Producer

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