Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Is America Too Democratic? And, the Golden Age of Television Music
Has America’s democracy matured so fully that the next step could be tyranny? And how do the presidential candidates change their messaging to appeal to California voters?
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenIn Plato’s Republic, he argues that when a democracy has ripened fully, a would-be tyrant often seizes the moment and takes over. Has the United States gotten to that point? And Republican presidential candidates have consistently grumbled about the state of the U.S. economy, but in California, unemployment is way down and the economic growth is outpacing the national economy. How will the candidates adjust their messaging for California voters? Then, it turns out that winning the Biggest Loser does not necessarily result in a happy ending. After that, we’ll explore great TV music in this golden age of television. And finally, Press Play producer Matt Holzman takes us to Cal State Fullerton where organ transplant recipients break a Guinness World Record.
In this episode
5 storiesIs America Too Democratic?
In Plato’s Republic, he argues that when a democracy has ripened fully, a would-be tyrant often seizes the moment and takes over. Has the United States ripened to that point and is that an explanation for the popularity of Donald Trump?
Read the story12 minDo the Candidates Need to Change their Messaging for California Voters?
Donald Trump and the other two Republican candidates were in California over the weekend. In a speech at the GOP convention, Ted Cruz tailored his message to California Republicans by talking about the Delta smelt and the state’s tough environmental regulations.
Read the story7 minLife and Health After ‘The Biggest Loser’
For more than a decade, contestants on The Biggest Loser have transformed their bodies – and bared their souls – for TV audiences. In season after season, they’ve competed to lose weight through a combination of diet, exercise, therapy and sheer willpower, with phenomenal results.
Read the story8 minThe Golden Age of Television Music
The Game of Thrones theme has spawned a million earworms, and it’s just one theme indicative of the current golden age of original television music. As shows on the small screen become more cinematic and productions more elaborate, television producers have enlisted composers to create original scores to match.
Read the story13 minInside the World’s Biggest Gathering of Organ Transplant Recipients
Every year, thousands of people get together to celebrate organs – kidneys, hearts, lungs, livers. They are transplant recipients and doctors and the families of donors and they converge on Cal State Fullerton to raise money and awareness for organ transplantation.
Read the story5 min
