Perspective Podcast - November 4, 2011

In this edition of Perspective...

Condoleezza Rice
A poll last month found that only 44-percent of military veterans and a mere 36-percent of civilians think the war in Iraq has been worth fighting.  But many of the leaders who took us into that war continue to see things differently, including former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.  ABC's George Stephanopoulos spoke with Rice about her time as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State during the Bush administration.

Confessions of a Gold Scammer
All currency is built on human trust ... a mass agreement that pieces of paper can be swapped for goods and labor ... faith that a dollar in the bank today will be there tomorrow.  But when fear replaces faith, many turn to the historic safety of gold.  But what happens when con-men exploit that urge for security?  We spoke to one such man who *could* be called the Bernie Madoff of gold scams ... using the allure of gold to steal tens of millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims.  While awaiting his prison sentence, he spoke to ABC Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross about how he chose his victims and tried to take them for all they were worth.

Kim and Kris Divorce
Kim Kardashian's brand has long since eclipsed her reality star beginnings.  For Kim, her recent blowout wedding with designer dresses and a 4 hour reality TV spectacle was just business as usual.  But this week ... a twist ... and questions about how the business might threaten the brand.  ABC's John Donvan has more.

Is Marriage Only for White People?
We now turn from divorce to marriage, and what some are calling the black girl curse.  It's a term used by a group of four friends ... single women in Atlanta.  They use the phrase to describe their marriage prospects.  The fact is, a staggering 70-percent of black women in America are unmarried ... compared to 45-percent of white women.  And according to one controversial author, the solution is for black women to stop waiting around for black men.  ABC's Linsey Davis tackles the issue..

A Miracle Baby
The storms struck with fury ... tornadoes ripped through the small town of Phil Campbell just over six months ago.  Much of the town was leveled, and 26 people were killed.  But there are also incredible stories of survival from that day.  ABC's Steve Osunsami reports on one such story.

Using Craigslist to Fight Crime
If you are one of the millions of people who shop for bargains on Craigslist, you've probably seen some *very* good deals.  But have you ever wondered why those iPads, computers, and other items on Craigslist are so cheap?  It may be that the merchandise is stolen.  And police investigators we spoke to have their eyes on it too.  Here's ABC's Neal Karlinksy.

Rosie O'Donnell Returns
She's won a bushel of Emmy's ... she's bold and irreverent ... and for the last four years she has not been on television.  But that's changed now that Oprah Winfrey has brought Rosie O'Donnell back, with a daily, live show on her OWN Network.  And as ABC's Cynthia McFadden explains, Rosie is as funny and feisty as ever.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

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Perspective Podcast - October 28, 2011

In this edition of Perspective...

The Two Sides of Steve Jobs
More than anyone in modern business, Steve Jobs knew how to create a bond with his customers.  But a new biography released this week reveals some of the *not-so-nice* things about Jobs.  While those who truly knew him may dispute the contents of the book, those who read it may never think of him the same way again.  ABC's Bill Weir spoke to Jobs' biographer, Walter Isaacson, about the man being mourned by millions.

The Madoffs Suicide Attempt
New information was revealed this week in the story of Bernie Madoff ... the man behind the ponzi scheme that tricked thousands of people out of millions of dollars.  Madoff's wife had been silent since his arrest, but this week she spoke for the first time in a 60 Minutes interview.  ABC Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross has the story.

Stephanie Madoff Mack, Part 1
Bernie Madoff is the face of financial wrongdoing on an epic scale.  His family was destroyed by his lies ... and one son would never recover.  In her new book, that son's wife, Stephanie, asks the questions we all have wondered.  Why would a father lay waste to his entire family?  And what could make a son feel he had no choice but to pay for the sins of his father?  Here's ABC's Chris Cuomo.

Stephanie Madoff Mack, Part 2
We now return to the story of the Madoff family ... torn apart by the man who stole his clients' money.  His daughter Stephanie even says he stole his son Mark's life.  Once again, here's ABC's Chris Cuomo.

Stephanie Madoff Mack, Part 3
We return now to the story of Stephanie Madoff ... daughter-in-law of infamous ponzi-schemer Bernie Madoff.  Stephanie chronicles the scandal and its devastating effect on her family in the new book, "The End of Normal."  ABC's Chris Cuomo has more from Stephanie as she remembers the moments after Bernie's arrest.

Stephanie Madoff Mack, Part 4
We now turn to the final chapter of Stephanie's story ... in the wake of father-in-law Bernie Madoffs scandal and arrest.  Once again, Here's ABC's Chris Cuomo.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

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Perspective Podcast - October 21, 2011

In this edition of Perspective...

Gadhafi Killed
We begin with the death of another loathed middle-eastern tyrant ... a man who sponsored international terror for decades.  This week, rebel forces in Libya finally killed Moammar Gadhafi.  In the wake of his death, his body was dragged through the streets so the Libyan people could see him dead ... in order to actually believe he was gone for good.  ABC's Christiane Amanpour -- the last western journalist to interview Gadhafi -- has the details.

President Obama's Bus Tour
At a time when a lot of Americans are having difficulty making ends meet, people are desperately looking for leadership on the economy.  Meanwhile, President Barack Obama took to the road this week, on a bus tour to tout his jobs plan.  ABC Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper joined the president on his trip and spoke to him about getting the country back on track.

G.O.P. Presidential Debate
We now turn to the GOP Presidential race.  The fifth republican debate since labor day took place in Las Vegas this week, and the candidates focused on the economy ... and each other.  The attacks turned personal at times ... including more than one yelling match.  ABC Senior Political Correspondent Jonathan Karl has the story.

Animals On The Run
Big cats were on the loose this week in small town America.  An animal preserve owner set dozens of deadly animals free just before taking his own life.  What followed was a tense, dangerous, and very surreal suburban safari ... with police officers using 911 calls to track down the animals.  Here's ABC's David Kerley.

Indy Care Race
We turn now to a tragedy this week in Las Vegas ... where an indy car driver, speeding at hundreds of miles an hour, lost his life on the racetrack.  Here's ABC's Terry Moran.

James Cameron
James Cameron used groundbreaking technology, giant budgets, and sheer force of will to make Titanic and Avatar two of the most successful movies of all time.  Updates of both films are in the works, but sequels aren't enough for this man.  While imagining and creating other planets, he wants to save this one.  ABC's Bill Weir explains.

Relatively Speaking
It's a triple play on Broadway, and we're not talking baseball.  It's a trio of one-act plays titled "Relatively Speaking" ... written by Ethan Coen, Elaine May, and Woody Allen.  ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Bill Diehl caught up with some of the stars ... including Marlo Thomas.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

Download or stream this edition of the Perspective Podcast