Perspective Podcast - August 15, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

Robin Williams
Long-time comedian and actor Robin Williams was found dead at his home at the age of 63 on Monday after committing suicide. Hollywood is mourning the loss of a man who made so many people smile. ABC's David Muir has more on Robin Williams' final days:

Hollywood & Robin Williams
Perhaps the thing people will remember most about Robin Williams are the characters he helped bring to life. From the genie in Aladdin to Mrs. Doubtfire and all the movies in between, he always seemed to find a new vehicle for his joy and spirit. ABC's Chris Connelly tells us more about Robin William's many roles:

Robin Williams & The Troops
Robin Williams was more than just an actor and comedian - he was a supporter of our armed forces, entertaining the troops on multiple USO tours overseas. ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz has that story:

Remembering Lauren Bacall
Another Hollywood legend also left us this week. Lauren Bacall, who delighted audiences during Hollywood's "Golden Age," passed away from a stroke Tuesday at the age of 89. ABC's Juju Chang has a look back at her memorable career:

Beach Rescues
Summer is a time for swimming of course, tanning and everything else you do at the beach. But experts say the millions of beach-goers that wade into the water can easily get into dangerous situations. Beach rescues are at an all-time high, ABC's Matt Gutman tried to find out why:

Swimming With The Sharks
Whether they thrill or terrify you, there's no denying that sharks are a big draw - Discovery Channel's "Shark Week" continues to reel in record viewership. But for some thrill seekers, the couch isn't close enough - ABC News Senior Meteorologist Ginger Zee actually dove in to the water for a swim with the sharks:

Businesses "Yelp" For Help
In the Internet age, it's easier than ever to write critical reviews of businesses online - sometimes without ever leaving home. But for the owners of those businesses, those reviews can really hurt their bottom line - and they're going to great lengths to clear their names. ABC News Chief Business and Economics Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis explains:

The U.S.A Knights
There's a group of people really going "medieval" for a new type of competition. The "USA Knights" use old-fashioned gear right out of the Middle Ages to achieve glory against teams from different countries.  And it's a fight just to get a spot on the team. Here's ABC's Alex Perez with a look behind the armor:

Yanni Continues To Please
There are only a handful of stars in the world with names that are recognized with just one word: Beyonce, Bono and Madonna all come to mind. For some, Yanni is another one - he's currently on a world tour with stops in 20 countries.  ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Bill Diehl caught up with the legendary musician during a recent visit to New York:

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  David Rind

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Perspective Podcast - August 8, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

Two Star General Gunned Down
Army Major General Harold Greene was shot and killed on Tuesday in one of the bloodiest insider attacks of the Afghanistan war. A gunman dressed as an Afghan soldier turned on allied troops. General Green becomes one of the highest ranking officers ever to be killed in action, and ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz has more:

FSU Professor Murder Mystery
It's the murder that shocked a tight-knit university community in Florida. A popular law professor, killed in the middle of the day. There are plenty of questions surrounding the killing - just who wanted this popular teacher dead...and why? ABC's Matt Gutman with details:

Hiring A Hitman
Hit men are usually the stuff of Hollywood back-alley deals to make somebody disappear. But it turns out it's a more common crime than you might think. You're about to meet a group of people who thought murder was the easy fix to a rocky relationship. Allegedly, one even ordered a hit on his own mother.  ABC's John Donvan with their stories:

Political Gridlock
Congress is now on its annual summer break.   But it left Washington with little progress made on taxes, or immigration, or many other important issues.  ABC's Richard Davies looks at why so many people have a negative view of Congress and the government:

Black Women & Binge Eating
It's a dangerous battle for many women, one where food is the enemy. One in eight million Americans suffer from an eating disorder, but for African-American women the problem is often ignored and largely goes untreated. ABC's Mara Schiavocampo has the story of one woman's struggle:

Crazy About Kale
It's the superfood that's taking store shelves by storm - kale. Nutritionists love it, celebrities swear by it; The First Lady even added the green stuff to her garden at the White House. How has this bitter leaf become such a staple of the American diet? ABC's Darren Rovell went to find out what this "kale craze" is all about:

The Crossfit Games
It's called "Crossfit." The intense exercise program has surged in popularity and inspired countless followers who practically live for the punishment Crossfit dishes out. There's even something called the "Crossfit Games," where the country's fittest men and women compete for fitness glory. But is there really "gain" behind all that pain? ABC's Rachel Smith went to find out:

Spielberg & Oprah
Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey. They're two of the biggest names in filmmaking and television. They've worked together before, most notably on the acclaimed film "The Color Purple." And now, they're back together with a new movie...about food. ABC's Amy Robach sat down with them to talk about their latest collaboration:

Host:  Aaron Katersky
Producer:  David Rind

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Perspective Podcast - August 1, 2014

Embedded In Middle East Conflict
July was a violent month in the Gaza Strip for soldiers and civilians alike, and few places were considered safe as the Israelis and Palestinians continued trading rocket and missile fire. ABC's Chief Foreign Correspondent Terry Moran got a day of unprecedented access to the front lines:

New Hampshire Kidnapping
Last October, 14-year-old Abigail Hernandez disappeared on her way home from school in New Hampshire. Now, more than nine months later, she's reappeared and is back home. Despite the good news, there are lots of questions about just what happened to her during those months away. ABC's Ryan Smith has the story:

The "Plane Whisperer"                                                                                                                           For people who are afraid of flying, just being in an aiport can be a terrifying experience. But there's one man who says he can calm those fears…they call him "The Plane Whisperer," and his unorthodox methods are helping people stay calm in the sky. ABC's Byron Pitts tells us more:

Wal-Mart's "Shark Tank"
On ABC's hit show "Shark Tank," inventors and entrepreneurs get the chance to pitch their big ideas to the people who have the money to make their dreams a reality.  Now, Wal-Mart is giving that same chance to people who want to see their products on store shelves. ABC News Chief Business and Economics Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis explains:

Elizabeth Warren Not Running
Are you ready for Warren? That's what supporters of Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren are asking after a recently-formed Super PAC raised the possibility of a presidential run in 2016. The Senator is quick to put the brakes on any talk of a White House run, so what is her focus? Warren sat down with ABC Senior Washington Correspondent Jeff Zeleny:

Meet The New White House Press Secretary
He's the one who takes on all the tough questions on behalf of the President - the White House Press Secretary. Josh Earnest is the latest person to step behind the podium, taking over when Jay Carney stepped down in June. Earnest sat down with ABC News Senior National Correspondent Jim Avila to talk about adjusting to the new roles in his life - both at the White House and at home:

OKCupid Confidential
The rise of online dating has produced some success stories - as well as some horror stories. Some people just have a harder time scoring a date on the Internet than others. You're about to meet two people who claim to have cracked the code to meeting that special someone online. They get results - but are they the kind you really want? More now from ABC's Mara Schiavocampo:

"Sharknado" Returns
A tornado...filled with sharks. Yes, that's the premise behind "Sharknado," one of the most surprising TV-movie hits in recent memory. This week, the sequel to that social media sensation made its debut. But how did this campy film become such a phenomenon? ABC's Nick Watt went to find out:

Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: David Rind

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