Perspective Podcast - July 4, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

Driving with Sleep Apnea
Every day, millions of passengers put their lives in the hands of bus drivers and train operators, but what happens when they fall asleep at the wheel? Some accidents may be caused by simple fatigue, but others are being blamed on an easily diagnosed and treatable disease called sleep apnea. ABC's Gio Benitez brings us the details.

Higher Education Costs
At a time when student loan debt exceeds one-trillion dollars and the cost of college continues to climb, a new documentary asks the question: Is it worth it? Andrew Rossi is the man behind "Ivory Tower," a film that examines the real price of higher education. Rossi sits down with ABC's Susan Saulny to tell us more.

Task Rabbit
For many, making a living in this tough economy is no easy task, but now some are using a site called Task Rabbit to make a quick buck. It's taking the idea of your neighborhood handyman to a whole new level. Here's ABC News chief business and economics correspondent Rebecca Jarvis.

BBQ Wars
4th of July weekend is all about grilling, but who does barbecue best? The south has bragging rights, but now some say the best smokin' comes from a northern upstart. Here's ABC's Bianna Golodryga.

The Perils of Parasailing
Summer is a time for vacation and adventure, including beachside rides for thrill seekers. But now new questions are emerging about the safety of one seaside attraction. ABC's Matt Gutman brings us the cautionary tale of one teenager's survival story.

Fat vs. Carbs
Is it possible that everything we know about dieting is wrong? You're about to meet a mother and investigative reporter who says the high-fat foods we've been taught to avoid are actually good for us and can even help you lose weight. ABC's Juju Chang has the details.

Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton has never been shy about crediting doctors and makeup artists for giving her what God left out, but there's also an abundance of realness underneath that shiny exterior. For a woman universally known, she knows what it's like to be an outcast ... taunted in school over her ambition to become a famous singer and ridiculed for her poverty. Now she sits down with ABC's Dan Kloeffler to discuss her latest album in an impressive career spanning more than 100-million record sales around the world.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

Download or stream this edition of Perspective

Perspective Podcast - June 27, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

Open Carry Texas
Gun control is a very divisive issue in America, and now members of a new group are heating up the debate. They're bringing guns with them nearly everywhere they go, but are their civil liberties encroaching on public safety? Here's ABC News national correspondent Byron Pitts.

The Hunt for Ephren Taylor
Now a story about the son of a pastor who promised to make churchgoers rich. He sold his scheme to parishioners at churches all across the country. They believed and gave him millions. Now, two years after ABC News began investigating this story, there is an arrest. Here's ABC's Steve Osunsami.

Solitary Confinement
There are an estimated 80-thousand people in this country locked up in solitary confinement, and one prison official decided to experience the feeling for himself. But why embark on this unusual experiment at all? Here's ABC's Dan Harris.

Asiana Flight 214
This week the National Transportation Safety Board released its findings on what caused Asiana flight 214 to crash at San Francisco International Airport last July. According to the board, several factors played a part in the accident. ABC's Alex Stone has the details.

Social Media Surgery
Social media might be having an effect on our self-esteem, with pictures posted online making some more self-conscious about their looks. Now they're going to great lengths to get perfect pictures. ABC's Cecilia Vega has the story.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

Download or stream this edition of Perspective

Perspective Podcast - June 20, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

Foreign Policy & Intelligence
The crisis in Iraq has sparked criticism and debate over President Obama's foreign policy. Many Republicans and even some Democrats say the President should respond more forcefully to fighting in the Middle East as well as tension in Asia and threats from Russia to Ukraine. ABC's Richard Davies says it looks like the world is becoming a more dangerous place.

Arson Squad Under Fire
Arson can be one of the toughest crimes to prove, but in Phoenix, one arson squad seemed to find answers few others could. They were heralded as some of the best arson investigators in the nation, but now there are concerns they might have been accusing the innocent. ABC News national correspondent Byron Pitts has the story.

Minutes To Save a Life
Think your day job is stressful? For the trauma surgeon you're about to meet, every day can be a matter of life and death. ABC's David Wright tagged along with him for a nerve-racking 24-hour shift.

Anonymous Cyberbullying
School bullies are now using new apps to inflict emotional damage on their victims. This latest cyberbullying tool is giving tormentors an edge and making it harder to stop them from ruining reputations. ABC's Mara Schiavocampo tells us more.

Vacation Rip-offs
The internet has made booking a vacation easier than ever, but it's also easier for con artists to rip you off online. There's one especially diabolical scheme that's ruining vacations all across the country. Here's ABC News chief business and economics correspondent Rebecca Jarvis.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

Download or stream this edition of Perspective