Perspective Podcast - February 28, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

The New Superdrug: Wax
It's the new, powerful drug that you've probably never heard of.  It can be dangerous to use... and even more dangerous to make.  But in some places, it's totally legal.  It's called "wax" -- an ultra-strong version of marijuana.  But while authorities crack down on wax in some states, it's literally becoming a mom-and-pop business in places like Colorado.  Mariana Van Zeller, from our partner network Fusion, tracked down an undercover D.E.A. agent to tell us about the subculture of "wax."  His voice has been altered to protect his identity.

Former DEA Chief Blasts Legalization
The Obama administration has largely stayed on the sidelines when it comes to states legalizing marijuana... and Peter Bensinger thinks that's a mistake.  He's a former chief of the D.E.A., an anti-drug crusader who has served under three U-S presidents.  But in an era when legalization is all the rage, he's become a lonely voice.  He spoke with ABC's Devin Dwyer.

Yoga Guru Accused Of Rape
He's the founder of Bikram yoga, the world-famous discipline that claims to heal the body and soothe the mind.  Now though, he stands accused of sexually assaulting five devoted followers -- women who say they once revered him.  ABC's David Wright has been following these allegations for over a year.

What Makes A Movie Star?
What does it take to become the cream of the crop in Hollywood?  Sure, there's the dazzling smile, defined jawline... maybe even some raw talent.  But is there something more?  ABC's Nick Watt is on the hunt for the recipe that separates average joes from Tinsel Town triumphs.

ABC News Fixer
They might be the most annoying part of your cell phone contract.  Early termination fees - penalties for jumping out of a contract before it's expired.  But one T-Mobile customer couldn't even avoid them at the end of her contract.  She turned to the ABC News Fixer for help.

Bridges Of Madison County
It's been loved by many for twenty years.  The Bridges of Madison County started as a best-selling book, then it became a hit movie.  Now, the timeless story is coming to the stage.  ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Bill Diehl caught up with the new generation of stars who are bringing the Bridges of Madison County back to life.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producers:  Colin Tipton & Brad Mielke

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Perspective Podcast - February 21, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

Dunn Juror Speaks
Last Saturday, a Florida jury convicted software developer Michael Dunn of three counts of attempted murder for firing on a car with four teens inside.  However, the jury could not come to a decision on the most serious charge of first degree murder.  The altercation began with an argument over loud music and ended with the death of 17-year-old Jordan Davis.  Now, one of the jurors is speaking out.  Here's ABC News Senior National Correspondent Byron Pitts.

Gay in Russia
In the lead up to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia's anti-gay laws spent some time in the spotlight, but what do those laws mean for those living there?  As the Winter games wind down, we bring you a report from Moscow, where ABC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Terry Moran reports on what it's like for the gay community.

Test of Faith
This week pastor Jamie Coots died from a poisonious snake bite.  It was the tenth time he'd been bitten and the tenth and final time he refused medical treatment.  He's just one member of a community of Christians who say vipers are as vital to their faith as the Bible itself.  Here's ABC's Juju Chang.

The Man Behind the Wolf
The Wolf of Wall Street grossed over 300-million dollars worldwide and has been nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.  That  nominee for Best Director is Martin Scorsese, who sat down with ABC's Chris Connelly to talk about the film.

Son of God
For it's latest source of inspiration, Hollywood is going back to biblical times, to a subject that's already scored high ratings on a T-V miniseries.  Now the story of Jesus is moving to the big screen.  Here's ABC's David Wright.

Host:  Alex Stone
Producer:  Colin Tipton

Perspective Podcast - February 14, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

Openly Gay NFL Prospect
One college football player is attempting to go where no *openly* gay man has gone before -- an N-F-L locker room.  Michael Sam is an All-American defensive lineman at the University of Missouri and Southeast Conference co-defensive player of the year.  In May, he hopes to be drafted to the N-F-L, and ever since he came out on ESPN's "Outside the Lines," reaction has been pouring in from around the league.  Here's ABC's Chris Connelly.

Most Innovative Companies
What are some of today's most creative companies ... organizations that are changing the way we live.  To answer that question and find out what kind of innovation we can expect from them in 20-14, we turn to ABC News Chief Business and Economics Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis.

Merck CEO Ken Frazier
One company that has proven to be innovative in the *pharmaceutical* industry is Merck ... it's among the largest drug companies in the world.  C-E-O Ken Frazier sat down with ABC News Senior National Correspondent Byron Pitts to discuss his views on the changing health care industry.

Faith-Fueled Showdown
A *faith-fueled* showdown -- two controversial figures and their respective fans face off over the issue of creationism versus evolution.  ABC's Dan Harris traveled to Kentucky to witness the debate over the origins of humanity.

Separated at Birth
One day Samantha Futerman received a Facebook message from a stranger that changed her life.  The young woman sending her the message pointed out that both she and Samantha looked *very* much alike ... and posed the question, could they be long lost sisters?  Here's ABC's Josh Elliott.

Nothing Like a Dame
How would you like to rub elbows with some of the great women in musical theater?  You *can't* do it for real, but a new book will tell you a whole lot about the women who have graced Broadway's great white way.  ABC News Entertainment correspondent Bill Diehl has the details.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producers:  Colin Tipton