Perspective Podcast - February 7, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

Philip Seymour Hoffman Found Dead

He was considered by many one of the finest actors of his generation.  So when 46-year-old Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his New York City apartment last weekend, the news shocked fans and devastated Hollywood insiders. But new details paint a troubled portrait of the Academy Award winner, who had only a week left of shooting in the latest "Hunger Games" installment.  Hoffman died of an apparent drug overdose -- his apartment filled with 70 packets of heroin.  ABC's David Wright has more on the actor's final hours.

Amanda Knox On New Verdict

Amanda Knox is once again a convicted killer.  It's the latest twist in a six-and-a-half year saga that has transfixed people on two continents.  But the Seattle student is speaking out, saying she's not going back to Italy without a fight.  ABC's Elizabeth Vargas has the story.

Amanda Knox's Parents

The parents of Amanda Knox say they will fight as well.  Six years of legal wrangling... a million dollars spent in her defense already.  Now, the prospect of another court battle -- even a possible extradition fight.  They spoke to ABC's Neal Karlinsky about the verdict that has them reeling.

Stay-At-Home Dads

Forget the backlash to stay-at-home moms.  Now it's stay-at-home dads under fire.  Trophy husbands ruling the playground, while moms stake out the corner office.  But is a new imbalance in the works?  ABC's Juju Chang heads to the home front to find out.

Drug War Songs

Rap music in the 90s was criticized for glorifying the gangster life.  But now, a similar phenomenon in Latin music, called "narcocorridos," with songs celebrating drug wars that have claimed thousands of lives.  Shaul Schwarz takes audiences across the Mexican border in his gritty new film, "Narco Cultura."  He spoke to ABC News Senior National Correspondent Jim Avila about the music's rising popularity... amid rising body counts.

Frugal Foodies

Imagine paying fast-food prices for gourmet groceries.  It may sound like a fantasy, but these days a savvy customer can do just that -- by knowing how and where to shop.  ABC News Chief Business and Economics Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis met a woman who's leading the hunt for healthy, high-end meals... while saving thousands.

Host:  Cheri Preston

Producers:  Colin Tipton and Brad Mielke

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Perspective Podcast - January 31, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

Olympic Gold, Olympic Greed
With the Winter Olympics fast approaching, American officials say there is a substantial potential for a terrorist attack at the Sochi games.  So how did a Russian beach-side resort become the site for the Winter Games in the first place?  A whistleblower making startling allegations about shady deals is now on the run.  In an exclusive interview, he tells ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross about Olympic gold...and Olympic greed.

State of the Union
The founding fathers wrote that the President "shall, from time to time, give to Congress information of the state of the union."  But they had no idea it would become like this.  From presidential promises, to a social media frenzies, to surprise reality TV guests ...we've got a look at the big speech as you've never seen it before.  Here's ABC News Senior National Correspondent Jim Avila.

A Counselor For Congress
President Obama says he'll keep working to find common ground with Congress.  But sometimes, you have to bring in a professional.  So Congress is getting a marriage counselor... whether it likes one or not.   Carol Bailey is a family law attorney and mediator from Seattle... she spoke to ABC News Senior Washington Correspondent Jeff Zeleny about volunteering her services on Capitol Hill.

Movie Theater Shooting Widow Speaks Out
It started as a simple afternoon at the movies.  A devoted father bringing a phone to check up on his toddler... a retired cop bringing his gun.  But before the movie even begins, an argument between the men escalates... and turns a wife into a widow.  She was shot by the same bullet that killed her husband... and is speaking out to ABC's Cynthia McFadden.

Drought In California
California farmers are begging their neighbors to save water.  The state is suffering its third year in a row in a drought --  over a dozen communities say they'll run out of water in the next few months.  ABC's Alex Stone has more on the arid weather and withering crops.

Macklemore
A chart-topping album... a sold-out tour... and now, four Grammys for Macklemore.  Together with producer Ryan Lewis, the hip-hop superstar is having his best year ever.  But behind all the awards and accolades, there are also struggles.  He spoke to ABC's Dan Harris.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producers:  Colin Tipton, Brad Mielke

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Perspective Podcast - January 24, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

The Young and the Racist
He's the youthful leader of a new generation of hate.  His views on race may surprise you, but he says they're only natural... and as he travels the country, they seem to be gaining traction.  ABC News Senior National Correspondent Byron Pitts paid the young radical a visit.

Pearl Harbor Memories
The world is on the verge of losing the last living links to the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.  And many of those survivors have one final wish -- to be interred with their fellow shipmates in the underwater grave of the U-S-S Arizona.  Daniel Martinez is the man who fulfills that wish.  He's the chief historian at the national memorial at Pearl Harbor... and he's spent the past thirty years interviewing survivors and witnesses to the attacks.  He spoke with ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl in Hawaii.

Lulu Reviews
A hot new app is stirring up controversy by providing snarky reviews... about men.  It could be a dating game changer... but some say it's downright offensive.  ABC's Juju Chang went inside the brave new world of dating to find out.

ABC News Fixer
The rise of online shopping has changed the way shipping companies operate.  More from ABC's Cheri Preston

12 Years a Slave
 "12 Years A Slave" has already scored a Golden Globe win for Best Drama.  Now, it's up for a total of nine academy awards, including best picture and best director.  If Steve McQueen wins, he'll make history as the first black director to take home an Oscar.  ABC's Chris Connelly takes us inside the making of this ground-breaking film.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

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