Perspective Podcast - February 15th ,2013

In this edition of Perspective...

The State of the Union
On Tuesday, millions across America tuned in for the State of the Union address.  22 days after President Obama's inauguration, the two-time Commander-in-Chief shared his vision on where the country stands and where it's headed.  Here's ABC's Jim Avila.

The Fort Hood Victims
During the president's Tuesday night address, the parents of Hadiya Pendelton held seats of honor next to first lady Michelle Obama.  15-year-old Pendelton was shot and killed in a Chicago park just one week after performing at the Presidential Inauguration.  Not too long ago, that same seat was held by the police sergeant hailed as a hero in the Fort Hood massacre.  Now she claims the president has turned his back on her and other victims.  ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross reports.

Gun Control: Sporting Dog Owners
On the heels of President Obama's call for new gun control regulations, ABC's Cheri Preston spoke to sporting dog owners at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show to get their views on the issue.

Pope Benedict Resigns
If the last 600 years have taught us anything it's that popes don't quit.  It is a job for life, or at least it was until this week when Benedict the16th gave his two-weeks notice. So why now?  What does it mean for the Church?  And who's on the short list to replace him?  ABC's Terry Moran has the details.

The Man Behind Whole Foods
It's a grocery store that decides store placement by the density of college graduates within a 16-minute drive,  But fans and foes of Whole Foods might be surprised to meet the man who built a grocery empire out of a tiny health food store.  Here's ABC's Bill Weir.

Pump Yourself Thin?
Could you really eat your favorite foods and still lose weight?  A new device claims to hold the key to consequence-free indulgence -- a weight loss pump that actually removes some of the food you eat from your body before it turns into fat.  ABC's Juju Chang explains.

Loretta Lynn
She recently celebrated 50 years of performing at the famed Grand Ol' Opry, and country legend Loretta Lynn is still inspiring a new generation of musicians. Thanks to a collaboration with rocker Jack White, the coal miner's daughter is now reaching a young, hip audience.  Here's ABC's Sharyn Alfonsi.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

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Perspective Podcast - February 8, 2013

In this edition of Perspective...

The Hostage Standoff
This week a standoff in Alabama ended when a kidnapped boy was rescued after seven days in captivity.  President Obama praised the F-B-I for a raid that freed the child from an underground bunker.  ABC's Gio Benitez has more on how it all unfolded.

Jodi Arias Takes the Stand
In court this week, the Arizona woman charged with the murder of her one-time boyfriend took the stand to say what drove her to stab, slash, and shoot him.  Jodi Arias claims self-defense, but that wasn't always her story, and which version the jury believes could determine if she ends up on death row.  ABC's Ryan Owens has the details.

Concussion Reduction Technology
President Obama has echoed a growing concern shared by many parents across the country, saying if he had a son, he would have to think long and hard before letting him play football.  Dangerous collisions on the football field have given rise to an industry aimed at softening those blows, but can new technology really prevent concussions?  ABC's Terry Moran investigates.

Kitchen Confidential
Each year in the U-S we throw away enough food to fill an estimated 730 football stadiums.   The average American family throws out 190-dollars worth of food each month, and as ABC's Amy Robach tells us, part of all that waste could be due to mistakes you may not know you're making.

Super Bowl XLVII
Whether they tuned in for the historic game, the multi-million dollar commercials, or the flashy half-time show, 108-million people watched Super Bowl 47 last weekend ... making it yet again the most-watched event in television history.  And ABC's David Wright brings us the best and the worst moments from Sunday night.

Stub Hub
From play-off games to sold-out concerts, the online ticket marketplace is cutting price-gauging scalpers out of the game.... connecting those who want tickets with those who have them -- by bypassing the middleman.  ABC's Neal Karlinsky brings us inside the world of Stub Hub.

Sovereign Citizen
There are a growing number of Americans in the U-S who insist that federal laws don't apply to them ... so-called "sovereign citizens" determined to live outside the law.  ABC's Dan Harris met up with one such 22-year-old to discover the radical actions he's willing to take to keep uncle sam out of his life.

Josh Groban
His voice has won the hearts of millions and sold over 25-million albums worldwide, but Josh Groban is also making a mark in Hollywood with a few recent roles on the big screen.  ABC's Juju Chang sat down with Groban to discuss his music, personal life, and budding acting career.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

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Perspective Podcast - February 1, 2013

In this edition of Perspective...

Hillary Clinton
As Hillary Clinton bids farewell to the State Department, she leaves behind the legacy of being the most traveled secretary of state in history, having visited 112 countries in the past four years.  As Senator John Kerry takes over her post in the president's cabinet, many are wondering what's next for the former secretary of state.  Her supporters have already formed a super PAC in hopes of a potential 20-16 presidential campaign.  ABC's Cynthia McFadden spoke with the outgoing secretary about her time in the State Department and her plans for the future.

The Defiant Democrat?
Senator Heidi Heitkamp defied the odds in November when she won the closest senate race in the country, and now the democrat from North Dakota is taking divergent opinions on matters central to President Obama's second term agenda, ranging from gun control to the environment.  For more on the issues facing Congress, ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl spoke with Senator Heitkamp at the Capitol.

The Road Back from Recession
ABC's Cheri Preston has the latest on this week's economic news.

Lost in Istanbul
The search is on for a young mother who vanished while traveling alone on vacation.  It was her first trip overseas, and right before her trip home she disappeared without a trace.  ABC's Juju Chang has the details.

Zero Dark Controversy
Zero Dark Thirty is one of the most heralded films of the year and has been nominated for numerous awards.  But the big screen version of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden has also attracted less welcome attention.  ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz explains.

Cheating
In this digital age, a trail of clues can easily come back to haunt the unfaithful.  Emails, tweets and Facebook messages have opened the door for new ways to catch cheaters red handed.  ABC's Nick Watt reports on the hidden electronic clues that even a delete button can't destroy.

K-Pop Boot Camp
Korean pop made a big splash in America this Summer in the form of a viral YouTube video.  But for every platinum supergroup there are millions of wanna be stars and one music boot camp where a lucky few get a shot at pop greatness.  ABC's Akiko Fujita has the details.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

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