Perspective Podcast - January 25, 2013

In this edition of Perspective...

The Inauguration
This week, Barack Obama took the oath of office to begin his second term as President of the United States.  A large crowd gathered on the National Mall to witness it all as a vast and divided nation paused to listen.  ABC's Terry Moran was there.

The Focus on Climate Change
Political opponents took note of the president's inaugural address, and some are questioning Mr. Obama's remarks on climate change.  ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl has the details.

The Star Spangled Blunder
Shortly after the inauguration proceedings came to a close, Beyonce began taking heat for allegedly lip-syncing the national anthem.  But she's not the first to come under fire for her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.  Here with a list of the most panned performances of all time is ABC's Dan Harris.

The Club for Growth
Washington is still bitterly divided heading into the president's second term and one former Indiana congressman is shaking thing up on the Republican side of the aisle.  Chris Chocola (chuh-KOH-luh) is the president of the conservative group "Club for Growth," which supports lower taxes and limited government, and opposed the fiscal cliff deal passed earlier this month.  For more on how the group is working to reshape Congress, here's ABC's Senior Political Team: Rick Klein, Olivier (oh-LIHV-ee-ay) Knox, and Amy Walter.

Prince Harry
He's gone from third in line for the throne to the front lines of battle, and now that Prince Harry is wrapping up his second tour of duty, he gave a candid interview to members of the british press from his Afghanistan army base.  As ABC's Lama Hasan reports, he opened up about his time in the war zone, the royal baby bump, and photos that surfaced from his time in Las Vegas.

Catfishing
Manti Te'o is the Notre Dame football star who says he was the victim of an elaborate online hoax.  And this week in an interview with ABC's Katie Couric, Te'o spoke about the deception, including details about phone calls with his fake girlfriend.  ABC's David Wright has the story.

The Love Ranch
It's a new and unconventional method for mending relationships: horse therapy.  When it comes to romance, it may seem strange to turn to an animal for help, but ABC's Juju Chang brings us the story of one couple's journey to keep love alive with the aid of a furry friend.

Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys was younger than most college graduates when she stepped into the spotlight.  And now the classically trained pianist, fresh off of her performance at the Inauguration Ball, is lighting it up with her new album, "Girl on Fire."  ABC's Cynthia McFadden spoke with the singer for more about her music, career, and family life.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

Download or stream this edition of Perspective

Perspective Podcast - January 18, 2013

In this edition of Perspective...

The Flu Outbreak
The country is in the midst of one of the worst flu seasons in recent memory.  In Massachusetts, the outbreak has taken a particularly dangerous turn... forcing a state of emergency.  In Boston, some of the country's best hospitals are struggling to manage the sheer number of patients.  ABC's Linsey Davis went there to learn more from the doctors and patients fighting the outbreak.

Jodi Arias on Trial
Now the latest details in the murder trial of a young woman charged with shooting, stabbing, and slashing her one-time boyfriend. While she admits to killing him... she claims it was self-defense.  But this week, new tapes remind the jury that wasn't always her story.  ABC's Ryan Owens reports from Arizona.

Faking Death
It was no ordinary day at the beach when Raymond Roth walked into the water and vanished.  While his wife was planning his funeral, Raymond was celebrating his newfound freedom.  ABC's Chris Cuomo has this story.

Billion Dollar Losers
A massive Wall Street scandal may have cost Americans billions of dollars ... potentially even more than Bernie Madoff's ponzi scheme.  It involves everyday investors putting money into what was supposed to be a big boom overseas.  ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross has this report.

Calorie Confidential
Calorie counts continue to creep onto restaurant menus across the country.  As one of the latest weapons in the war on obesity, they're meant to help Americans pick healthier choices when dining out.  But are those numbers on your menu really accurate?  ABC's Jim Avila has the details.

Shrink That Cell Phone Bill
Many Americans are spending more and more on cell phone usage and it's approximated that 52-billion dollars of that spending is unused waste.  ABC's Paula Faris tells us how you can drop the price of your bill.

Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper has been a household name for nearly 30 years, and she hasn't slowed down since her early days.  In 20-12 alone she published a hit memoir, lobbied congress, and premiered her own musical.  She sat down with ABC's Juju Chang to talk about balancing her life as a pop icon and working mom.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

Download or stream this edition of Perspective

Perspective Podcast - January 11, 2013

In this edition of Perspective...

Two Years Since Tucson
It was two years ago that congresswoman Gabby Giffords was shot at a shopping mall in Tucson.  It's been an emotional journey for Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly, and now another tragic shooting is inspiring them to take action.  Here's ABC's Diane Sawyer.

Home Invasion
And now a very different story concerning gunfire, beginning with 9-1-1 tapes from a home invasion.  A Georgia mother of two was hiding in a crawlspace with her children when she came face to face with a burglar ... ready to protect her family with a .36 caliber handgun.  ABC's Steve Osunsami has the details from Atlanta.

NJ: The State of the State
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has remained in the spotlight ever since Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast, calling out Congress for not doing enough to aid those affected by the storm.  And this week Christie gave his State of the State address.  ABC's Steven Portnoy has the details.

Chris Christie
After challenging politicians to work together during his address, Governor Christie sat down with ABC's George Stephanopoulos to talk about politics, gun control, and hurricane relief.

Playing with Painkillers
A former college football star has come forward to reveal the pain and pressure he experienced as a player, and the potentially risky drugs some young men like him have taken in order to stay on the field.  As ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross reports, his school was just one of several injecting players with powerful prescription painkillers.

Senator Joe Lieberman
Senator Joe Lieberman has retired after 24 years in Congress.  Upon exiting, he said there has never been a more frustrating time to be on Capitol Hill.  For more on his political career and current state of Washington, ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl sat down with the senator.

To Hold Again, Part 1
A few years ago, a young woman named Lindsay had to have her hands and feet removed, leaving her unable to complete even the simplest of tasks.  But in the time that followed, she held onto the hope of somehow having hands again, and ABC's John Donvan has the details of her long journey.

To Hold Again, Part 2
We now return to Lindsay's story.  The young woman is undergoing long, cutting-edge hand transplant surgery.  Once again, here's ABC's John Donvan.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

Download or stream this edition of Perspective