Perspective Podcast - April 6, 2012

In this edition of Perspective...

Monster Tornadoes
This week, people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas looked on as violent tornadoes destroyed buildings and sent tractor trailers spiraling through the air.  ABC's Sam Champion has the details.

Damage from the Storms
Tuesdays tornadoes also caused severe turbulence for planes flying above the area.  Mother nature destroyed many homes that day, but also brought us incredible stories from those who weathered the storm, including a grandmother who held onto her infant grandson for dear life as the wind tore down the house around her.  Here's ABC's Ryan Owens.

Cuba: The Lonely Island
We now turn further south to Cuba, where Pope Benedict XVI met with Fidel Castro just last week.   The internet -- and freedom -- are scarce in this country, and ABC's Christiane Amanpour takes a closer look at the island just 90 miles off the coast of Florida.

Veepstakes: An Offer They Can't Refuse
As the Republican primary winds to a close, the immediate question becomes: Who will be the vice presidential nominee?  The contenders rarely say no if asked, but try *not* to express an eager interest.  Meanwhile, Republicans and pundits alike pick apart the attributes and short comings of potential running mates.  For more on the possible VP contenders, here's ABC's Senior Political Team: Rick Klein, Amy Walter, and David Chalian.

Nikki Haley
Mitt Romney has all but clinched the presidential nomination, yet one of his weak points has been winning over female voters.  So he'll likely be calling on one of his most visible supporters in the coming months, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.  Here's ABC's Cynthia McFadden.

Gas Buddies
With high gas prices draining Americans' wallets, some drivers are fighting back with a smartphone app called Gas Buddies.  It's part of a grassroots effort to help save cash when filling up your tank.  ABC's Reena Ninan rode along with some of these *gas buddies* to find out how it works.

Fanatical Frequent Flyers
Your travel dollar might not feel like it goes as far as it used to, but we found some every day travelers who manage to fly around the world in first class for next to nothing.  If that sounds too good to be true, it's probably because you've never heard of the extreme measures these people are willing to take to wrack up frequent flyer miles.  Here's ABC's John Donvan.

101-Year-Old Beats Foreclosure

Brad Paisley
He's the country artist who can sell out venues built to host professional sporting events ... and tours in his own personal airplane.  But as those who know him can attest, Brad Paisley sure doesn't act like a star.  Here's ABC's Andrea Canning.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

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Perspective Podcast - March 30, 2012

In this edition of Perspective...

Treyvon Martin
The death of Florida teenager Treyvon Martin has sparked intense conversation about race relations in the U-S.  And now, a police surveillance video taken the night Martin was shot shows no blood or bruises on George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch captain who says he shot Martin after being punched in the nose and knocked down.  ABC's Aaron Katersky has more from Sanford, Florida.

Stand Your Ground
Treyvon Martin's death is shining a spotlight on a law in Florida, and 24 other states, called "Stand Your Ground."  It grants immunity to anyone who uses deadly force to defend themselves.  To find out more about the law, ABC's Robin Roberts speaks to ABC Senior Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas.

Jet Blue Emergency
And now a scare at 30-thousand feet this week, when a pilot had a breakdown  ... screaming about bombs and Al-Qaeda, and telling passengers to say their prayers on a Jet Blue flight to Las Vegas.  As ABC's Jim Avila reports, it was very dangerous drama on board that plane.

From Reagan to Obama: A Front Row Seat
What is it like to cover the biggest presidential scandal of your time?  How does it feel to spar with the President of the United States?  One ABC News correspondent, Sam Donaldson, knows all about it.  Covering politics for ABC News since 1967, Donaldson has a front row seat to history, bearing witness to an assassination attempt, the Watergate scandal, the Lewinsky affair, two presidential impeachment trials, and everything in between.  Donaldson tells ABC Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper - his present successor in the White House press corps -  the biggest story of his career was the assassination attempt on President Reagan thirty years ago.

What Politicians Really Mean
The canned lines spun on the campaign trail are often code for something else.  To take a closer look at the language of politics, ABC's Senior Political Team -- David Chalian, Amy Walter and Rick Klein -- discuss what politicians really mean when they use certain buzz words.

Living with HIV/AIDS
AIDS effects nations, continents and communities, but for people dealing with the disease every day, it's a personal battle they have to fight and come to terms with themselves.  ABC's Christiane Amanpour spoke to three individuals on the front line, whose lives have all been changed by the disease.

Gastric Bypass Hypnosis
In recent years, hypnotism has emerged as a more widely accepted form of behavioral therapy.  From anxiety to smoking, hypnotists say they can change the mind.  But what about tricking the mind into shrinking the body?  ABC's Matt Gutman has the details.

Doris Day Turns 88
On April 3rd, legendary singer and actress Doris Day will be 88 years old, and ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Bill Diehl  has a birthday tribute to the star who has been called 'the original girl next door.'

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

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Perspective Podcast - March 23, 2012

In this edition of Perspective...

Trayvon Martin Tragedy

It's the story that has ignited fierce passion across the nation, as allegations of racism and injustice tear apart a town in Florida.  Trayvon Martin was shot dead by a neighborhood watchman who claimed self-defense.  ABC's Matt Gutman has the details on the public outcry that's spread across the country.

A Father's Regret: John Ramsey

And now a crime that's still haunting after 16 years.  Six-year-old beauty queen, Jonbenet Ramsey found murdered in her basement.  And today, with the child pageant scene bigger than ever, Jonbenet's father is speaking out.  Here's ABC's Juju Chang.

Email from the Grave?

Jack Froese died suddenly at age 32, and left behind many grieving friends and family members.  So how is it that those loved ones began receiving e-mails from Froese after his death?  Is it a cruel prank?  A technical glitch?  Here's ABC's David Wright

Secrets of the Secret Service

John Emmitts is a former Secret Service agent who has written a new book called "Within Arms Length," detailing his experience protecting 3 presidents.  ABC Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper spoke to Emitts about his time in the Secret Service.

Supreme Court Healthcare Case

Three days of arguments are set to take place at the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the president's health care reform law.  With a ruling expected in June, just weeks before the political conventions and the election next Fall, the case has the potential to significantly change the course of the political season.  ABC Senior Washington Editor Rick Klein and Yahoo Washington Bureau Chief David Chalian discuss the political ramifications of the case.

Childbirth Dangers, Part 1

Every 90 seconds, somewhere in the world a woman dies during childbirth.  That's 1,000 women every day -- many very young.  Often, those lives can be saved for less than the cost of a postage stamp.  Here's ABC's Diane Sawyer.

Childbirth Dangers, Part 2

We now return to the risks of childbirth around the world, and an army of of mothers and caring volunteers making a difference in places where giving birth is one of the most dangerous things a woman can do.  Here's ABC's John Quinones.

Childbirth Dangers, Part 3

The dangers of childbirth are all too prevalent throughout the world, and even here in the U-S many women are at risk.  But one fashion model, Christy Turlington, is on a mission to change that.  Here's ABC's Deborah Roberts.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

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