Perspective Podcast - December 19, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

Normalizing With Cuba
It was an historic day for the U.S. and Cuba. This past week, President Obama announced America will restore full diplomatic relations with the island nation. It came as part of a  a secret prisoner swap that even Pope Francis had a hand in. After the news came down, ABC Senior National Correspondent Jim Avila traveled to Havana to get reaction from Cuban citizens:

Sydney Standoff
This past week, the streets of downtown Sydney, Australia were filled with terror when a gunman took 17 people hostage in a cafe for nearly 17 hours. When the dust had cleared, two hostages and the gunman had been killed. And authorities say this is just the latest example of "lone wolf" terrorism that is proving so dangerous. ABC's David Wright traveled to Sydney and has more:

Jeb Bush "Exploring" 2016 Run
Could another Bush move into the White House? The 2016 election is nearly two years away, but this now Jeb Bush has became the first major Republican to announce plans about a campaign...saying he is "exploring" a presidential run. And as ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl explains, we could be on a crash course towards another Clinton vs. Bush election:

Convicted Mom Comes Home
Hannah Overton was convicted nearly seven years ago in the bizarre death of a boy she was trying to adopt. All along, she maintained her innocnce....and now, the conviction has been overturned and she gets to return home to her family - just in time for the holidays. But why the sudden turnaround? ABC's Juju Chang has the story:

American Foreign Fighter
In 2007, Matthew VanDyke set out on a motorcycle trip across North Africa and the Middle East to undergo what he called a "crash course in manhood." It would be the start of a long and dramatic journey that took him behind the camera in Iraq covering U-S troops all the way to taking up arms with the Libyan rebels in a quest to overthrow then-dictator Muammar Gaddafi. VanDyke recently sat down with ABC's Bazi Kanani:

ABC News Fixer
What happens when a family emergency causes you to miss a flight? Will you be able get a refund? The ABC News Fixer is here:

Selling On Instagram
We use Instagram to post pictures of all kinds of things….our pets, our kids, our food…and yeah, ourselves. But now, some are using the social network as a sort of digital consignment shop…and you can find high fashion for low prices…if you know where to look. ABC's Mara Schiavocampo tells us more:

One-On-One With Elvis Duran
You might not know his face, but for people like you that listen to the radio, you probably know his voice. Elvis Duran is host of one of radio's most popular morning shows, and he probably has some of your favorite celebrities on speed-dial. He may not be a "shock jock," but he's also not afraid to voice his opinions. He sat down with ABC's Dan Harris:

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  David Rind

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Perspective Podcast - December 12, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

The "Torture Report"
This past week, the Senate released an extensive report detailing the tactics used during CIA interrogations following the 9/11 attacks. While the findings were disturbing, some former CIA heads are questioning the conclusions. ABC News Chief Foreign Affairs correspondent Martha Raddatz has the details of the report, and ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl has more on the backlash:

Black vs. Blue In Baltimore
Protest and anger have rippled across the country in the wake of the Eric Garner and Michael Brown grand jury decisions. At the center of the controversy is the struggle between African-Americans and police in many cities across the country. One city where the struggle is prevalent is Baltimore - ABC's Byron Pitts - a Baltimore native - went there to find out more:

Asleep At The Wheel
What do some of the deadliest car crashes in recent memory have in common? Not drugs or alcohol, but sleep deprivation. Nearly half of all Americans aren't getting enough shut-eye every night, and the consequences of getting behind the wheel when tired can be deadly. New science is showing that even if you seem wide awake, your brain might tell a different story. ABC's Ron Claiborne has the details:

Immigration Victory For Silicon Valley
When President Obama took executive action on immigration, many were upset that millions of immigrants in this country illegally would be spared deportation. One group who's celebrated the decision? Silicon Valley. ABC's Deidre Bryant tells us why:

Sen. McCain Talks ISIS
As the fight against ISIS terror groups continues, some Republicans have voiced their displeasure with President Obama's strategy. One of those lawmakers is Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona, who says the "gradual escalation" reminds him of the plan that failed the U.S. in the Vietnam War. He talked about it with ABC News Senior Washington Correspondent Jeff Zeleny:

Secrets Of The Naval Observatory
You ever wonder how time on your smart phone gets set? The answer lies in the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington D.C., which is home to the "master clock" as well as a telescope with a whole lot of history. ABC's David Kerley went to the Observatory and caught up with Geoff Chester, the man who knows all about it:

Ethan Hawke Talks "Boyhood"
When Ethan Hawke's movie career was just getting started, many people thought he'd be a leading man in action movies for years to come. But he's gone in a somewhat different direction, taking some under-the-radar roles. His latest one is in an unorthodox movie that's getting a lot of awards buzz….he sat down with ABC's Juju Chang to talk about "Boyhood:"

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  David Rind

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Perspective Podcast - December 5, 2014

In this edition of Perspective...

No Indictment In Eric Garner Chokehold Death
This past week, protesters took to the streets again after another grand jury decision. This one in New York City, after the jury decided to not indict a white police officer in the death of a black man who was allegedly selling loose cigarettes on a street corner. After the news came down, protesters filled city streets and the cries became even louder on social media - "Black Lives Matter." ABC's Ron Claiborne has the details:

The "Oath Keepers"
In the aftermath of the other big grand jury decision in Ferguson, Missouri not to indict police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown, local business owners were on edge, guarding against looters. Another group stepped in to try and keep the peace…a controversial group calling themselves "The Oath Keepers," protecting Ferguson by taking the law into their own hands. ABC's Alex Perez went to Ferguson to meet them:

Conflict Of Interest
Justice in America is supposed to be impartial and fair. But in one of the country's poorest states, one judge became wrapped up in a conflict of interest controversy that involves private jets and big money. ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross has the story:

Tailor To The Stars
He's dressed Presidents and celebrities alike....but this tailor got his start somewhere you wouldn't expect. ABC's David Wright has more:

Sewer People
Most of us would rather not know what's flowing through our city's sewer system. However, in one country, it's not a question of what - but who. ABC's Bob Woodruff takes us underneath the streets to meet a whole subculture of people living underground:

Young Girls & Guns
This holiday shopping season, toys and tech are once again big sellers...but so are guns. And the intedented receipients of these weapons may surprise you…young girls. Yes, they're the new target market for gun manufacturers...and that has some parents very concerned. ABC's Reena Ninan has more:

New Orleans Is The New Hollywood
New Orleans is known for its wild parties and musical history, but these days its known for something else - film production. That's right, directors and stars alike are leaving Hollywood and flocking for the Big Easy…ABC's Byron Pitts tells us why:

Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: David Rind

Download or stream this edition of the Perspective podcast