Hearsay With Cathy Lewis

The botanical pursuits of America's first four presidents were much more than a preoccupying hobby. It was central to their vision of the American republic. On today's program, we'll talk about the uniquely American garden that Washington, Jefferson, Adams and Madison created with the author of "Founding Fathers: The Revolutionary Generation, Nature, and the Shaping of the American Nation."

On Monday's Headline show, we reflect on the 10-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In the days immediately following the attacks, our HEARSAY broadcasts focused on local reaction. On today's show, we'll revisit moments from those programs and ask the question that Americans first pondered 10 years ago: How has 9/11 changed us?

Despite being mocked by media colleagues that around-the-clock weather programs would be as exciting as watching paint dry, the late Frank Batten Sr. of Norfolk created the Weather Channel in 1982. That now iconic network, and later its website, would become the largest private weather company in the world. Batten, also the man behind The Virginian-Pilot, built a media empire centered on honesty, integrity, and ethics. Today, we'll talk with Connie Sage, a former longtime reporter and editor for The Virginian-Pilot, and corporate staff member of Landmark Communications. She's written a new book about the media pioneer. It's the untold story of a man whose name few recognize, yet who helped change the face of the media in the 20th century.

On Wednesday's program, we continue our month-long weekly series focused on filmmaker Ken Burns's latest documentary, "Prohibition." The program will air in October on WHRO-TV and tells the history of the rise and fall of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The saga of prohibition goes far beyond the oft-told tales of gangsters, rum runners, flappers and speakeasies. It is the story of unintended consequences and a nation divided by politics, religion, and individual rights and responsibilities.

What's in the news? The summer season is over, vacation time is up, and school is back in session. Join host Cathy Lewis as we explore some of the headlines that have you talking. Call in live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240 to join the conversation. You can also e-mail the program at hearsay@whrv.org or chime in on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

Cancer is always a devastating diagnosis and too many times it is a final verdict for its victims. On Thursday's program, we'll talk with the Pulitzer Prize winning author of "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer. It is much more than a story of uncontrolled cell growth, it is a history of battles waged over thousands of years and the people and tools, drugs and tumors, chemicals and experiments that have led us to modern day treatments and therapies.

Clean eating isn't about sanitizing your food. On today's program, we'll explore the multitude of health and nutritional benefits associated with the "clean eating" lifestyle. Our resident foodie, Patrick Evans-Hylton will join us to talk about how clean eating is all about consuming whole food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. We'll also talk about other holistic eating habits, including veganism and vegetarianism. Call in live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at hearsay@whrv.org or join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

Filmmaker Ken Burns's latest documentary, "Prohibition" will air in October and it tells the history of the rise and fall of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The saga of prohibition goes far beyond the oft-told tales of gangsters, rum runners, flappers and speakeasies. It is the story of unintended consequences and a nation divided by politics, religion and , individual rights and responsibilities. On today's program, we begin a six-part series on the legacy of prohibition: how it transformed America and the challenges we face as we continue to wrestle with alcohol and drug abuse.

The region is still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Irene from over the weekend. We talk with emergency officials to get the latest on the aftermath of the storm and we hear from our listeners about how they weathered Irene.

HearSay's favorite gardener, Jim Orband joins us in studio Thursday to answer your gardening questions and to talk about the best ways to keep your late summer garden producing.

Across the Commonwealth, colleges and universities are opening their doors this week to new and returning students. On today's program, we'll highlight some potential dangers that students may encounter and offer suggestions for staying safe - both on and off campus.

The Middle Class is often called the heart and soul of America, but some economists caution it has been "hollowed out" by the Great Recession. On today's program, we'll talk with the author of "Can the Middle Class Be Saved?," the latest feature article in The Atlantic. Has the middle class been mortally wounded in this financial downturn? Call in live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at hearsay@whrv.org or join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

Five hundred years ago, Amerigo Vespucci first realized the scope and size of the body of water that lay between Europe and the new world. With that revelation, The Atlantic Ocean quickly became the key Western Civilization. On today's broadcast, we'll talk with author Simon Winchester about his biography of The Atlantic Ocean. Later in the program, we'll talk with Will Baker, president of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and get an update on the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

HearSay's favorite veterinarian, Dr. Phyllis Neumann joins us in studio Thursday to answer your pet health questions and to talk about the best ways to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Significant increases of obesity in adults and children are creating epidemic rates of diabetes in America. On today's program, we'll talk with medical specialists and nutritionists about the face of Diabesity in Hampton Roads - and learn what is being done to stem this pandemic.

After years of planning and construction, The Tide is set to carry its first passengers this Friday. On today's headline show, we'll talk about the debut of the light rail system and what passengers - and area residents - can expect from the Grand Opening. Will you be riding The Tide? Call in live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at hearsay@whrv.org or join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

Is there a national surge when it comes to lying on the stand? Scandal after scandal in the past decade, we've seen headlines about many high-profile cases that have struck a damaging blow to our judicial system. Why do people lie under oath? On today's program, we'll talk with about the consequences surrounding the "perjury epidemic" that's "undercutting the very foundation of our courts: relying on witnesses to tell the truth." Originally aired on May 31, 2011

Segment A: Credit Downgrading Standard & Poor's downgrading of the US credit rating continues to send shock waves through the global markets. On this segment, we'll talk about S&P's decision and its impact on the US economy. Segment B: Navy SEAL Foundation Last week's loss of 22 Navy SEALs - 20 of whom were based locally - has brought about an outpouring of grief throughout Hampton Roads. During this segment, we'll talk with a representative from the Navy SEAL Foundation about ways to support the Naval Special Warfare community and their families.

Alternative media plays an increasingly active role in our community. From pop culture to politics, these local journalists are passionate in their efforts to highlight the challenges and celebrations of Hampton Roads. On Wednesday's show, we'll talk with editors and publishers of local alternative media about their work. We'll also examine how online news sites are shifting the nature of news-gathering.

Garrison Keillor, the beloved host of public radio's "Prairie Home Companion," is coming to Portsmouth this month on the "A Prairie Home Companion - Summer Love Tour." On today's program, Garrison joins Cathy with all the latest news from Lake Wobegon, as well as what to expect from this latest tour, which includes The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band and sound-effects man Mr. Fred Newman.