The Roundtable

Albany, NY – Alan speaks with Congressman-elect John Hall from New York's 19th District about his win, the orientation process, and the issues he'd like to focus on next session.

Albany, NY – Even if you haven't picked up Emily Post in ages, the holidays aren't over until a pretty little pile of hand-written thank you notes are on their way to the post office. That's a lesson that Judy Barnes' mother taught her at an early age. Today, Judy looks back on her mother's kind spirit, gracious nature, and unconditional love for her family.

Albany, NY – Dean Cycon of Dean's Beans has blended our Roundtable brew. Susan and Joe taste his creations: Roundtable Roast and Joe's Hot Lover Blend.

Albany, NY – Connectictut's Congressman-Elect Joe Courtney joins Alan Chartock in the Congressional Corner to discuss his campaign, the Democrats' plan for the first 100 hours, and Congress' new five-day work schedule.

Albany, NY – Dean Cycon of Dean's Beans Organic Coffee whips up a brand new coffee just for the Roundtable!

Tune in tomorrow to hear Susan and Joe taste their very own blend.

www.deansbeans.com

Albany, NY – The month of December has turned into a gift giving bonanza and sometimes it seems like no one's happy with what they get. Today, listener essayist Hedi McKinley shares her thoughts on presents, holiday and otherwise.

Albany, NY – Chris Murphy defeated Nancy Johnson in the 5th district of Connecticut by 30,000 votes. Alan asks him about the issues that drove the election, how freshman orientation is going, and what bills he expects the Democrats to pass in the first 100 days.

Albany, NY – In less than two decades, large retail chains have become the most powerful corporations in America. In her revealing new book, Big Box Swindle, Stacy Mitchell illustrates how mega-retailers are fueling many of our most pressing problems from the shrinking middle class to rising pollution and diminished civic engagement.

Susan Arbetter began her conversation with Stacy Mitchell by asking her why people who say they hate Wal-Mart still shop there.

Albany, NY – A holy jolly Christmas is all well and good, but there's no denying that the holidays can be a bubbling cauldron of stress and melodrama. And no matter how much you try to keep up the good cheer, there's always one family member who just loves to stir the pot. Roundtable favorite Hedi McKinley tells us how to stay sane this holiday season.

Hedi McKinley is a retired member of the SUNY School of Social Welfare, and a clinical social worker with a private practice in Albany, NY.