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(Airs 12/04/25 @ 3 p.m.) WAMC’s David Guistina in conversation with Michelle Hadden, Executive Director of The New York Council on Problem Gambling, about the definition of gambling addiction, the expansion of legalized gambling in the state, online gambling and its impact on youth, and much more.

Researchers at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia have found that there are marine bacteria living in all the world’s oceans that are able to consume and digest plastic – in particular polyethylene terephthalate (or PET) plastic – the plastic found in soda bottles, clothing, and many other things.

From Susan Orlean, the beloved New Yorker writer and bestselling author of “The Orchid Thief” and “The Library Book,” comes “Joyride” - a masterful memoir of finding her creative calling and purpose.This episode of The Book Show was recorded at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY in an event co-presented by Northshire Bookstore and WAMC on the Road.

Crops that sustain communities and economies around the world are increasingly at risk from a changing climate. Rising temperatures and extreme weather are putting everything from staple grains and fruits to specialty crops at risk, including three global favorites: coffee, chocolate, and wine grapes. According to a new study by researchers at Colorado State University, even bold climate intervention efforts may not be enough to protect them.

On this week's 51%, we hear from author Brianne Brinker, assistant athletic director at Union College, about her experience coming out and transitioning as a transgender woman in 2019. Brinker says “skating out of the vault” has allowed her to be her most confident self, and she considers finding herself to be her greatest accomplishment.

In 2015, a report by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimated that the world was headed towards 3.7 to 4.8 degrees Celsius of warming if stronger actions were not taken to cut emissions. This level of increased temperature (as much as nearly 9 degrees Fahrenheit) was described as being incompatible with an organized, equitable, and civilized global community. In short, the consequences would be dire.

(Airs 12/05/25 @ 3 p.m. & 12/07/25 @ 6 p.m.) The Media Project is an inside look at media coverage of current events with former Times Union Editor, current Upstate American, Substack columnist Rex Smith, Judy Patrick, former Editor of the Daily Gazette and former Vice President for Editorial Development for the New York Press Association, Barbara Lombardo, Adjunct Professor at the University at Albany and former Editor of the Saratogian, and Daily Freeman Publisher Emeritus Ira Fusfeld. On this week’s Media Project, Rex, Barbara, Judy and Ira talk about how journalists should respond to Trump when he attacks the press, the rise in lawsuits against the media, the controversy over typeface, and much more.

Actor June Squibb is currently starring in “Marjorie Prime” at The Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway and, earlier this fall, celebrated the release of the film “Eleanor the Great.” At 96 years-old, Squibb plays the title character in both projects.

(Airs 01/01/26 @ 3 p.m.) WAMC’s David Guistina in conversation with Jimmy Vielkind, public media reporter for WNYC, The Gothamist and the New York Public News Network, about some of the new laws in New York in 2026, some of the bills Governor Hochul vetoed, and some of the top political stories of 2025.

On this week's 51%, we speak with the founder and CEO of Fresh Starts Registry, a registry and education network for those navigating divorce, difficult breakups, and other major life changes. Olivia Dreizen Howell founded Fresh Starts Registry with her sister, Jenny, after her own divorce left her feeling isolated and scrambling for basic items in 2019. What started as an online gift registry has expanded into a global education network with more than 100 divorce experts, support groups, and how-to guides.