So, we might have mentioned one or two or maybe even three times, that this program turned five this week, but we can't help it. Turning five is a big deal. The program launched on April 30th, 2007. And not to put too fine a point on it, it was a tough environment for both print and broadcast. So, yes, we've been celebrating our birthday all this week. And unfortunately, like all good things, the on-air party is coming to an end, at least until we celebrate our sixth birthday next year.
I'm Michel Martin, and this is TELL ME MORE from NPR News.
It's time for our Friday features. And in Faith Matters, we decided, in honor of our fifth anniversary on the air, to ask five faith leaders from around the country to offer some words of encouragement. That's later in the program.
But first, to what has become one of our signature segments over the past five years: the Barbershop. That's where the guys talk about what's in the news and what's on their minds. Normally, we conclude every Friday's show with a shop visit.
I'm Michel Martin, and this is TELL ME MORE from NPR News.
Coming up, after five years on the air, we decided to ask some of our previous guests in Faith Matters for their reflections on the future. That's in just a few minutes.
But first, we continue our Barber Shop roundtable. Our guests are freelance journalist Jimi Izrael, civil rights attorney Arsalan Iftikhar, columnist Mario Loyola and, in his first Barbershop appearance, the former attorney general of the United States, Alberto Gonzales.
News recently broke that New Orleans Saints' coaches were giving bonuses to their players for hard hits. The NFL responded by suspending coaches and now, players. The sports world was also shocked by the apparent suicide of Junior Seau, who played for the San Diego Chargers. Host Michel Martin talks with sports reporters Dave Zirin and Pablo Torre.
On Wednesday, several people were charged in the alleged hazing death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion, Jr. He was found unresponsive aboard a chartered bus after a football game in November 2011. Host Michel Martin speaks with Orlando Sentinel reporter Denise-Marie Balona.
As the Mexican holiday approaches this weekend, host Michel Martin and writer Gustavo Arellano look at America's layered relationship with Mexican culture and food.
Over the past five years, Tell Me More has produced more than 1,300 hours of programming that have piqued the interests of even the youngest listeners. To celebrate Tell Me More's fifth anniversary, host Michel Martin talks with Isaiah Carroll, Olivia Williams, Ila Brooks and Marta Hulme about what's fun about being five.
All week, we've been celebrating our fifth anniversary on the air. We actually hit that milestone on Monday, and we've been trying to have some fun with it — talking with 5-year-olds about what's fun about being 5; about five-year financial plans; and we checked in with some of the guests who were with us at the very beginning.
At this point, I realize you might be saying to yourself: Five? Big whoop! Come back to me when you're in double digits at least.
This week, the Beauty Shop ladies discuss whether President Obama and Mitt Romney are politicizing last year's killing of Osama bin Laden. They also weigh in on campaign ads meant to reach niche voters. Host Michel Martin checks in with professor Asra Nomani, policy analyst Michelle Bernard, and bloggers Viviana Hurtado and Danielle Belton.
NPR's Tell Me More turns five this week. During this time, the program has produced more than 1,300 hours of interviews that have piqued the interest of even the youngest listeners. Today, host Michel Martin hears from 5-year-old twins, Eric Miles Darby and Lauren Darby of Marietta, Georgia, about finally taking off those training wheels.
