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XExtension 720 with Milt Rosenberg
Sunday-Thursday 10 p.m.-midnight
Extension 720 with Milt Rosenberg is utterly implausible radio. You won't hear anything, anywhere, quite as stimulating or quite as fascinating... More >>
Extension 720 Podcasts
General News Review
Charles Lipson and Chris Robling talk about the presidential race, the Catholic bishops against POTUS, Iran faking out the US negotiators, the Eorozone crisis.
Professional Sports and the Law
Chicago attorney Eldon Ham discusses how the Supreme Court ruling that "baseball is not a business" impacted the game plus how professional sports skirt the law.
Why Capitalism?
Allan Meltzler defends the socio-economic system that is the target of the Occupy movement.
Presidents and Their Faith
Steve Shaw explores how American Presidents' religious beliefs have affected their policy while in office.
British Aristocracy
Robert Lacey talks about the history of the British Monarchy and its influence on the world.
How Creativity Works
Author Jonah Lehrer explains the science behind creativity and demystifes the concept of inspiration.
Presidential Discussion
A caller fueled discussion about whether President Obama hurt his re-election chances by supporting gay marriage.
Nutrition
Three nutritional scientists take an honest and demanding look at the compelling health concern.
Great Quotations
Gary Saul Morson & Ron Grossman join Milt in citing superb quotes throughout history and helping explain their cultural significance.
The Rise & Fall of Rome
Professors John Ramsey & Clifford Ando trace the trajectory of the Roman Empire from creation to collapse.
The Fear of Food
Author Harvey Levenstein explores the history of why people worry about what they eat.
A People's History of Baseball
Mitchell Nathanson corrects several major misconceptions about America's pastime while providing lesser known facts about the game.
General News Review
Chris Robling and Charles Lipson help make sense of elections in France, Greece and the U.S.; the budget-, arms- and Middle East crises.
Great American Novelists
Three Professors of American Literature discuss the lives and works of Hawthorne, Melville, Twain and Hemingway among others.
The Hunt for Khalid Sheik Mohammed
Journalist and Author Josh Meyer reveals how the infamous terrorist behind the 9/11 attacks was brought to justice.
The Life of Bill Veeck
Veeck biographer Paul Dickson decribes how the former White Sox owner (and all-around nice guy) made the game more enjoyable for fans.
Ambrose, Augusitne and the Mystery of Baptism
"Font of Life" author Garry Wills & Martin Marty explore the roles of two of the most prominent men in the early Christian church.
AFTRA/SAG Radio Players
Performing scenes from old time radio including Dodsworth, My Man Godfrey, Allen's Alley and Bob and Ray.
Exploring Food
Culinary Connoisseurs Bruce Kraig, Catherine Lambrecht and Louisa Chu share the history and evolution of different foods in the American Midwest.
Machiavellian Politics
John McCormick of University of Chicago and Stephen Engelmann of UIC explain the evolution of "Machiavellian" philosophy and how it has affected politics throughout history.
2012 Presidential Election
A caller-fueled conversation regarding the looming 2012 Presidential Election between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama.
Great American City
Robert Sampson and Philip Nyden explain the positive impact that an enduring neighborhood effect has had on Chicago.
The Cookbook Library
Author and chef Anne Willan looks at the four centuries of cooks, writers, and recipes that made the modern cookbook.
Debating Zionism
Peter Beinart, author of "The Crisis of Zionism," & the American Thinker's Richard Baehr argue the merits of Jewish sovereignty in the Middle East.
Games Primates (and Humans) Play
Primatologist Dario Maestripieri & psychologist Paul Reber talk about whether the way people behave toward others is voluntary or hard-wired.
Philosophical Interventions
Author Martha Nussbaum looks at what ancient & contemporary philosophy says about creating a just and fulfilling society.
News In Review
Chris Robling, Charles Lipson and Richard Friedman discuss the presidential race, the pending Iranian nukes and the renewal of racial animosity in America.
Financial Futures
Forbes Senior Writer Emily Lambert explains the rise of the speculator and the origins of the World's biggest financial markets.
The Infrastructure State
Jo Guldi explains Great Britain's invention and implementation of technology and infrastructure that strengthened the empire.
The Historical Jesus
Who was Jesus? How should we interpret his teachings & stories? Biblical scholars Klyne Snodgrass & Barbara Reid provide the answers.
The Case For Polarized Politics
Jeffrey Bell explains why America needs Social Conservatism, and gives the history behind the social revolutions from the 1960's to the present day.
Ben Busch
The Author of "Dust to Dust" recounts stories of his military service, television acting and adventurous youth.
Sophocles and the Greek tragedy
Two Sophoclean scholars discuss the cultural significance of Greek tragedies while listening to modern interpretations of Sophocles' works.
Philosophy
Sanford Goldberg of Northwestern and David Hilbert of UIC explore the musings of philosophers throughout the ages.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Viginia Golrinski, Tom Panelas, J.E. Luebering & John Rafferty of Encyclopedia Britannica explain the process behind compiling all of the information and the advantages of a digital format.
Terrorism
Dr. Boaz Ganor, founder of the Institute for Counter-Terrorism, & Richard Friedman of the National Strategy Forum explain the nature of terrorism and how countries can adapt to the changing threat.
The American West
Historians Richard Van Orman & Jon T. Coleman explore the settling of the West and how it spawned many myths and legends, using classic Hollywood Westerns as examples.
Jim Thorpe
Biographer Kate Buford presents the life and journey of the greatest multisport athlete in American history.
Israel through European eyes
Yoram Hazony of the Shalem Center theorizes why anti-Israeli sentiment continues to grow in Europe.
The God Particle
Physicists Rocky Kolb, Joe Lykken and Sarah Malik explain the search for the Higgs Boson particle that could change how we think about the universe.
Illinois Primary
Charles Lipson, Chris Robling and Richard Baehr speculate on the outcomes of the Republican race and the power of cynical media campaigning.
TV Critics and the shows they judge
Lori Rackl (Sun Times), Steve Johnson (Trib) and Curt Wagner (Redeye) talk about the best and worst of current television.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan veteran Sean Parnell, military historian Victor Davis Hanson and LA Times foreign correspondent Laura King talk about US involvement in the country.
Inside Apple
Adam Lashinsky looks behind the curtain at the secretive tech giant and its long road to success.
Chicago in the 21st Century
Dick Simpson & Connie Mixon help us better understand the social-, economic-, and political conditions, plus the continued corruption in modern Chicago.
Extension 720: Election Town Hall
An open discussion of the candidates, their strategies and perspectives in the 2012 presidential race.
Religous Persecution
Paul Rahe discusses the tension between the Federal Government and the Catholic Church and Juliana Taimoorazy and Kamal Ibrahim speak about peresecution in Egypt and the Middle East.
Election Battle Plans
Chris Robling and Charles Lipson formulate various strategies for both parties geared toward the November election.
Super Tuesday
Kyle Kondik of University of Virgina and Brain Darling of the Heritage Foundation dissect the Republican primary results and analyze the upcoming presidential election.
Running a Hotel
Mark Shouger, GM of the Wit, and Palmer House manager Todd Temperly share stories from running hotels.
Grossman's Gazette
Ron Grossman elaborates on a variety of subjects including Muddy Waters, Roman culture, and the birth of the historical method.
Iran
A panel of three addresses the threat it poses to other countries by looking at its infastructure of government and development of nuclear weapons.
The Science of Affection
Deborah Blum presents Harry Harlow's research on the origins of affection and security and how it relates to bringing up children.
News in Review
Scott Stantis, Chris Robling and Charles Lipson discuss the Republican primaries, the financial situation in Europe & Election 2012.
Avoiding Scams and Frauds
Steve Bernas of the Chicago BBB and Steve Baker of the FDC explain the lastest consumers cons and how to avoid them.
Extension 720 Classic Roundup
Milt reflects on past guests with audio of Henry Kissinger, Anthony Bourdain, Carl Sagan & others.
Illinois in the War of 1812
Gillum Ferguson explains Illinois' role in the war, and its effect on the growing United States.
"Bulldog" Drummond
Chicago news legend John Drummond tells of the characters of ill repute & memorable stories from his time covering crime in the city.
Voice of the People
An open conversation about 2012's Republican Presidential hopefuls and the issues surrounding the United States.
Restaurant Review 2012
Food critics Penny Pollack, Michael Nagrant & Chuck Sudo talk about Chicago's best dining options.
Hollywood Westerns and the American way
Robert Pippin, author of "Hollywood Westerns & American Myth," uses audio examples from classic Westerns to show how they reflect American life.
The Use and Abuse of the English Language
Modern speech is on trial as Ellen Hunt, Susan Harris & Ron Grossman disect dialect faux pas.
Good in a Crisis
Dr. Margaret Overton, author of "Good in a Crisis," explains lessons she's learned through experiencing death of loved ones, heartbreak & more.
The Grand Jihad
Andy McCarthy outlines the steps that the United States should take to avoid being infiltrated by radical Islam with the intention of Jihad.
Reaching Across Boundries in a Networked World
Bill Bratton & Zack Tumin's book, "Collaborate or Perish" shows how teamwork is vital to the growth of civilizations.
Unmasking Beliefs
Guy P. Harrison, author of "50 Popular Beliefs that People Think are True" shares his findings about the many ways people view the world.
The Effect of China
Philip Coggan and Ann Lee ponder the current state of China and how it has influenced the United States in the 21st Century.
The Death of Privacy
Three Chicago lawyers expert in the laws of technology and privacy talk about the imminent dangers brought on by Facebook and similar sites.
Current Events Forum
WIth the 2012 election on the horizon, a panel of 3 evaluate issues of the current Republican candidates and foreign affairs involving China, Iran and Israel.
Mormonism
The Trib's Manya Brachear, Jana Riess & Patrick Mason (both Mormon) examine the Church of Latter-day Saints' tenets & handling of Mormon-related news.
A Night at the Opera
Several representatives from the Lyric Opera of Chicago, including management and performers talk about their current and future performances.
A Modern Retelling of Greek and Roman Myths
Philip Freeman, author of "Oh My Gods" describes how the stories of Zeus, Athena, Achilles and others are still alive and relevant in the present day.
Contemporary Effects of the Reformation
Brad Gregory and Martin Marty tell whether or not the Protestant Reformation is a major source of the problems of modernity.
Invented Languages
Michael Adams, author of "From Elvish to Klingon" talks about different types of invented languages and tells how they came to be.
The Science of Friendship
Rachel Bertsche, author of "MWF seeking BFF" recounts her social exploits after moving to Chicago with her husband and knowing nobody.
Queen Elizabeth II
Biographer Sally Biddell Smith describes the life of a modern monarch as detailed in her new book, "Elizabeth the Queen."
Jumping the Loan Shark
Robert Mayer, author of "Quick Cash" chronicles the history, legality and growth in popularity of loan sharking establishments.
Political Cartooning
Cartoonists Scott Stantis (of the Trib) and Ed Stein opine on the past, present and future of editorial cartoons.
Current Events Forum
Gingrich vs. Romney; SOPA and internet censorship; the Cruise-Ship disaster. These items and more are debated by a panel of three.
The Roots of Our Species
Paleo-anthropoligists Robert Martin & Callum Ross describe the latest evolutionary breakthroughs regarding Homosapien origins.
The Politics of Russia
Martha Merrill & John Bushnell express the struggles Russia is enduring in trying to move away from its Soviet past towards democracy.
Inside the US Special Forces
Jim Frederick, author of "Special Ops" & Executive Editor of "Time" magazine describes spec ops missions, such as the killing of Bin Laden.
The Importance of the Internet to Society
David Weinberger, author of "Too Big to Know" tells how the internet is transforming business, government and other societal aspects.
Are radical teachers destroying America?
Kyle Olson, author of "Indoctrination," says that anti-American preceptors are soiling classrooms, placing the future of this country in jeopardy.
Life on the 19th Century Mississippi
Lee Sandlin, tells tales of piracy, gambling, future presidents & more on Old Man River as written in his book, "Wicked River."
Is Religion More Natural to Learn than Science?
Robert McCauley, author of "Why Religion is Natural and Science is Not" thinks so, and he presents arguments as to why.
Examining the Old Testament
Biblical scholar Douglas Knight analyzes the Old Testament as history, as theology and as literary masterpiece.
Movie stars' influence on American politics
Steve Ross, author of "Hollywood Left and Right," describes how Reagan, Fonda, Chaplin & others left their mark on America's political landscape.
A Most Memorable Show
Alison Winter, author of "Memory" discusses topics such as implanted or 'fake' memories and tells how they are created.
The Iowa Caucus in Review
Richard Ciccone, Richard Simpson and others analyze the Caucus results and the overall effect on the GOP landscape.
Political Issues Beneath the Surface
Victor Davis Hanson analyzes the deeper issues surrounding this year's election, including how they affect the fate & future of our nation.
Make it Right When You've Been Wronged
Been overcharged by a utilities provider? Mishandled by an airline? Screwed by an insurance provider? Jon Yates tells you how to exact justice.
Commemorating the Year 2011
Reviewing the year with some of the most captivating, most entertaining and in some cases most bizarre moments on Extension 720.
Why Progressive Institutions are Unsustainable
Richard Epstein, Professor of Law at The University of Chicago & former colleague of Barack Obama discusses the merits of "Classical Liberalism".
Applying Critical Thought to Political Ads
Listeners call in to analyze the campaign ads of five of the contenders in the upcoming Iowa Caucus.
Baroque Holiday Music Spectacular
Tom Wikman leads us through a unique, beautiful array of music that is quite fitting for the holiday season.
2011: The Year in News
Chris Robling, Charles Lipson & Kerry Luft examine the lasting impact of Bin Laden & Kim Jong Il's deaths, worldwide protests & other news in 2011.
The Year in Broadcasting at WGN
Garry Meier, John Williams and David Kaplan discuss some of the highs and lows at WGN at 2011 and throughout their broadcasting careers.
The World's Tallest Buildings
Three skyscraper experts project the "mega tall" future of the skyscraper. Where will they be & how tall? And perhaps most importantly, WHY so tall?
A Look at Ancient Sport
David Potter, the author of "The Victor's Crown" explains the significance of sports in ancient cultures.
The Golden Age of Radio
Fred Macdonald presents classic audio from radio's golden age (1930s-'50s) highlighting the scope of programming offered to listeners.
Barack Obama: the brand that made a President
Charles Lipson & Mark Edward Taylor, author of "Branding Obamessiah," examine the Obama brand & its effect on the future of US politics.
Examining WWII from a different angle
Max Hastings describes his new book, "Inferno," which examines the perspectives of average citizens affected by the war.
Hedy Lamarr: brains to match the beauty
Richard Rhodes, author of "Hedy's Folly," tells us how the Hollywood starlet helped shape the world through her technological invention.
The Oriental Institute & James Henry Breasted
Learn about this world-renowned acheological institute & the man who founded it w/ Gil Stein, McGuire Gibson & Jeffrey Abt, author of "American Egyptologist."
A Literary Year in Review
Ron Grossman, Penelope Mesic & Christopher Borrelli discuss & review what they think are some of the best books of 2011.
Dueling Parties
Joseph Morris & Daniel E. Johnson square off on the Obama administration & the major issues of next year's presidential election.
Environmental Debate
Rich Trzupek & Jack Darin debate a number of topics regarding environmental regulation & new energy sources.
Gossip
Joseph Epstein, author of "Gossip," examines how talking about others is an integral part of society throughout history.
The Modern Woman's Effect on Man
Kay Hymowitz, author of "Manning Up," & Marj Halperin debate whether the rise of women has turned men into boys.
The History of Jazz
Using music samples from Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton & more, Howard Reich & Orbert Davis explore the history of jazz.
Grossman's Gazette
Longtime friend of the show Ron Grossman stops by to discuss many worldly topics.
General News Review
Chris Robling, Scott Stantis and Michael Noonan exchange views on the latest headlines including the Egyptian Election, Herman Cain's suspended campaign & more.
Pearl Harbor Christmas
Stanley Weintraub, author of "Pearl Harbor Christmas: A World at War, December 1941" discusses the holiday season which occurred immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Were Sacco & Vanzetti Framed?
Theodore Grippo author of the book "With Malice Aforethought: The Execution of Nicola Sacco & Bartolomeo Vanzetti" shares some alleged injustices surrounding the historic case.
A Night at the Cinema
Renowned film historian David Thomson discusses some of the greatest movies ever made & the stories behind them.
The Latest Technological Gadgets
Three technology experts discuss the latest in electronic gadgetry for this holiday season & beyond.
Great Sea Battles, Heroic Discoveries & a Vast Ocean of a Million Stories
Author Simon Winchester regales stories from his new book, "Atlantic," a comprehensive history of the Atlantic Ocean.
How Copernicus Revolutionzed the Cosmos
Dana Sobel explains important scientific breakthroughs made by Copernicus from her new book "A More Perfect Heaven."
How to Think about Claims of Conspiracy
John McAdams, author of "JFK Assassination Logic," dispells various conspiracy theories on JFK's death.
Top Screwups Doctors Make
Teresa & Joe Graedon, co-authors of "Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them," advise on how to avoid medical errors.
The State of Israel
Carolyn Glick, managing editor of "The Jerusalem Post" talks about the state of Israel in the World and its relations with the US.
Life as a Restaurateur
GianCarlo Nardini of Club Lago, Michael Taus of Zealous & Liz VanLeuwen of avec describe the joys & difficulties of running highly touted restaurants.
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