White House recognizes 'On Being' creator Tippett

Krista Tippett's won some of radio's most prestigious awards for her work exploring the complexities of faith and human life - and then getting others to talk about it in a civil way.

On Monday, that work will bring her to the White House, where the Twin Cities radio host will receive a 2013 National Humanities Medal.

Tippett launched her radio program "On Being," at Minnesota Public Radio in 2003. The show ran for years as "Speaking of Faith."

Tippett's now an independent radio producer. The show is distributed by American Public Media, MPR's St. Paul-based parent company, and can be heard on MPR. It now airs on more than 330 public radio stations across the U.S. Her podcasts reach audiences around the world.

Here's the White House on Tippett and why she won the medal:

Krista Tippett, radio host and author, for thoughtfully delving into the mysteries of human existence. On the air and in print, Ms. Tippett avoids easy answers, embracing complexity and inviting people of all faiths, no faith, and every background to join the conversation.