Midmorning Weekend

Donald Johanson
Dr. Donald Johanson works at the Hadar fossil site in Ethiopia, 1992.
Image courtesy of the Institute of Human Origins

Segment 1: An early branch of the human family revealed

At the age of 31, paleontologist Donald Johanson discovered the fossil that would later become known as "Lucy," a previously unknown species of hominid. The discovery changed how we view human evolution. After 30 years of study, Johanson knows much more about how early humans lived.

(Original Program)

Segment 2: Family secrets kept close

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Azar Nafisi, the best-selling author of "Reading Lolita in Tehran" gives us a new memoir and a glimpse of her prominent Iranian family; a complex mother and fascinating father, a mayor of Tehran who was jailed under the Shah.

(Original Program)

Segment 3: Author and MC

Local hip hop artist Dessa combines the dry wit of Dorothy Parker with the beat of Mos Def. Dessa speaks and sings of her family ties and the pressures of modern life.

(Original Program)