Should We Phase Out Social Security?
For decades, Social Security has been a cornerstone of American retirement, but the program was designed for a different population and economy. Today, Americans are living longer, but there are fewer workers supporting each beneficiary. Social Security itself is already paying out more than it takes in, while the roughly $40.12 trillion national debt raises questions about how much room the government has to address the shortfall. The 2026 Social Security Trustees project that the retirement trust fund will exhaust its reserves in 2032, after which incoming revenue would cover only 78 percent of scheduled benefits unless Congress acts.
Those who favor phasing it out argue that a system designed in the 1930s is ill-suited to today’s economy. Rather than providing benefits regardless of wealth or income, Social Security could become a means-tested safety net for those who need it most, while other Americans rely more on personal savings and investments for retirement.
Opponents argue Social Security provides something private accounts cannot: guaranteed, inflation-adjusted income for life, along with disability and survivor benefits, and remains a powerful anti-poverty tool. Rather than dismantling a critical safeguard, they say Congress should strengthen its finances through some combination of higher revenues and changes to benefits.
As the clock ticks toward its projected shortfall, we debate the question: Should We Phase Out Social Security?
LENGTH: 1 Hour, COST: Free
https://exchange.prx.org/pieces/636933-should-we-phase-out-social-security
Searching for the First Rock and Roll Song
From WWOZ in New Orleans comes a truly unique music show featuring great early rock music rarely, if ever, heard on other music programs.
Nobody has found the first rock and roll song. We, the rock and roll generation, are missing the foundation of our origination story.
Or more like, everyone has found a first rock and roll song. It’s just not the same song. Not even the same musician. Not even a shared definition of rock and roll. Or for that matter, “Who we are.”
This show presents the tens of thousands of songs that weren’t considered, but could have been, the first rock and roll song. Therefore, every show, every song is a constant listener challenge of, “Music you’ve never heard by musicians you’ve never heard of.”
Each song is unfamiliar yet all the music has a distinctly identifiable sound because the show is centered on the sound and feeling of rock and roll’s origination. Every song is an emotional and intellectual challenge to the listener’s historical musical perspective and our endless fascination of defining, “Who are we, the rock and roll generation?” This fascination turns the show into a radio rarity, a weekly destination show.
Devoted destiny listeners of the live version at midnight on WWOZ are Europeans, Australians, and Americans both waking before sunrise and staying up until sunrise to hear the live show on WWOZ in New Orleans. Their engagement isn’t solitary or limited to the show, many have created friendships through Facebook some of which have blossomed into overseas visits. (It’s heartwarming.)
| Cost: FREE Length: One, two, or three hours Available: PRX (Auto Download), PRX (Manual Download), AudioPort (1 hr Version), AudioPort (2 hr Version), AudioPort (3 hr Version), & Download |
| VISIT our new website: www.firstrockandroll.com |
Fall into the Sound Beat
Sound Beat has grown steadily to become one of Public Radio’s most popular daily features A free, daily, 90 second feature, Sound Beat highlights the holdings of the Syracuse University Libraries’ Belfer Audio Archive, one of the largest sound archives in the United States.
Like a trip through the history of recorded sound, Sound Beat episodes feature rare and unique recordings from the Archive, and entertaining backstorys detailing their place in recording history.
For more information, visit: https://creativepr.org/project/sound-beat/
Award-Winning Conversations, Diverse Topics.
Each week on With Good Reason scholars explore the worlds of literature, science, the arts, politics, history, and business through lively discussion with Host Sarah McConnell.
Join WAMU, WAMC, Kansas Public Radio, Utah Public Radio, and the 150+ stations across the country that are engaging their listeners with With Good Reason.
With Good Reason (weekly program, 1 hour or 30 minutes)
Top scholars explore the worlds of literature, science, the arts, politics, history, and business with Host Sarah McConnell guiding the lively conversation. From reparations and global warming, to the unique worlds of comic books and wine-making, With Good Reason is always surprising, challenging and fun.
LENGTH: 1 hour or 30 minutes COST: Free AVAILABLE: Content Depot, PRX, Download, AudioPort WEBSITE: withgoodreasonradio.org
The Best of Broadway and Hollywood
Footlight Parade: Sounds of the American Musical
Public Radio’s Most Popular and Longest Running Broadway and Hollywood Musical Program
Since 1998, Footlight Parade: Sounds of the American Musical has been presenting the best of Broadway and Hollywood, from the early 20th century to current hits: from Gershwin, Berlin and Rodgers & Hammerstein to Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The best of Broadway and Hollywood music including rarely heard recordings.
“Bill Rudman brings musical theater history to life with charm, wit, insight, warmth, convivial chat and a wealth of knowledge”.
Entertaining and insightful backstage stories, anecdotes, and historical perspectives from Host and Producer Bill Rudman, a nationally recognized authority on musical theatre.
“I don’t know which I prefer: the music or your informative and entertaining commentary. BOTH are excellent!”
Exclusive archival interviews with, and in-depth interviews with of such acclaimed artists as lyricist Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof and She Loves Me), composer John Kander (Cabaret and Chicago) and singers Mandy Patinkin and the late Barbara Cook, and many more!
“Bill’s in-depth interviews with all manner of artists provide a permanent, irreplaceable archive.”
Cost: FREE
Length: 56:50
Available: PRX Automated Delivery, Downloads