Alan Wieder hosts this episode, featuring music from David Rovics as well as an interview with him, a discussion of the economics and politics of mass incarceration, a review of a recent comic novel, and a commentary on the ideology of austerity.

Bill Resnick talks with David Weiman about Mass Incarceration

Book Mole Larry Bowlden reviews Maria Semple's Where'd You Go, Bernadette?

Three local women have taken a stand to protect an old Sequoia tree in Pier Park in St. John’s. Today, they stood in the way of chainsaws despite being threatened with arrest. They are calling for people to come to Pier Park again tomorrow to help support this action. KBOO’s Jenka Soderberg went to the park this morning and brings us this report:

In this episode:

• 1 Billion Rising
• Portland Rising Tide Esco Exibit Occupation
• Music by Franti, Marvin Gaye, John Lennon, and Michael Jackson

 Bill Resnick talks with Ben Goldacre about the pharmaceutical industry's influence on science research. He points out that because clinical trials don't have to be published, there's a remarkable bias in favor of pharmeceutical manufacturers. He talks about the deleterious effects this has on doctor's and independent academic researcher's ability to evaluate approaches to treatment.

Dr. Ben Goldacre is the author of international best-seller Bad Science and more lately Bad Pharma: How Drug Companies Mislead Doctors and Harm Patients.