The program follows leading sleep researchers as they create a "sleep hygiene" regime forteenagers and visits the University of Pittsburgh’s Sleep Lab for a look at the research that showshow lack of sleep affects teens and behavior. This program also explores the challenges of implementing healthy sleep habits: getting young people to give up their beloved digital devices at bedtime, as well as the complications of changing school hours to accommodate the natural sleep patterns that work best for a teen's developing brain.

Original airdate: Mar 17, 2016


Award-winning mini documentaries from the WQED archives are compiled into this new half-hour program. This episode showcases the wartime contributions of Pittsburgh-area women. Scheduled features (prior to final edit) include Florence Reynolds (WASP pilot), Lillie Lesesne (WAC nurse), Eleanor Berge (WAVE), Eva Turner (WAC), Sally Stephenson (WAVE), Laurette Smith Cribbins (home front “Rosie the Riveter”) and Julia Parsons, who cracked German U-Boat code.

Original airdate: Mar 10, 2016


What is the state of the US economy? Ask different people and you'll get different answers. But polls show it's consistently one of the top concerns in the country, especially in an election year. So what economic issues are priorities for people in this region and what changes would they like to see? We're taking a closer look at employment, wages, debt and more in our election 2016 special "The Economy and Jobs".

Original airdate: Feb 25, 2016


Two award-winning mini documentaries from the WQED archives are compiled into this half-hour program. Madame Dawson’s Opera Company tells the story of Mary Cardwell Dawson who formed the National Negro Opera Company in 1941, opening doors and launching careers for African-Americans who had little access to classical music training. The feature also highlights efforts to restore the grand Victorian-style house in Pittsburgh where the opera company was founded.

Original airdate: Feb 18, 2016


In six years, Pittsburgh police have solved only half the murders in the city. Statistics like this are at the center of an investigative series which examines the aftermath of unsolved murders, which overwhelmingly affect black families and communities. The local media collaboration includes a four-part online series by Public Source, radio reports by WESA-FM, research assistance by the New Pittsburgh Courier and a one-hour discussion broadcast at WQED hosted by Chris Moore.

Original airdate: Feb 04, 2016


Pittsburgh is a hotbed of something known as the Maker Movement, which can encompass anything from designing robots to sewing your own clothes. It melds high tech and low tech, it touches all ages, and it teaches skills that are useful in everyday life and necessary for the 21st Century. We profile four young "Makers" and just a few of the women and men who are "Making" leaders, and see how the Maker Movement is motivating local youngsters to explore and grow.

Original airdate: Jan 21, 2016


Pittsburgh is widely known for re-inventing itself: from steel giant to a leader in medicine, technology and education. Now you can add laughter to the list. The city is gaining a national reputation for its contributions to comedy. Pittsburgh comedy venues are not only bringing in more nationally-known acts, but are producing more comics and troupes who are performing across the county. An increasing number of comedians, improvisers, actors and writers are making their way to New York, Los Angeles and Chicago after honing their skills in Pittsburgh.

Original airdate: Jan 14, 2016


It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside - Nied’s Hotel in Lawrenceville has evolved from a friendly neighborhood tavern to an entertainment destination. Country performer Slim Forsythe weaves viewers through this engaging, musical program featuring the Beagle Brothers, Molly Alphabet and Slim – both onstage and off.

Original airdate: Dec 10, 2015


Anxiety is among the most common, yet under-reported of all behavioral health issues. 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety and panic disorders – overwhelming worrying resulting in physical symptoms such as pounding heart, chest pain, shortness of breath and nausea. Through personal stories of those affected, this documentary examines the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. It also spotlights innovative initiatives that explore the issue in vulnerable populations, such as efforts to address anxiety disorders among Carnegie Mellon University students.

Visit the "Living with Mental Illness" website

Original airdate: Dec 03, 2015


Movie making in Pittsburgh boomed in recent years. But now that so many other states have film tax credits, production here is starting to slow. So how does Pittsburgh make movies a sustainable industry? We'll explore what happens next in the entertainment industry in Pittsburgh.

Original airdate: Nov 12, 2015


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