Alistair Cooke's Letter from America Rediscovered Podcast
Highlights from lost recordings from the 1970 and 80s.
Episodes to download
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The 1970s
Sun 30 Mar 2014
1970s USA rediscovered through lost recordings of Alistair Cooke's Letter From America.
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Soviets need soap, December 1989
Fri 8 Dec 1989
Shortage of consumer basics threatens stability of the Soviet economy.
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Yellowstone National Park, 1988
Fri 9 Sep 1988
Yellowstone centre is saved from wildfires which have destroyed a million acres.
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Nancy Reagan's astrologer, 1988
Fri 27 May 1988
New book exposes First Lady's use of astrologer to dictate the president's diary.
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The Augusta National, 1988
Fri 15 Apr 1988
Getting away from it all, at America's most beautiful golf course.
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Papal visit, September 1987
Fri 11 Sep 1987
The Pope visits a nation where one in four is a Catholic - America.
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Voters believe Reagan lied, December 1986
Fri 12 Dec 1986
Poll shows half of Americans believe President Reagan knew about money for Contras.
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Loans warning on economy, January 1986
Fri 24 Jan 1986
Top economist warns that loans could prompt financial crash.
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The computer age, 1985
Fri 29 Nov 1985
Entering the age of the computer, from MRI scans to word processors.
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Summer's end, September 1985
Fri 13 Sep 1985
As the summer folk depart coastal places can settle back into normal life.
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Simpler taxes suggested by president, 1985
Fri 31 May 1985
Reagan outlines plan to simplify America's tax structure.
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James Mason remembered, 1984
Fri 10 Aug 1984
The actor I wouldn't give a part to - James Mason remembered.
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Beware stereotypes, 1984
Fri 1 Jun 1984
Relying on our ideas about stereotypes can cause misunderstandings.
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Smiley Ratliff's escape bid, 1984
Fri 9 Mar 1984
American millionaire Smiley Ratliff tries to buy Pacific island to get away from it all.
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Chernenko is Soviet leader, 1984
Fri 17 Feb 1984
Soviets choose 72-year-old Chernenko as their new leader.
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Joe Polowsky's funeral, 1983
Fri 2 Dec 1983
Peace-loving veteran's wish is granted with East German funeral.
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The Dull Men's Club, 1982
Christmas Eve 1982
Founder of Dull Men's Club claims it's OK to be boring.
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Vietnam veterans' memorial, 1982
Fri 12 Nov 1982
Poignant memorial to Vietnam vets is unveiled in Washington.
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Illegal immigration, 1981
Fri 25 Sep 1981
Huge increase in illegal immigrants from Mexico entering the US.
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Reagan budget-cutting campaign, 1981
Fri 24 Apr 1981
Axe falls on government spending as Reagan's budget cuts begin.
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A meeting of minds, 1981
Fri 20 Feb 1981
Thatcher's visit to the new president is anticipated as a love-fest.
Why do Americans love their flag?
How The Stars and Stripes became an emotional symbol of a nation.
