Journalist Conrad Benner Tackles Public Art, Economic Anxieties, and Threatened Food Industry

With the holiday season fast approaching, consumers are facing big decisions about their spending habits. As the uncertain economic outlook looms, many are wondering whether to splurge or save. To gain insight into holiday spending and consumer confidence, we turn to Wharton marketing professor Cait Lamberton.

In other news, it’s not just apples that are at risk of extinction – many of our country’s historic foods and foodways are in danger too. Culinary historian Sarah Lohman traveled across the United States to uncover rare foods that are at risk, such as New Jersey cider apples, sweet Carolina African runner peanut, Buckeye chicken, Coachella Valley Dates, and Hawaiian heritage sugar cane. She met with farmers, ranchers, scientists, and activists who are working to preserve these foods. Lohman joins us to discuss her new book Endangered Eating and the importance of bringing heirloom foods back to our tables.

Meanwhile in Philadelphia, a new WHYY podcast is set to debut on Tuesday – Art Outside will focus on the city’s public art scene. Hosted by Street Dept blogger Conrad Benner, the series will showcase five street artists and explore their impact and motivation for creating outdoor art. The inaugural episode will feature an artist known as “the Philadelphia Bansky,” who is taking on the Philadelphia Parking Authority with his art.