New Year - New Number! 1-877-GLOBE-07

Joe Hardtke

I'm very excited to announce a new approach to the way listeners can contact Here on Earth, one that we hope will even the playing field for everyone.

Since the beginning of this show, listeners to our broadcast and live webstream would call a toll-free number, meet our on-air producer and be ushered through to the program. Podcast listeners never really had that same opportunity. Sure, you could send an e-mail, or write to us at the blog, but we never actually could hear your voices. We initially tried to have our podcast listeners call our office, but it was a separate number, it was hard to remember and it wasn't toll-free.

Starting January 2nd, with our first new broadcast of the year, we hope to change all of that. We've set aside a catchy new toll-free number that can be used by everyone - radio listeners, podcast listeners, webstream listeners... Everyone.

Here it is: 1-877-GLOBE-07. That's 1-877-GLOBE-zero-seven. For those inclined not to use words on their phone, it's 1-877-456-2307. Either way you use it, we're calling it the Here on Earth Hotline, and here's how it works.

During the live show, the number will work for all of our live callers. You would call in just like you normally would, talk to our on-air producer and be put through to Jean. But when the show's over, the Hotline will remain open for our podcast listeners to join in the fun. By calling 1-877-GLOBE-07, you'll reach our automatic voicemail system, inviting you to leave your comments on what you just heard, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These voicemails will automatically be sent, as an audio file, to the e-mail inbox of yours truly.

How will we use your messages? If you call after the show, we'll play your comments back during our Here on Earth Mailbag segment, which we hope to do around once a week. But better yet, if you call about upcoming shows, we can have our guests respond to your questions on the air. Just remember to check in here or at hereonearth.org to find out what's coming up.

To our listeners overseas: We understand toll-free numbers sometimes won't work for international calls. I wish we could change that, but it remains out of our hands. However, you can still e-mail us, leave your thoughts here at the blog, or call the non-toll-free number for the Here on Earth Hotline. That's 1-608-890-0269. It's the same line as the 877 number above and it works the same way.

So there you have it... 1-877-GLOBE-07. The Here on Earth Hotline. Anyone can call, anyone can comment, anytime, any time zone. Because we want to hear all of your voices, even you, Here on Earth.

International Gay Rights - Airdate - 12/29/08 - 4 p.m. (ET)

Update - 12/29/08: This show has aired. You can download the MP3 from our archive. Let us know what you think!
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The Vatican recently emitted a negative response to France’s proposed addition of Gay Rights to the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

During the last ten years there has been a growing acceptance of homosexuality - at least in most parts of North America and Europe. Also, in many countries, homosexuality's taboo status seems to be on a path of erosion. There's a lot of public debate - both for, against and in the fuzzy in-between. This is significant.

That brings us to some fundamental questions. In regards to homosexuality, how does the US compare to other nations? Moreover, what are the roots to an apparent global homophobia? Hopefully this coming Wednesday we'll air a show on the global historical context, the current situation around the world, and the transformations societies are experiencing in liberalizing homosexuality.

I would appreciate anyone's input and leads for potential guests, events and articles for this upcoming show. Thanks in advance!

Touch: Cross-Cultural, Communication and Health

Update - 12/23/08: This show has aired. You can download the MP3 from our archive. Let us know what you think!
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Patrick Peczerski


Today we're airing a program on touch. There's a whole field of science that studies touch called "haptic communication" We started from the premise that touch is healthy (see these studies) and that in general Americans are averse to touch. During today's show Jean will explore with her guests how much people touch in different cultures and how health and communication can be improved through touch and massage.

Below is a funny parody on the man hug. Joe Hardtke made an edited version for the show, and because it's so hilarious we decided to post the full version.



I'm curious to know what your experiences with touch have been. Have you ever committed a touch taboo? How do you respond to touch? Are you very protective of your personal space?

Scent and Smell

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Patrick Peczerski

Some show ideas at Here on Earth start with a single topic together with passion.  Ever since I can remember scent and smell as been an integral part of me; memory, food, music, love, people and places for me have always had a strong association with smell.  That has brought me to ponder: what is the role of smell?  More specifically, what is the role of smell in memory, love, food, and even politics?  How is perfume made? 

Dear listeners, I need your assistance in producing this program.  What do you want to know about scent and smell?  What are your favorite aromas?  I look forward to your comments, leads and suggestions. 

Women and Shari'a - Airdate - 12/4 - 4 p.m. (ET)

Update - 12/4/08: This show has aired. You can download the MP3 from the Inside Islam archive. Let us know what you think!
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Joe Hardtke

I hope you were listening along this afternoon to our latest Inside Islam program, Women and Shari'a. Personally, I found the show enlightening with lots of recurring themes (patriarchy, Islamic social norms) that demand more exploration.

The call volume today was something to behold. Lots of you had an opinion on this subject and I'm sorry we couldn't fit you all in. Here's the next best thing: Please post your thoughts here, or better yet, visit our good friend Kaitlin at the Inside Islam blog. She writes quite a bit on the subject and I know she'd love to have your feedback.

Thanks again for listening and for contributing here at the Blog Without Borders.

Mumbai's 9/11 - Airdate - 12/3 - 4 p.m. (ET)

Update - 12/3/08: This show has aired. You can download the MP3 from our archive. Let us know what you think!
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Here on Earth is planning a program this Wednesday in response to the terrorist attacks in Mumbai last week. We're looking for guests, particularly people who can set these events in an international context. Do any of you have suggestions?

Update: Joe Hardtke

I hope you were able to tune in today. We had a great show with Professor Aseema Sinha and writer/blogger Sonia Faleiro. Thanks for all the suggestions. I know we chose to go with different guests due to the last minute nature of the program, but we often do book the people you bring up so keep those ideas coming!

Come to think of it, we had a comment at our Facebook page today mentioning we book Matt Harding of the "Dancing Matt" YouTube videos. He has a new book coming out, in fact. Maria and I plan to pitch the idea to Jean. I don't know if she's seen Matt's fancy footwork yet!