Hear what some of the most interesting thinkers and leaders from around the world had to say from the stages of the Aspen Ideas Festival. While not strictly 60 seconds in length, each Aspen Minute is a short excerpt — some inspiring, some provocative, some funny — from a notable presenter at the Festival. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes U.
Amy Chua Aspen Ideas 2012
Amy Chua, author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, gives perspective on our very contemporary problem of "parental anxiety." Is it, in fact, just a luxury? PLAY
Julie Taymor Aspen Ideas 2012
Theater and film director Julie Taymor on the temptation to give children easy entertainment instead of encouraging them discover the world and learn to be creative through low-tech means. PLAY
Randi Weingarten Aspen Ideas 2012
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, stresses the importance of engaging children in meaningful learning and assuring that all students are taught critical thinking skills. PLAY
Jane Shaw Aspen Ideas 2012
The Very Reverend Jane Shaw on the importance of developing our moral imaginations. In doing so, we are able to speak across divides, show empathy, and embrace the common responsibilities of community. PLAY
Steven Leder Aspen Ideas 2012
Rabbi Steven Leder describes a world without organized religion and why we need to keep religious faiths and traditions alive and well for the sake of society. PLAY
Stanley McChrystalAspen Ideas 2012
Retired four-star US Army general Stanley McChrystal makes the case for mandatory national service. Would a shared experience in serving our country strengthen us? PLAY
Lawrence SummersAspen Ideas 2012
Economist Lawrence Summers says that even in these challenging times, there is much to be optimistic about in America. As a country, we have a great capacity to work together. PLAY
Charles MurrayAspen Ideas 2012
Author Charles Murray believes we have lost a specific dimension to our lives — community. He challenges us to make small changes that will in turn resurrect the American way of life. PLAY
Marissa MayerAspen Ideas 2012
Tech industry leader Marissa Mayer cites compelling evidence about why our country needs more computer scientists and technologists. Recruitment for these industries should start at the high school level. PLAY
Brian GreeneAspen Ideas 2012
Physicist Brian Greene gives an entertaining and impassioned speech about the transcendence of mathematics. Really. He’ll make you want to stop what you’re doing and work a quick Algebra equation. PLAY
Anne-Marie SlaughterAspen Ideas 2012
Anne-Marie Slaughter declares that society will suffer if we continue to make women feel badly for struggling to maintain a high-powered career and a family simultaneously. PLAY
Melody BarnesAspen Ideas 2012
Melody Barnes discusses the polarization of Congress and how the mode towards positive change depends on the attitude of people in Congress and their willingness to work towards compromise. PLAY
Erika ChristakisAspen Ideas 2012
An early childhood educator discusses the perils of the “no accidents” mentality of parenting. PLAY
Arne DuncanAspen Ideas 2011
Secretary of Education stresses that the US educational system desperately needs more talent in the profession, as other countries with more successful systems invest in. PLAY
Eldar ShafirAspen Ideas 2011
Princeton professor & Ideas42 co-founder Eldar Shafir sheds light on the psychology of poverty. PLAY
Cory Booker
Jamie BetchtelAspen Ideas 2011
New Course founder Jamie Betchtel tells the moving story of visiting slave quarters in Tanzania. PLAY
Wes MooreAspen Ideas 2011
Author Wes Moore describes how mentoring...children, in simple ways, can greatly impact their future. PLAY
Michael SandelAspen Ideas 2011
Michael Sandel on the importance of reconnecting to politics and governance...PLAY
David BrooksAspen Ideas 2010
David Brooks contends that while our culture is deeply individualistic, we have it wrong when it comes to our interconnectedness. PLAY
Sarah JonesAspen Ideas 2008
Playwright Sarah Jones in character as ‘Anna,’ a 13 year old from Kenya pleading for equality. PLAY
Ari ShavitAspen Ideas 2008
Journalist Ari Shavit stresses the need to liberate and empower women globally. PLAY
Michael York
Ingrid InemaAspen Ideas 2008
Ingrid Inema, 6 at the time the Rwandan Genocide...on the importance of forgiveness. PLAY
Tu Weiming
Jessye Norman