WAMU-FM: WAMU: The Diane Rehm Show Podcast

The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza. How the escalation in hostilities could affect stability in the region and U.S. foreign policy.

Deb Perelman didn't set out to become a famous cook, a professional photographer or the author of an award-winning blog, but she is all of these things now. She's the author of SmittenKitchen.com, a website with recipes for seasonal, easy-to-prepare food that includes how-to photographs and casual commentary on cooking and life. In her newly published cookbook, she brings the Smitten Kitchen website to the hard copy world. Please join us for a conversation with Deb Perelman on the joys of cooking at home.

An Israeli airstrike kills the top Hamas military commander. Congress holds hearings on the Benghazi, Libya, consulate attack. And China's ruling Communist Party names its top leader. A panel of journalists joins guest host Frank Sesno to discuss the week's top international stories, what happened and why.

The FBI comes under scrutiny for its handling of the David Petraeus affair. Negotiations begin to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff. And President Barack Obama lays out a vision for his second term. A panel of journalists joins guest host Frank Sesno to talk about the week's top national stories, what happened and why.

A look at youth homelessness across the United States, and why growing numbers of teens are ending up alone on the streets. Diane and guests discuss efforts to provide them shelter — and a future.

It was nearly four years ago that Colgan Air flight 3407 from New Jersey crashed on its way to Buffalo, N.Y. All 49 passengers and crew were killed. Accident investigators blamed pilot error, and calls mounted for stricter oversight of regional airlines. As a result, new regulations for pilots are set to take effect beginning next summer. No one is against enhancing air travel safety, but some aviation experts are concerned the rules are too strict and could contribute to a severe pilot shortage. Pilots unions argue the situation is not that dire. Diane and her guests discuss new rules for pilots and the implications for airlines and travelers.

Wendell Berry received the National Humanities Medal in 2010 for his achievement as a poet, novelist, farmer and conservationist. He summarized his philosophy in this year's Jefferson Lecture, titled "It All Turns On Affection." For more than 50 years, Berry has been writing about life in a fictional small town called Port William. Its families are closely bound by marriage, kinship, friendship, history and memory. They help each other with the hard work of farming and take pleasure in the telling of shared stories. In a new collection, characters age and pass on, but their tales of love, joy and sorrow live on.

According to the International Energy Agency U.S. oil and gas production will exceed that of Saudi Arabia in less than seven years. The boom in shale oil extraction is behind this remarkable turnaround. Increased production will spur job growth in some states and will likely lead to an overall improvement in the balance of trade, and it could also set the stage for geopolitical shifts. However, analysts caution the increase won't usher in the much touted goal of energy independence, nor is it likely to fully cushion us from price volatility. There are environmental concerns as well. Please join us to discuss the implications of stepped up U.S. oil production.

A new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., explores how the Civil War redefined American art and painting. Diane is joined by exhibit curator Eleanor Jones Harvey.

Fallout from the resignation of CIA Director David Petraeus. Challenges for the Obama administration as it builds a new team.

Deb Perelman didn't set out to become a famous cook, a professional photographer or the author of an award-winning blog, but she is all of these things now. She's the author of SmittenKitchen.com, a website with recipes for seasonal, easy-to-prepare food that includes how-to photographs and casual commentary on cooking and life. In her newly published cookbook, she brings the Smitten Kitchen website to the hard copy world. Please join us for a conversation with Deb Perelman on the joys of cooking at home.

President Obama said yesterday no veteran "should ever have to fight for a job, or a roof over their head, or the care that they have earned when they come home." He touted a program that has helped thousands of vets find jobs in the private sector. He also praised a post-9/11 G. I. bill that provides assistance for those who have served to go to college. But an influx of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan faces an uphill battle to find jobs in a weak economy. And while new rules make it easier to get help for Agent Orange-related conditions and post-traumatic stress, the Veterans Administration is struggling to reduce a backlog of disability claims. Diane and her guests discuss how the U. S. is meeting the needs of today's veterans.

Since Tuesday's election, many Republicans have called for a frank reassessment of what it means to be a member of the GOP. As one Republican strategist put it, "Our party needs to realize that it's too old and too white and too male and it needs to figure out how to catch up with the demographics of the country before it's too late." Diane and Republican analysts discuss the identity and future of the GOP.

The world reacts to President Barack Obama's reelection. China launches a once-a-decade shift of power. And Russian President Vladimir Putin fires his defense minister. Diane and a panel of journalists discuss the week's top international stories, what happened and why.

President Barack Obama is elected for another term. The U.S. House stays Republican and the Senate gains two Democratic seats. And the focus turns to avoiding the fiscal cliff. Diane and a panel of journalists discuss the week's top national stories, what happened and why.