Norman Lear, (Pt. 1) is an American television writer and producer who produced such 1970s sitcoms as All in the Family, Sanford and Son, One Day at a Time, The Jeffersons, Good Times, and Maude. As a political activist, he founded the advocacy organization People For the American Way in 1981 and has supported First Amendment rights and progressive causes. Shows like "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons" didn't just shatter ratings charts - they changed the way we thought about American society. Why is that - and what can that tell us about the power of socially-conscious art? I'll ask legendary television producer Norman Lear - the man behind "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons" - in tonight's Conversation with Great Minds. His new book is Even This I Get to Experience.

Bishop Council Nedd II, Project 21 / Episcopal Missionary Church & Sam Sacks, The District Sentinel & Patrick Hedger, American Encore joins Thom Hartmann.

In tonight’s Conversations with Great Minds, Thom talks to iconic television and movie producer, Norman Lear, producer of American classics such as “Good Times”, “Sanford & Sons”, “The Jeffersons", "All in the Family", and the Princess Bride.

TJ Helmstetter, Progressive Change Institute / Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC), joins Thom Hartmann. The myth over on Fox So-Called news is that America is a center-right nation. But it's actually a very progressive nation - here’s why...

Rep Alan Grayson (D-FL, 9th District), joins Thom Hartmann. A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to give President Obama the power to force the TPP through Congress without any real debate. Will anyone stop them?

Anyone who's ever visited our nation's capital knows the power that lobbyists have over our political system. So how can we keep the suits in check and get money out of politics? I'll explain...

Cole Stangler, In These Times, joins Thom Hartmann. With Republicans in the Senate poised to pass a bill approving the Keystone XL pipeline - Democrats are pulling out every trick in the book to try and stop them. Willl they succeed? And do they have enough votes to sustain a presidential veto?

Corynne McSherry, Electronic Frontier Foundation, joins Thom Hartmann. Does that mean America's finally going to catch up to the rest of the developed world when it comes to internet speed and accessibility?

Geeky Science: How Blueberries Can Save You…

Pentagrams ALL OVER the GOP logo?

Something tells me that hippotamus was a bit more than hungry…

In tonight’s program, Thom talks the top progressive ideas with TJ Helmstetter, Progressive Change Institute spokesperson. Corynne McSherry, Intellectual Property Director for the Electronic Frontier Foundation talks about Pres. Obama’s push for local internet controls. Cole Stangler, writer at In These Times, talks Keystone XL Pipeline latest. Congressman Alan Grayson gives tell us him problems with the proposed TPP free trade deals and the GOP setting their sights on entitlements.

Dahr Jamail of Truthout talks to Mike Papantonio about climate change, the methane threat, and its wildlife impact.

Rick Outzen, The Independent Weekly talks to Mike Papantonio about PTSD, growing veteran suicide and what needs to be done at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Peter Mougey, Securities Attorney joins Mike Papantonio to talk about Wall Street’s war again American pension funds.