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  1. BBC Radio 4
  2. Programmes
  3. Americana
  4. 01/11/2009

01/11/2009

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Last broadcast on Sun, 1 Nov 2009, 19:15 on BBC Radio 4.

Synopsis

Matt Frei presents an insider guide to the people and the stories shaping America today. Combining location reports with lively discussion and exclusive interviews, the show provides new and surprising insights into contemporary America.

Americans love golf and President Obama is no exception. Matt Frei takes a swing of the club and a look at how exactly the 44th President of the United States, Barak Obama, manages to make so much time to play. He is squeezing in more golf than his predecessor, even in the midst of juggling the challenges of economic recovery and international diplomacy.

Matt Frei talks to former White House press secretary Dana Perino about life on the other side of the podium. After a few years fielding questions on behalf of the George W Bush administration, Perino tells Americana how she feels the Obama administration is handling the media storm so far.

If she looks like Sarah Palin and talks like Sarah Palin, does that mean that Michele Bachmann will be the new Sarah Palin? Bachmann has represented Minnesota in the United States House of Representatives for three years. In that short time she has managed to become a well-known voice within the Republican Party. Matt Frei talks to her about how she has amplified her opinions so effectively and what her hopes are for the Republican Party in the future.

What exactly does a Governor do? Matt Frei talks with Governor Brian Schweitzer, who moved from ranching to running one of the largest states in the US, Montana. Governor Schweitzer took office in 2009 and shares his insight on what it takes to be one of the 50 most powerful state leaders in the nation.

Matt Frei invites the a cappella group Sonos, who are currently touring around the United States, into the Americana studio. With FX pedals and well-known indie tunes, Sonos makes the studio vibrate with a whole new sound.

Golf- Americans love it and President Obama is no exception

Matt Frei takes a swing of the club and a look at how exactly the 44th President of the United States, Barak Obama, manages to make so much time to play.

Matt Frei talks with Josh Gerstein about how President Obama squeezes in more golf than his predecessor even in the midst juggling the challenges of economic recovery and international diplomacy.

Guest: Mike Yuille

Mike Yuille is the general manager of Drilling Tennis and Golf. The golf shop is only one solid swing away from the White House.

Drilling Tennis and Golf

Dana Perino – A View From The Podium

Matt Frei talks to former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino about life on the other side of the podium.

After a few years fielding questions on behalf of the George W. Bush administration, Perino tells Americana how she feels the Obama Administration is handling the media storm thus far.

Guest: Dana Perino

Dana Perino was the White House Press Secretary from 2007 to 2009 with the George W. Bush administration. Before taking the position, and after the 9/11 attacks, Perino served as a spokesperson for the United States Department of Justice.

Dana Perino on Twitter

Michele Bachmann – The New Sarah Palin?

If she looks like Sarah Palin and talks like Sarah Palin, does that mean that Michele Bachmann will be the new Sarah Palin? Bachmann has represented Minnesota in the United States House of Representatives for three years. In that short time she’s managed to become a well-known voice from within the Republican Party.

Matt Frei talks to her about how she’s sucessfully amplified her opinions so effectively and what her hopes are for the Republican Party going forward.

Guest: Michele Bachmann

Michele Bachmann is a Congresswoman for Minnesota in the United States House of Representatives. She advocates for tax relief, energy independence and against wasteful government spending.

Michele Bachmann

What exactly does a Governor do anyway?

Matt Frei talks with Governor Brian Schweitzer. Schweitzer moved from ranching to running one of the largest states in the U.S.-- Montana. Governor Schweitzer took office in 2009 and shares his insight on what it takes to be one of the 50 most powerful state leaders in the nation.

Guest: Brian Schweitzer

Brian Schweitzer is the Governor of Montana. He was elected in 2008 as the first Democratic Governor to serve Montana in 20 years. Prior to becoming Governor he held no public office. In fact, he was a farmer and rancher.

Brian Schweitzer

Not Your Average A Cappella Group

Matt Frei invites the musical group Sonos into to the studios of Americana.

The a cappella group is currently touring around the United States bringing a fresh edge to al natural vocals. With FX pedals and well-known indie tunes, Sonos makes the Americana studios vibrate with a whole new sound.

The Sonos' blog

Useful Links: Sonos on MySpace

Sonos is a Los Angeles California based a cappella group. The six members blend vocals to create indie alternative a cappella and are currently on tour around the United States.

Listen to Sonos on MySpace

Broadcast

  1. Sun 1 Nov 2009
    19:15

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30 minutes

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