Last week, the On Second Thought team pulled together a list of some of our favorite interviews from our archives.

And as COVID-19 headlines continue to top the news, we wanted to share another list of thoughtful, non-coronavirus conversations to take your mind off any fears and anxieties regarding the pandemic. Until the virus’ spread slows down, we’ll be dropping a list like this one at the start of every week.

This week's list includes interviews with chefs, homelessness advocates, musicians and comedians we've spoken to over the last year.

Let us know what some of your favorites are by tagging us on Twitter at @OSTTalk, or joining our Facebook group at “GPB Radio’s On Second Thought.”

Here are our recommendations for this week:

(1) Amid Proposed MARTA Name Changes, A Look At The History And Cultural Importance Of 'Bankhead'

Last summer, MARTA announced that it was considering changing the names of five stations in metropolitan Atlanta, including Bankhead. We explored the history and significance of the name with Andre Dickens from the Atlanta City Council and Dr. Joycelyn Wilson, professor at Georgia Tech.

(2) The Family Life Of Nashville Songwriting Greats, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant

They’re the songwriting couple whose work you almost definitely know, but who you may have never heard of. Boudleaux and Felice Bryant’s impact on the Nashville music scene — along with country music as a whole — were celebrated at the Boudleaux Bryant music festival in Shellman, Georgia last fall. Virginia spoke with the couple’s son, Del, about his parents’ love story and their lasting legacy on American music.

(3) New 'Dignity Museum' Combats The Stigmas Of Homelessness And Poverty

A little over a year ago, the new Dignity Museum opened in Atlanta. It was the first museum of its kind and aims to give visitors a sense of what it’s like to be homeless through personal stories, photography, and virtual reality. Virginia spoke with founder Terence Lester, who also founded the nonprofit Love Beyond Walls.

(We also caught up with Lester on last week’s On Second Thought to learn about what he’s doing to protect and support people experiencing homelessness in Atlanta during the coronavirus pandemic.)

(4) Baking Is A Science: CDC Scientists Give Formula For Perfect 'New Pie'

As many people take to stress baking while holed up at home, this cookbook on spicing up your pie recipes may be just what you need. Virginia sat down with the two CDC scientists whose love for pie – and each other – have since earned them two nominations for the IACP cookbook awards.

(5) For Comedian And Actor Scott Adsit, There Are No Mistakes In Improv

Ahead of his performance at Dad’s Garage last fall, comedian and actor Scott Adsit sat down with On Second Thought to talk about how improv influenced his acting career and — of course — crack a few jokes.

That’s it for this week! Check back in next week for another five recommendations to get you through the week.

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Email: OnSecondThought@gpb.org

Phone: 404-500-9457

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