On Second Thought For Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Weather v. climate, church for your health, a drag show and more.

For more than 35 years, The Weather Channel has been on the frontlines of some of the biggest stories in the world. Literally. Longtime meteorologist John Coleman co-founded the Atlanta-based television network in 1982. He died earlier this month. The Weather Channel has played a major role in shaping our understanding of the environment. We talk about this with Weather Channel CEO Dave Shull.

There are all kinds of ways to get healthy. You could spend time jogging, doing yoga...or going to church. New research from Emory University finds that regular attendance at religious ceremonies can improve one’s health and lower mortality. We talk about this idea with the lead author on that study, Ellen Idler. She’s a Professor of Sociology at Emory University. We also chat with Harold Bennett, Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Morehouse College.

A restaurant can be more than a place to eat. It can also be a hub for friendship and family. That’s how many people feel about Cowtippers. This midtown Atlanta establishment has been a force in the city’s LGBT scene for the last two decades. But earlier this month, Cowtippers announced the end of an era. It closes February 18th. GPB intern Emily Bunker visited last weekend for a lunchtime drag show-- “The Heifer Review,” and she sent back this audio postcard.

Paul Stephen Benjamin is not your usual artist. The Atlanta native does not typically use paint or a canvas. Instead, he uses screens -- lots of them. In his exhibition, you might see TVs stacked high; each one with different images that blend or conflict. Benjamin has a new exhibit at the Telfair Museum in Savannah called “Reinterpreting the Sound of Blackness.” It opened to the public this weekend, and will be on display through May 6th. Paul Stephen Benjamin joins us live in our Atlanta studio.

We add two more tunes to our ever-growing Georgia Playlist. Merideth Hanscom plays with the Athens-based group Neighbor Lady. They perform at 529 Bar in Atlanta tonight [Jan. 31]. Hanscom brings us tracks by Deerhunter and Omni.