The ugly politics of health care reform is discussed by Tarren Bragdon and Jim Blasingame, including examples of state reform failures, the odds of a bill passing this year, any bi-partisan likelihood.

Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to report on this week's Kiplinger Letter, including Afghanistan build-up decisions, banking issues, 2009 governor elections, air travel expenses and other issues.

Should the Fed be replaced with the gold standard? Jim Blasingame interviews Bob McTeer and Wayne Allyn Root as they debate this issue. Don't miss this spirited discussion by these experts on a very timely topic.

What are some of the government proposals that will cost small businesses money? Peter Sepp talks to Jim Blasingame about health care reform, cap and trade and tax increases, all of which will become a financial burden on small businesses.

Reporting on the economic, political and societal trends, Bob Dilenschneider talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the issues his organization is tracking, including how we run our businesses, our governments and our lives.

How have books fared as a component of free speech? Ken Davis joins Jim Blasingame during Banned Book Week, to review the history of banned books and the future of free speech in print.

There are a number of Important tax and retirement law dates and changes that you need to know and Barbara Weltman talks about these with Jim Blasingame, as you get ready for tax planning.

Dispelling the myths about American health care. Sally Pipes and Jim Blasingame examine the health care debate elements and dispel some of the myths, including the uninsured number and whether Americans will have longer waits for care under the Obama plan.

Changing of the guard at the ASBDC is in place. Don Wilson's fine leadership of the Association of Small Business Development Centers is being handed to his replacement, Charles "Tee" Rowe, and they join Jim Blasingame to talk about where the organization is and where it's going.

What kind of economic recovery is in store for us? Chuck Kadlec is back to have a spirited discussion with Jim Blasingame about the current state of the U.S. economy and what the recovery will look like over the next 18 months.