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Check out our election coverage. Due to unforeseen circumstances, NSPR will no longer be able to broadcast Hearts of Space.

Blue Dot: In the Company of Pandas with National Zoo Director Dr. Brandie Smith

Smithsonian National Zoo Director Brandie Smith with a Giant Panda
Photo credit: Skip Brown
Smithsonian National Zoo Director Brandie Smith with a Giant Panda

Host Dave Schlom takes a deep dive into the realm of Giant Pandas with Smithsonian National Zoo Director Dr. Brandie Smith. Smith is the author of the new book, In The Company of Pandas (Atria Books), which chronicles her decades of work in zoos in general and with the Giant Pandas in particular.

One of the world’s most beloved animals, Pandas are also still somewhat mysterious and Smith joins us to unravel how they reproduce, eat, sleep and play! On loan from China, Pandas have been a fixture at the National Zoo since 1972 after President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat visited mainland China for their historic diplomatic trip. Pandas are as fascinating as they are adorable!

Dave Schlom is the longtime host and creator of Blue Dot. From surfing to Voyager in interstellar space, rock guitar to orcas in our imperiled oceans, the topics on Blue Dot are as varied as the host’s interests and connections -- which are pretty limitless! An internationally respected space history journalist, Dave is also deeply fascinated by all aspects of the grand workings of nature’s awesome machinery on scales ranging from galactic to subatomic. And topics take in all aspects of the arts and sciences.
Matt Fidler is a producer and sound designer with more than 15 years of experience producing nationally distributed public radio programs.