June 12, 1981 - MPR reporter Marilyn Heibeler interviews Ann Jones, author of new book "Women Who Kill.”. Topics of program include the criminal justice system, our definitions of murder, women murderers, the white male bias of the legal system, the feminist view of women's right to self-defense, and whether or not there is a rise in crime among women. Heibler also answers listener questions.
July 18, 1981 - On this Weekend program, MPR’s Bob Potter talks with Joyce Bichler, a survivor of DES cancer and author of the book "DES Daughter: The Joyce Bichler Story,” about Diethylstilbestrol (DES), what it was prescribed for, and the effects on children whose mothers used the drug during pregnancy. Bichler also answers listener questions. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic form of the hormone estrogen that was prescribed to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage, premature labor, and related complications of pregnancy.
August 1, 1981 - On this Weekend program, MPR’s Bob Potter talks with classical pianist Jeffrey Siegel about his work, composition, public enjoyment of classical music, and “Keyboard Conversation” program at Summerfest. Siegel also answers listener questions.
August 7, 1981 - Lou Breimhurst, executive director of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, discusses various environmental and hazardous waste issues in the state. Breimhurst also answers listener questions.
August 29, 1981 - Senator David Durenberger answers live listener questions with host Lee Axdahl.
November 14, 1981 - Bob Potter is host with questions from listeners. With Governor Albert Quie during MPR's Membership Week.
November 21, 1981 - Warren Spannaus, Minnesota attorney general and a declared DFL candidate for governor in 1982, answers live listener call-in questions from the MPR studios in St. Paul.
December 5, 1981 - Midday’s Bob Potter talks with virtuoso violinist Pinchas Zukerman about his role as The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra musical director and conductor. Zukerman discusses arts funding, censoring of certain composers, orchestra alignment, and recording. He also answers listener questions. Program includes music elements.
December 12, 1981 - On this Weekend program, Clyde Allen, Minnesota Commissioner of Revenue, and Gene Merriam, DFL state senator, discuss the budget and revenue crises in Minnesota. Allen and Marriam also answer listener questions.
December 19, 1981 - On this Weekend program, MPR’s Rich Dietman talks with Mike Collins, University of Minnesota computer analyst programmer, about home computers. Topics include understanding difference between software and hardware, education courses, and various features. Collins also answers listener questions.