5 Good Answers

Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter John Fogerty will headline a concert where you create the set list. “Live By Request” airs November 7, but we thought we’d prepare by inviting Fogerty to take your questions here. Below you’ll find his responses on topics like musical influences, new artists, and meaningful places.

I've noticed that you've worked with Dobro master Jerry Douglas over the years. What kind of influence does Bluegrass music have in regards to your songwriting? Jerry   more

Last week’s Sid the Science Kid episodes were all about play dates so we invited educational consultant Kimberly Brenneman to help us incorporate science learning into play time. You submitted your questions for Brenneman and this week we have her answers. Don’t forget to check out the additional tips on encouraging young scientists from PBS Parents.

Can you give me some ideas of fun quizzes and games that parents can do during car short car commutes that stimulate kids' interest in science? Deidremore

Baby Boomers are the most privileged, best-educated and healthiest generation in history – and they are shifting to a new phase of life.  In the new series Life (Part 2), host Robert Lipsyte covers the topics of encore-careers, aging, finances, healthcare and more.  Last week, we collected questions for Lipsyte about the series and the Baby Boomer generation.  Here are his answers (and a bonus comment on a reader’s brave story).more

PBS viewers across the country have gotten to know Shelton Johnson since Ken Burns’ “The National Parks” aired last week. Johnson, a park ranger at Yosemite National Park, is featured in the film and has left an incredible impression on millions of viewers.

Last week we invited him to take your questions and this week we have his answers. Check out his responses below and let us know what you think.

In addition to Yosemite and Yellowstone, what other parks are you especially fond of? Maria

Maria, I'm particularly fond of Grand Teton, especially the area around Jenny Lake.  I also like Canyon de Chelley, Navajo National Monument, Dinosaur N.M., and Arches National Park.  I've never met a national park I didn't like!more

Last month we turned the tables on award-winning journalist Paula Zahn and asked you to interview her about her new role as host of “Retirement Revolution.”  Ms. Zahn took the time to reflect upon what millions of Americans are dealing with everyday when faced with retirement during an economic downturn.  She also talked about what her musical accomplishments taught her about tenacity and discipline – traits that everyone could benefit from in these tough times. more

Fetch! host and producer Ruff Ruffman was our guest last week and what a week it was. He took time out of his busy schedule answer your questions, just in time for the new season Fetch!, an educational show that blends reality TV with a game show. Take a look at Ruffman’s answers below and meet this season’s super smart tweenage contestants on the Fetch! website.

Are you wearing glasses? Why? I love your show and would like to be on it one day.  Alanna and Mason Shu (Ages 10 & 8)more

PBS KIDS welcomed the new series Dinosaur Train to its weekly line up last week to teach pre-school kids about the natural world.  Executive Producer Lisa Henson joined us on the Inside PBS blog to take your questions about Buddy and his adopted Pteranodon family. Read her answers below.more

It's September and Inspector Robbie Lewis and his Shakespeare-quoting partner Detective Sergeant Hathaway have returned to Masterpiece Mystery! for another series of murder and intrigue. To celebrate their return, we invited actors Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox, who play Lewis and Hathaway, respectively, to answer some of your questions.

Masterpiece Mystery’s Tina Vaz gathered your questions and caught up with the actors during filming for the next season of Inspector Lewis. You can read an excerpt from the interview below and read the full interview later this month online at Masterpiece Mystery!

Tina Vaz: Kevin Whately, twenty-two years after you began Inspector Morse, you’re now in the role of the elder. What’s it like to come full circle?more

No matter if it is senior year or the beginning of pre-school, children can have a tough time readjusting to the academic year. To ease the transition, PBS Parents has provided a wealth of resources and has also graciously agreed to answer your questions about heading back to school.

“My 8 year old is starting at a new school this year after a move across town this summer. How can I encourage her to make new friends while she longs for the familiarity of the old ones?” Sharon

Hi Sharon. Starting a new school can produce a lot of anxiety in kids (and parents, too). Making new friends is a large part of that anxiety.more