In 1865, Jules Verne wrote the science fiction novel “From the Earth to the Moon and a Trip Around it.” Nearly 105 years later, Michael Collins “lived” what Jules Verne could only imagine.

In July of 1969, against the backdrop of the raging war in Vietnam and the social upheaval in American society, the eyes of the world turned skyward as three American astronauts roared their way toward history. In what has been described as the greatest technological achievement of the 20th century, Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin fulfilled President John F. Kennedy’s commitment to “achieving the goal, before the end of the decade, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”

On April 15, 2019, Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins joins moderator Marvin Kalb to discuss the impact of his historic mission on the nation, the world and humankind.

Having spent more than 40 years in broadcast journalism, having grown up in a family dedicated to public service, and having been named a “living legend” by the Library of Congress, Cokie Roberts is uniquely qualified to provide context and perspective on today’s hyper-partisan politics, the current media landscape, and their combined impact on the state of our democracy.

On April 1, 2019, Roberts, who has been a mainstay of NPR since 1978 and ABC News since 1988, joins moderator Marvin Kalb at the National Press Club as part of the 25th anniversary season of the multi-award winning Kalb Report public broadcasting series.

From the introduction of so-called “alternative facts” to charges of “fake news,” the Trump Administration has engaged in a relentless assault on the press. Journalists have responded with their own relentless coverage of an administration brimming with controversy and leaks.

How are journalists holding up under withering criticism from this administration -- criticism that has been linked to death threats and physical assaults? How are news organizations responding? Are journalists "raising the bar” in the quality of their reporting or further blurring the lines between fact, speculation and opinion?

Legendary journalist Ted Koppel, and media correspondents Brian Stelter of CNN, David Folkenflik of NPR / WBUR and Emily Rooney of WGBH Television in Boston join moderator Marvin Kalb for a conversation on the roles and responsibilities of the press in covering a White House that consistently attempts to undermine its legitimacy.