Bob Kustra
About Bob Kustra
Bob Kustra is the host of Reader's Corner, a weekly radio show that features lively conversations with some of the nation’s leading authors about issues and ideas that matter today.
Dr. Kustra stepped down as president of Boise State University in July 2018 after serving for 15 years at the helm of Boise State, the largest public university in Idaho. During his presidency, he led the university in a time of dynamic growth in student enrollment, graduate college and doctoral programs, new construction, fundraising and research. The creation of the College of Innovation and Design and ranking as a doctoral research university were notable achievements of his presidency.
With a long and distinguished career in public service in Illinois, Bob Kustra served two terms as Illinois lieutenant governor following 10 years in the legislature. He also chaired the Illinois Board of Higher Education, responsible for funding and oversight of the state’s nine public universities. Bob's background in radio includes four years as host of a talk show on WLS-AM in Chicago.
Dr. Kustra holds three degrees in Political Science, including a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, MA from Southern Illinois University and BA from Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas.
In addition to hosting Readers Corner, Bob also writes a weekly column for the Idaho Statesman and serves on its editorial board.
About Boise State Public Radio
Boise State Public Radio is Idaho’s premiere connection to NPR news programming, classical music, and jazz. The station’s 18 transmitters and translators reach about one million listeners from Boise and Twin Falls to McCall and Sun Valley.
In the Treasure Valley, 91.5 FM is Boise State Public Radio News. Here, you’ll find NPR’s cornerstone programs like Morning Edition and All Things Considered , plus fan favorites like Fresh Air and This American Life. 91.5 FM is also home to local and regionally-produced in-depth news features and interviews.
This radio network has served the community for more than 40 years. With staff headquarters in Boise, the signals can be heard in parts of eastern Oregon, most of southern and central Idaho, and northern Nevada.
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An interview with Dana Stevens, author of Camera Man: Buster Keaton, The Dawn of Cinema and the Invention of the Twentieth Century. In the book, Stevens places acclaimed filmmaker Buster Keaton’s unique creative genius in the context of his time.
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An interview with Steven Levitsky, co-author of Tyranny of the Minority. The book offers important context for our volatile times and a framework for how to protect our democracy from an authoritarian backlash.
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An interview with Steven Levitsky, co-author of Tyranny of the Minority. The book offers important context for our volatile times and a framework for how to protect our democracy from an authoritarian backlash.
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An interview with Brendan Slocumb, author of the novel, The Violin Conspiracy. Part literary thriller and part mystery, the book is a gripping coming-of-age story about the love of music and a young man’s resilience.
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An interview with Joe Nocera, co-author of The Big Fail. Co-written by Bethany MacLean, the book offers new answers for why and how America become the world leader in COVID deaths.
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An interview with Shelley Fraser Mickle, author of the new book, White House Wild Child. The book is a fascinating biography of outspoken first-daughter Alice Roosevelt, sometimes dubbed the Jackie O of the early 20th century.
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Note: This is an encore edition of Reader's Corner. The episode first aired in January 2021. Few people have made decisions as momentous as Dwight "Ike"…
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Note: This is an encore edition of Reader's Corner. The episode originally aired in January 2021. Few people have made decisions as momentous as Dwight…
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An interview with Brendan Ballou, author of the new book, Plunder. The book offers a powerful expose on the private equity industry – what it is, how it harms businesses and jobs, how the government helps, and how it can be reined in.
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An interview with Morvan Lallouet, co-author of Navalny: Putin’s Nemesis, Russia’s Future? The book offers a close look at Alexei Navalny, from his pioneering anti-corruption investigations to his leadership of a political movement.