All Of It with Alison Stewart

In the Vietnam War, there was one group of special forces that made history as the first all-Black long-range reconnaissance patrol unit in the war. They were known as the "Soul Patrol." Now, a new documentary tells the story of what these men experienced, and what waited for them when they returned to a country that didn't recognize their own civil rights. Director J.M. Harper discusses his film "Soul Patrol," which is playing at AMC theaters across the country for Veteran's Day, as well as at the IFC Center and the Village East by Angelika. Filmmaker Ron Howard discusses his new documentary "Avedon" about famed photographer Richard Avedon. The film premieres on Netflix on November 11. Photo: Richard Avedon planning hs retrospective exhibition at New York's Marlborough Gallery, photographed August 27, 1975. (Jack Mitchell/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Melissa Clark, New York Times food reporter and columnist, has written a new cookbook dedicated to dinner. The Big Book of Dinner: Recipes and Rules (and How to Break Them), includes framework for making dinner recipes, but also advise on how to riff on or break the the rules of the recipe with different flavors or techniques. Clark discusses her ideal dinners and previews Thanksgiving cooking. Listeners share their cooking questions. When New York Magazine/Vulture features writer Rachel Handler heard that the heir to a chocolate fortune was complaining how Reese's Peanut Butter cups now taste ("inedible," in his view), she began investigating. She discusses what she found: a corporate world of cheaper vegetable oils and substitutes for cocoa butter, and a strange vision for the future of mass-market chocolate. Photo by: Deb Cohn-Orbach/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for…

Writer and translator Jennifer Croft has been collecting postcards for years, and sending them to her friends, family, and romantic partners. She's used postcards to stay in touch with her grandmother, and to convince an ex to get back together. Now, she writes about the history, power, and personal nature of postcards in her new memoir Notes on Postcards. Croft discusses the book, out on November 10. Listeners share stories about their own relationship to postcards. Juan Atkins, known as the Godfather of Techno, passed away last week at the age of 64. Fellow Detroit producer Carl Craig called him, "the guy who made techno when nobody was calling it techno." Craig and music journalist Shuja Haider talk about Atkins and the history of techno. Cover art courtesy of the publisher Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The classic 1935 play from Clifford Odets, "Waiting for Lefty," follows a group of New York City cab drivers who are contemplating a labor strike. The new Classic Stage Company production of the play marks the directorial debut of Steven Pasquale. He discusses the show, alongside actor Tala Ashe, one of the stars of the play. "Waiting for Lefty" runs through November 29. A new film follows a young Sylvester Stallone as he fights to bring "Rocky" to the big screen. Director Peter Farrelly and stars Anthony Ippolito and AnnaSophia Robb join us to discuss "I Play Rocky," the inspiring true story behind one of Hollywood’s most iconic underdog films. Film poster courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The new play "Ms. Blakk for President" tells the true story of Terence Alan Smith, AKA Joan Jett Blakk, a drag queen who decided to run for president in the midst of the AIDS crisis. Tina Landau, co-writer and director, discusses the show alongside Ato Blankson-Wood, who stars as Joan Jett Blakk. "Ms. Blakk for President" runs through November 29 at the Vineyard Theatre. Actor and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts talks about his recent roles in the films “I Play Rocky” and “The Liberation,” and his work on the Netflix adaptation of “East of Eden.” 'Ms. Blakk for President' production photo by Carol Rosegg Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a new piece for The New York Times, 30-somethings living in New York City report feeling far behind their parents in major milestones like career development, home ownership, marriage, and having children. They also share that they worry many of those milestones will forever be out of reach. Troy Closson, who covers kids, teens, and young adults in NYC for the New York Times, discusses his piece "Can’t Afford a Home. Can’t Afford a Baby. Can’t Afford Life. This Is 30." Plus, listeners share their own feelings about life in their thirties. Dan Rimada and Gulce Kilkis spent several years visiting bodega cats across New York City, learning their names, routines, histories, and relationships to the people who run the store. Their stories are told in their new book Bodega Cats of New York: Portraits and Stories from New York City's Working Cats. They join us to talk about the history of bodega cats, efforts to change their legal status, and how they got those great photographs. Listeners call in to celebrate…

Brooklyn-based British singer-songwriter Fenne Lily plays songs from her latest album, Win Win, which draws inspiration from a recent breakup and a move to the United States. Lily will be performing at Rough Trade below on Nov. 4, TV Eye on Nov. 6 and The Sultan Room on Nov. 8. In the 1990s, photographer Gerald Cyrus was an M.F.A. student at the School of Visual Arts, and he began taking pictures in Harlem. A new monograph, Uptown Odyssey, edited by Gioncarlo Valentine, includes a collection of Cyrus's uptown photographs, some published for the first time. Cyrus and Valentine discuss the book, and reflect on Harlem in the 90s. Photo by Gerald Cyrus, courtesy of the publisher Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fans of "The Gilded Age" have watched Jack Trotter go from footman to wealthy alarm clock inventor. In the latest season of the show, which premiered Sunday night, he must grapple with his newfound wealth, and try to find his place in society. Ben Ahlers, who plays Jack, discusses his role, as well his recent Broadway debut in the revival of "Death of a Salesman." After over 50 years of recording and touring with The Manhattan Transfer, the Grammy-award winning vocal group, vocalist Janis Siegel has released a solo album, The Art of Vocalese. The album is based in part on recordings and manuscripts of Jon Hendricks that Janis discovered in her apartment. Siegel, who grew up in Brooklyn, performs live and previews her show at Dizzy's Club on November 4 at 7 p.m. Photo: Ben Ahlers in 'The Gilded Age' (Karolina Wojtasik/HBO) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Kai Bird has turned his attention to Roy Cohn, the infamous lawyer and fixer who has worked with people from Joseph McCarthy to President Trump. The new biography is titled American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn's Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump. On today's installment of our "Full Bio" series, Bird discusses Cohn's relationship with President Trump, his life as a gay man, and his death from AIDS. Note: This audio compiles all of the segments used in our Full Bio series, which aired throughout the past week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The new thriller "Shelter is Necessary for Existence" follows a family who purchased a brownstone in Brooklyn, only to find that the building might be haunted by the former residents, who died mysteriously. Author Brenda Iijima discusses the novel. Pizza is a common order on Halloween, as families prepare for trick or treating around the neighborhood. A recent list on NJ.com ranks the 125 best pizzas in the Garden State, featuring a new number one slice. Jeremy Schneider, NJ.com food and culture editor, discusses the state of pizza in New Jersey, and listeners share their favorite spot in the state. Photo: A Pepperoni Special diavolo pizza pie and slice are staged on a counter at the Andy's Pizza location at Atlas Brewery on September 7, 2022, in Washington, D.C. The pizzeria and brewery is located less than a block from Nationals Park, and is a popular destination for D.C. residents and baseball fans around the DMV. (Maansi Srivastava for The Washington Post via Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an…

Horror hits the road in the new curated series from Clyde Folley at the Criterion Channel. He discusses "Highway Horror," a collection of 15 spooky films that take place on the road, from Steven Spielberg's "Duel" to Richard Franklin's "Road Games." The New York City Marathon is always one of the biggest races in the running calendar. The city has many different trails, routes, and parks for runners. Samantha Max, WNYC/Gothamist public safety reporter, is participating in this year's marathon, and she loves a running trail. Samantha discusses her training and her article about thirteen city trails for marathoners and casual joggers. Plus, listeners share their favorite local routes to exercise. Photo: More than 55000 runners participate the 54th TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in New York City, United States. (Selçuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Kai Bird has turned his attention to Roy Cohn, the infamous lawyer and fixer who has worked with people from Joseph McCarthy to President Trump. The new biography is titled American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn's Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump. On today's installment of our "Full Bio" series, Bird discusses Bird's relationship with President Trump, his life as a gay man, and his death from AIDS. The band Hasta La Zeta started out playing Colombian folk music -- but over time, New York's influence crept in. Now, says bandleader Harold Rodriguez, their sound is all their own. As part of our "Subway Series" spotlighting musicians who play in the city's transit system, they join us in WNYC's Studio 5 for a live performance. Photo: Roy Cohn and Donald Trump attend the Trump Tower opening in October 1983 at The Trump Tower in New York City. (Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and…

Museums can be overwhelming, with so much art to see, and lots of crowds to navigate. Rawaan Alkhatib is an exhibit developer who has written a new book, Hello, Museum: An Illustrated Book of Inspirations to Visit and Explore, about how to get a more rewarding experience when you visit a Museum, no matter your knowledge of art history or your interest in art. Alkhatib discusses how she likes to visit museums, and listeners share their tips and questions. Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Kai Bird has turned his attention to Roy Cohn, the infamous lawyer and fixer who has worked with people from Joseph McCarthy to President Trump. The new biography is titled American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn's Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump. On today's installment of our "Full Bio" series, Bird discusses Cohn's childhood in the Bronx, and his rise under Senator Joseph McCarthy. Book cover art courtesy of the publisher Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection…

The new documentary from Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, "You Can See Everything," follows Elizabeth Holmes in the weeks leading up to her prison sentence. The three-hour film has quickly become one of the hottest theater tickets of the year, and one of the buzziest documentaries in recent memory. New York Times film critic Alissa Wilkinson breaks down what makes the film unique, discusses the nature of documentary filmmaking, and takes calls from listeners who wish to discuss the film. Anthony Roth Costanzo is one of the leading countertenors working in opera in the United States, and the General Director and President of Opera Philadelphia. In two new projects, both titled "Countertenor,” he explores the misunderstood classical male voice part One is an album of various genres sung in his unique vocal range. The is a book that combines memoir and history of countertenor voices. He discussed both. Photo: A still from "You Can See Everything" courtesy of A24 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…

Author June Cohen talks about her new book The Great Remembering: Powerful Ancient Practices ― and the New Science Bringing Them Back, which explores how new science explains ancient rituals around festival traditions, cold plunges and saunas, and extreme athletic feats like the NYC marathon, which is coming up on November 1. The New York Times word puzzle Connections is known for its diabolical misdirection and red herrings. It's now being launched in a print book. Connections creator Wyna Liu talks about her approach to crafting puzzles. Book cover courtesy of the publisher Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Deborah Gordon owns The Village Vanguard. It is in her blood. Almost a century after her father, Max, founded the legendary jazz club in 1934, Deb Gordon has put out a new book called “Last of the Jazz Joints: An Incomplete History of the Village Vanguard.” Gordon and co-author Jed Eisenman, who has worked at The Vanguard since 1981, share memories and history of the legendary institution. Andrea Janes, founder of the ghost-tour company Boroughs of the Dead, and author of a book of the same name, joins us to talk about the lingering spirits of the city's history, and where you might meet them. Photo by Gemma Solomons Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John Turturro stars in the new film, 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,' a crime thriller that tells the story of Harry, an oldschool pickpocket from the Bronx who lives without a cellphone and often operates on the subway. But when he steals from a family member of a well-connected crime family, Harry faces danger, all while caring for his sick spouse back home. Turturro discusses his role and interest in the film. ‘The Only Living Pickpocket in New York’ opens in New York theaters on October 23. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, girls in America were often educated with art, through needlework and ornamental practices. A new exhibit at the Folk Art Museum gathers about 100 works, and makes the case that "school girl" art is an underappreciated genre in American history, particularly in landscape art. Museum chief curator Emelie Gevalt discusses her research and interest in the art made by young women and girls from this time period. 'Locating Girlhood: Place and Identity in Early American…

In the new cookbook Hand Taste: Cook Like a Korean Grandmother, Esther Choi shares 100 recipes inspired by Korean and Korean-American culture and cuisine. The Mokbar and Ms. Yoo founder joins us. A new play by playwright Lauren Yee, called ‘King of the Yees’ tells a ‘kind of true’ story based on an episode from her life. Her father, Larry Yee had been the heart and soul of San Francisco's Yee Fung Toy Family Association, which Lauren considers an obsolete relic of the city's vanishing Chinatown. But when he suddenly disappears, Lauren sets off on a quest to find him. Yee discusses the play, along with Tony Award-winning actor Francis Jue, who plays Larry, and Kelly Marie Tran, who plays Lauren. Production photo from King of the Yees by HanJie Chow Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new romantic fantasy follows a local fisherwoman, played by Olivia Colman, whose life changes when a basket maker constructs a wicker husband for her. Colman and Alexander Skarsgård, who plays her unusual new beau, join us to discuss the film 'Wicker,' which opens in theaters Friday, Oct. 23. For 35 years, Aljira, an artist-led gallery and community space, gave opportunities to rising artists and was a key part of creating a vibrant arts scene in Newark. Aljira was founded in 1983 by Victor L. Davson and Carl Hazelwood, Guyanese immigrants from Newark, who wanted to revive the city's arts scene following the city's devastation during the 1967 riots. Aljira closed in 2018. But a new exhibit at the Newark Museum of Art, Dreamtime in Newark: Aljira and the Making of Global Contemporary Art, celebrates the legacy of Aljira and exhibits some work that first debuted at the gallery. Davson and exhibit curator Alliyah Allen discuss the show. Photo: Screen still from 'Wicker.' (Courtesy of Black Bear Pictures)…

Artist Wangari Mathenge looks to 1960s Kenya for inspiration in a vibrant new series depicting intimate domestic scenes of women. She discusses the ideas and memories behind her exhibition ‘Re-membering’ at Lévy Gorvy Dayan, on view through Oct. 24. This year marks the 30th annual Gowanus Open Studios, put on by Arts Gowanus, an organization that uplifts and funds the arts in the neighborhood. The weekend event series invites the public to visit hundreds of artists who work in Gowanus. Johnny Thornton, Arts Gowanus executive director, and participating artist Mayowa Nwadike, share a preview Gowanus Open Studios, taking place October 17 and 18. New York Proud is a public art campaign created by the New York Immigrant Coalition, with the goal of reminding New Yorkers of the role immigrants play in the life of the city. Part of that campaign includes photographs of immigrant New Yorkers taken by Venezuelan photographer Oscar Castillo. The photos are now on view at an exhibit at the Queens Museum as well as…

Shot in August 1972, a new film from the late filmmaker William Greaves captures a reunion of Harlem Renaissance luminaries at Duke Ellington’s townhouse on St. Nicholas Avenue. William’s son, director David Greaves, and his granddaughter, producer Liani Greaves discusses completing the film "Once Upon A Time in Harlem" opening at Film Forum tomorrow, Friday, October 16th. Have you ever wondered who was behind the ‘Little Free Libraries’ you see in your neighborhood? Daniel Gumnit is the CEO of Little Free Library talks about the impact of little libraries. A new exhibit at the Whitney Museum spotlights the work of pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. Curator Meg Onli discusses ‘Roy Lichtenstein: Like New,’ along with artist Alex Da Corte, who co-curated the show and whose work is also on viewThe exhibit is on view through May 10, 2027. Image: Roy Lichtenstein, Girl in Window (Study for World's Fair Mural), 1963. Oil and acrylic on canvas. Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of The American Contemporary…

WNYC's Public Song Project celebrates this year's submissions and reveal the winners in a radio special airing Saturday, October 17. All Of It producer Simon Close, who will host the program, previews the on-air event and the winners' songs. The full playlist of 2026 submissions is available to stream at wnyc.org/psp and as a collection in the Internet Archive. The Public Song Project will also be part of the Internet Archive's annual block party on October 21 in San Francisco. In the new novel Heavy Cream sixteen-year-old Geraldine is abandoned by her dysfunctional mother in New York City. Left to fend for herself, Geraldine falls under the influence of three very different women, who each put their own stamp on Geraldine, and show her different parts of life in the city. Author Sarah Blakely-Cartwright discusses the novel, out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the eve of World Aids Day in 1993, Dr. Anthony Fauci and ACT UP co-founder Larry Kramer participated in a C-SPAN call in program to talk about AIDS policy. The explosive hour of television that followed is now the basis of a play at St. Ann's Warehouse titled "Kramer/Fauci." Thomas Jay Ryan and Will Brill, who star as Kramer and Fauci respectively, discuss the show and the story that inspired it. All Of It with Alison Stewart is excited to announce a new series launching this fall! Analog Night with All Of It is a live event series, where we invite you to join fellow listeners to get crafty, explore new hobbies, and access your creativity in a hands-on way. The first event in our series is dedicated to collage. Join us for Collage Night on Monday, November 9th at 6:30pm! For tickets and information, please visit wnyc.org/events. All Of It producer Luke Green, discusses the idea behind the series and what to expect. The musical comedy concept album Good Guy with a Gun tells the story of an NRA lobbyist who…

D.L. Hughley is one of “The Original Kings of Comedy,” and since he has starred in the ABC sitcom "The Hughleys," written New York Times bestsellers, and hosts the national radio program The D.L. Hughley Show. He's talks about his new memoir titled Charlie's Boy, about his career, and his life growing up in South Central L.A. On Sunday, Dec. 6, he’ll join Don Lemon at the Beacon Theatre for an evening of candid conversation as part of their Anything Goes tour. Singer, songwriter and former Public Song Project winner Candice Hoyes has a new album out, titled Expecting. It features jazz musicians like Makaya McCraven and incorporates archival material from the Library of Congress. Hoyes performs live in our studio. Hoyes brings The Expecting Room, an evening of music and manifestation, to Joe’s Pub on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 9 p.m. Listeners can use code "Expecting" for discounted advance tickets. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of…

A new action-thriller stars actor Mahershala Ali as Latif, a devoutly religious hitman who struggles to balance work, faith and fatherhood. Ali joins me alongside writer and director Bassam Tariq in studio to discuss the film, “Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother," which is playing in theaters now. In September, Lizzy McAlpine released her latest album, Angel. Lizzy began recording the album at a collaborator's studio in Altadena, just before the LA wildfires destroyed the studio in 2025. McAlpine discusses the making Angel, her Broadway debut in Floyd Collins, and performs live. Photo: Adia as Fatiha, Mahershala Ali as Latif and Jahleel Kamara as Qadir in YOUR MOTHER YOUR MOTHER YOUR MOTHER. (Jaclyn Martinez, Copyright © 2026 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The new American cast of Broadway's “Operation Mincemeat” joins Alison live in The Greene Space at WNYC. Hear performances and discussion with Brandon Contreras, Jessi Kirtley, Amanda Jill Robinson, Jeff Kready, and Julia Knitel. You cab watch the full production livestream recording on YouTube. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New York City usually hits peak fall foliage in late October, and leaves on trees around the city will soon start to change colors. The New York City Parks Department keeps a list of the park system's "Great Trees" around the city. In 2025, photographer Alex Kent took thousands of photographs and videos of those Great Trees for a piece in the New York Times. Kent discusses his experience with the "Great Trees of New York," and listeners share where their favorite tree in the city is. Brooklyn-based ceramic artist Joël Brodovsky-Adams creates bright and colorful work that is also functional, as a lamp, chandelier, or coat hook. He discusses his first solo show, "Like a Rumor," running at the Superhouse Gallery in Chinatown through October 17. The new book, The W: A History of the WNBA, tells the story of the women's basketball league in over 400 pages. As New York's own Liberty compete in the playoffs this week, author Tamryn Spruill joins to discuss. Photo: 28 Aug., 1997 - Members of the New York Liberty…

After the sensational success of her last novel, Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver returns with a novel that draws on her past experience as a classical pianist. Partita tells the story of Livia, and exceptionally gifted pianist on a scholarship to an elite music conservatory. Her life is soon upended by a love affair that will change the course of her future, and her relationship to music, forever. Kingsolver discusses the novel, out today. Kingsolver will be speaking Wednesday, October 7 at Tarrytown Music Hall, and on October 28 at St. Ann's Church in Brooklyn with Amor Towles. Both events will feature live piano performances from pieces mentioned in the novel. In the new film "Fjord," Sebastian Stan stars as Mihai Gheorghiu, a Romanian immigrant to Norway who moves to a remote village with his family. When the family's devout and unusual educational practices come to the attention of the local community, Mihai finds himself pressed into defending his family, and their way of life. Stan and writer and…

New York State does not require that schools teach sex education. A new report from the NYCLU details that, depending on where you live in New York State, the quality of sexual education in local public schools can vary widely, including many districts that the NYCLU finds to be significantly lacking. Aliyah Ansari, NYCLU senior education strategist, and Donna Lieberman, executive director, discuss the report and the state of Sex Ed in New York, and listeners share their experiences as parents and students in school. Two new exhibits have opened this fall at the Brooklyn Museum. First, curator Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere discusses Art of Manga, an exhibition dedicated to the craft of Japanese comics and graphic novels. Then, curator Dare Turner discusses Hopi Kachina Dolls: Blessings for a Balanced World, an exhibition displaying dolls traditionally carved by the Hopi indigenous tribe. Both exhibits are open now and run into 2027. Image: Takahashi Rumiko.Inuyasha, 1996–2008. Hand drawing, color on paper.…

Author George Saunders was already considered a modern master of the short story in 2017 when he published his debut novel, Lincoln in the Bardo. Told through an experimental form, the novel is follows Abraham Lincoln as he grieves the loss of his son, Willie, as told by the ghosts in the graveyard who witness his grief. Saunders discussed the novel, which has now been adapted into an opera, for our September "Get Lit!" book club event. Note: The live performances from the event have been removed from this recording at the request of The Met. Event photo by Robert Krevolin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber, the beloved hosts of the "Who? Weekly" podcast, have made a career out of analyzing C-list celebrity culture. They discuss their new book on the subject, I Want to Be Famous: When Everybody and Nobody Is a Celebrity. Tom Morello just released Everyone Gets Everything They Want. Coming from a career of making political hardcore music in Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, and protest folk as The Nightwatchman, this is his first solo rock album. And it is no less political. He also previews his Power to the People Festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion on October 3. Image: Tom Morello (Courtesy of Grandstand Media) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anand Giridharadas on Jordan Neely, Daniel Penny, Race and Public Safety; Emily St. John Mandel's 'Exit Party'

When a family of 9 siblings noticed their mother acting strangely, they chalked it up to depression and alcoholism. But after some of the siblings began to exhibit the same behavior, the family learns that they are carriers of a rare gene mutation that causes frontotemporal dementia, and have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the same condition and passing it on to their kids. Journalist and author Robert Kolker tells the story of this family in his new book, The Vanishing Family: Love, Fate, and the Quest to End Dementia. Alex Strada is the inaugural Public Artist in Residence with the NYC Department of Homeless Services and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. In that role, Strada created a project called Public Address, in which she engaged with New Yorkers living in the shelter system to create logs that compiled their testimony and expression. Some of that testimony has now been created into signs, designed by the Department of Transportation, that have been on view throughout the city in 2026. The…

In his new one man show, actor Jacob Ming-Trent recalls the story of his life through his relationship with the Bard, and his love of poetry. He discusses "How Shakespeare Saved My Life," running at the Public Theater through October 25. Deesha Philyaw burst onto the literary scene with her hit short story collection, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies. Now, she treads familiar ground in her hotly anticipated debut novel, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman. The novel follows Scharisse Freeman, the wife of a megachurch pastor who is threatened when secrets from her past threaten to come to light. Philyaw discusses the novel, set to publish on September 29. Photo by HanJie Chow: Jacob Ming-Trent in HOW SHAKESPEARE SAVED MY LIFE at The Public Theater. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Singer-songwriter Jensen McRae is known for her deep voice and confessional songwriting. She performs live in studio from her latest album, "I Don't Know How but They Found Me!" ahead of her set at All Things Go at Forest Hills Stadium on Saturday September 26. (NOTE: After the conversation, the event organizer announced that All Things Go is cancelled due to weather) Writer and director Paula González-Nasser worked as a location scout for movies and television like "Russian Doll" and "Never Rarely Sometimes Always" before turning those experiences into her first feature film. "The Scout" follows a location scout as she searches for the perfect NYC location for a TV pilot. González-Nasser discusses the film alongside actor Mimi Davilla. "The Scout" premieres in theaters on September 25. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In "School Girls: Or, the African Mean Girls Play," a group of students are competing to be selected for the Miss Ghana 1986 beauty pageant. Paulina (Denée Benton) thinks she is the shoe-in, and she lets everyone else know. But her reign as queen bee is threatened when a new student, Ericka, transfers in from the United States. Benton discusses the Broadway revival of the play alongside playwright Jocelyn Bioh and director Whitney White. "School Girls: Or, the African Mean Girls Play" is running now at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The Bowery has a long history in New York. The neighborhood's reputation has evolved with the city, as one of the world's most recognized slums, to later as a thriving downtown artistic community. The New Museum has organized a new exhibit, The Bowery: Devil’s Mile, that traces the cultural and artistic history of the neighborhood. Lisa Phillips, curator and New Museum director emerita, discusses what's on view in the show, and what makes The Bowery stand out in New York…

Musician Suki Waterhouse stops by Radio City Music Hall tomorrow night in support of her latest album Loveland. She joins us for a listening party. New York artist Taryn Simon's new solo show at the Guggenheim is titled "Taryn Simon: Father Country I Do Love You." The show marks the largest display of new work ever to exhibit at the Guggenheim. Simon uses photography to weave the story of her father's life with the story of an unnamed federal agent in 42 different "chapters." Simon discusses the exhibit, which is open through March 14, 2027. Photo by Miles Aldridge Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The new movie "Primetime" follows Chris Hansen and the team behind "To Catch a Predator" as they hunt down one high profile subject at any cost. It is the first narrative feature from director Lance Oppenheim, who discusses the film alongside actor Merritt Wever, who stars as "To Catch a Predator" producer Andie. "Primetime" is in theaters Friday, Sept. 25th. September is Classical Music Month. Celebrate with members of the Metropolitan Horn Authority, a horn quartet that often plays in the subway. As part of our subway series program, they perform live from Studio 5. Catch them at the Herald Square station mezzanine on Wednesday. Photo still from 'Primetime,' courtesy of A24 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wally Feresten has been holding SNL's cue cards for more than 30 years. Ahead of the premiere of the show's 52nd season, Wally joins us to talk about his career. The Tanya Weddemire Gallery is a black-owned gallery based in Industry City that was founded by Brooklyn native Tanya Weddemire in 2022. This month, the gallery is debuting at The Armory Show, featuring the work of two artists it represents, O'Neil Scott and Austin Uzor. Weddemire, Scott, and Uzor preview the show, and discuss the mission behind the gallery. If you've been blown away by the magic in "Harry Potter in the Cursed Child," the special effects in "Stranger Things: The First Shadow," or terrified by jump scares in "Paranormal Activity," you have one man to thank: illusions designer Chris Fisher. Fisher discusses how he makes magic happen on stage, and the particular challenges posed by the horror story in "Paranormal Activity." Photo by Matt Murphy: Travis A. Knight in 'Paranormal Activity' Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…

Broadway on the Radio’s Fall 2026 season kicks off with this year’s Tony winner for Best Musical: SCHMIGADOON! Alison Stewart talks with key members of the production, live in The Greene Space at WNYC. Hear interviews about the show and live performances from creator Cinco Paul and actors Sara Chase, Isabelle McCalla, Ivan Hernandez, Brad Oscar and Maulik Pancholy. This event is part of All Of It's 'Broadway on the Radio' series. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thirty-three years into her career, UK singer-songwriter Beth Orton continues to captivate critics and audiences with her latest album, The Ground Above. She talks about the new record ahead of her show tomorrow night at Le Poisson Rouge at 6:30 p.m. A new performance space called The People's Theater has recently opened in the Inwood/Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan. Mino Lora, the venue's co-founder and executive artistic director talks about the new space and upcoming programming. Plus, artist and activist Manuel Oliver previews his upcoming show 'Guac,' opening Oct. 1, which honors the life of his son who was killed in a school shooting in Parkland, Florida. In the new film "Sunny Dancer," a teenager in remission from leukemia heads to "chemo camp," a summer camp for other teens with cancer. Writer and director George Jaques discusses the film alongside Neil Patrick Harris, who stars as the director of the camp. "Sunny Dancer" premieres on September 18. Photo: Neil Patrick Harris in…

The new show "Youth" stars Sharon Horgan as a woman navigating her dating life in the wake of divorce, and as she cares for her ailing parents and her immature son. Horgan discusses the show, which she created, wrote, and stars in. "Youth" premieres on HBO and HBO Max on Sunday, September 20. A new 118-track box set captures the recordings of blues legend Ma Rainey over a prolific five years. Historian David Sager, who provided the set’s liner notes, and musician Gaye Adegbalola, who wrote the forward, discuss Ma Rainey: Mother Of The Blues, The Complete Paramount Recordings 1923-1928. 'Youth' still photograph by Colin Hutton/HBO Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Actor Ke Huy Quan's new memoir; Writer Anna Holmes on 'The Power of No'

[00:00] When writer and actor Nadia Bowers learned that her beloved older sister Sasha died of a drug overdose, she set out to track down the dealer who sold Sasha the fentanyl-laced heroin. Bowers discusses her memoir about the experience, called Dear Dealer. [28:03] Actor, playwright, and director Roger Guenveur Smith first met artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in Los Angeles in the 1980s, beginning a long friendship. Guenveur Smith discusses his one-man show, ‘In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat,’ which looks back at his memories with Basquiat, along with the show’s sound designer Marc Anthony Thompson, musician and founder of the music collective Chocolate Genius. ‘In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat’ is running at New York Theater Workshop through October 4. Photo: American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960 - 1988), circa 1985. (Rose Hartman/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

[REBROADCAST FROM January 12, 2026] In the new post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama, "Pluribus," author Carol Sturka, the most miserable person on Earth, must save the world from an extraterrestrial virus that forces happiness onto humanity. Actor Karolina Wydra plays Zosia, an infected human who serves as Carol’s chaperone. She discusses her role, and the show’s season finale. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

[REBROADCAST FROM March 2, 2026] In the fourth season of the romantic period drama "Bridgerton," Luke Thompson stars as Benedict, the latest Bridgerton sibling to find love. Thompson discusses the new season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

[REBROADCAST FROM August 19, 2026] Actor Sarah Pidgeon has earned an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Carolyn Bessette in the new FX limited series, "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette." Pidgeon discusses her performance and the popularity of the series. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In "Who Moves America," documentarian Yael Bridge followed members of UPS as they geared up for their first major contract negotiation in nearly 30 years. Bridge and Brooklyn UPS driver Antoine Andrews, who participated in the film, discuss the film and the contract's implications for 340,000 unionized workers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Director Sam Green spent a decade traveling to meet and interview the oldest person in the world at that time, and heading to the next person when the title inevitably shifts. Green discusses the resulting documentary, "The Oldest Person in the World," which opens September 11 at the Angelika Film Center. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

[REBROADCAST FROM August 19, 2026] Singer/songwriter/guitarist Koku Gonza is part of the MTA's music program, which normally takes place underground. But this Thursday, August 20, she's performing on Broadway as part of an MTA/Garment District Alliance partnership. She previews her set, and plays live in Studio 5. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.