Remembering Edmund White, a writer who chronicled gay life and culture
Growing up, White tried to "cure" his own homosexuality; he later drew upon that time for his 1982 bestseller, A Boy's Own Story. White died June 3. Originally broadcast in 1985, 1994, 1997 and 2006.
Mary Halvorson's 'About Ghosts' captures the defining trends of jazz in the 2020s
Guitarist and composer Halvorson arrived on the jazz scene in the mid 2000s with a virtuosity that commanded attention. Her current sextet, called Amaryllis, features a stellar cast of musicians.
For painter Titus Kaphar, forgiveness is 'a weight lifted off of your shoulders'
Kaphar draws on his own painful relationship with his father in his film, Exhibiting Forgiveness. He says the project gave him a new sympathy for his dad. Originally broadcast Oct. 24, 2024.
In 'Hysterical,' a podcaster unpacks a mysterious contagious illness among teen girls
Dan Taberski won a "Podcast of the Year" award for his investigation of a 2011 outbreak of tics and spasms in one high school. He's also the creator of the "Missing Richard Simmons" podcast.
How Larry Charles went from selling jokes on the street to writing for 'Seinfeld'
In his new memoir, Comedy Samurai, Charles reflects on his career in comedy — from writing for Seinfeld to directing Sacha Baron Cohen's films Borat and Brüno — and a recent near-death experience.
What does it mean to show mercy to someone on death row?
The Atlantic staff writer Elizabeth Bruenig talks about her decision to serve as a witness to state-sanctioned executions, and what she's learned about mercy, faith and the possibility of redemption.
Remembering Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson
Wilson, who died at age 82, was the creative force behind The Beach Boys. He wrote and produced many hits, including "Good Vibrations" and "God Only Knows." Originally broadcast in '88 and '98.
Willie Nelson and Ken Pomeroy make beautiful music for tumultuous times
On Cruel Joke, Pomeroy, age 22, sings with an acoustic twang about farms and cowboys. The 92-year-old Nelson's Oh What a Beautiful World is an album of covers of songs by Rodney Crowell.
Drama or comedy? Matchmaker movie 'Materialists' is undone by its own ambition
Dakota Johnson plays a savvy New York City matchmaker caught between two men in a film that ultimately fails to reconcile the screwball vigor of a comedy with the emotional oomph of a drama.
Benicio del Toro reflects on living in Wes Anderson's world
Del Toro moved from Puerto Rico to Pennsylvania as a teen. His breakout role was as a mumbly, small-time crook in The Usual Suspects. Now he's starring in Anderson's new film, The Phoenician Scheme.
What is the status of DOGE now that Elon Musk is gone?
Washington Post Reporter Hannah Natanson says DOGE's mass firings made the government more inefficient. She also explains the risks of DOGE creating a massive database for the Trump administration.