A conversation with R. Crumb, the king of underground comics
Crumb's comics were staples of 1960s counterculture. He's now the subject of a new biography. Crumb spoke to Fresh Air in 2005, and again, with his wife, fellow comic Aline Kominsky Crumb, in 2007.
The History of U.S. Intervention And The 'Birth Of The American Empire'
Journalist Stephen Kinzer's book, True Flag, explains how the Spanish-American War launched an ongoing debate about America's role in the world. Kinzer has also been writing about President Trump.
'America In Laos' Traces The Militarization Of The CIA
In the '60s, the CIA began a secret program that aimed to curb Communism by arming and training local fighters in Laos. Author Joshua Kurlantzick calls it "the largest covert operation in US history."
BassDrumBone Marks 40 Years Of Playing Together With 'The Long Road'
Trombonist Ray Anderson, bassist Mark Helias and drummer Gerry Hemingway first played together as a trio in 1977. Critic Kevin Whitehead says their new double album proves they can still deliver.
'Founder' Serves Up A Profile Of The Man Behind McDonald's
A new biopic tells the story of Ray Kroc, who turned a single burger restaurant into a multi-billion dollar worldwide franchise. Critic David Edelstein says The Founder offers a dark dose of realism.
Novelist Zadie Smith On Historical Nostalgia And The Nature Of Talent
Smith's latest book, Swing Time, tells the story of two girls who dream of being dancers, but only one has the talent to do so. Originally broadcast Nov. 21, 2016.
Muslim NYPD Chaplain On Faith, Fear And Getting Stopped By Airport Security
Imam Khalid Latif is one of the people profiled in The Secret Life of Muslims, a digital series about Islamophobia. He is also the first Muslim chaplain at New York University.
Rachel Bloom Upends Romantic Comedy Tropes On 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'
Bloom talks to Fresh Air's Ann Marie Baldonado about the CW musical comedy series, now in its second season, that she co-created and stars in. Bloom plays a woman who follows an ex across the country.
How Mormon Polygamy In The 19th Century Fueled Women's Activism
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich says that for Mormon women living in 19th century Utah, "plural marriages" were empowering in complicated ways.