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.
From 'Almost Famous' to definitely famous, Billy Crudup is enjoying his new TV roles
Crudup plays a cynical TV executive in the Apple TV+ The Morning Show, now in its third season. He also stars as a fast-talking salesman in Hello, Tomorrow! Originally broadcast March 20, 2023.
'Swingtime for Hitler' explores the Nazis use of jazz as a propaganda tool
Hitler's Germany banned jazz, which was deemed degenerate music made by Jews and Black people. But NPR host Scott Simon says the Nazis repurposed jazz abroad to weaken British and American resolve.
Comic Aparna Nancherla uses humor to confront self doubt and anxiety
Nancherla's starred in TV shows like BoJack Horseman and Master of None, and written for Late Night with Seth Meyers. She recounts her struggle with depression in the memoir, Unreliable Narrator.
Apple TV+'s 'Morning Show' is running better than ever as it enters Season 3
The Morning Show enriches itself in its latest season by adding Jon Hamm to the cast and boring more deeply into a few major issues, including institutional racism and blackmail by computer hackers.
A look into the Saudis' long-held desire to enter the world of professional golf
NY Times reporter Alan Blinder says Saudi Arabia poured hundreds of millions into a pro golf circuit to rival the PGA. The two sides recently announced a joint venture, raising anti-trust issues.
Hollywood relies on China to stay afloat. What does that mean for movies?
Red Carpet author Erich Schwartzel says that film studios increasingly need Chinese audiences to break even — which can result in self-censorship. Originally broadcast Feb. 21, 2022.
'The Last Politician' author shares stories behind Biden's successes and failures
Atlantic writer Franklin Foer initially saw Biden as a bloviator who fetishized bipartisanship; he's since come to appreciate Biden's ability to empathize with opponents and get legislation passed.