Investigating The Drug Trade In 'Cartel Land'
A new documentary tells a riveting story of the way power and violence intersect along the Arizona border and in embattled Michoacan, Mexico.
Arts
New Nation, New Cuisine: The First Cookbook To Tackle 'American Food'
The first American cookbook, published in 1796, promised local food and a kind of socioculinary equality. But generations later, foodies are still puzzling over how to define "American food."
Pop Culture Happy Hour No. 250: 'Magic Mike XXL' And 'Catastrophe'
For our 250th episode, the gang digs into a movie and a TV show, each geared toward grown people in different ways. And, as always, we close with what's making us happy this week.
Pop Culture Happy Hour: Judy Blume's New Book And Lifetime's 'UnREAL'
On this week's show, a beloved author of books for kids writes another one for adults, and Lifetime sets a drama behind the scenes of a reality dating show.
Beyond A Voice And A Sad Story, 'Amy' Listens To A Life
A new documentary about singer Amy Winehouse goes beyond biopic standards to reveal a woman whose pains and successes were both well-earned.
Book Review: 'The Uses Of The Body,' Deborah Landau
Poet Tess Taylor reviews The Uses of the Body by Deborah Landau.
Sonia Manzano, Who Played Maria On 'Sesame Street,' To Retire
Maria from Sesame Street — aka actress Sonia Manzano — is retiring after more than 40 years. NPR reports on the Hispanic pioneer's impact on generations of children.
Get A 'Grip' On This Goofy Noir Sci-Fi Tale
This reissue of Gilbert Hernandez's series starts out noir — a young man with amnesia and a mysterious lipstick trace — but quickly gets weird. Critic Etelka Lehoczky says it's full of "goofy joy."