Vijay Iyer's art of listening
The MacArthur fellow sits down with Lara Downes at the Big Ears Festival to discuss the creative states of improvising, composing and collaborating.
Arts
Word of the Week: How 'pride' shifted from vice to a symbol of LGBTQ empowerment
The word pride has shifted over the millennia, from being first used to describe one of the seven deadly sins in Roman Catholic theology to becoming a global symbol for LGBTQ strength and empowerment.
Visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic turns 50 this month
Fifty years ago, director George Lucas started a visual-effects company that became known as Industrial Light & Magic. It transformed how the storytellers of the screen approach their craft.
Comedian Mike Birbiglia shares one of the lessons he learned from his parents
On Wild Card, well-known guests answer questions we often don't discuss. Comedian Mike Birbiglia talks about his relationship with his parents as he figured out how to tackle serious ideas with a kid.
Susan Brownmiller, whose landmark book changed attitudes on rape, dies at 90
In 1975, Against Our Will: Men, Women and Rape explored pernicious cultural and legal attitudes about rape and helped debunk the long-held view that victims were partly to blame.
Bestselling author James Patterson on the voices that keep him up at night
Patterson's books have sold over 400 million copies worldwide. He says he often gets ideas for them late at night. His latest, The #1 Dad Book, offers advice for fathers.
Accordionist Will Holshouser goes solo -- and soulful -- on 'The Lone Wild Bird'
Holshouser turned to accordion when a college pal gave him one as a gift. Martin Johnson reviews his latest album, then Terry Gross hosts Holshouser in the studio for conversation and some music.
Brand new books: Stephen King's latest, plus tales of a tired mom and a scary stalker
Holly Gibney is back in King's thriller, Never Flinch. The Stalker follows a manipulative man. Happily ever after is evasive in Consider Yourself Kissed. Plus, new work from Tash Aw and Etgar Keret.
The Cast of Buena Vista Social Club: Tiny Desk Concert
The Broadway musical is a living, breathing and deeply grooving homage to a bygone era of Cuban music.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee celebrates its 100th anniversary this week
Past Spelling Bee champions reflect on the words that shaped their lives.