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Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
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Workman Publishing 1:01pm Jul 05, 2022Books Books Arts'The Poet's House' is a droll coming-of-age story — and an absolute keeper of a novel
by Maureen CorriganJean Thompson's novel follows an insecure young woman as she's drawn into a clique of poets. The Poet's House is a story about the corrosive power of shame and the primal fear of sounding stupid. -
Courtesy of Cohen Media Group 1:06pm Jul 04, 2022Arts ArtsIn the Greek film 'Apples,' a mysterious condition leaves people without memories
by Justin ChangAn unnamed man inexplicably loses his memory in this strange and singular film. Apples is about how we deal with grief and loneliness, especially when memory becomes more of a curse than a blessing. -
1:06pm Jul 04, 2022Music & Culture Music & Culture
Fresh Air celebrates July 4 with soul singer Al Green
by Terry GrossGreen's string of hits in the '70s include "Let's Stay Together" and "Love and Happiness." He later became an ordained minister, and bought a church in Memphis. Originally broadcast in 1991 and 2000. -
Courtesy of University of Oregon 1:27pm Jul 02, 2022Fresh Air Weekend: Novelist Mat Johnson; Comic Joel Kim Booster
Johnson's novel, Invisible Things, is set on one of Jupiter's moons. Nick Quah takes stock of some podcasts that draw on reality TV. Booster's film Fire Island was inspired by Pride and Prejudice. -
1:36pm Jul 01, 2022Books Books Arts
'Noir Alley' host celebrates cinema's double crosses and doomed characters
by Terry GrossEddie Muller's book, Dark City, chronicles film noir from the '40s and '50s. He says the genre draws on a "very dark vision of existence." Originally broadcast Oct. 21, 2022. -
1:36pm Jul 01, 2022Music & Culture Music & Culture
Pianist David Virelles shows off the depth and breadth of what he can do on 'Nuna'
by Kevin WhiteheadThough he's been a New Yorker for over a decade, Virelles remains preoccupied with the rich, rhythmically charged music of his native Cuba. His new album shows where he's been — and where he's going. -
1:38pm Jun 30, 2022Politics & Government Politics & Government
Did the Trump camp help far-right militia groups plan the Jan. 6 attack?
by Terry GrossNew York Times journalist Alan Feuer says some members of Trump's inner circle have close ties to the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, whose leaders have been charged with seditious conspiracy. -
Courtesy of University of Oregon 5:38pm Jun 29, 2022Books Books ArtsReal life or satire? Novelist Mat Johnson says it can be hard to tell the difference
by Terry GrossSet in the future, Johnson's new satirical novel, Invisible Things, takes place on one of Jupiter's many moons, where humans have created an artificial ecosystem designed to replicate life on Earth. -
1:25pm Jun 28, 2022Arts Arts
'Reality' podcasts draw on the appeal of reality TV — with mixed results
by Nick QuahThe podcast world is abundant with shows about reality TV. Now a few podcasts are trying to capitalize on reality TV popularity more directly, by emulating the genre's conceits, mechanics and style. -
Karen Maria Photography / Soho Press 12:11pm Jun 28, 2022Books Books ArtsA novelist's time in the MMA cage informed his book on memory loss and identity
by Dave DaviesJohn Vercher trained in mixed martial arts as a young man. His novel, After the Lights Go Out, centers on a veteran MMA fighter who struggles to remember everyday things. -
3:01pm Jun 27, 2022
Joel Kim Booster reflects on the 'Pride and Prejudice' of Fire Island's party scene
by Sam SandersBooster's film Fire Island, which he wrote and stars in, was inspired by the Jane Austen novel. The movie is a rom-com about a group of gay friends and explores racism and classism in their community. -
Raymond Roig / AFP via Getty Images 12:02pm Jun 25, 2022Fresh Air Weekend: The sensory world of animals; Mothering as social change
Ed Yong talks about the diversity of perception in the animal world. Justin Chang reviews Good Luck to You, Leo Grande and Cha Cha Real Smooth. Angela Garbes says raising kids is undervalued.