Celery: Why?
Considering humans' millennia-long struggle with famine, it's surprising anyone spent time or resources cultivating low-calorie celery. But the vegetable's original use had nothing to do with food.
Arts & Life
A Childhood Of Transcendental Meditation, Spent In The 'Shadow Of A Guru'
Journalist Claire Hoffman grew up in a utopian community in Fairfield, Iowa. At first, she says, "it was entirely magical." Then doubt crept in. Hoffman's memoir is Greetings from Utopia Park.
Tony Awards Show Honors Florida Victims; 'Hamilton' Wins 11 Categories
The 70th Tony Awards ceremony was dedicated to people affected by Sunday's deadly mass shooting in Orlando, Fla.
Scientist Stephon Alexander: 'Infinite Possibilities' Unite Jazz And Physics
Stephon Alexander once downplayed the connections he saw between jazz and physics, concerned that — as "the only black person" in his professional circle — his credibility would be questioned.
'Rich And Pretty' Author Rumaan Alam Captures Lives Very Different From His Own
The new novel "Rich and Pretty" follows two women who find themselves at a crossroad. Host Linda Wertheimer talks to author Rumaan Alam about writing characters that are nothing like oneself.
In Debut Thriller Novel, Iain Reid Delivers Shivers Without Reader Knowing Why
Iain Reid has written a creepy but enthralling new novel, "I'm Thinking of Ending Things." It's a psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing. Host Linda Wertheimer talks with the author.
May I Help You Find Your Seat? We Sat Down With Broadway's Longtime Ushers
Winners for the 70th Annual Tony Awards are announced Sunday night. Every year, NPR's Jeff Lunden talks to some of the hardworking people in the theater biz who aren't eligible for Tony nominations.
Yes, All Men (And Everyone Else) Need To Read 'Sex Object'
Jessica Valenti's powerful new memoir examines the toll sexism takes on women's lives. Sex Object doesn't offer solutions; instead, it bears witness to the daily grind of harassment and hatred.
Anthropologist Discovers 100-Year-Old Graffiti By 'America's Most Famous Hobo'
In 2000, anthropologist Susan Phillips found markings made by hobos near the Los Angeles River. Phillips talks about the possible author of those marks from 1914, one of America's most famous hobos.
Not My Job: The Blue Man Group Turns 25
In the early 1990s, Chris Wink and Phil Stanton were two underemployed guys in New York City. So they came up with an idea: They'd shave their heads, paint themselves blue and put on a show.