All Of It

Free bread for the table used to be a staple of most restaurants across America. But increasingly, restaurants are charging customers for the bread baskets that used to be a symbol of good hospitality. Caity Weaver, a writer for The Atlantic, went on a journey around America to find the best free bread still available to restaurant-goers, and to investigate why complimentary bread and butter has become increasingly rare. Weaver discusses her piece "I Found It: The Best Free Restaurant Bread in America," plus listeners share their favorite free restaurant bread in the city. Photo by Hugo Yu

The new documentary "Steal This Story, Please!" spotlights the life and career of Amy Goodman, journalist and founder of the news program "Democracy Now!" Goodman discusses the film, which is running now at the IFC Center. Photo courtesy of Reed Brody

Julia Wertz is a cartoonist and frequent contributor to The New Yorker's cartoons. A few years ago, Julia went through a surprise pregnancy and unexpected marriage right before the COVID lockdown. Her new graphic memoir, Bury Me Already (It's Nice Down Here), explores the stages of Julia's pregnancy and parenthood in a cartoon format. Julia discusses the experience of giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how drawing comics helps her make sense of her life. Julia has a book event at Books Are Magic (Montague St. location) on April 15 at 7, and at Rizzoli Bookstore on April 16th at 6. Cover art courtesy of Black Dog & Leventhal

As additional restrictions began to be placed on women's reproductive healthcare across the United States, one OB-GYN had an idea. Dr. Mary Afsari decided to take her medicine out of the hospital and head on the road, converting an RV into a mobile women's clinic to serve patients across the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Afsari discusses her new memoir about her experiences, Labor: One Woman's Work. Cover art Courtesy of Avid Reader Press

On April 15, The New York Public Library kicks off their annual World Literature & Arts Festival, with a series of events and author talks spotlighting excellent fiction from around the world. Plus, 12 translated titles will be available to borrow as e-copies immediately, in unlimited quantities. Erica Parker, the NYPL associate director of adult cultural programming, previews the festival, and the 12 novels available to borrow. Plus, listeners share their favorite translated works. Photo by Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

There are various laws governing dogs in New York City, but lately, some feel like dog owners are flouting the rules. After a long cold winter of frozen dog poop preserved beneath the surface of snowdrifts has pushed some to the brink. Reporter Rachel Sugar discusses her recent article in Curbed, "Where Does a Dog Belong." Plus, listeners weigh in. Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Image

A brand new edition of Hamburger America: A State-By-State Guide to 200 Great Burger Joints, features 38 new restaurants, spotlighting the nation's best roadside stands, diners, mom-n-pop shops, and college town favorites. George Motz, author, chef and owner of the eatery Hamburger America, discuses the book, and what makes a good quality burger. On Tuesday, Motz will hold a book signing at his restaurant at noon, and at 6pm a “Surprise hamburgers” will be revealed. Cover art courtesy of the publisher

In the new documentary "Everyone is Lying to You for Money," director Ben McKenzie explores the world of cryptocurrency to figure out who stands to profit the most from pushing more people to invest in crypto. McKenzie discusses the film, which is playing now at the IFC Center. Image courtesy of C-SPAN

For National Poetry Month, actor, author, and woodworker Nick Offerman hosts "A Wonder Is What It Is," an audio series from All Of It with Alison Stewart dedicated to poet, activist, author, and Nick's personal hero: Wendell Berry. In four short installments, released every Friday throughout April, Nick reads a poem by Berry – poet, farmer, and environmental activist – and share his reflections.   In this second episode of four, Nick reads the poem “The Wild Rose.” Sometimes hidden from me in daily custom and in trust, so that I live by you unaware as by the beating of my heart, suddenly you flare in my sight, a wild rose blooming at the edge of thicket, grace and light where yesterday was only shade, and once more I am blessed, choosing again what I chose before   Produced by Simon Close Mixing by Amber D Bruce Music composed by Mark Greenberg at The Mayfair Workshop Art by Greg Ruth

[REBROADCAST FROM March 2, 2026] In the new one-man show written by David Cale, Sean Hayes stars as Elliott, a playwright and lyricist suffering from writer's block. But as he searches for something to write about, he begins to realize that he might be being stalked. Cale, Hayes, and director Leigh Silverman discuss "The Unknown," running at Studio Seaview through April 12. Photo courtesy of the production

Pickles and New York go hand in hand. A new book, The Pickled City: The Story of New York Pickles, explores how pickles evolved in the city, from immigration-driven delis on the Lower East Side to dedicated pickle stores like The Pickle Guys. Authors Paul van Ravestein and Monique Mulder, who are also the principals of Mattmo, a branding agency in Amsterdam specializing in culinary history, discuss their research and interest in pickle history alongside Alan Kaufman, owner of The Pickle Guys. Plus, listeners share their favorite kind of pickle. Photo by WDnet via Wikimedia Commons

'The Travel Companion' is a new independent film that tells the story of Simon, a struggling documentary filmmaker, and his friendship with Bruce, an airline worker who invites Simon to be his traveling companion for a year, meaning he can fly for free. But their relationship is complicated when Bruce meets Beatrice, a more successful filmmaker that challenges Simon's creative insecurities. The film, shot locally around New York, premieres at BAM April 10-16. Co-writers and directors Alex Mallis and Travis Wood discuss their inspiration for the story, and what it takes to make an indie film in 2026. Film still courtesy of Oscilloscope Laboratories

The new Steven Soderbergh film "The Christophers" follows siblings who hire an art forger, played by Michaela Coel, to pretend to be an art dealer in order to acquire and finish their estranged father's paintings. Coel, who stars alongside Ian McKellen in the film, discusses her role in "The Christophers," in select theaters now. Coel also stars in the film "Mother Mary" alongside Anne Hathaway, which hits theaters on April 17. Image courtesy of the studio  

For many people, the decision of whether to let their hair go grey naturally, or to begin dyeing it, is a fraught and complicated one. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times fashion director and chief fashion critic, discussed the topic in a recent edition of her column "Ask Vanessa," and shares insights with listeners. Plus, listeners share their thoughts on going grey, or not! Photo via Professor25/Getty Creative

Julie Mehretu is a Macarthur Genius-winning artist, born in Ethiopia and based in New York. Her latest exhibit, 'Our Days, Like a Shadow (a non-abiding hauntology)', features new paintings made in the last few years. The show opens at Marian Goodman Gallery at 385 Broadway on April 14. Mehretu previews the exhibit, and discusses her installation at The Obama Presidential Center, which opens in June. Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

If something in pop culture — a movie, a TV show, a song or viral content — is especially popular, how does that change your eagerness to engage with it and be part of the conversation? Atlantic contributing writer Anna Holmes considers herself someone who avoids pop culture particularly popular in the present, like 'The Pitt,' and she's not alone. Holmes discusses her reporting in her recent Atlantic article, "The People Who Shun Super-Popular Pop Culture," and listeners share the culture they've avoided due to its popularity. Image by Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The new Broadway adaptation of the classic film "Dog Day Afternoon" stars Jon Bernthal as Sonny, an intense but loveable bank robber, and Jessica Hecht as Colleen, a level-headed bank teller. Bernthal and Hecht discuss the play, running now at the August Wilson Theatre through July 12. Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

There are many songs that could be described as political or that overtly address social issues. But more rarely has a song been so impactful as to directly influence American political and legal history. In the new book On the Record: Music that Changed America, Anna Celenza shares the stories of songs like Billie Holiday's “Strange Fruit” and Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring that have inspired legislative change. We also take calls from listeners about the political songs that have stuck with them. Photo by Wally McNamee/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

It's the time of year when many New York City leases end, and people around the city are embarking on that stressful task: moving! Dorie Chevlen and Kit Dillon of Wirecutter join to walk listeners through their comprehensive guide for how to tackle moving in New York. Plus, listeners share their tips for how to survive a move. Photo by TheMuuj

The beloved Central Park restaurant Tavern on the Green has been open for 90+ years. Now, a new cookbook from executive chef Bill Peet allows home cooks to attempt to make some of their classic recipes in their own kitchens. Peet, and Tavern on the Green co-owner Jim Caiola, join to discuss Tavern on the Green Cookbook: Seasonal Recipes and Historical Treasures from New York City's Iconic Restaurant. Plus, listeners share their favorite memories of Tavern on the Green. Photo by Deb Cohn-Orbach/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Grammy award-winning Mexican singer/songwriter Natalia Lafourcade's latest album is titled Cancionera. She's kicking off her tour for it by playing two days at the BAM. Ahead of those shows, she joins us for a listening party. Photo by Carlos Manuel

In the latest novel from author Emma Straub, a newly-divorced woman named Annie reluctantly goes on a cruise with her sister, a cruise designed for fans of one 90s era boy band. But Annie's experience changes when she meets a member of the band who is lonely, and looking for a friend. Straub discusses American Fantasy, out today. Straub will be speaking with Lin Manuel Miranda on April 7 at 7 pm at the First Unitarian Church.

In the latest work of investigative journalism from Patrick Radden Keefe, the author attempts to get to the bottom of the mysterious death of Zac Brettler, a British teenager who plunged to his death from a luxury building in 2019. After his death, it was revealed that Brettler had been living a secret life, one that involved shady characters in the London underworld. Keefe discusses his new book, London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth, out today. Keefe will be speaking on April 7 at the 92Y with Sarah Jessica Parker.

The April "Get Lit with All Of It" book club selection is the novel Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney. It follows one woman's affair in 1970s Rochester... and the continued fallout years later as she lives in New York City and prepares to attend a family wedding. D'Aprix Sweeney discusses the novel ahead of the April 27th "Get Lit" event. Click here to grab your tickets and find out how to borrow your e-copy of the novel, courtesy of The New York Public Library.

April kicks off a busy season for books, with many big name authors publishing great new reads. All Of It and "Get Lit" producer Jordan Lauf discusses some of the new books you can pick up this spring. Plus, listeners recommend books they've been reading and loving. Photo by Jordan Lauf/WNYC

In the new novel Yesteryear, a popular tradwife influencer finds herself confronting the harsh realities of the lifestyle she promotes when she mysteriously is sent back in time to 1855. Author Caro Claire Burke discusses the novel, out April 7. Burke will be speaking on April 7 at Symphony Space at 7 pm. Cover art courtesy of Knopf

The series "The Testaments," which is based on Margaret Atwood's novel, is set in the same universe as The Handmaid's Tale. It follows Agnes, a teenager attending an elite prep school for future wives. Actor Chase Infinity talks about the series, along with creator/showrunner Bruce Miller, ahead of its April 8th premiere on Hulu. Still courtesy of Disney+

Cleo de Lasa, an information assistant at The New York Public Library, highlights a thoughtful selection of books in recognition of both National Arab American Heritage Month and National Poetry Month. Her picks celebrate the richness and diversity of Arab American culture and contributions, while also showcasing the power of poetry to illuminate identity, history, and lived experience. *Tomorrow night, there will be an event to honor the rich poetic tradition of Arab American literature at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library at 6:30pm EST. To read the library's full list of Best New Poetry Books, visit their website here. Graphic courtesy of NYPL

This month the Criterion Channel curated a series of corporate thrillers, from "Wall Street" to "The Firm" to "Michael Clayton." Criterion curator Clyde Folley discusses some of the films in this series, and listeners share their favorite corporate thrillers. Image courtesy of the Criterion Collection

The new exhibit "Raphael: Sublime Poetry" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the first major survey of the Renaissance master's work ever featured in America. The exhibit features paintings, sketches, and even tapestries from Raphael's short but illustrious career. Curator Carmen Bambach, who spent years working on the exhibition, discusses "Raphael: Sublime Poetry," open through June 28. Photo by Eileen Travell, courtesy of The Met

For National Poetry Month, actor, author, and woodworker Nick Offerman hosts "A Wonder Is What It Is," an audio series from All Of It with Alison Stewart dedicated to poet, activist, author, and Nick's personal hero: Wendell Berry. In four short installments, released every Friday throughout April, Nick will read a poem by Berry – poet, farmer, and environmental activist – and share his reflections.   In this first episode of four, Nick reads the poem “A Warning to My Readers.”   Do not think me gentlebecause I speak in praiseof gentleness, or elegantbecause I honor the gracethat keeps this world. I ama man crude as any,gross of speech, intolerant,stubborn, angry, fullof fits and furies. That Imay have spoken wellat times, is not natural.A wonder is what it is.   Produced by Simon Close Mixing by Amber D Bruce Music composed by Mark Greenberg at The Mayfair Workshop Art by Greg Ruth

[REBROADCAST FROM August 26, 2025] Comedian Jeff Ross discusses his new one-man show, "Take a Banana For the Ride," which was recently made available to stream on Netflix.  Photo by Emilio Madrid

[REBROADCAST FROM November 13, 2025] An exhibition at the MoMA celebrates the career of Cuban artist Wifredo Lam, an artist who helped push the boundaries of modernism. Curators Christophe Cherix and Beverly Adams discuss "Wifredo Lam: When I Don't Sleep, I Dream," on view through April 11 2026. Painting is 'The Jungle,' by Wifredo Lam, courtesy of MoMA

[REBROADCAST FROM May 14, 2021] Acclaimed sci-fi writer Andy Weir, discusses his novel Project Hail Mary, which was recently adapted for the big screen. The story follows an astronaut who wakes up in space without any memory of how he got there. Cover art courtesy of Random House

[REBROADCAST FROM March 19, 2026] The stars of the Broadway musical 'Chess' joined Alison Stewart live in The Greene Space at WNYC. Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher perform songs from the show and discuss bringing the beloved musical back to the stage. Plus, conversation about the production with Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer and Emmy Award-winner Danny Strong, who re-wrote the book for this revival. This event is part of All Of It's Broadway on the Radio series. Photo courtesy of the production

Artist Wendy Red Star discusses 'One Blue Bead,' her latest exhibition at Sargent's Daughters, exploring trade beads as currency and the idea of contested value. 'One Blue Bead' is on view through May 10. Installation photo courtesy of Sargent's Daughters

The new biography Judy Blume: A Life chronicles the life and career of the beloved children's book author. Biographer Mark Oppenheimer discusses Blume's career in Hollywood, and how she embraced social media, in today's installment of our series Full Bio. Photo by Johnny Louis/WireImage via Getty

Working in continuous layers, the paintings of artist Kwamé Azure Gomez produce dense, atmospheric visions while providing rich, sensory experiences of Black worship spaces and queer nightlife. She talks about her first solo show with the Marianne Boesky Gallery called 'Set The Atmosphere' Photo of the artist by Merik Goma

A new exhibition explores how graphic design shaped New York's grassroots response to AIDS from 1979 to 2003. Curator Ian Bradley-Perrin, who is also a historian of HIV/AIDS, discusses 'Love & Fury: New York's Fight Against AIDS,' on display at Poster House through September 6, 2026. Image courtesy of Poster House: "Ignorance = Fear," poster by Keith Haring

There's no easy answer to the question of how to successfully be a New Yorker, but New York Magazine is launching a new newsletter to try and make navigating city life easier. "How to Be a New Yorker" offers tips on how to do very specific things in New York, like how to throw a party, where to get a haircut, how to exercise without going broke, how to catch the best concerts, and more. Features editor Julia Edelstein discusses what you can learn in the newsletter and listeners share their advice on how to be a better New Yorker. Photo by Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images

While most of the sports-loving world is paying attention to their basketball brackets, the folks at Serious Eats spend this time of the year pitting carbohydrates against each other in a contest they call "Starch Madness." And this year's bracket might be the most controversial yet: baked goods. Daniel Gritzer, editorial director for Serious Eats, talks about the competition, and listeners call in to defend their favorite baked sweet. Photo by K.C. Alfred/ The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images    

All Of It producers Jordan Lauf and Simon Close talk about the history of the Grammy's prestigious Album of the Year category. They've been listening to the winning records dating back to 1959, and ranking them. Listeners call in to share their favorite winners, and talk about the albums they think should have won. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy via Getty

A new documentary and accompanying audiobook explore the founding of ESPN by Bill Rasmussen and his son Scott Rasmussen in 1979, and chronicles the early days of the network in the 1980s. Mike Soltys, ESPN historian and longtime ESPN employee, and director Greg DeHart discuss the history. “Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN” premieres on April 6 at 8:30 pm on ESPN, and the audiobook version is set to release on April 7. Image courtesy of ESPN.  First SportsCenter 9/7/1979. George Grande (L) and Lee Leonard on set, Bill Shanahan, foreground and Mary Walton on camera

To kick off National Poetry Month, former poet laureate Ada Limón discusses her new book, Against Breaking: On the Power of Poetry, and listeners share what poetry means to them. Cover courtesy of Simon & Schuster