All Of It

[REBROADCAST FROM April 18, 2025] Today is the opening of the Guggenheim's major survey of artist Rashid Johnson, who was born in Chicago in the late 1970s. "Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers," displays almost 90 pieces, including paintings, films, sculptures, and a site-specific installation at the top of the museum's rotunda. Johnson discusses his practice alongside Naomi Beckwith, Guggenheim deputy director and chief curator. The exhibit closes on January 19. 

Music merch is more than a concert souvenir now. It's big business and a hot collector's market! Music industry strategist Tatiana Cirisano and Mntge Clothing co-founder Nick Adler talk about why tour merch matters, and listeners share their favorite finds. 

Recently, Tom Hall, Vice President of Lonely Planet Experiences and train travel enthusiast shared his recommendations for some of the best rail journeys in the US and abroad. The segment got so many calls, he couldn't finish his list, so we asked him back. Hall returns to give the rest of his top picks and listeners are invited to share their most memorable train trips. 

We kicked off the show this week with Amanda Holden, a financial expert who focuses on educating every day people--especially women--about how to invest with the goal of being financially independent. Her debut book, How to be a Rich Old Lady, is a step by step guide for those who might find the world of finance complicated and overwhelming. She returns to answer more questions about the nuts and bolts of investing.

Saul Williams is nominated for a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album for his collaborative release, Saul Williams meets Carlos Niño & Friends at Treepeople. It's the venerated multidisciplinary artist's first Grammy nomination, and comes on the heels of his appearance in one of the year's most acclaimed films, Sinners. Williams joins us to talk about both projects.

The mega-hit vampire film "Sinners" is poised to be a serious awards season contender. Miles Caton stars in the film as Sammie, the young guitar player who can summon spirits with his music. Delroy Lindo also stars as the blues singer Delta Slim, part of the crew fighting vampires. Caton and Lindo discuss their roles in the film. 

Today is National Bagel Day and joining us is Sam Silverman, known as New York's "Bagel Ambassador" and founder of Bagel Up and Bagelfest. He shares his picks for the top bagel spots in the city and why, and we invite listeners to call in not only with their favorites but also their go-to order.

Last week the Washington National Opera announced that it would find a new home after over 50 years at the Kennedy Center, the latest in a series of high profile departures and cancellations at the national cultural center during Trump's second term and following its board's decision to add the president's name to the building. NPR correspondent Elizabeth Blair joins to discuss the latest news from the Kennedy Center in the context of music and art under the current administration.

David Browne, Rolling Stone contributing writer and author of So Many Roads: The Life and Times of the Grateful Dead, joins to talk about the legacy of the late Bobby Weir and the Grateful Dead. Plus, we take calls from listeners about their relationship with the band. 

[REBROADCAST FROM February 18, 2022] The world mourned Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir, who died over the weekend. We air part of our conversation about Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros: Live In Colorado, the first vinyl collection from Weirand his band, formed in 2018, of Don Was and Jay Lane. 

Last week we discussed best places to travel in 2026. This week we focus specifically on train journeys both here in the U.S and abroad. Our expert joining is the vice president of Lonely Planet Experiences and train travel enthusiast Tom Hall who recently penned the article, "Best New Train Journeys 2026." He'll share his recommendations and field calls from listeners.

The meditative drama "Train Dreams" follows a logger in the Northwest at the turn of the century dealing with loss and a quickly changing industrial landscape. It won a Critic's Choice for Best Cinematography and is garnering Oscar buzz for actor Joel Edgerton, who plays the protagonist. It was directed by Clint Bentley who also wrote and directed the acclaimed film "Sing Sing." Both join to discuss.

The HawtPlates describe themselves as "a family singing group that was formed in a one-bedroom apartment in The Bronx." Throughout this month until January 25, they're performing a work called Dream Feed at HERE Arts Center as part of Under the Radar. Family and band members Justin Hicks, Jade Hicks and Kenita Miller-Hicks to perform live in the studio. 

After a viral altercation at a recent production of "Mamma Mia," people might be thinking about theater etiquette, and how to address misbehavior without escalating the situation, or negatively impacting the theater experience. Larry Smiglewski is a Broadway production stage manager, and also a marriage and family therapist. He shares his thoughts on compassion, respect, and dealing with bad behavior in public settings, but especially at the theater. Plus, listeners call in to share their experiences. 

In the Broadway play "Marjorie Prime," an elderly woman named Marjorie (June Squibb) is struggling with dementia. In order to help her, Marjorie's daughter (Cynthia Nixon) and son-in-law (Danny Burstein) get Marjorie an artificially intelligent robot designed to look like a younger version of her late husband. But is relying on AI for your memories a good idea? Squibb, Nixon, and Burstein discuss the show, which is running through February 15.

Actor Tyler James Williams, who plays Gregory on "Abbott Elementary," discusses the latest season of the beloved sitcom. 

Long gaps between season finales and premieres have become standard across television. The Ringer senior editor Ben Lindbergh and journalist and data scientist Rob Arthur teamed up to write an article headlined "The Breaks Between TV Seasons Have Gotten Really Long." They break down why the annual release schedule is fading, what's driving longer waits between seasons, and how streaming, labor changes, and audience habits are reshaping the TV landscape.

The new film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" tells the story of the attempted rescue of Hind Rajab, a young girl who was stuck in a car in Gaza after every other family member in the car had been shot and killed. Rajab was on the phone with the Red Crescent Society for hours as they tried to send an ambulance to retrieve her. The film uses the real audiotapes of those calls, but uses actors to play the Red Crescent employees in a unique blend of fact and fiction. Director Kaouther Ben Hania discusses the film, which is playing in select theaters in New York.

In the new post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama, "Pluribus," author Carol Sturka, the most miserable person on Earth, must save the world from an extraterrestrial virus that forces happiness onto humanity. Actor Karolina Wydra plays Zosia, an infected human who serves as Carol's chaperone. She discusses her role, and the show's season finale.

Amanda Holden spent years working in Wall Street before she had an epiphany that she was just making rich people richer. She left to start her own company teaching everyday people how to invest. She discusses her first book, How to be a Rich Old Lady, which is a step-by-step guide on how to invest, even if you don't have a fat paycheck. She joins to discuss.

The Pan-Detroit Ensemble is the new band from native Detroiter, Grammy-winning producer and longtime Blue Note Records president Don Was. Their debut album, Groove In The Face of Adversity, was released this year and on Monday January 12 the group will perform at the Blue Note. Was joins us for a Listening Party.

"No Other Choice," the latest film from director Park Chan-wook, follows a recently laid-off father and husband who resorts to violent means to eliminate the competition as he hopes to reenter the workforce. The film is up for the Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy; Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy; and Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language. Park joins us.

250 years ago tomorrow, a relatively unknown colonist swept up in revolutionary fever, Thomas Paine, wrote and published a pamphlet called Common Sense, criticizing King George III of England. The document would be one of the most sold and circulated written works published in America, before or after independence, and helped tip the scales for Independence from Great Britain, which was realized just 6 months later. For the anniversary, Julie Silverbrook, vice president of Civic Education at the National Constitution Center, reflects on the legacy and present implications of "Common Sense."

[REBROADCAST FROM Dec. 1, 2025] A provocative re-imagining of Henrik Ibsen's classic play, “Hedda” stars Tessa Thompson as the aristocrat caught between a past love and a stifling marriage. Thompson and director Nia DaCosta discuss the film.

Following 2024's "All In: Comedy About Love," writer Simon Rich is back on Broadway with "All Out: Comedy About Ambition," a production of live readings of his short stories by featuring a rotating cast of all-star talent. He talks about the show, along with current cast members Cecily Strong and Beck Bennett.

NYC Winter Jazzfest will celebrate the 35.5 year legacy of legendary party promoter, record label and creative agency Giant Step on January 11 at Elsewhere. Giant Step founder Maurice Bernstein and DJ Nickodemus will join to preview the event.

The jazz collective Freedom Riders celebrates the history of the namesake civil rights activists as well as the musicians who advocated for equality. Their show ‘My Country 'Tis of Thee' will be part of NYC Winter Jazzfest at LPR on January 12 and features special guests including Arturo O'Farrill, Kurt Elling, and Samora Pinderhughes. The group performs live in WNYC's studio, fronted by vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles, who also discusses their music, and the event.Performer Credits:Carmen Staaf - pianoJoe Dyson - drumsNoah Garabedian - bassAlfredo Colon - alto saxMilena Casado - trumpet

What foods will be in, and what will be out, in 2026? Kim Severson, who covers food and food culture for the New York Times, joins to discuss her latest piece "How We'll Eat in 2026: More Caution, More Crunch." Plus, listeners share what food trends they like and dislike.

A recent YouGov poll found that nearly 40 percent of Americans did not read a single book in 2025. So 2026 is a perfect time to help turn that trend around, and get reading! All Of It and Get Lit producer Jordan Lauf discusses her most anticipated new books of the year. Plus, stay tuned for a very special announcement.

The singer-songwriter Annie DiRusso debuted this year with the album Super Pedestrian and already has a Tiny Desk concert under her belt. She performs live from WNYC's studios, and discusses her music.

"All the Walls Came Down" is a documentary short — short listed at the 98th Academy Awards — that provides a candid look at the aftermath of 2025's Eaton fire that devastated Alta Dena, California. Writer/director Ondi Timoner, who lost her own home in the fire, discuss the film and her own journey to rebuild, along with the director of My Tribe Rise, Heavenly Hughes, who is working to help neighbors rebuild.

Chris Duffy is an award winning comedian with experience working on comedy shows with Wyatt Cenac and John Oliver, and host of the podcast "How To Be A Better Human". He discusses his new book, Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy, which explores the science behind laughter, and why it is important. 

Condé Nast Traveler recently published a list of “The Best Places to Go in the US in 2026.” Associate director of articles Megan Spurrell shares their most budget and family friendly travel destinations.

Our January Get Lit with All Of It book club selection is the novel The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong. The story follows a young man named Hai who is struggling with addiction and mental health when he becomes the caretaker for an elderly woman with dementia. Vuong previews the the novel ahead of our January 20th event. Click here to grab your free tickets!

The Under the Radar Festival returns this year with more than 25 examples of groundbreaking stage productions from around the world.  The festival's co-creative directors Meropi Peponides and Kaneza Schaal preview the program, which begins tomorrow. 

Sometimes long lines for food can be worth it. Tammie Teclemariam, the Underground Gourmet columnist at New York Magazine, joins to discuss her piece "The Best Lines of 2025" and take calls from listeners who want to share what lines they think are worth waiting in.

Looking for a way to reset your mental health, and activate your brain in 2026? Dana G. Smith of the New York Times is spearheading a five day brain health challenge, with five different activities to help boost your brain. Smith discusses the project, and provides other tips for how to benefit your brain in the new year.

Five years ago today, a violent mob broke into the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Mary Clare Jalonick, a reporter for the Associated Press, discusses her new book, an oral history of January 6th, titled Storm at the Capitol: An Oral History of January 6th, and listeners share their memories and thoughts on the event.

What television shows and streaming series should we look forward to in the new year? Vulture TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk shares her recommendations.

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which marked the founding of the United States of America. Much important revolutionary history occurred right here in New York. To kick off our coverage of America's 250th birthday, Melissa Lauer, Manager of Education and Public Programs at the Fraunces Tavern Museum, paints a picture for us about what New York looked like in 1776, who lived here, and how the city viewed independence from Britain.

The new book The Sea Captain's Wife: A True Story of Mutiny, Love, and Adventure at the Bottom of the World tells the story of Mary Ann Patten, who became the first woman to captain a merchant ship in the 19th century after her husband fell ill in the midst of a voyage. Author Tilar J. Mazzeo discusses the book.

Michelle Williams is currently starring in an off-Broadway production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play '"Anna Christie." The show centers around Anna, a former sex worker and famous character in the history of American theater. The show's director Thomas Kail ("Hamilton"), who also happens to be Williams's husband, and actors Brian d'Arcy James, who playsChris Christopherson, and Mare Winningham who plays Marthy Owen, discuss their production of "Anna Christie," running at St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn through February 1.

[REBROADCAST FROM March 17, 2025] Actor Brian Tyree Henry discusses his starring role in the new series "Dope Thief." The show follows two friends who decide to pose as Drug Enforcement agents to rob a house, a decision that leads to unforeseen consequences. 

[REBROADCAST FROM March 13, 2025] The Hulu series “Paradise,” which is nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series, follows the twists, turns and mysteries in the wake of a president's murder. Two-time Emmy nominated actor Julianne Nicholson plays the world's wealthiest self-made woman, Samantha ‘Sinatra' Redmond, who has gained control and influence amid chaos. Nicholson reflects on the series for an All Of It Watch Party, and listeners share their thoughts about the show.