Mixed Media

The Dallas Book Festival is Sat., April 30 at the Dallas Public Library. We discuss Lauren Smart's piece on the city's ongoing ambitions to become a literary city. Also, culture critic Chris Vognar and arts and culture editor Christopher Wynn chat with Lauren about a UT Arlington English class that uses analytics to study the work of Jay-Z.

'Mixed Media' listeners get an exclusive first listen to co-host Christopher Wynn's new pop-up podcast, 'Strange.' In this debut episode, four Texans tell their true stories of an encounter with the strange. Author Virginia Savage McAlester reveals for the first time her chilling brush with the Boston Strangler. Investigative journalist Jeff Guinn takes us “creepy-crawling” with Charles Manson’s deranged Family. Novelist Merritt Tierce meets a very personal threat on her own front porch. And Jeffrey Cranor, co-creator of the hit podcast and novel, 'Welcome to Night Vale,' reminds us why we fear the woods at night. Learn more and see exclusive photos at guidelive.com/podcasts or check out two of the featured authors in the new 'Dallas Morning News' #LiteraryDallas interactive: http://interactives.dallasnews.com/2016/literary-dallas/

We dive into Ben Ratliff's new book 'Every Song Ever,' a listening guide for the age of musical plenty.

Dallas Morning News pop music critic Hunter Hauk, DMN culture critic Chris Vognar and Dallas Observer arts & culture editor Lauren Smart talk shop with DMN arts and culture editor Christopher Wynn about the new music (and old acts) they loved or hated at South by Southwest 2016.

Dallas Morning News culture critic Chris Vognar talks with 'Bernie' screenwriter and 'Texas Monthly' executive editor Skip Hollandsworth about Hollandsworth' new book 'Midnight Assassin,' the story of Austin's infamous serial killer.

The so-called 'Cliburn curse' is being recalled after a virtuoso pianist's wife was charged with killing their 2 daughters in a Fort Worth suburb. ' Dallas Morning News' contributing classical music critic Scott Cantrell discusses the strange tragedy and the even stranger story of the curse. Three previous Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winners have met tragic ends. Download more episodes of the Mixed Media podcast on iTunes.

Listen to 'Dallas Morning News' theater critic Nancy Churnin's conversation with actors Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw. From 1970's ‘Love Story’ to 2016's ‘Love Letters,’ feelings still linger between the friends and actors. O’Neal laughs, listens, teases and flirts with MacGraw throughout the conversation, talking about her beauty, love at first sight and the intensity of their chemistry, which neither knows quite how to explain. Follow Nancy Churnin on Twitter at @nchurnin and read more about 'Love Letters,' coming to AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas at dallasnews.com. Download more episodes of the Mixed Media podcast on iTunes.

Listen to 'Dallas Morning News' writer and 'Mixed Media' contributor Michael Granberry's exclusive conversation with 81-year-old screen icon Sophia Loren. Loren has shared the silver screen with Charlton Heston, Peter Sellers, Clark Gable, Marcello Mastroianni, Paul Newman, Cary Grant and Gregory Peck. But it's a director she remembers most fondly. Plus: Find out what Loren really things of that famous photograph of her staring incredulously at Jayne Mansfield's ample bosom. A print of the photo now hangs in Dallas restaurateur Shannon Wynne's Meddlesome Moth restaurant.

Dallas Morning News pop music critic Hunter Hauk files this audio report from Austin. "What you're hearing behind me is Sixth Street, South by Southwest," Hauk says. "The least melodic mashup of sounds you could ever hear — and it happens every year." In this report he touches on New York music producer and Tony Visconti (the man behind David Bowie's last album), Iggy Pop and also interviews Arlington, Texas country singer Maren Morris. The show ends with Morris' music. Follow Hauk on Twitter at @hausofhunter and see all of our coverage at guidelive.com/sxsw. Download more episodes of the Mixed Media podcast on iTunes. #SXSW

Even the Speed Metal band playing outside his Austin hotel room can't stop 'Dallas Morning News' culture critic Chris Vognar from filing his latest dispatch. Vognar reviews the new documentary 'Dream is Destiny' about Texas director Richard Linklater ('Boyhood,' 'Dazed and Confused'). He also reviews the new science fiction film 'Midnight Special' starring Adam Driver, Michael Shannon, Kirsten Dunst, and Joel Edgerton. Follow Vognar on Twitter at @chrisvognar and see all of our coverage at guidelive.com/sxsw. Download more episodes of the Mixed Media podcast on iTunes. #SXSW

Dallas Morning News culture critic and Mixed Media co-host Chris Vognar files his first short report from Austin's South By Southwest 2016. This episode, he talks 'Sidemen: Long Road to Glory' and 'Miss Sharon Jones!' Follow him on Twitter at @chrisvognar and see all of our coverage at guidelive.com/sxsw. Download more episodes of the Mixed Media podcast on iTunes. #SXSW

On today's show: Days before #OscarsSoWhite, Dallas Morning News interactive editor Dana Amihere has studied the last 20 years of Oscars acting data - she'll discuss the surprising results. We'll examine the "People Vs. O.J. Simpson" mini-series. Will Marcia Clark become a feminist icon? And how can literature shape and define a city? We'll discuss the takeaways from the recent 2016 Dallas Festival of Ideas.

We take a look a the life of David Bowie and the influences he had on local artist. We take a look at the Netflix serie "Making or a Murderer" and the buzz it has generated. We talk to co-owner of local book store Wild Detectives, Javier Garcia about running a successful book store.

On our final episode of 2015, we discuss the year in culture including our favorite books, movies, TV shows and, yes, podcasts; Dallas Morning News pop music critic Hunter Hauk joins us to talk memorable songs; and we offer our cultural predictions for 2016. Listen to the podcast at http://guidelive.com/podcasts or subscribe to Mixed Media on iTunes. Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MixedMediaPod

We talk with Dallas filmmaker Steven Pomerantz on his documentary "Taking Back Oak Lawn" after the latest string of attacks and robberies in the neighborhood. Then, a review of Spike Lee's "Chi-Raq," hitting theaters on Friday, December 4th. Finally, we chat with Dylan Key, one of the original founders of the popular "Shakespeare in the Bar."

We talk with Dallas native son Rhett Miller about the myth of being a rock star, his new album and his concert this Saturday. Then, how does placing art in a museum change its context? The 'Dallas Observer's Lauren Smith and 'Dallas Morning News' architecture critic Mark Lamster debate the Nasher Sculpture Center's 'Chalet Dallas.' Finally, a new documentary is giving a fresh look at the Black Panthers and the fervor of revolution. Plus: 'Real Housewives of Dallas' and our weekly recommendations.

Mixed Media's Christopher Wynn previews a segment from his pop-up podcast 'Strange' featuring a true short tale by 'Welcome to Night Vale' co-creator (and native Texan) Jeffrey Cranor. ​

On a special Halloween episode, North Texas author, ​'monster hunter​' and UFO expert Nick Redfern discusses the mysteries lurking around Dallas and beyond. Next, scary movies. We love them and so does ​'​Dallas Morning News​'​ staffer Dawn Burkes, who joins us to talk about the very best ones. Plus, we give our personal recommendations. Finally, we share a few of our own true ghost stories and have a roundtable discussion about the culture (and commercialization) of Halloween, from costumes and candy to tricks and treats.​ And don't miss our weekly touts of what to read, watch and listen to. ​

Writer, director and University of Texas at Dallas professor Thomas Riccio and actor Eddie Khan ​discuss "DP92," ​a new ​metaphysical sci-fi thriller from Dallas-based experimental performance group, Dead White Zombies. Next, the new trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens has gobbled up the known universe and pre-ticket sales are setting records. Is the intergalactic hoopla justified? Finally, ​it's #BackToTheFutureDay. ​We flash back to that scene in 1989's Back to the Future, Part II when Michael J. Fox arrives 30 years into the future in his DeLorean ​on Wednesday, Oct 21, 2015. How does the present compare? Plus, our weekly touts of what we're reading, watching and listening to.

Curator Aja Martin brings us inside Friday's Aurora Dallas art exhibition. Chris Vognar and DMN Books Editor Mike Merschel preview the Texas Book Festival, happening Saturday and Sunday in Austin. And Vognar breaks down the new monthly science fiction film series he created with the Dallas Film Society. Plus, our weekly touts.

Dallas composer Donald Fowler discusses the debut of his long-awaited Jack the Ripper-inspired musical, '#Creep.' 'Dallas Morning News' architecture critic Mark Lamster talks about museums, architecture and the #Nasher Prize. And 'FD' magazine's Christopher Wynn revisits his story about Dallas architect Russell Buchanan, who was wrongly suspected of raping and murdering an #SMU sorority girl in 1984 during #Texas-OU weekend. The story has been dramatized in a new investigative TV show called 'Suspicion.' What explains the ongoing fascination with this case and with murder entertainment in general? We’ll hash it out with help from 'Dallas Morning News' crime writer Tristan Hallman. Plus, our weekly touts.

'Tinker Belles and Evil Queens' author and SMU film professor Sean Griffin discusses the rise in LGBT themes and characters in entertainment and the new Queer cinema. Next, Dallas Contemporary's Justine Ludwig talks about her curatorial mission to add heat and international relevance to Dallas' art scene. Finally, we consider how guys use sports talk as a social safety net. How 'bout them Rangers? Plus, why James Franco and Stephen King are taking over downtown Dallas, Sean Griffin sings on-air and our weekly touts.

Award-winning poet and best-selling memoirist Mary Karr joins us to talk about her new book, 'The Art of Memoir.' Next, Dallas' Sarah Hamilton discusses directing Upstart Productions' new play, 'Dry Land', about female friendships and abortion. Finally, Chris Vognar talks with actor Matt Damon about his new movie, 'The Martian,' and the hosts consider why Damon is a great actor, but a terrible movie star. Plus, our weekly touts.

Dallas Morning News staff writer Avi Selk joins us to talk about his story that broke the internet involving a Muslim boy, a homemade clock, and handcuffs. Next, we journey into Dallas’ underground world of lucha lubra, the masked-and-costumed Mexican wrestling sport. Al Dia Writer Vianey Alderete and Dallas Morning News photographer Nathan Hunsinger talk about what they saw. Al Dia’s Tommy Cummings and Jorge Chavez tell us how this project became a bilingual, cross-departmental piece of journalism. Finally, have we got friends in low places? Yes, and his name is Hunter Hauk. The News' pop music critic explains why Dallas is still obsessed with country superstar Garth Brooks.

On this special episode of the Mixed Media podcast, Dallas Morning News writer Avi Selk discusses his story about Irving ninth-grader Ahmed Mohamed, a Muslim boy who was arrested for bringing to school a homemade digital clock that some thought was a bomb. Selk's story went viral and Ahmed is now a social media sensation — and an unwitting symbol. Selk talks candidly about the story, the reaction and what some are describing as America's Islamophobia problem.

Lauren Smart talks about her Dallas Observer cover story on how Dallas libraries are striving to survive in a digital world. (Hint: A library podcast called Street View for downtown's homeless citizens. We're not kidding.) Next, workout culture — is all of the stuff distracting us from actually working out? And is our fixation on having the perfect body making us unhealthy? Dallas Morning News healthy living writer Leslie Garcia gives us answers. Finally, what’s the deal with craft beer? GuideLive.com's Tiney Ricciardi says Dallas is obsessed with homegrown brews and a new community is emerging as a result. News books (and more) editor Mike Merschel guest hosts.

Host Chris Vognar calls in from the Venice Film Festival and Dallas independent filmmaker Jason Reimer takes his spot in the studio. We consider the continued fallout from that promotional video for Alpha Phi at the University of Alabama. (You know, the one with the blond sorority sisters laughing, blowing glitter from their hands and prancing in bikinis.) Turns out, it was shot by a 20-year-old Coppell High School grad who is now dealing with the aftermath of viral fame. Next, “Wanna see some shapes?” Shapes is the title of the zine by Dallas artist Randy Guthmiller, who has built a mini zine publishing empire for local artists. Guthmiller talks about what it all means in advance of the inaugural Dallas Zine Party. Finally, we point our microphones back at guest-host Jason Reimer for a lightening round of topics. He’ll tell us about the book he just optioned for a TV series about the Chitlin' Circuit, we’ll discuss reports that his crew may (or may not) be negotiating to take over the historic Lakewood Theater, and we’ll get an update on Dallas actor Harry Goaz’s return to David Lynch’s strange world of Twin Peaks, courtesy of Showtime. Plus: Our weekly recommendations.

Dallas Morning News staff writer Alan Peppard talks about his interview with Kidd Kraddick Morning Show co-host Jenna Owens for the September issue of FD magazine (including Owens’ racy Instagram account and her obsession with serial killers). Next, ready for a bunch more superhero movies? Us either. Good thing the fall movie season is here. We preview some of the films to see — and avoid — during Hollywood's prestige-film months and smack-talk about Matt Damon. Finally, is your house or apartment filled with books you don’t have room for and will never have time to read? Do you sometimes buy books just for the endorphin rush of buying books? Yes, us too. Chris Vognar writes about his little problem with books in the September issue of the design magazine, FD House. We do group therapy on-air. Plus, our weekly host touts.

On episode 13 of Mixed Media: Dallas royal Owen Wilson is taking his career down a new path in No Escape, a movie Wilson says being a father helped define. We talk about it all with writer Michael Granberry, who profiles the actor in a new story for The Dallas Morning News. Next, the epic music documentary trilogy, The Decline of the Western Civilization, screens this weekend at the Texas Theatre with director Penelope Spheeris in attendance. We discuss the impact of these three films, shot between 1979 and 1998, with FD magazine digital editor, Christopher Mosley, who credits them with inspiring his early freelance work in music journalism. Finally, obsessed fans of the 2001 cult classic film, Wet Hot American Summer, finally got their long awaited follow-up when Netflix recently released the TV series prequel: Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp. Was it worth reviving? GuideLive.com managing editor Amanda Wilkins joins us to talk about it. We’ll also consider other summer camp films and share our own memories of attending — or perhaps avoiding — camp."

We review the new film, 'Straight Outta Compton,' about the controversial rise and fall of Compton, California gangsta rap group N.W.A. Next, Dallas Morning News intern Emma Court joins us to discuss her essay for the Modern Love column in The New York Times, 'A Millennial’s Guide to Kissing.' Finally, digital separation anxiety. Our Christopher Wynn talks about going off the grid recently for a routine medical procedure that left him in an emotional tailspin. Has constant connection made it impossible for us to unplug or focus on the things that really matter?

On episode 11 of Mixed Media: Dallas filmmaker Barak Epstein talks about the 10th anniversary release of his campy sexploitation comedy Prison-A-Go-Go! Then, Dallas Morning News investigative journalist Doug Swanson discusses the paperback release of his book, Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker (including an update on the movie rights). Finally, we debate the art and artifice of the ghostwriter as we discuss Chris Vognar's profile of celebrity ghostwriter David Ritz.

On today’s show, Dallas Morning News pop music critic Hunter Hauk and News staff writer Brandon Formby help us overanalyze things. Formby attempts to explain “Deez Nutz” and how Snoop Dogg and Dallas' Central Expressway are involved. Then, the fifth edition of the homegrown indie music festival Gorilla Vs. Bear is this Friday with headliner Jamie xx. We talk about why this may be the smartest indie music showcase being produced today. Next, Podcast Movement, the world's largest podcaster conference hits Fort Worth this weekend. We get a preview with co-founder Dan Franks and talk about the state of podcasting today. Hunter Hauk will also tell us about his new “music-minded” podcast, "Listening." Finally, are introverts the new extroverts? A story in The New York Times style section declares being introverted is cool — and apparently big business. We break it down and even do our own Myers-Briggs Type Indicator exams.

​We geek out with Dallas Morning News super nerds Britton Peele and Mike Merschel. First, ​the group chats with ​'​Ready Player One​'​ author Ernest Cline about his new book​, 'Armada,' ​and what it feels like to have Steven Spielberg anoint you to supreme nerd status. Next, ​we consider ​the new movie Pixels starring Adam Sandler. Are the film’s retro arcade characters attacking the earth or our intelligence? You’ll find out. Finally, it’s joysticks-off as we reminisce about the video games of our youth and assess the state of gaming today​.

'Go Set a Watchman,' the much-hyped companion novel to Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' dropped yesterday amid Harry Potter levels of hoopla. We discuss the book, the backlash and how 'Watchman' may complicate Lee’s legacy. Next, we discuss why professional and aspiring writers alike are obsessed with the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference, which is back for its 11th edition this weekend in Grapevine. Finally, a new book and upcoming film pay tribute to legendary late comedian Richard Pryor. We’ll discuss these works and Pryor’s towering influence.

We discuss the new documentary, 'Nowitzki: The Perfect Shot,' about Dallas Mavericks superstar Dirk Nowitzki. Next, we learn some new tricks from Dallas magician Confetti Eddie, who is making waves in Exposition Park with his irreverent blend of magic, illusion, burlesque and sideshow. Finally, Lauren Smart advises us on the perfect Texas summer road trip to find great art.

Dallas Morning News restaurant critic Leslie Brenner and Al Dia managing editor Alfredo Carbajal join us to talk about producing the paper’s first-ever completely bilingual interactive about the rise of new-wave Mexican cuisine in Dallas. Next, we have our first repeat guest: Dallas Morning News architecture critic Mark Lamster is back to help us talk about televised sports as over-produced entertainment. Lamster will share his theory of the role Dallas played in creating the beast. Finally, we check in on Jurassic World. The fourth chapter of the dinosaur franchise looks to chomp and snort its way to box-office domination this weekend. But is it any good?

Nasher Sculpture Center director Jeremy Strick talks about the new exhibit by British artist Phyllida Barlow, ‘Tryst’, and the announcement of a $100,000 Nasher Prize for Sculpture. Next, thanks to historic flooding, the Trinity River is suddenly a hot cultural attraction. Dallas Morning News architecture critic Mark Lamster and Dallas Observer columnist Jim Schutze join us to talk about what happens when the waters recede. Finally, Chris Vognar just got back from this year’s BookExpo America in New York and will have a complete breakdown of the annual industry love-fest.

Author Jacob Silverman talks about his new book, 'Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection.' Next, Will Evans, the founder of Dallas indie publisher Deep Vellum is here to talk about what’s next with his growing literary arts powerhouse. Finally, we all went to The McKinney Avenue Contemporary (MAC) Saturday night to see Kitchen Dog Theater’s new play, 'The Firestorm.' We’ll go one-on-one — or, three-on-one — with the play’s director, Tina Parker. She’ll also tell us about her longtime work with Kitchen Dog and the group’s big upcoming move. Oh yes, and her role on that little TV series called 'Breaking Bad.'

Chris Harrison, longtime host of ABC’s hit shows 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette,' joins us in studio to talk about love, life and his debut romance novel, 'The Perfect Letter.' Joining us for that conversation is the new editor of 'The Dallas Morning News' — and a confirmed Bachelor-phile — Mike Wilson. Next, writer Michael Granberry will preview his upcoming story in 'The Dallas Morning News' about one man’s Indiana Jones-style adventure to track down and restore the original Pegasus sign, Dallas’ famous flying red horse. And, finally, the newspaper’s pop-music critic, Hunter Hauk, is here. He weighs in on the St. Vincent concert with Dallas Symphony Orchestra for the Soluna Festival. We’ll then talk about the songs of summer: What makes a good one? What are Hauk’s picks for this year’s contenders? The hosts share their personal favorites as well.

Dallas writer Sarah Hepola talks about her new memoir, 'Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget.' Then, physician and Dallas Morning News staff writer Seema Yasmin discusses her new story about the trend in so-called “intimate” plastic surgery for women. Is it just another cosmetic option or an example of how society and the media are preying on women’s insecurities? Finally, grab the popcorn, we’ll preview the latest crop of summer blockbuster films and talk about Hollywood's continued obsession with sequels and reboots. Also, our hosts overcome a huge technical glitch live on-air and where in Dallas to get your privates steamed.

Award-winning Texas writer Merritt Tierce talks bout her new profile FD magazine of transgender synthesizer artist Liz Larsen. Next, we talk about Ochre House Theater's new play, 'The Egg Salesman,' and consider the anomaly of the small theater company in Dallas. Finally, graphic designer and artist Rob Wilson is here to talk about his work on the hit podcast, 'Welcome to Night Vale,' and the new movie, 'Dirty Weekend.' He also reveals three final logos he designed for the Mixed Media podcast and the hosts pick their favorite on the show.