Podcast appearances and mentions of Terry Gross

Fifteen years after ‘The Book of Mormon' made its Broadway debut, original cast members Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad once again took the stage as Mormon missionaries — this time at the 2026 Tony Awards. The musical is a satirical — sometimes affectionate, sometimes offensive — look at Mormonism and youthful naïveté. Rannells and Gad spoke with Terry Gross about their first impressions of the show, how their voices have changed, and how the songs in 'The Book of Mormon' are a tribute to musical theater.Also, Clarke Peters played Det. Lester Freamon in ‘The Wire' and now plays a retiree in the supernatural thriller ‘The Boroughs.' He spoke to Terry Gross about both series, and about his continued work as an actor. “I picked this profession so that I would have longevity, so that I could still be acting at 100, if it comes to it,” he says. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Fifteen years after ‘The Book of Mormon' made its Broadway debut, original cast members Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad once again took the stage as Mormon missionaries — this time at the 2026 Tony Awards. The musical is a satirical — sometimes affectionate, sometimes offensive — look at Mormonism and youthful naïveté. Rannells and Gad spoke with Terry Gross about their first impressions of the show, how their voices have changed, and how the songs in 'The Book of Mormon' are a tribute to musical theater.Also, Clarke Peters played Det. Lester Freamon in ‘The Wire' and now plays a retiree in the supernatural thriller ‘The Boroughs.' He spoke to Terry Gross about both series, and about his continued work as an actor. “I picked this profession so that I would have longevity, so that I could still be acting at 100, if it comes to it,” he says. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

In the new film 'Pressure,' Scott plays an Army meteorologist advising military officials on the date for the D-Day invasion. He spoke to Terry Gross in 2024 about playing a killer conman in ‘Ripley' and the “hot priest” in ‘Fleabag.' Plus, we listen back to Terry Gross' 2003 interview with French-Iranian artist and writer Marjane Satrapi, who died June 4. Satrapi's groundbreaking graphic novel ‘Persepolis' introduced readers to life in Iran during the Islamic revolution and the Iran/Iraq war. And Justin Chang reviews ‘Disclosure Day.' See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

In the new film 'Pressure,' Scott plays an Army meteorologist advising military officials on the date for the D-Day invasion. He spoke to Terry Gross in 2024 about playing a killer conman in ‘Ripley' and the “hot priest” in ‘Fleabag.' Plus, we listen back to Terry Gross' 2003 interview with French-Iranian artist and writer Marjane Satrapi, who died June 4. Satrapi's groundbreaking graphic novel ‘Persepolis' introduced readers to life in Iran during the Islamic revolution and the Iran/Iraq war. And Justin Chang reviews ‘Disclosure Day.' See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Fifteen years after ‘The Book of Mormon' made its Broadway debut, original cast members Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad once again took the stage as Mormon missionaries — this time at the 2026 Tony Awards. Created and written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the duo behind ‘South Park'), along with veteran Broadway composer Robert Lopez, ‘The Book of Mormon' follows two young missionaries sent to try and bring Mormonism to a Ugandan village. The musical is a satirical — sometimes affectionate, sometimes offensive — look at Mormonism and youthful naïveté. Rannells and Gad spoke with Terry Gross about their first impressions of the show, mishaps onstage, and regretting their decision to leave when they did. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Fifteen years after ‘The Book of Mormon' made its Broadway debut, original cast members Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad once again took the stage as Mormon missionaries — this time at the 2026 Tony Awards. Created and written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the duo behind ‘South Park'), along with veteran Broadway composer Robert Lopez, ‘The Book of Mormon' follows two young missionaries sent to try and bring Mormonism to a Ugandan village. The musical is a satirical — sometimes affectionate, sometimes offensive — look at Mormonism and youthful naïveté. Rannells and Gad spoke with Terry Gross about their first impressions of the show, mishaps onstage, and regretting their decision to leave when they did. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Send us Fan MailHappy Pride Month! This is a very special episode recorded live at KALW,  a Bay Area public radio station where Erin is a freelance audio journalist. Jeff Hiller was in San Francisco for an event to promote his memoir Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success, and he joins Erin in front of a live audience to dish some behind the scenes stories on his epic Emmy win for Somebody Somewhere, why NPR's Terry Gross punked the cover photo of his book, what happened when he came out to his parents, why improv is revolutionary, and so...much...more!Buy Actress of a Certain Age here!Follow actor Jeff Hiller on IGListen to our past interviews with Jeff HERE and HERE. Support the showThanks for listening and for your support! We couldn't have won Best of the Bay Best Podcast in 2022 , 2023 , and 2024 without you!--Fight fascism. Shop small. Use cash. Fuck ice.--Support Bitch Talk here!Subscribe to our channel on YouTube for behind the scenes footage!Rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts!Visit our website! www.bitchtalkpodcast.comFollow us on Instagram, Threads, and SubstackListen every Monday at 7 am on BFF.FM

Peters' credits include police Detective Lester Freamon in ‘The Wire,' a Vietnam veteran in Spike Lee's ‘Da 5 Bloods,' and now a retiree in the supernatural thriller ‘The Boroughs' on Netflix. Peters spoke with Terry Gross about his long career on stage and screen, his singing voice, and why he relocated to London in the ‘70s. “I picked this profession so that I would have longevity, so that I could still be acting at 100, if it comes to it,” he says. Also, David Bianculli reviews the Apple 10-part miniseries ‘Cape Fear.'See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Show recorded on June 2, 2026: This week, the show's focus remains on the uncertain, on-again, off-again efforts to secure a ceasefire and broader agreement with Iran. Mike examines why negotiations have stalled and what challenges continue to stand in the way of a deal that could bring an end to the conflict. Drawing on analysis from Gerard Baker and Katy Balls of The State of It: USA, the episode explores the administration's ongoing search for a diplomatic solution and the political realities shaping talks with Tehran. The discussion also features insights from NPR's Terry Gross and former Obama administration official Ben Rhodes, who reflects on his experience helping negotiate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and other landmark diplomatic initiatives, offering perspective on current efforts involving Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The podcast also reviews several major stories making headlines: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's decision not to participate in the city's Israel Day Parade, an incident involving Dame Helen Mirren in London that authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime and the U.S. decision to place UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese back on its sanctions list. Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing to The Third Opinion Podcast!

Peters' credits include police Detective Lester Freamon in ‘The Wire,' a Vietnam veteran in Spike Lee's ‘Da 5 Bloods,' and now a retiree in the supernatural thriller ‘The Boroughs' on Netflix. Peters spoke with Terry Gross about his long career on stage and screen, his singing voice, and why he relocated to London in the ‘70s. “I picked this profession so that I would have longevity, so that I could still be acting at 100, if it comes to it,” he says. Also, David Bianculli reviews the Apple 10-part miniseries ‘Cape Fear.'See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

The great jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins died Monday at the age of 95. He was known for his improvisation and technique, his full bodied sound that could erupt into grunts and brays, and his love of songs. Rollins said of improvising: “When I'm actually on the stage and performing, the optimum condition is not to think. I just want the music to play itself. I didn't want to have to think about it.” We listen back to Terry Gross's 1994 interview with Rollins. Also, jazz historian Kevin Whitehead pays tribute. Finally, critic Justin Chang tells us about the highlights from the Cannes Film Festival. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Our friend Sam Fragoso returns to How Long Gone. He hosts the popular podcast Talk Easy, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary after being acquired by Obama's Higher Ground. We chat with him about cashew cream cheese, the White House UFC Freedom 250, Jason thinking Arlo Parks was four British guys, fitness wearable data monitoring, whether Sam gets recognized more with or without an N95 on, David Mamet walking out mid-pod, whether he's ever interviewed a politician who felt like a real human being, what happens when Terry Gross asks him to fill in on Fresh Air, and we debate whether there was ever a time when the food at the Chateau Marmont was considered good. instagram.com/samfragoso twitter.com/donetodeath twitter.com/themjeans howlonggone.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The great jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins died Monday at the age of 95. He was known for his improvisation and technique, his full bodied sound that could erupt into grunts and brays, and his love of songs. Rollins said of improvising: “When I'm actually on the stage and performing, the optimum condition is not to think. I just want the music to play itself. I didn't want to have to think about it.” We listen back to Terry Gross's 1994 interview with Rollins. Also, jazz historian Kevin Whitehead pays tribute. Finally, critic Justin Chang tells us about the highlights from the Cannes Film Festival. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Ben Rhodes was a speechwriter and Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama. He spoke with Terry Gross about his experience negotiating with Iran during his time in the White House, and his read of the current conflict. His new book, ‘All We Say,' is a collection of 15 speeches — from Ben Franklin to President Trump — about what it means to be American. He also reflects on collaborating with President Obama on one of his most impactful speeches, like the so-called "race speech." See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Ben Rhodes was a speechwriter and Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama. He spoke with Terry Gross about his experience negotiating with Iran during his time in the White House, and his read of the current conflict. His new book, ‘All We Say,' is a collection of 15 speeches — from Ben Franklin to President Trump — about what it means to be American. He also reflects on collaborating with President Obama on one of his most impactful speeches, like the so-called "race speech." See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Popstar Billie Eilish has a new 3D concert film that she co-directed with James Cameron. She and her brother and co-producer Finneas spoke with Terry Gross in 2024 about the album ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft.' Also, for Memorial Day, book critic Maureen Corrigan reflects on the history of pocket-size books that soldiers were given in WWII. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Popstar Billie Eilish has a new 3D concert film that she co-directed with James Cameron. She and her brother and co-producer Finneas spoke with Terry Gross in 2024 about the album ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft.' Also, for Memorial Day, book critic Maureen Corrigan reflects on the history of pocket-size books that soldiers were given in WWII. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Zayd Ayers Dohrn's mother, Bernardine Dohrn, was a leader of SDS, a student group protesting the Vietnam War. She also led a faction that broke away and became the Weather Underground, advocating armed resistance against the government. His father, Bill Ayers, was also an activist-turned-revolutionary. In a new memoir, Zayd wrestles with questions he had growing up, like if his parents were living underground and on the run from the FBI, why did they have kids? He spoke with Terry Gross.  Also, two-time National Book Award winning writer Jesmyn Ward (‘Salvage the Bones,' ‘Sing, Unburied, Sing') has a new essay collection on grief, motherhood, and survival. It's called ‘On Witness and Respair.' She spoke with Tonya Mosley. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Stephen Colbert's ‘Late Show' ended last night after 11 years. He spoke with Terry Gross in 2016 shortly after he took over from David Letterman. Before that, Colbert played a conservative persona in the vein of Bill O'Reilly on ‘The Colbert Report.' When he started ‘The Late Show,' out of character, he said, “I knew it would be a little bit of a public discovery. It's somebody else's joke, but life is like learning to play the violin in public. You don't know what you're doing until you do it.”Also we remember Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank, who died this week at age 86. The influential Democrat helped normalize being openly gay in public office. He spoke with Terry Gross in 2015.Also, John Powers reviews the horror-comedy Apple TV series ‘Widow's Bay.' See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Zayd Ayers Dohrn's mother, Bernardine Dohrn, was a leader of SDS, a student group protesting the Vietnam War. She also led a faction that broke away and became the Weather Underground, advocating armed resistance against the government. His father, Bill Ayers, was also an activist-turned-revolutionary. In a new memoir, Zayd wrestles with questions he had growing up, like if his parents were living underground and on the run from the FBI, why did they have kids? He spoke with Terry Gross.  Also, two-time National Book Award winning writer Jesmyn Ward (‘Salvage the Bones,' ‘Sing, Unburied, Sing') has a new essay collection on grief, motherhood, and survival. It's called ‘On Witness and Respair.' She spoke with Tonya Mosley. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Stephen Colbert's ‘Late Show' ended last night after 11 years. He spoke with Terry Gross in 2016 shortly after he took over from David Letterman. Before that, Colbert played a conservative persona in the vein of Bill O'Reilly on ‘The Colbert Report.' When he started ‘The Late Show,' out of character, he said, “I knew it would be a little bit of a public discovery. It's somebody else's joke, but life is like learning to play the violin in public. You don't know what you're doing until you do it.”Also we remember Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank, who died this week at age 86. The influential Democrat helped normalize being openly gay in public office. He spoke with Terry Gross in 2015.Also, John Powers reviews the horror-comedy Apple TV series ‘Widow's Bay.' See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Liv’s Secrets by Janet Levine https://www.amazon.com/Livs-Secrets-Janet-Levine-ebook/dp/B0BSZ5BBKH Janetlevine.com Liv’s Secrets is a passionately envisaged saga of one fictional South African Jewish family, the Weiszs, immigrants from Eastern Europe. One among a great wave of Jewish immigrants in the latter part of the 19th century, washing up mainly in America, but a wavelet of Lithuanian Jews on South Africa’s shores. Alongside the Weisz family, other characters inhabit the novel where historical figures interact with the fictional cast amid the background of South Africa’s racial turmoil and apartheid’s authoritarian iron fist. Not least of the characters is South Africa itself. Landscape of astonishing beauty and nature’s abundant flora and fauna. Decades pass, generations of Weisz family members play out the fully fledged saga-romance, first loves, lust, betrayal, true love, despair and elation, cruelty and evil, hope and fulfilment. In the background the chilling reality of World Wars and escalating racial tensions within South Africa that culminate in the bloody Sharpeville Massacre, March 1960, and its aftermath. From 1960, the saga pivots on the third generation, embodied by Liv Weisz. Five years earlier, a recent divorcee, passionate and headstrong, she heeds the call to become part of the resistance to the authoritarian White apartheid government. And pays an unimaginable price with resounding consequences for many characters, as the country itself undergoes seismic, racially evoked challenges. About the author Janet Levine is an award-nominated author of historical fiction and narrative nonfiction, and a journalist whose work explores South African history, human rights, and the enduring power of literature. She is widely recognized for writing that blends rigorous social history with compelling storytelling, appealing to both literary fiction readers and serious nonfiction audiences. Her latest novel, LIV'S SECRETS, nominated for the 2023 National Book Awards, is a Jewish historical fiction family saga set in South Africa between the 1880s and 1960s. The novel traces the life of Liv Weisz against the backdrop of apartheid-era South Africa, weaving a multigenerational historical narrative that brings personal identity, political change, and intimate human relationships into sharp focus. The book follows Inside Apartheid (1988), her best-selling and critically acclaimed nonfiction work that remains a key text on 20th-century South African history. Levine is also the author of influential nonfiction, including READING MATTERS: How Literature Influences Life, a widely praised work of literary nonfiction that examines how books shape thinking, empathy, and personal growth. Her nonfiction writing is frequently cited by educators, lifelong readers, and cultural commentators. A respected voice in literary and cultural discourse, Levine has been interviewed on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross and is a reviewer for the New York Journal of Books. Her work has reached international readers, and she is known for writing that resonates with book clubs, history enthusiasts, and intellectually curious readers. Born in South Africa, Janet Levine later immigrated to the United States. She is currently working on a memoir. More information about her books, essays, and ongoing work can be found on her website and Wikipedia author page.

"From my very first memories, I knew that the FBI was chasing us," Zayd Ayers Dohrn says. "My parents tried to explain it in terms [like] we were like Robin Hood or we were like the Rebel Alliance in Star Wars. So I knew in the way a kid knows that our lives were precarious." His mother, Bernardine Dohrn, was a leader of the '60s radical student group Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), which opposed the war in Vietnam and racism. Along with his father, Bill Ayers, she helped found the Weather Underground, a group committed to armed resistance against the government. Dohrn spoke with Terry Gross about his radical childhood on the run, visiting his mom in prison, and the questions he needed to ask his parents. His book is ‘Dangerous, Dirty, Violent, and Young: A Fugitive Family in the Revolutionary Underground.' See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

"From my very first memories, I knew that the FBI was chasing us," Zayd Ayers Dohrn says. "My parents tried to explain it in terms [like] we were like Robin Hood or we were like the Rebel Alliance in Star Wars. So I knew in the way a kid knows that our lives were precarious." His mother, Bernardine Dohrn, was a leader of the '60s radical student group Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), which opposed the war in Vietnam and racism. Along with his father, Bill Ayers, she helped found the Weather Underground, a group committed to armed resistance against the government. Dohrn spoke with Terry Gross about his radical childhood on the run, visiting his mom in prison, and the questions he needed to ask his parents. His book is ‘Dangerous, Dirty, Violent, and Young: A Fugitive Family in the Revolutionary Underground.' See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

With less than a week left until The Late Show goes off the air, we're remembering all of our favorite 'Late Show Vocab' moments from the 'Stephen Presents' series to celebrate the unique office culture that Colbert's staff & crew have built together! Enjoy this extra long, extra exclusive Pod Show introduction where Stephen Colbert and his producer Becca talk about carousels, The Knack, reading from a prompter, what it's like being interviewed by Terry Gross, and more behind-the-scenes thoughts and feelings that you won't hear Stephen talk about anywhere else! Then enjoy this beautiful, extended interview with radio icon Terry Gross, featuring stories from early in her life and career that we didn't have time to air on TV.This podcast introduction was recorded and released in February 2026. Terry Gross's interview originally aired January 8th, 2026.

Philip Caputo wrote the 1977 acclaimed and unflinching memoir ‘A Rumor of War,' about leading a Marine platoon during the Vietnam War. It taught him a painful truth. “I had discovered that I had a capacity to be violent and dark in my actions in a way that totally shocked me,” he told Terry Gross in 2005. He went on to become a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Caputo died May 7 at 84. Also, celebrated naturalist and nature documentarian Sir David Attenborough turned 100 this month. We listen back to his 1995 interview with Terry Gross about working in the field. John Powers reviews the new film ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin.'See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Tech writer Joanna Stern used AI to read medical results, respond to texts and serve as her therapist. She says her emotional connection to it was unsettling. Her new book is ‘I Am Not a Robot.' She spoke with Terry Gross.Also, TV critic David Bianculli reviews the new PBS special marking David Attenborough's 100th birthday. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Like the main character in his Booker Prize-winning novel 'Shuggie Bain,' writer Douglas Stuart grew up in Glasgow, working class, queer, and with a mother addicted to alcohol. His first career was in fashion, designing underwear for Calvin Klein. “Sometimes when I'm in an audience now and I feel a little nervous, I have a joke to myself and think, how many people in this audience have worn the underwear that you designed?” He spoke with Terry Gross about his new novel, ‘John of John.'Later, Richard Gadd, creator and star of the Netflix show ‘Baby Reindeer' talks with Tonya Mosley about his new series, ‘Half Man.' It's about two boys who become brothers when their mothers fall in love. They spend the next 30 years trying to survive each other.David Bianculli reviews the latest adaptation of ‘Lord of the Flies.'See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Like a number of his characters, Booker Prize-winning novelist Douglas Stuart grew up working class and queer in Glasgow. He went on to have a career in fashion, which plays into his latest novel, John of John. “It's hard to tell people about grief. It's hard to talk to people about poverty... and so I'd got very used to the silence in my own life, and my writing is the only thing that allows me to connect with myself,” Stuart told Terry Gross. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Flea co-founded the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1982. The bass/trumpet player spoke with Terry Gross about how his music and his life have changed. “Thank God I've changed. I was a lunatic. I was 19 going on 10.” He has a new solo jazz album called ‘Honora.' Also, we'll hear from Nick Offerman. He stars in the new series ‘Margo's Got Money Troubles,' about a bright college freshman who gets pregnant and decides to keep the baby. Offerman plays her estranged father, a former pro wrestler who comes back into her life to help. The ‘Parks and Rec' actor spoke with producer Ann Marie Baldonado about transforming for the role. TV critic David Bianculli will review Zach Galifianakis' new gardening show.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We remember conductor, composer and musician Michael Tilson Thomas, who died April 22 at age 81. He was a longtime music director of The San Francisco Symphony, known for his innovation, his ability to translate classical music for the general public, and for fostering contemporary music. He founded the New World Symphony for young players. He got his musical inheritance from his grandparents, who were stars of the Yiddish theatre. When he was a kid, his grandmother took him on stage and pointed up to the last row in the balcony, telling him: “Up there are the cheapest seats and in those seats are the people who love the show the most. Whatever you're doing you must remember that it must reach those people.” He spoke with Terry Gross in 1994 and 2012. John Powers reviews ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2.'See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

‘New Yorker' staff writer Elizabeth Kolbert says EPA chief Lee Zeldin has rescinded regulations, cut or eliminated departments and terminated the jobs of many scientists. Trump calls Zeldin "our secret weapon." The Pulitzer Prize-winning environmental journalist spoke with Terry Gross. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have sold tens of millions of albums and taken home multiple Grammy Awards. Now in his 60s, more than four decades after that band formed, Flea is releasing his first solo album. ‘Honora' is a jazz album that connects back to his childhood. The legendary bassist spoke with NPR's Terry Gross about some of his wild antics, his “blood bond” with his band, and finding beauty in the world.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Malala Yousafzai was 15 when a Taliban gunman shot her for advocating for girls' education in her native Pakistan. She understood that she was a target. “I had pictured it many times that this could happen. I had pictured it at school. I had pictured it in my school bus. I knew that the Taliban could do anything,” she told Terry Gross. Yousafzai won the Nobel Peace Prize when she was just 17 years old. In an interview from a live event onstage, she talks about her childhood before the incident and finding herself after being in the public eye for so long.Also, we hear from actor Oscar Isaac. He's currently starring in the Netflix series ‘Beef' and recently played Dr. Victor Frankenstein in Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of ‘Frankenstein.' Book critic Maureen Corrigan recommends three books for the spring: ‘Yesteryear,' by Caro Claire Burke; ‘American Fantasy,' by Emma Straub; and ‘Enormous Wings,' by Laurie Frankel.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

‘Schmigadoon!' is now on Broadway. Adapted from the Apple TV series that lovingly satirized musicals of the ‘40s and ‘50s, we'll hear from the co-creator, co-writer and songwriter of the series, Cinco Paul, who also wrote the book and songs for the Broadway show. He spoke with Terry Gross in 2021. Also, film critic Justin Chang reviews ‘Blue Heron.' See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

In ‘The Secret War Against Hate,' historian Steven J. Ross details the racist, anti-Semitic groups that sprung up after WWII, in the later half of the 20th century — and the spy network that worked to bring them to justice. He spoke with Terry Gross about that, and how it connects to the Dept. of Justice's recent indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

I've been a fan of actress and bestselling author Annabelle Gurwitch since I first read You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up. I've interviewed her on my podcast about her last book You're Leaving When? and then got lucky enough to publish her new book, The End of My Life is Killing Me through Zibby Publishing — which has now been on the USA Today bestseller list for two weeks! You might have seen Annabelle lately because she has been all over the media with shout-outs from and interviews with Bill Maher, Drew Barrymore, Terry Gross at NPR, and Jenna Fischer. The book is hilarious and heartbreaking, fast-paced, thought-provoking, and a must-read. Hear from Annabelle and me at Totally Booked: Live in New York. ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby's Important People! As a Z.I.P., you'll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby's Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai spoke with Terry Gross about bravery, marriage, and defying cultural norms. She was 15 when a Taliban gunman shot her, in response to her advocacy for girls' education. “When I look back, I'm like, yes, that was a crazy thing that I did. I put my life at risk. But, at the time, what scared me more was a life without an education as a girl. It terrified me.” See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Amanda Peet is in the new film ‘Fantasy Life' and the series ‘Your Friends & Neighbors.' In a recent piece in ‘The New Yorker,' she wrote about being diagnosed with breast cancer while both of her parents were in hospice. “I didn't really have that ‘why me?' thing. Maybe because I am Jewish and am always waiting for that other shoe to drop. In this case it was three shoes,” she told Terry Gross. Also, we'll talk about Toni Morrison with Harvard professor Namwali Serpell. She says no matter how many times she returns to Morrison's work, she finds something new.  She's still haunted by the last sentence of the novel ‘Sula.' “When that sentence comes into my life, whether I'm reading it to teach, whether I'm rereading it to write, whether I'm reading it out loud, even just now, tears always spring to my eyes," Serpell says. She spoke with Tonya Mosley.   David Bianculli reviews the new Apple TV series ‘Margo's Got Money Troubles.'See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We celebrate the 80th birthday of the filmmaker known as ‘The Pope of Trash' and ‘The Prince of Puke,' John Waters. He's spent a career violating taboos and pushing boundaries. His films include the cult classic ‘Pink Flamingos' and the relatively mainstream ‘Hairspray,' which was adapted into a hit Broadway musical. He spoke with Terry Gross in 2014 and 2019. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Amanda Peet is always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Except last year there seemed to be three different shoes, as she faced her parents' deaths and a breast cancer diagnosis. Peet spoke with Terry Gross about her “Season of Ativan,” navigating middle age in Hollywood, and her memories of Diane Keaton from the set of ‘Something's Gotta Give.' Peet stars in the new film ‘Fantasy Life' and in the Apple TV series ‘Your Friends & Neighbors,' now in its second season. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Arsenio Hall grew up in Cleveland dreaming of being the next Johnny Carson – kind of. “I wanted to do this show that didn't exist when I was a kid, and I knew the talent was out there.” Hall spoke with Tonya Mosley about his groundbreaking talk show, ‘The Arsenio Hall Show,' and why he decided to end it, despite its massive success.  Before he was a comic, producer and the “roastmaster,” Jeff Ross was a kid growing up in his family's kosher catering hall in New Jersey, serving weddings and bar mitzvahs. “My bar mitzvah was like something between a Super Bowl halftime show and like something Saddam Hussein would throw for one of his kids,” he tells Terry Gross. Ross shows his more vulnerable, introspective side in his new Netflix comedy special, ‘Take a Banana for the Ride.' To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist St. Vincent is known for her powerful guitar riffs and dark, poetic songs. Her early influences were Nirvana and David Bowie. “I've always felt like gender and identity were a performance. I've been aware of that since I was a young child and learning how to code switch growing up in Texas,” she told Terry Gross in 2024. She's backed by an orchestra at London's Royal Albert Hall on her new live album.  Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews Nancy Foley's debut novel ‘I am Agatha,' and TV critic David Bianculli reviews the brief return of the TV sitcom ‘Malcolm in the Middle.' To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

In 2020, writer Annabelle Gurwitch went to urgent care for a COVID-19 test and learned she had stage 4 lung cancer. She writes about life as a "cancer slacker" in her memoir, ‘The End of My Life is Killing Me.' The humorist spoke with Terry Gross about facing her mortality, divorce, and going on a tour with her boyfriend and a young heavy metal band.Also, John Powers reviews the Nordic noir series ‘Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole' on Netflix. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Known for his ruthless celebrity roasts, Ross turns inward in his Netflix special, ‘Take a Banana for the Ride,' which details the loss of his parents and grandfather. The comic spoke with Terry Gross about working at his family's catering business, his breakthrough ‘Letterman' set, and living with alopecia. And, upon Terry's request, he roasts her. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

As a gay, atheist teenager in El Salvador, Julio Torres felt like an alien. He was legally labeled “alien” when he came to the U.S. on a student visa, and then tried to get a work visa.  The comic/filmmaker drew on those experiences to write, direct, and star in the satirical film, ‘Problemista.' He spoke with Terry Gross in 2024 about immigrant stress, his odd form of comedy, and why he's attracted to difficult people. “I don't see difficult people as nightmares to escape. I'm really drawn to them like a moth to a flame,” he says. His new comedy special on HBO is called ‘Color Theories.' Also, film critic Justin Chang reviews ‘The Drama.' To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We remember martial arts champion turned Hollywood action hero Chuck Norris, who died last week at age 86. In addition to his many kung fu and action films, he was the star of the long-running TV show, ‘Walker, Texas Ranger.' He spoke with Terry Gross in 1988 about the karate he learned while stationed in Korea. Also, we remember Tex-Mex musician Augie Meyers of the Texas Tornadoes, who died March 7 at age 85.  His signature sound was created on the vox organ, an instrument made in Britain. When he went to England in the ‘60s he got a call at his hotel. “George Harrison and John Lennon called the hotel and wanted me to come to the studio because they wanted to see how they had a vox organ but they couldn't get the sound I had out of mine,” he told Terry Gross in 1990. Justin Chang reviews the film ‘Miroirs No. 3' and David Bianculli reviews ‘Marshals' and ‘The Madison.' To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In his second term, President Trump has ordered the removal of monuments, plaques and exhibitions related to slavery, and the history of racial injustice in the U.S. Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson has been working to ensure evidence of America's painful past is not erased. His organization, the Equal Justice Initiative, founded the Legacy Museum to show us the truth of our history. “You can't get the beautiful ‘R' words, like redemption and reconciliation and restoration and repair, unless you first tell the truth,” he tells Terry Gross.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Harrison Ford spoke with Terry Gross about his role in the Apple TV series ‘Shrinking,' as a therapist who has Parkinson's Disease. He also talks about how he landed the role of Han Solo in ‘Star Wars.'Also, we'll hear from British novelist Francis Spufford. His new book, ‘Nonesuch,' follows a young woman in WWII London trying to survive the Blitz, navigate romance, and fight time-traveling fascists. He spoke with Executive Producer Sam Briger.Critic David Bianculli reviews the new film ‘Peaky Blinders,' which is a follow up to the hit British TV series starring Cillian Murphy. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

With the Strait of Hormuz blocked, policy expert Karim Sadjadpour says the war in Iran is becoming increasingly complicated: "I don't think President Trump ... understood what he was getting into." Sadjadpour spoke with Terry Gross about the historical context of the conflict, the four priorities for the U.S. government, and the likelihood of escalation to WWIII. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy