All Of It

The epic and challenging novel Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace turns 30 this month. It's a novel that has become a kind of statement piece. Finishing it earns the reader bragging rights, and inspires much discussion-- but what does it mean 30 years later? Author Hermione Hoby discusses her piece in The New Yorker, "'Infinite Jest' Has Turned Thirty. Have We Forgotten How to Read It?"

For over 20 years, truck driver Joe Macken worked to make a model of New York City, building by building, block by block. He finished in 2025, and after his kids encouraged him to post about the project online, Macken quickly went viral, garnering millions of views. The result of that publicity is a new exhibit open at the Museum of the City of New York, 'He Built This City: Joe Macken’s Model,' which displays Macken's creation in full for the first time in New York City. Macken discusses his inspiration for the project alongside curator Elisabeth Sherman.

Last week the Washington Post's workforce was cut by 30%, laying off over 300 employees, including entire sections of the storied paper. NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik joins to discuss the layoffs, and the state of legacy journalism in the Trump era.

Cinematographer Adolpho Veloso earned an Oscar nomination for his work on "Train Dreams," the story of a man working on railroad construction in the Pacific Northwest. He discusses shooting the film, which has received accolades for its stunning visuals. This interview is part of our ongoing Oscars series "The Big Picture," featuring interviews with craftspeople working behind the scenes to make movie magic.

From February 13 to 19, Film at Lincoln Center will present “Looking for Ms. Keaton,“ a retrospective film series honoring the late Diane Keaton. FLC programmer Maddie Whittle joins us to preview the series and take calls from listeners on their favorite Diane Keaton performances.

Legalized sports betting has changed professional sports in profound ways, including the Super Bowl, and the ongoing Winter Olympics. Some sports fans and professional athletes are unhappy about the impact betting has had. Danny Funt, author of the new book Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling, discusses how sports betting will continue to change the face of athletics.

Fresh off his Album of the Year Grammy win, Bad Bunny took the most popular stage as this year's Super Bowl halftime show performer. NPR Alt.Latino co-host Anamaria Sayre reviews the performance, and listeners share their favorite parts of Bad Bunny's halftime show.

As a fun as a birthday party can be for a child, the event can be just as stressful for a parent. There are many ways to throw a kid's birthday party, with varying levels of expense, different themes, and activities. Anna Fader, founder of the family activity website Mommy Poppins, andJody Mercier, Mommy Poppins NYC regional editor, discuss how to throw the right birthday party as a parent, and listeners share their party planning successes and questions.

Film editor Andy Jurgensen had a lot to contend with when working on Paul Thomas Anderson's acclaimed film 'One Battle After Another.' He had to edit chase scenes, make sure the comedy of the story came through, and showcase many powerhouse performances. His work earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Editing. Jurgensen speaks about putting the movie together as part of our ongoing series "The Big Picture," spotlighting Oscar nominees who work behind the camera.

When people think of America's war for independence, they often think of "the shot heard 'round the world" in Concord. But just weeks after the Declaration was signed, British forces clashed with the Continental army in Brooklyn, and New York City became a battleground, and subsequently wound up under British control for several years. Dominique Jean-Louis, chief historian at the Center for Brooklyn History, talks about their new exhibit "The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered," on display at the CBH through the end of 2026.

[REBROADCAST FROM September 22, 2025] A new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art spotlights the work of John Wilson, a Boston-born artist who dedicated his career to creating art about the Black American experience. Curators Jennifer Farrell and Leslie King Hammond discuss "Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson," which is showing at the Met through February 8, 2026.

The exhibit "Noguchi's New York" explores how Isamu Noguchi relationship with New York transformed the city even when thwarted by Robert Moses. It displays a survey of 50 of his works and animations of projects that were never realized. Noguchi Museum curator Kate Wiener & museum director Amy Hau discuss the exhibit, and the historical impact of the groundbreaking designer.

In 2023, NYC musician and venue owner Jesse Malin suffered a spinal stroke that paralyzed him below the waist. Through physical therapy, he can now cover short distances with the help of a walker. And starting later this month, he'll take the stage and share the story of his recovery in a new off-Broadway show called "Silver Manhattan." He previews the show and performs live in studio.

The 2026 Winter Olympics kick off this Friday. Matt Futterman, New York Times sports reporter shares the latest news as the city of Milan prepares for the events, which world-class athletes he'll be watching closely, and more. Plus, listeners call in to talk about their relationship with the Olympics, and what events they're most looking forward to watching. 

Protein bars, shakes, and snacks now line grocery shelves, turning a basic nutrient into a booming food trend. Alice Callahan, a nutrition and health reporter for The New York Timesand and Dr. Rekha Kumar, an associate professor of Clinical Medicine and Attending Endocrinologist at Weill Cornell Medicine explains why protein matters for the body, how much people actually need, and how food companies transformed it into big business.

While most people know Roald Dahl from his beloved books like Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and BFG, not as much is known about his life away from writing. A new documentary podcast looks at his history as a fighter pilot, intelligence officer and his work in science. Host and creator Aaron Tracy discusses "The Secret Life of Roald Dahl."

Growing up provides natural environments for friendship: school, summer camp, sports teams or other extracurricular activities. But adulthood provides a different challenge for making friends. Writer Laura Regensdorf is the author of a new article in The New York Times Style Magazine, 'How to Make Friends as an Adult,' with tips for finding meaningful relationships and expanding your social circle. Regensdorf speaks more about her own experience and what she's learned, and listeners share their keys to adult friendship.

The sound design team behind the blockbuster "F1" has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound. Supervising sound editors Al Nelson and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and re-recording mixerJuan Peralta discuss the complicated process of capturing the sounds of a Formula One race, collisions and all. This interview kicks of our annual "Big Picture" series highlighting Oscar nominees who worked behind-the-scenes to make movie magic in 2025.

[REBROADCAST FROM June 11, 2025] Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr's third album, Bloom is "a love letter to relationships of all types." He discusses his love for classic 90's film, incorporating 00's R&B aesthetics, and other inspirations for the album.

Many people lack clear, reliable information about fertility when hoping to have a child. Dr. Lucky Sekhon, a New York based fertility specialist and author ofThe Lucky Egg: Understanding Your Fertility and How to Get Pregnant Now, explains how pregnancy actually works, debunks social media myths, highlights male fertility, and reframes fertility knowledge as empowerment, not pressure.

A new PBS documentary series focuses on the intertwined relationships between the Black and Jewish communities in America throughout the centuries. Directors Phil Bertelson and Sara Wolitzky discuss the documentary, "Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History," which premieres on PBS on February 3.

This year marks a big change the life of the Sundance Film Festival. Founder Robert Redford died in 2025, and 2026 is the final year that the festival was held in Park City, Utah, before moving to Boulder, Colorado. Senior entertainment writers at The Hollywood Reporter David Canfield and Mia Galuppo discuss their new piece, "The Ultimate Sundance Oral History: 'Screaming, Crying and Almost Throwing Up,'" what the festival has meant to indie film in America, and what the future may hold. Plus, listeners share their own experiences with Sundance.

Pancakes are an enigma. The fluffy breakfast item can easily be made dry, underdone, or overmixed. The Infatuation has compiled a new list of the best pancakes in New York, including the viral cakes served at Golden Diner. Infatuation NYC editor Sonal Shah and staff writer Willa Moore tell us where to get the best pancakes, and listeners share their favorite spot.

This Black History Month is of particularly historical importance, as 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Month's founding by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Dr. Karsonya "Kaye" Wise Whitehead is the current president of ASALH, as well as a professor and the founding executive director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice at Loyola University Maryland. Dr. Kaye discusses 100 years of Black History Month, and how she's reflecting on the history of ASALH this February.

On this Groundhog day what is old is new again. Relying on second-hand clothing is becoming more popular. Some people do it to save the environment, others to engage with their communities.  Some simply do it for the fashion. JournalistEmily Stochl reports on the latest trends, shopping tips, and maintenance tricks and discusses how Vintage dealers are building mutual aid networks in Minnesota.  

Actors Emma D'Arcy and Tobias Menzies star in the new play "The Other Place," a modern adaptation of the classical play "Antigone." They discuss the show, running at the Shed from January 31 through March 1. 

Author Angela Flournoy joins to discuss her new novel, The Wilderness, which follows 20 years of friendship in the lives of a group of Black women in New York and Los Angeles. It's is a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, as well as this month's selection for our Get Lit with All Of It book club.

Brenda Williams was a Chief Diversity Officer at New York Public Radio for 29 years before retiring last February. In her next chapter, Brenda has written a children's book,Worthy and Wonderful: A Celebration of Girls Who Matter, inspired by her granddaughters, Kaehla, Demi, Dala, and Dior. Brenda Williams returns to WNYC to talk about her book.

This year marks the centennial of the Schomburg Center, and to celebrate, they've released a new book list titled '100 Black Voices: The Schomburg Centennial Reading List,' with contributions from WNYC's own Alison Stewart. Maira Liriano, associate chief librarian of Schomburg Center's Jean Blackwell Hutson's Research & Reference Division (and the curator of the list), and Brian Jones, NYPL's senior director of reading and engagement, discuss the authors and books featured on the list, and listeners  share their favorite books from Black authors. 

This Sunday, the Grammy Awards will recognize some of the past year's best music. Associated Press music reporter Maria Sherman talks about the nominated tracks and albums, and previews the event.

Tomorrow from 11am to 7pm, some of the arts' biggest names including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sara Bareilles and Constance Wu will appear on the steps of The Public to perform and protest in solidarity with the people of Minnesota. We speak to Saheem Ali and Alexa Smith, the associate artistic directors of The Public about "The People's Filibuster."

The new book Pride and Pleasure: The Schuyler Sisters in an Age of Revolution tells the story of Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler, sisters in a prominent New York family in Revolutionary America (and of course the stars of "Hamilton"). Author Amanda Vaill discusses the book as part of our ongoing biography series 'Full Bio.' In today's installment, hear about Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. 

Yiddish culture has a long history in New York, and an ongoing presence in contemporary city life. Henry Sapoznik, author of the book, The Tourist's Guide to Lost Yiddish New York City, discusses some of the hidden history of Yiddish life in New York, and listeners share their favorite corner and memories of Yiddish New York history.

The New York City region has been experiencing heavy snow and frigid temperatures. That means it's a great time to hibernate at home and cook a simmering, layered broth of soup. For the next installment of our Small Stakes, Big Opinions debate series, Melissa Clark, New York Times food reporter and recipe columnist, talks about making the best soup at home, gives us a a few soup recipes to consider, and listeners share what they think is the best soup and why.

The new book Pride and Pleasure: The Schuyler Sisters in an Age of Revolution tells the story of Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler, sisters in a prominent New York family in Revolutionary America (and of course the stars of "Hamilton"). Author Amanda Vaill discusses the book as part of our ongoing biography series 'Full Bio.' In today's installment, hear about Angelica Schuyler Church and the 'charged' letters she exchanged with her brother-in-law, Alexander Hamilton. 

A new book tells the story of how famed baseball player Jackie Robinson ended up testifying in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee to speak against fellow Black athlete, musician, and actor Paul Robeson. Author Howard Bryant discusses his book, Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America. Bryant will be speaking Thursday evening at the Jackie Robinson Museum.

Last fall, Bari Weiss, former New York Times columnist and creator of The Free Press, was hired as the editor-in-chief of CBS News. The hiring came soon after Paramount, CBS's parent company, was purchased by David Ellison, whose father is a supporter and adviser to President Trump. New Yorker staff writer Clare Malone has written a new piece, "Inside Bari Weiss’s Hostile Takeover of CBS News," based on her reporting on the changes happening within CBS News since Weiss was hired. Malone discusses her findings and takeaways on the state of one of America's most storied newsrooms.

The new book Pride and Pleasure: The Schuyler Sisters in an Age of Revolution tells the story of Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler, sisters in a prominent New York family in Revolutionary America (and of course the stars of "Hamilton"). Author Amanda Vaill discusses the book as part of our ongoing biography series 'Full Bio.' In today's installment, hear how the Schuyler family made their fortune in colonial New York, and about Margarita "Peggy" Schuyler.

Actor Katherine LaNasa returns to her Emmy-winning role as Nurse Dana on the HBO Max medical drama "The Pitt." She discusses Season 2, which sees Dana return to the ER even after declaring she was going to quit at the end of Season 1.

Booker Prize-winning writer George Saunders returns with his first novel since Lincoln in the Bardo. Vigil follows an oil CEO on his death bed, and the spirit of a woman who had descended to help guide him through death. Saunders discusses the novel, out now.

Forty years ago today, the Challenger Space Shuttle broke apart in the sky, killing everyone on board. Adam Higginbotham, author of the book Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space, discusses how things went so wrong, and the aftermath of the disaster. Plus, listeners share their memory of Challenger. 

[REBROADCAST FROM March 7, 2025] Before the 1985 Grammy Awards, no women had ever been nominated for Producer of the Year. Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman became the first as part of Prince and the Revolution, though still no woman has ever won the award. Wendy & Lisa discuss their career as part of our series Equalizers: Women in Music Production. We also get a special visit from Susan Rogers, a veteran audio engineer who worked for years with Prince and on a number of Wendy & Lisa's albums.

The trailblazing musician Prince died 10 years ago this coming April. On the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 27, The Schomburg Center in Harlem will be screening the iconic concert film "Prince and the Revolution Live," along with a talkback event to follow with an ethnomusicologist, a curator from the Schomburg, and NYU's De Angela Duff, who previews the event on the air, discusses Prince's artistry, and takes calls from listeners sharing their favorite memories of the music.

From the flavorful broths, to endless combinations of thinly sliced meats, vegetables, and noodles, hot pot has something for everyone. And it doesn't always have to mean dining out. You can host a hot pot party at home! James Beard-award winning chef Natasha Pickowicz takes us into the world of hot pot in her new book, Everyone Hot Pot: Creating the Ultimate Meal for Gathering and Feasting, and listeners share their favorite hot pot combinations.

Premiering today on Holocaust Remembrance Day, as part of PBS's American Masters series, the new documentary "Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire" captures the life of the human rights activist and Night author. Director Oren Rudavsky and Wiesel's son Elisha Wiesel, discuss the film, and the life of the influential survivor.

For our January Get Lit with All Of It book club event, Ocean Vuong requested he be accompanied by musical guest Quinn Christopherson, a Tiny Desk contest winner, who flew in from Alaska overnight to perform some new music, live.

We air our live conversation with Ocean Vuong from our January Get Lit with All Of It book club event. We spent the month reading his novel, The Emperor of Gladness.  

Did your parents have a lot stuff? After parents pass away, figuring out what to do with all of their possessions could be a full time job. And deciding what to keep, give away, or throw away, can take a lot of emotional strength. Becky Robison, author of My Parents Are Dead: What Now? A Panic-Free Guide to the Practicalities of Death, gives some advice on how to sort through a parent's possessions after they pass away, or have a conversation with a parent to help them make a plan before they pass. Plus, listeners share their personal experience and questions.

New York is coping with several inches of snow over the weekend. Weather forecaster John Homenuk, founder of New York Metro Weather, recaps how the storm hit the tri-state area, and listeners share how they spent their snow day, and reflect on their memories of famous blizzards of New York past.

In 1986, Philip Glass released the album Songs from Liquid Days, which he called "a voyage of discovery" into the art of songwriting, working with lyricists like David Byrne, Paul Simon and Suzanne Vega and featuring vocalists including Linda Ronstadt and the Roches. On Sunday, Lincoln Center will celebrate the album's 40th anniversary with the organization New Latin Wave and the Philip Glass Ensemble. Featured vocalists Sasha Gutiérrez, Melisa Bonetti, and Kayla Viviana join us to preview the concert and perform excerpts from the song cycle.

The new multi-part documentary "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!" tells the story of the life and career of the comedy legend and celebrated director, from "Blazing Saddles" to "Spaceballs." Michael Bonfiglio, who directed the documentary with Judd Apatow, discusses the film, and listeners weigh in with their favorite Mel Brooks films.

New Yorker Jane August is making it her mission to visit every museum in New York. Not just the Met, or MoMA, but museums spread throughout the five boroughs, including smaller, less appreciated museums on more niche subjects. August discusses her project, and listeners share their favorite lesser-known museum in the city.

New research suggests there are certain sports that are better for improving longevity than others. Simar Bajaj, New York Times reporting fellow discusses his reporting, and listeners call in to share the athletic activities that keep them feeling good.

In the recent adaptation of the classical play "Oedipus," actor Mark Strong stars as the titular character, a politician who is about to win a major election. Audiences meet Oedipus in his campaign office with his family and his "wife," as disturbing revelations cause him to unravel. Strong discusses "Oedipus," running through February 8.

In the Broadway revival of the Tracy Letts play "Bug," Namir Smallwood stars as Peter, a kind but paranoid man who begins living in an Oklahoma motel with a woman named Agnes (Carrie Coon). Soon, they both begin to descend into the world of conspiracy theories as Peter begins to become convinced that their room is being bugged. Smallwood discusses the play, which is running through February 22.

In 2025, rapper and producer Sean "Diddy" Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution in a trial that captured the attention of the nation. But while Combs was acquitted of the more serious charges leveled against him, more people have come forward to share their experiences with the controversial figure. The new documentary series "Sean Combs: The Reckoning" provides an in-depth look at the life and career of Combs, going back to his roots in Harlem, his role in the East Coast/West Coast rap battles of the 1990s, and his alleged abuse of women throughout his life. Director Alexandria Stapleton discusses the documentary, which is available to stream now on Netflix.

What happens when you're a performer and your body doesn't work the way it used to? This question and many more are addressed through a new production as part of the Under the Radar festival. It's called "Watch Me Walk" and it is performed by Anne Gridley, who also wrote it and has hereditary spastic paraplegia. Gridley, along with director Eric Ting, talk about play, which is showing at the Soho Rep through February 8th.

Terrance Cummings’ 'Art for Change' at the Arts Council of Princeton explores race, class, and shared humanity through vibrant, layered artwork. The exhibition sparks dialogue, challenges perceptions, and runs through Feb. 7th.

Musah Swallah’s pop-up exhibit, 'Between Worlds,' at Ethan Cohen Gallery blends Ghanaian and Western art through vibrant paintings on canvas, wood, and cork, inviting viewers into a cultural dialogue. The show runs through the end of the month.

A new art exhibition from visual artist Gideon Appah reflects everyday life in Ghana. The show is called, “Beneath Night and Day,” on display now at Pace Gallery through Saturday, February 28th.

The new documentary "Queen of Chess" puts the spotlight on Judit Polgár, a Hungarian child chess prodigy who sought to become a champion in a game dominated by men. Judit Polgár and director Rory Kennedy join to discuss the documentary, which premieres at the Sundance Film Festival and will be available to stream soon on Netflix.

Quinn Christopherson flew all the way from Alaska to join us last night as the Get Lit musical guest with Ocean Vuong. The NPR Tiny Desk winner talks more about his work, and his album, Write Your Name In Pink, plus new music.

The 1984 shooting of four Black teens by Bernie Goetz was one of New York City's defining moments. Four decades later, we are still grappling with issues it raises about race, gun rights, and vigilantism -- and why we so often resort to violence in order to make ourselves feel safe. CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams, author of the new book Five Bullets: The Story of Bernie Goetz, New York's Explosive '80s, and the Subway Vigilante Trial That Divided the Nation, discusses the events and their aftermath.

'The Future Was Then: The Changing Face of Fascist Italy' at Poster House explores how Mussolini’s government shaped art and culture through Futurist-inspired propaganda. Photographer and curator B.A. Van Sise discusses the exhibition, on view through Feb. 22.

Natchez explores a small Mississippi town where history and memory collide, following residents grappling with a past that shapes the present. Director Suzannah Herbert discusses the film, which opens at Film Forum on Friday, Jan. 30th. 

Blended families face unique challenges, including loyalty conflicts and differences in parenting. Psychologist Dr. Patricia Papernow discusses how step-families work, why tension is common, and what helps relationships grow, as listeners share their own blended family experiences.

[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.

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:

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.