Film offers 'Hard Truths' about why some people are happy — and others are miserable
Marianne Jean-Baptiste gives a phenomenal performance as a profoundly unhappy woman. There isn't a lot of plot, but director Mike Leigh builds his stories from the details and detritus of daily life.
Remembering essayist Joan Didion, a keen observer of American culture
Didion, who died Dec. 23, was known her cool, unsentimental observations. Her books include Slouching Towards Bethlehem and The Year of Magical Thinking. Originally broadcast in 1987 and 2005.
How Dan Bongino is building a right-wing media infrastructure in time for 2024
New Yorker writer Evan Osnos says no one in media has profited more from the Trump era than Bongino, who hosts the country's fourth most listened to radio show and has 8.5 million weekly listeners.
Remembering Edward O. Wilson, a conservation advocate who studied ant colonies
A pioneer in the field of evolutionary biology, Wilson explored the complex cooperation among ants, including the role of natural in their colonies. He died Dec. 26. Originally broadcast in 1994.
For Kirsten Dunst, 'The Power of the Dog' is a cinematic love letter to her children
Dunst says acting opposite her husband, Jesse Plemons, in Jane Campion's new Western is an experience she'll never forget: "It was very special. ... He's my favorite actor to work with."
'Schmigadoon!' star Cecily Strong and co-creator Cinco Paul embrace musical satire
The Apple TV+ satire series Schmigadoon! centers on a couple who gets trapped in a town where people burst into song. Originally broadcast Aug. 9 and Aug. 23.
Dave Grohl retraces his life-affirming path from Nirvana to Foo Fighters
After Nirvana, Grohl considered quitting music. But, he says, "Music was the one thing that had healed me my entire life." His memoir is The Storyteller. Originally broadcast Nov. 24, 2021.
'Fresh Air' remembers Archbishop Desmond Tutu
The South African leader was key to the anti-apartheid movement. He chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and preached forgiveness. Tutu died Dec. 26. Originally broadcast in '84 and '99.
2021's standout podcasts feature personal stories, and plenty of surprises
Three podcasts with a keen interest in inner lives captured the attention of critic Nick Quah this year. His picks for the best of 2021? S***hole Country, Storytime with Seth Rogen and Aack Cast.