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Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.

'The Shrouds' introduces a new stage of grief: Watching your loved one decompose
David Cronenberg's thriller centers on an unusual technology that allows people to watch their loved ones decompose in real time. The Shrouds is both deeply morbid and disarmingly funny.
Louise Erdrich On Her Personal Connection To Native Peoples' 'Fight For Survival'
by Dave Davies
Erdrich's novel, The Night Watchman, is based on her grandfather's role in resisting a Congressional effort to withdraw federal recognition from her family's tribe. Originally broadcast March 4, 2020.
Henry Louis Gates Jr. On 'The Black Church' And His Own Bargain With Jesus
by Terry Gross
When he was 12, Gates made a bargain with Jesus in an attempt to save his mother's life. He talks about how that altered his own life, and his new book and PBS series, The Black Church.
Leslie Odom Jr. Finds Sam Cooke's Voice In 'One Night In Miami'
by Ann Marie Baldonado
Odom Jr. landed his first Broadway role at 16, and later starred as Aaron Burr in Hamilton. Now he's up for two Oscars, one for his role as Cooke in One Night in Miami.
Filmmaker Finds An Unlikely Underwater Friend In 'My Octopus Teacher'
by Sam Briger
Craig Foster spent a year diving — without oxygen or a wetsuit — into the frigid sea near Cape Town, South Africa. His documentary is now nominated for an Oscar. Originally broadcast Oct. 20, 2020.
No Longer '20 Feet From Stardom': Singer Merry Clayton Steps Out Of The Background
by Terry Gross
Clayton sang backup with Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, Carole King and many others. Now she has a new album — where she's front and center — called Beautiful Scars. Originally broadcast in 2013.
Plots, Subplots And Wildly Fascinating Villains Abound In 'The Nevers'
by David Bianculli
HBO's new series, which was initially created by Joss Whedon, is a superhero story set at the very end of the Victorian era. It features a team of outcast women with paranormal abilities.