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.
Pokey LaFarge Mines His Midwestern Roots, Finds 'Something In The Water'
The singer-songwriter brings his acoustic guitar to the Fresh Air studio to sing some new songs as well as some of his favorites from the 1920s and '30s. Originally broadcast April 27, 2015.
Fresh Air Weekend: Marc Maron On Obama; NYC's Public Library; Art Forgery
Comedian Marc Maron tells Terry Gross about his recent visit with the president. Maureen Corrigan reviews Patience and Fortitude. Noah Charney traces artistic forgeries back to the Renaissance.
Examining The War On Mexican Drug Cartels, Through Film And Fiction
Two new works of art — the documentary film Cartel Land and the novel The Cartel — shine a light on the seemingly endless drug war in Mexico. John Powers says both works are bleak, but gripping.
The New Science Behind Our 'Unfair' Criminal Justice System
"Good people with the best of intentions ... can get things terribly, terribly wrong," says legal scholar Adam Benforado. His book, Unfair, explores the intrinsic flaws of the American justice system.
Country's Kacey Musgraves Mixes Wit And Sincerity In 'Pageant Material'
The 26-year-old singer focuses on cleverly constructed lyrics — instead of rebellion — in her new record. Critic Ken Tucker says the singer falls short of creating a "sustained great album."
How A Historical Blunder Helped Create The Water Crisis In The West
In 1922, seven states drew up a plan for dividing the waters of the Colorado River. But they overestimated how much water the river could provide — and now 40 million Americans face a water crisis.
It's All In Your Head: Director Pete Docter Gets Emotional In 'Inside Out'
The new film illustrates the inner workings of an 11-year-old's mind. Her emotions — Sadness, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Joy — are the stars. Originally broadcast June 10, 2015.
From SCOTUS To The Confederate Flag, Cable Comedians Keep Tabs On The News
Critic David Bianculli says the commentary, questioning and ridicule of Jon Stewart, Larry Wilmore, John Oliver and Bill Maher help keep news outlets — and news-makers — honest.