'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.
Facing book bans and restrictions on lessons, teachers are scared and self-censoring
Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson explains how new laws about teaching race, racism, gender identity and sexuality have created new fears and burdens in schools and classrooms.
Composer and saxophonist Henry Threadgill has a new album and a new book
Threadgill's autobiography, written with Brent Hayes Edwards is called Easily Slip into Another World. His album, The Other One, is a three-movement composition written for a 12-piece ensemble.
Remembering acclaimed editor Robert Gottlieb
Gottlieb, who died June 14 at 92, edited Joseph Heller, Toni Morrison, John le Carré and, for more than 50 years, Robert Caro. We listen back to an interview with Gottlieb from just a few months ago.
'Road to Surrender' revisits the final weeks of World War II
Author Evan Thomas tells the story of American leaders wrestling with the terrifying dilemmas of nuclear weapons and of determined Japanese leaders confronting the humiliating prospect of defeat.
A new book celebrates the contributions of America's Black working class
In Black Folk, Blair Kelley portrays generations of Black workers — Pullman porters, domestic laborers, USPS employees, COVID-19 essential workers — who have contributed to the nation's prosperity.
Janelle Monáe's 'The Age of Pleasure' album is exactly that
Monáe has been releasing albums that mix R&B, pop and rap since 2007 — this is the artist's first since 2018. In recent years, Monáe has appeared in the films Moonlight, Hidden Figures and Glass Onion.
Fresh Air Weekend: Kwame Alexander and Lidia Bastianich
Why Fathers Cry at Night, is Alexander's collection of essays and poems about love, divorce and raising children. Chef Lidia Bastianich looks back on her family's life in Europe after World War II.
John Mellencamp releases his 25th album: 'Orpheus Descending'
Mellencamp had big hits in the '80s, including "Jack and Diane" and "Small Town." He performed "Pink Houses" for Obama's inaugural concert. Mellencamp joins us to talk about his life and music.
