The American Political Invention That 'Let The People Rule'
NPR's Linda Wertheimer speaks with Geoffrey Cowan, author of "Let the People Rule," on Teddy Roosevelt's invention of the modern political primary.
Arts
2015 In Music: Playlist Refreshers
NPR's Linda Wertheimer likes Buddy Holly and Bill Haley, so Stephen Thompson brings her playlist up to the present day with songs from Leon Bridges, the Alabama Shakes, Elle King and Sleater-Kinney.
Santa For President In 2016
His resume is unimpeachable and he has great approval ratings. Santa Claus sounds like the perfect candidate — so what if he ran for president? That's the question in this radio drama by The Truth.
Song From Broadway Musical 'Hamilton' Celebrates Founding Mothers
As part of NPR's year-end series "One That Got Away", reporter Jeff Lunden tells us about his favorite song from the hit Broadway musical Hamilton. It's not about the founding fathers; it's about some founding mothers.
'Our Gang' Chronicles Lives Of African-American Actors In 'The Little Rascals'
NPR's Robert Siegel talks to author Julia Lee about her book Our Gang: A Racial History of The Little Rascals. She chronicles the story of the African-American actors in the films. They were hailed as heroes of the black community for a time but were later reviled for their roles.
'Revenant' Reveals A Breathtaking, Punishing Saga Of Survival And Revenge
NPR film critic Bob Mondello reviews The Revenant, a harrowing survival tale from the director of last year's best picture Oscar winner.
In Peru, Sipping The Season With A Cocktail De Algarrobina
This eggnog-like beverage contains pisco; sweetened, condensed milk and a special syrup from a tree Peruvians call "the tree of life."
Smoking Bishop: A Boozy Christmas Drink Brimming With English History
This clerically named quaff plays a starring role in Scrooge's transformation in Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Port, its key ingredient, also tells a story of English politics and class identity.
Edie Brickell, Steve Martin Broadway Bound With 'Bright Star'
In 2014, Steve Martin and Edie Brickell won a Grammy for the title track to their Bluegrass album Love Has Come for You. Now the duo is headed to Broadway with a musical inspired by that album.
Is This Snowy Wonderland Or The World Inside A Petri Dish?
Artist Rogan Brown peers into the invisible worlds of microbes, then uses their forms as the inspiration for large paper sculptures that seem at once familiar and profoundly alien.