Arts

Celebrating James Baldwin, on what would have been his 100th birthday

1:19pm August 01, 2024

by Terry Gross

One of the most influential writers to emerge during the civil rights era, Baldwin, who died in 1987, spoke to Terry Gross in 1986 about growing up in Harlem and his decision to move to France.

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Brittany Howard on Prince, breakup songs and giving 'everything and leaving nothing'

12:52pm August 01, 2024

by Terry Gross

As a kid, the former Alabama Shakes singer/guitarist was told repeatedly she didn't look like a lead singer. "It made me sing ... louder and perform just as hard as I could," Howard says.

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Abby Wambach celebrates the 5-2 victory against Japan in the FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada in 2015.

Abby Wambach has won 2 gold medals. She says real success came later

10:42am August 01, 2024

As the U.S. women's national soccer team's all time top goal scorer, Abby Wambach knows what it feels like to win. She's brought home a World Cup and multiple Olympic gold medals, but she says true success comes after the podium. She and Rachel talk about forgiving yourself, how a little narcissism isn't a bad thing, and why she wants to be forgotten.

To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

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A conspicuously dressed-down shooter won Olympic silver. Then he went viral

10:23am August 01, 2024

by Rachel Treisman

Five-time Olympian Yusuf Dikec shot his way to silver with regular eyeglasses and a hand in his pocket. His casual style impressed viewers and had many jokingly wondering whether he might be a hitman.

Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon.

Arts

'House Of The Dragon' season 2 makes it Rhaen(yra)

3:00am August 01, 2024

The second season of HBO's House of the Dragon is almost over. The war between two rival factions of the Targaryen dynasty is fully underway, complete with stealth missions, palace intrigue, battle scenes and hot dragon-on-dragon action. But now that the Dance of the Dragons is in full swing, has the Game of Thrones prequel finally hit its stride?

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Arts

'Kneecap' is a profane, political and funny origin story of the Irish hip hip group

5:13pm July 31, 2024

by Bob Mondello

An anarchic origin story for the Irish-language rap group Kneecap is a wild ride, starring the group members playing themselves.

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In 1989, a big gray brick with a tiny monochrome screen became gaming's new smash hit

3:01pm July 31, 2024

In 1989, a big gray brick with a tiny monochrome screen became gaming's new smash hit. Nintendo's Game Boy revolutionized portable gaming. As part of NPR's special series of historical moments, a NPR reporter spoke to business executives turned Game Boy fans in 1990.

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Melbourne 2022 FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships - Day 5

A Norwegian swimmer's love affair with chocolate muffins may be winning the Olympics

2:26pm July 31, 2024

by Rachel Treisman

When he’s not in the pool, Henrik Christiansen is documenting his deepening obsession with the gooey treats. His many dramatic TikToks are spreading muffin fever across the Olympic Village and beyond.

The FDA adds more brands to a new alert for lead-contaminated cinnamon

1:37pm July 31, 2024

by Ayana Archie

No illnesses have been reported in connection to the alerts. The FDA has recommended that manufacturers voluntarily recall their products.

Books
Arts

From 'E.T.' to 'Blade Runner,' how the summer of 1982 changed cinema forever

11:59am July 31, 2024

by Tonya Mosley

In 1982, eight science fiction films were released within eight weeks of each other. In The Future Was Now, Chris Nashawaty chronicles how those movies shaped the genre and the movie industry.

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