Matthew Weiner: No Longer Linda's Loser Husband
Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner joins us in Santa Barbara, Calif., to talk screenwriting, life before success, and his secret past as a Jeopardy! champion.
Arts
In HBO's 'Bessie,' Queen Latifah Stars As Empress Of The Blues
It took Queen Latifah more than 20 years to bring the life of pioneering blues singer Bessie Smith to the screen. "Inhabiting her has inhabited me," she says.
Boston Pops Gives The Audience What It Wants
NPR's Scott Simon talks to Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart about the By Popular Demand program, in which the audience helps pick the music the Pops plays.
Amy Poehler On Vinyl Designed To Catch Eyes Along With Ears
Harper Collins Audio is releasing a vinyl edition of Amy Poehler's book, Yes Please. The publisher thinks the combination of old media plus the popular Poehler will attract a young audience.
American Ballet Theater Turns 75
Over the ABT's three-quarters of a century, the company has stuck to its mission of presenting classics like Swan Lake along with works of contemporary choreographers.
In 'Rhythm,' Bhi Bhiman's Music Isn't Limited By National Borders
Bhi Bhiman had an all-American childhood, but his songs have an international character. He talks with NPR's Scott Simon about his childhood, his politics and his new album, Rhythm & Reason.
The Gates Of Liavek Are Open Again In 'Points Of Departure'
For years, readers wishing to see the shared world of Liavek had to go via crumbling paperbacks. Now, authors Patricia C. Wrede and Pamela Dean have reprinted their stories of the magical trade city.
Will 'The Familiar' Kill The Novel? No, But It Comes Close
Mark Z. Danielewski's epic 800-page tale of a girl and a cat wants to be the stepping stone to a new understanding of the novel — but critic Jason Sheehan says it's undone by too many parentheses.
The Ox Car Goes To
The answers in this game are Oscar winners for Best Picture, except that we've changed one letter in each title.
Pop Culture Happy Hour: 'Pitch Perfect 2' And Summer Movies
On this week's show: Pitch Perfect 2 is just the beginning of our summer movie preview. Plus, books and music make an appearance as we talk about what's making us happy.