Growing up with Leonard Bernstein
Jamie Bernstein‘s new memoir offers a fascinating glimpse into Leonard Bernstein’s creative life, his family life, and the hard-drinking, chain-smoking, exuberance of New York during one of its most creative eras.
Fixing democracy: a user’s guide
The asymmetries between the Democratic and Republican parties are many these days–in the media, in their infrastructures, and in the way they seek and use power. Author Caroline Frederickson tells us about the flaws in our current system, and how we can restore our democracy.
Healing from unspeakable trauma: a conversation with Dr. Bruce Perry
Until recently, mental health practitioners didn’t diagnose children with PTSD–they were thought to be “resilient,” and as a result generations didn’t receive the treatment they needed. Dr. Bruce Perry is one of the physicians responsible for challenging—and changing—that paradigm.
A poetry of listening in wild places
Timothy P. McLaughlin’s new book Seeds Under the Tongue is a compilation of poems, some of them inspired by a brush with death in a canyon that the author transformed into a ceremonial experience. McLaughlin’s work combines well-honed craft, inspiration and a profound connection to wild nature.
Musicals about diesel and dog food? Yes…and they’re amazing.
While Steve Young was writing comedy for the David Letterman show, he started collecting weird vinyl records from corporate sales meetings–and found that they were full of incredible music from the weird about diesel and plumbing fixtures.
Fourth of July Special
With lyrics “written by God”, the Battle Hymn of the republic has inspired American hearts and minds for generations. A ballad sung since the civil war by soldiers, slaves, and social justice activists alike, its history tells a story of our country. We talk to Harvard historian John Stauffer about his book, The Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Battling Bubonic Plague: rats, politics, and the advent of modern science
Around 1900, bubonic plague struck San Francisco and threatened to wipe out huge numbers of people. David K. Randall‘s new book, Black Death at the Golden Gate, tells the gripping story of the doctors who had both to fight the disease and convince the public of the threat.
Medicine and miracles in Navajo Country
Before Erica Elliott decided to become a physician, she worked as a teacher on the Navajo reservation–where she also experienced being a shepherd, going into trance in peyote ceremonies, and being kissed by a mountain lion. We talk about her new memoir.
The struggle for pueblo sovereignty
Imagine you’ve been living in a place for countless generations and suddenly you’re told it belongs to the King of Spain. Pueblo people learned quickly how to fight to keep their land and water. We talk to historians Malcolm Ebright and Rick Hendricks about their new book, Pueblo Sovereignty.
From Monk to Money Manager
Is money the root of all evil? A former monk says no–at least not if you use it in a way that is respectful of life. Doug Lynam talks about his new book and about walking the middle path between greed and self-denial.