We re-examine the myth of Robert Johnson. The most famous blues singer of them all died at the age of 27 after recording only 29 songs. Today he's idolized, but Elijah Wald says that may be for the wrong reasons.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
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Clyde Roper tells Jim Fleming what giant squid look like and what else biologists are learning about the deep ocean while the hunt for giant squid goes on.
Coral reefs and many of the oceans' marvels may disappear before this century ends, according to a new scientific study. Science writer Elizabeth Kolbert says we're facing the sixth great extinction. She tells stories from the front lines of the fight against extinction, from Panama to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Cheryl Gilkes talks with Steve Paulson about the importance of the female soloist in the tradition of gospel music.
Ernie Cline talks to Anne Strainchamps about his novel, "Ready Player One," which revolves around a massively multi-player online game and '80s pop culture.
Doug here. I thought there was good back-and-forth between Chuck and myself in this conversation. I like how the interview went “meta” at the end, with Chuck speculating that if I’m right about his book being hailed as the “Moby Dick" of non-fiction in 300 years time. This interview belongs in a time capsule. At the very least, a “Best of” show. I also really enjoyed the fact that we heard the musical stylings of John Philip Sousa, Chuck Berry, KISS and Veruca Salt. Of course, if Chuck’s book taught me anything (and it actually taught me many things), I could be wrong.
What is it exactly that we love about the movies? For Madelon Sprengnether, going to the movies prompted a journey of self discovery and helped her cope with the sudden death of her father. It all started with a Bengali film called "Pather Panchali."
Novelist Gary Shteyngart recommends one of his favorite reads: "Jernigan" by David Gates.
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