Barbara Moss grew up dirt poor in rural Alabama with a grotesquely deformed face. In her memoir, she chronicles her quest to claim a little bit of beauty.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
Audio
John Safran says we need writers who are outsiders. Otherwise, groups will keep hiding their secrets.
Most people think of conflict as something to be avoided, but there's another way to view it -- as creative and generative. In his book "The Art of Rivalry," Boston Globe art critic Sebastian Smee explores how intense conflicts, broken friendships and personal reconciliations fueled some of the most dramatic breakthroughs in Modern Art. He tells Steve Paulson that the rivalry between Picasso and Matisse contributed, in part, to cubism.
"Gifts make slaves like whips make dogs" is an anthropologist's tale of inter-cultural difference in gift exchanges.
David Graeber takes us on a tour of gift giving, and gift economies. He also takes a swing at the question of whether it's possible to give a truly selfless gift.
Bill Malone is the country’s foremost historian of country music. His new book is called “Don’t Get above Your Raisin’.” He talks about why he loves old-time country music.
Sci-fi writer Eileen Gunn bookmarks Nisi Shawl's "Filter House."
Are humans really unique? Not as much as we tend to think, says renowned primatologist Frans de Waal. In this EXTENDED, UNCUT interview, de Waal tells Steve Paulson about the emotional & moral lives of chimpanzees and bonobos. This interview was done in partnership with the new science and culture magazine Nautilus.
Brian Palmer is a veteran journalist and foreign correspondent. He embedded with the First Battalion/Second Marines three times between 2004 and 2006. He's now made a documentary film called "Full Disclosure," about the experience.
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