All Of It with Alison Stewart

Local New Jersey poet and Princeton professor Patricia Smith has won the National Book Award for her poetry collection, The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems. The collection covers her poetry from 1991 to 2024, and includes poems about jazz, family, Black identity, Hurricane Katrina, and more. Smith discusses the collection, and read some poetry.

We are getting you set for the holiday season with local shop enthusiast Caroline Weaver, aka, The Locavore. Each week through the holiday season, she offers her insights to help explore each borough's local shopping options, for shoppers who want their holiday spending to support their communities. Today, the Locavore takes on the Bronx.

There's never a bad time for ramen, but with the temperatures dropping winter is the perfect time to warm up with a bowl. Chef, writer and self professed "ramen geek" Sho Spaeth talks about his favorite places to check out in the city, plus listeners call to shout out theirs.

As part of our Get Lit event, singer-songwriter Sarah Kinsley discussed her career, her album The Escaper, and for a special performance, which includes a unique rendition of her hit song "The King."

The November Get Lit with All Of It book club selection was the novel Flashlight by Susan Choi. It follows a family grappling with the aftermath of a father's mysterious disappearance one night on the shores of Japan. We air highlights from our Get Lit event with Choi. Missed the event? Watch it in full here!

The Queer Urban Orchestra is a local group and the first orchestra in the city specifically serving the LGBTQ community. Ahead of their Refuge-themed concert, members of the orchestra perform live, and David Bloom, Artistic Director and Conductor, Dave Lohman, Principal Bassoonist, and Brian Shaw, Principal Oboist and Orchestral Manager discuss the mission behind the Queer Urban Orchestra. The group's concert is at the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue on December 13.

All Of It Hostess with the Mostess Alison Stewart is looking forward to a nice long staycation. She and All Of It producer Luke Green, who took his own stretch of local R&R recently, invite suggestions from listeners for things to do and see in the area that might be missed in the bustle of daily life.

All throughout December, Criterion Channel subscribers can stream their new series "Black Debutantes: First Features by Black Women Directors." The series features films such as "Eve's Bayou," "Daughters of the Dust," "Just Another Girl on the I.R.T," and more. Rógan Graham, programmer and film critic, and Ashely Clark, curatorial director at the Criterion Collection, discuss the series.

From "The Shining" to "Lost in Translation," so many great films have been set in hotels. And all throughout December, you can stream many of those films on the Criterion Channel, as part of their series "Hotels on Film." Aliza Ma, head of programming for the Criterion Channel, discusses the series, and listeners share their favorite movies set in a hotel.

Recently, "The Beatles Anthology" documentary series has been remastered and updated with a new episode for Disney Plus, and includes a new companion album of 191 songs. Rolling Stone contributing editor Rob Sheffield joins us to discuss the project, and also field calls from listeners looking to settle the age-old debate: which Beatles album is the best?

The penny is no more! As we look back at the history of the penny, economist and author David McWilliams provides some context, and examines the history of currency more broadly. He is the author of the new book, The History of Money: A Story of Humanity. Plus, listeners call in with their questions about money throughout the ages.

Golden Globe nominations were announced on Monday, and Kyle Buchanan, awards season columnist for The New York Times, discusses all the snubs and surprises from the world of film and television, and previews some of the other events and honors from awards season.

Jay Som is the solo project of singer-songwriter, producer, and engineer Melina Duterte. In the six years since her last solo record, she's worked with a number of different artists, including most notably boygenius; her work on their album earned her Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, plus a win for Best Alternative Music Album. Now, as Jay Som, she's released Belong, an album that boasts contributions from friends she's made in those years, including Hayley Williams. She and her band perform live in our studio.

In his new podcast "David Greene is Obsessed," former Morning Edition host David Greene speaks with guests about their obsessions, from a collector who has more than 13,000 Barbies to David Arquette's fascination with Bozo the Clown. Greene discusses the show, and takes calls from listeners who want to share their obsessions.

The third film in the Knives Out series is called "Wake Up Dead Man," in which Daniel Craig returns to the role of detective Benoit Blanc, trying to solve a Good Friday murder at a Catholic parish in upstate New York. The series' writer and director Rian Johnson talks about the latest installment of his series, which is available to stream on Netflix now.

[REBROADCAST FROM Nov. 13, 2025] Actors Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, one-time co-stars in "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure," have reunited on stage in Jamie Lloyd's production of "Waiting for Godot" on Broadway. They discuss the show, which is running now through January 4.

A new piece in T Magazine argues that Gen X has had some of the greatest contributions to American culture in history. Writer Amanda Fortini discusses her article, "Is Gen X Actually the Greatest Generation?" Plus, listeners share their favorite Gen X cultural contributions.

Comedian and "Saturday Night Live" veteran Leslie Jones has returned to the stage with a new comedy special, 'Leslie Jones: Life Part 2', with reflections on aging, fame, and events in her life. Leslie Jones discusses how she's finding the humor in life today. The comedy special is out now on Peacock.

Last week, it was announced that Netflix will acquire Warner Bros. in a $82.7 billion dollar deal with massive implications for the entertainment industry. The deal would leave the streaming service in charge of one of the biggest Hollywood film studios, HBO, and many famous pieces of intellectual property, including Harry Potter and DC Comics. But competitor Paramount is also vying for a deal. Georg Szalai, global business editor at The Hollywood Reporter, discusses what this deal would mean for Hollywood, responses from the industry, and the potential consequences for movie theaters and streaming services.

The holiday season is a time for giving, and in that spirit, WNYC is holding a blood drive throughout the day on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in The Greene Space. We preview that event, share details about how to get involved, and speak with Sapreet Saluja, executive director at NY Cares about the many ways around NYC to volunteer your efforts for those who need help. Plus, listeners call in to share their experiences of how charity and community service play a role in their experience of the holidays.

We are getting you set for the holiday season with local shop enthusiast Caroline Weaver, aka, The Locavore. She will join us each week through the holiday season, to go to explore each borough's local shopping options, for shoppers who want their holiday spending to support their communities. Today, the Locavore takes on Brooklyn.

A new documentary chronicles the journey of Tim Johnson, a former Super Bowl Champion turned pastor whose faith inspired him to minister to incarcerated men on Rikers Island. Kayla Johnson, the film's director and Tim's daughter, joins us to discuss "Fatherless No More."

The New Yorker celebrates its centennial this year, and a new documentary, "The New Yorker at 100" takes audiences through the history of the storied publication. Director Marshall Curry talks about the film. Plus, listeners weigh in with their favorite New Yorker articles, covers, and memories.

The musician Cavetown is also founder of the This Is Home Project, which helps support access for LGBTQ+ youth to housing and healthcare. On December 14, he'll host a benefit concert at Music Hall of Williamsburg featuring performances from a number of local artists. He previews the event, and also his forthcoming album, Running With Scissors, out Jan. 16.

Musician and trained doula Domino Kirke will be hosting a concert on Dec. 17 with other 'mama musicians,' including Joan As Police Woman and Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive. She'll discuss the event, which benefits Carriage House Birth, an organization she founded which provides doula training and childbirth education.

Comedian Ana Gasteyer discusses her live show "Ana Gasteyer: Sugar & Booze Holiday Spectacular," which will include performances of holiday classics and her own original holiday songs. Gasteyer will be at Town Hall on December 15 and at the Westport Country Playhouse on December 22.

A new exhibition at the Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) honors generations of New York’s mostly immigrant street food entrepreneurs and the dishes they have introduced as iconic parts of the city’s cultural and culinary landscape. Museum president Nazli Parvizi and curatorial director Catherine Piccoli preview "STREET FOOD CITY," before it opens Saturday, Dec. 6.

Director and writer Chloé Zhao discusses her new film "Hamnet," an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Maggie O'Farrell. The film tells the story of William Shakespeare, his wife Agnes, and the tragic loss of their son Hamnet. "Hamnet" is in theaters now.

Sally Wainwright, the award-winning writer and director of the UK series "Happy Valley" and "Last Tango in Halifax," has a new show called "Riot Women," about a group of middle aged women in the north of England who form a rock band for a charity talent show. What starts out as a lark turns into something more meaningful. Wainwright discusses the show, which was recently greenlit for a second season. Riot Women premieres on BritBox January 14th.

Martini, anyone? Who doesn't love a nice cheeky cocktail for happy hour or date night? The New York Times has recently compiled a list of 25 must-try cocktails in the city. Becky Hughes, New York Times Cooking assistant editor and cocktail enthusiast, discusses which drinks made the list, and listeners share where they order their favorite cocktail in New York.

Tom Delgado is a comedian and history enthusiast. As a licensed New York City tour guide, Delgado takes viewers on neighborhood walking tours on his popular YouTube channel, and also hosts a monthly variety show, "Tom D's Big NY Show," which combines history and comedy. Delgado discusses his background and how he finds the funny in local history, and previews his next show, featuring author Jonathan Mahler, at Caveat on Saturday, December 6 at 7pm.

Whether you're having people over or going to a dinner party, Casey Elsass, author of What Can I Bring?: Recipes to Help You Live Your Guest Life, has ideas for some of the best dishes and drinks you can make. He discusses the power of "the signature dish," the best winter cocktails and takes listener calls and questions.

The New York Public Library exhibition "Niyū Yūrk: Middle Eastern and North African Lives in the City," spotlights the history of MENA residents of NYC throughout the centuries. Hiba Abid, curator for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at the NYPL, discusses the exhibition, and listeners share their own family history.

Retirement is a life transition. Some people leave New York and retire to warmer places like Florida. But what can retirement life look like in NYC? Beth Finkel, AARP's New York State Director, discusses how people can live their best retirement in New York with all that the city offers, and listeners share their questions and suggestions.

The new documentary "Merchants of Joy" follows five New York City families as they run their Christmas tree business. Director Celia Aniskovich and subject Ciree Nash of Uptown Christmas Trees discuss the film, which is streaming now on Amazon Prime.

The holiday season is full of traditions. Family dinners. Caroling. Gifting. For birders, there's another event that cannot be missed: the Christmas Bird Count. Now in its 126th year, the CBC is the nation's longest running community science bird project. Jessica Wilson, executive director of the NYC Bird Alliance, explains what it is, the importance of the data it gathers, and how to participate.

The new film "The Secret Agent" tells the story of a former professor, played by Wagner Moura, who finds himself attempting to fight back against the persecution of the authoritarian Brazilian dictatorship in 1977. Moura and writer/director Kleber Mendonça Filho discuss the film, which is select theaters now.

Want to make holiday cookies that will impress all of your guests? One place to turn to for inspiration might be the new New York Times cookbook Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat, curated by recipe creator and New York Times Cooking supervising video producer Vaugh Vreeland, who talks about the book shares recipes and takes calls from listeners.

Historically, bridges have played important roles in some of the most beloved songs in modern music history. But as the music industry has evolved in the streaming and social media world, bridges are less common or important in popular music. Matthew Schnipper, Gothamist/WNYC arts and culture editor, gives us his list of the best bridges in music (as in, musical bridges, as well as songs about bridges), and listeners share their favorite bridges to listen or sing along to.

New York City's infrastructure is of course dominated by its famous skyline and skyscrapers. But don't forget about the bridges! The city is connected by hundreds of bridges that move cars, trains, pedestrians, and bikers. For this installment of our Small Stakes, Big Opinions series, Greg Young, co-host of the Bowery Boys podcast, discusses his favorite bridges in the city and some interesting history behind them, and listeners share what they think is the best and most beautiful bridge in New York to cross or view from afar.

Local shop enthusiast Caroline Weaver, aka, The Locavore, prepares us for the holiday season. She joins us each week through the holiday season, to go to explore each borough's local shopping options, for shoppers who want their holiday spending to support their communities. Today, the Locavore takes on Manhattan.

When Greta Rideout pressed charges against her husband John in 1978, spousal rape was only considered a crime in four states. Rideout was one of the first women to press rape charges against her husband, opening the door for making marital rape a crime across all 50 states. Author Sarah Weinman discusses her new book on the subject, Without Consent: A Landmark Trial and the Decades-Long Struggle to Make Spousal Rape a Crime.

The new short documentary film "Cashing Out" examines the complications of buying life-insurance policies for HIV-positive gay men. Matt Nadel, who directed the film for The New Yorker, and subject Scott Paige join to discuss.

A provocative reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, “Hedda” stars Tessa Thompson as the aristocrat caught between a past love and a stifling marriage. Thompson and director Nia DaCosta discuss the film, now streaming on Prime Video.

[REBROADCAST FROM November 7, 2025] The new play 'Queens' follows a group of women spanning multiple generations, living in an illegal basement apartment as they hustle for the American dream, until a young Ukrainian woman looking for her mother forces them to face the difficult choices they made to survive. Actors Anna Chlumsky and Marin Ireland talk about the show, alongside playwright Martyna Majok.

[REBROADCST FROM October 30, 2025] The new cast from Broadway's Hadestown joined Alison Stewart live in The Greene Space. Lead actors Morgan Dudley, Kurt Elling, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Paulo Szot, and Jack Wolfe perform songs from the show and discuss stepping into the principal roles of the long-running Broadway hit. This event is part of All Of It's Broadway on the Radio series.

[REBROADCAST FROM October 7, 2025] The new Broadway play "Art" features three friends debating the value of one insanely expensive painting, and therefore the nature of art in general. Actor Bobby Cannavale, who stars in the play alongside Neil Patrick Harris and James Corden, discusses the show along with director Scott Ellis. "Art" runs through December 21.

[REBROADCAST FROM May 29, 2025] More than a decade since their last album, this year, OK Go released a new one: And the Adjacent Possible. The band that grew up with Youtube and revolutionized the music video for the internet age perform live versions of their music in our studios.

[REBROADCAST FROM April 24, 2025] Uwade became known to the All Of It team and many other listeners when Fleet Foxes featured her on their 2020 album Shore. Her debut album is called Florilegium. The singer-songwriter, who is also currently pursuing a PhD at Stanford, performed live in studio five.

[REBROADCAST FROM April 17, 2025] NYC native and indie rock artist Samia released her new album, Bloodless, in April 25. She talks about the record, and performs songs live in the studio.