All Of It with Alison Stewart

The New York City region has been experiencing heavy snow and frigid temperatures. That means it's a great time to hibernate at home and cook a simmering, layered broth of soup. For the next installment of our Small Stakes, Big Opinions debate series, Melissa Clark, New York Times food reporter and recipe columnist, talks about making the best soup at home, gives us a a few soup recipes to consider, and listeners share what they think is the best soup and why.

The new book Pride and Pleasure: The Schuyler Sisters in an Age of Revolution tells the story of Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler, sisters in a prominent New York family in Revolutionary America (and of course the stars of "Hamilton"). Author Amanda Vaill discusses the book as part of our ongoing biography series 'Full Bio.' In today's installment, hear about Angelica Schuyler Church and the 'charged' letters she exchanged with her brother-in-law, Alexander Hamilton.

A new book tells the story of how famed baseball player Jackie Robinson ended up testifying in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee to speak against fellow Black athlete, musician, and actor Paul Robeson. Author Howard Bryant discusses his book, Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America. Bryant will be speaking Thursday evening at the Jackie Robinson Museum.

Last fall, Bari Weiss, former New York Times columnist and creator of The Free Press, was hired as the editor-in-chief of CBS News. The hiring came soon after Paramount, CBS's parent company, was purchased by David Ellison, whose father is a supporter and adviser to President Trump. New Yorker staff writer Clare Malone has written a new piece, "Inside Bari Weiss’s Hostile Takeover of CBS News," based on her reporting on the changes happening within CBS News since Weiss was hired. Malone discusses her findings and takeaways on the state of one of America's most storied newsrooms.

The new book Pride and Pleasure: The Schuyler Sisters in an Age of Revolution tells the story of Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler, sisters in a prominent New York family in Revolutionary America (and of course the stars of "Hamilton"). Author Amanda Vaill discusses the book as part of our ongoing biography series 'Full Bio.' In today's installment, hear how the Schuyler family made their fortune in colonial New York, and about Margarita "Peggy" Schuyler.

Actor Katherine LaNasa returns to her Emmy-winning role as Nurse Dana on the HBO Max medical drama "The Pitt." She discusses Season 2, which sees Dana return to the ER even after declaring she was going to quit at the end of Season 1.

Booker Prize-winning writer George Saunders returns with his first novel since Lincoln in the Bardo. Vigil follows an oil CEO on his death bed, and the spirit of a woman who had descended to help guide him through death. Saunders discusses the novel, out now.

Forty years ago today, the Challenger Space Shuttle broke apart in the sky, killing everyone on board. Adam Higginbotham, author of the book Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space, discusses how things went so wrong, and the aftermath of the disaster. Plus, listeners share their memory of Challenger.

[REBROADCAST FROM March 7, 2025] Before the 1985 Grammy Awards, no women had ever been nominated for Producer of the Year. Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman became the first as part of Prince and the Revolution, though still no woman has ever won the award. Wendy & Lisa discuss their career as part of our series Equalizers: Women in Music Production. We also get a special visit from Susan Rogers, a veteran audio engineer who worked for years with Prince and on a number of Wendy & Lisa's albums.

The trailblazing musician Prince died 10 years ago this coming April. On the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 27, The Schomburg Center in Harlem will be screening the iconic concert film "Prince and the Revolution Live," along with a talkback event to follow with an ethnomusicologist, a curator from the Schomburg, and NYU's De Angela Duff, who previews the event on the air, discusses Prince's artistry, and takes calls from listeners sharing their favorite memories of the music.

From the flavorful broths, to endless combinations of thinly sliced meats, vegetables, and noodles, hot pot has something for everyone. And it doesn't always have to mean dining out. You can host a hot pot party at home! James Beard-award winning chef Natasha Pickowicz takes us into the world of hot pot in her new book, Everyone Hot Pot: Creating the Ultimate Meal for Gathering and Feasting, and listeners share their favorite hot pot combinations.

Premiering today on Holocaust Remembrance Day, as part of PBS's American Masters series, the new documentary "Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire" captures the life of the human rights activist and Night author. Director Oren Rudavsky and Wiesel's son Elisha Wiesel, discuss the film, and the life of the influential survivor.

For our January Get Lit with All Of It book club event, Ocean Vuong requested he be accompanied by musical guest Quinn Christopherson, a Tiny Desk contest winner, who flew in from Alaska overnight to perform some new music, live.

We air our live conversation with Ocean Vuong from our January Get Lit with All Of It book club event. We spent the month reading his novel, The Emperor of Gladness.

Did your parents have a lot stuff? After parents pass away, figuring out what to do with all of their possessions could be a full time job. And deciding what to keep, give away, or throw away, can take a lot of emotional strength. Becky Robison, author of My Parents Are Dead: What Now? A Panic-Free Guide to the Practicalities of Death, gives some advice on how to sort through a parent's possessions after they pass away, or have a conversation with a parent to help them make a plan before they pass. Plus, listeners share their personal experience and questions.

New York is coping with several inches of snow over the weekend. Weather forecaster John Homenuk, founder of New York Metro Weather, recaps how the storm hit the tri-state area, and listeners share how they spent their snow day, and reflect on their memories of famous blizzards of New York past.

In 1986, Philip Glass released the album Songs from Liquid Days, which he called "a voyage of discovery" into the art of songwriting, working with lyricists like David Byrne, Paul Simon and Suzanne Vega and featuring vocalists including Linda Ronstadt and the Roches. On Sunday, Lincoln Center will celebrate the album's 40th anniversary with the organization New Latin Wave and the Philip Glass Ensemble. Featured vocalists Sasha Gutiérrez, Melisa Bonetti, and Kayla Viviana join us to preview the concert and perform excerpts from the song cycle.

The new multi-part documentary "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!" tells the story of the life and career of the comedy legend and celebrated director, from "Blazing Saddles" to "Spaceballs." Michael Bonfiglio, who directed the documentary with Judd Apatow, discusses the film, and listeners weigh in with their favorite Mel Brooks films.

New Yorker Jane August is making it her mission to visit every museum in New York. Not just the Met, or MoMA, but museums spread throughout the five boroughs, including smaller, less appreciated museums on more niche subjects. August discusses her project, and listeners share their favorite lesser-known museum in the city.

New research suggests there are certain sports that are better for improving longevity than others. Simar Bajaj, New York Times reporting fellow discusses his reporting, and listeners call in to share the athletic activities that keep them feeling good.

In the recent adaptation of the classical play "Oedipus," actor Mark Strong stars as the titular character, a politician who is about to win a major election. Audiences meet Oedipus in his campaign office with his family and his "wife," as disturbing revelations cause him to unravel. Strong discusses "Oedipus," running through February 8.

In the Broadway revival of the Tracy Letts play "Bug," Namir Smallwood stars as Peter, a kind but paranoid man who begins living in an Oklahoma motel with a woman named Agnes (Carrie Coon). Soon, they both begin to descend into the world of conspiracy theories as Peter begins to become convinced that their room is being bugged. Smallwood discusses the play, which is running through February 22.

In 2025, rapper and producer Sean "Diddy" Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution in a trial that captured the attention of the nation. But while Combs was acquitted of the more serious charges leveled against him, more people have come forward to share their experiences with the controversial figure. The new documentary series "Sean Combs: The Reckoning" provides an in-depth look at the life and career of Combs, going back to his roots in Harlem, his role in the East Coast/West Coast rap battles of the 1990s, and his alleged abuse of women throughout his life. Director Alexandria Stapleton discusses the documentary, which is available to stream now on Netflix.

What happens when you're a performer and your body doesn't work the way it used to? This question and many more are addressed through a new production as part of the Under the Radar festival. It's called "Watch Me Walk" and it is performed by Anne Gridley, who also wrote it and has hereditary spastic paraplegia. Gridley, along with director Eric Ting, talk about play, which is showing at the Soho Rep through February 8th.

Terrance Cummings’ 'Art for Change' at the Arts Council of Princeton explores race, class, and shared humanity through vibrant, layered artwork. The exhibition sparks dialogue, challenges perceptions, and runs through Feb. 7th.

Musah Swallah’s pop-up exhibit, 'Between Worlds,' at Ethan Cohen Gallery blends Ghanaian and Western art through vibrant paintings on canvas, wood, and cork, inviting viewers into a cultural dialogue. The show runs through the end of the month.

A new art exhibition from visual artist Gideon Appah reflects everyday life in Ghana. The show is called, “Beneath Night and Day,” on display now at Pace Gallery through Saturday, February 28th.

The new documentary "Queen of Chess" puts the spotlight on Judit Polgár, a Hungarian child chess prodigy who sought to become a champion in a game dominated by men. Judit Polgár and director Rory Kennedy join to discuss the documentary, which premieres at the Sundance Film Festival and will be available to stream soon on Netflix.

Quinn Christopherson flew all the way from Alaska to join us last night as the Get Lit musical guest with Ocean Vuong. The NPR Tiny Desk winner talks more about his work, and his album, Write Your Name In Pink, plus new music.

The 1984 shooting of four Black teens by Bernie Goetz was one of New York City's defining moments. Four decades later, we are still grappling with issues it raises about race, gun rights, and vigilantism -- and why we so often resort to violence in order to make ourselves feel safe. CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams, author of the new book Five Bullets: The Story of Bernie Goetz, New York's Explosive '80s, and the Subway Vigilante Trial That Divided the Nation, discusses the events and their aftermath.

'The Future Was Then: The Changing Face of Fascist Italy' at Poster House explores how Mussolini’s government shaped art and culture through Futurist-inspired propaganda. Photographer and curator B.A. Van Sise discusses the exhibition, on view through Feb. 22.

Natchez explores a small Mississippi town where history and memory collide, following residents grappling with a past that shapes the present. Director Suzannah Herbert discusses the film, which opens at Film Forum on Friday, Jan. 30th.

Blended families face unique challenges, including loyalty conflicts and differences in parenting. Psychologist Dr. Patricia Papernow discusses how step-families work, why tension is common, and what helps relationships grow, as listeners share their own blended family experiences.

[REBROADCAST FROM April 18, 2025] Today is the opening of the Guggenheim's major survey of artist Rashid Johnson, who was born in Chicago in the late 1970s. "Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers," displays almost 90 pieces, including paintings, films, sculptures, and a site-specific installation at the top of the museum's rotunda. Johnson discusses his practice alongside Naomi Beckwith, Guggenheim deputy director and chief curator. The exhibit closes on January 19.

Music merch is more than a concert souvenir now. It’s big business and a hot collector’s market! Music industry strategist Tatiana Cirisano and Mntge Clothing co-founder Nick Adler talk about why tour merch matters, and listeners share their favorite finds.

Recently, Tom Hall, Vice President of Lonely Planet Experiences and train travel enthusiast shared his recommendations for some of the best rail journeys in the US and abroad. The segment got so many calls, he couldn't finish his list, so we asked him back. Hall returns to give the rest of his top picks and listeners are invited to share their most memorable train trips.

We kicked off the show this week with Amanda Holden, a financial expert who focuses on educating every day people--especially women--about how to invest with the goal of being financially independent. Her debut book, How to be a Rich Old Lady, is a step by step guide for those who might find the world of finance complicated and overwhelming. She returns to answer more questions about the nuts and bolts of investing.

Saul Williams is nominated for a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album for his collaborative release, Saul Williams meets Carlos Niño & Friends at Treepeople. It's the venerated multidisciplinary artist's first Grammy nomination, and comes on the heels of his appearance in one of the year's most acclaimed films, Sinners. Williams joins us to talk about both projects.

The mega-hit vampire film "Sinners" is poised to be a serious awards season contender. Miles Caton stars in the film as Sammie, the young guitar player who can summon spirits with his music. Delroy Lindo also stars as the blues singer Delta Slim, part of the crew fighting vampires. Caton and Lindo discuss their roles in the film.

Today is National Bagel Day and joining us is Sam Silverman, known as New York's "Bagel Ambassador" and founder of Bagel Up and Bagelfest. He shares his picks for the top bagel spots in the city and why, and we invite listeners to call in not only with their favorites but also their go-to order.

Last week the Washington National Opera announced that it would find a new home after over 50 years at the Kennedy Center, the latest in a series of high profile departures and cancellations at the national cultural center during Trump's second term and following its board's decision to add the president's name to the building. NPR correspondent Elizabeth Blair joins to discuss the latest news from the Kennedy Center in the context of music and art under the current administration.

David Browne, Rolling Stone contributing writer and author of So Many Roads: The Life and Times of the Grateful Dead, joins to talk about the legacy of the late Bobby Weir and the Grateful Dead. Plus, we take calls from listeners about their relationship with the band.

[REBROADCAST FROM February 18, 2022] The world mourned Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir, who died over the weekend. We air part of our conversation about Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros: Live In Colorado, the first vinyl collection from Weirand his band, formed in 2018, of Don Was and Jay Lane.

Last week we discussed best places to travel in 2026. This week we focus specifically on train journeys both here in the U.S and abroad. Our expert joining is the vice president of Lonely Planet Experiences and train travel enthusiast Tom Hall who recently penned the article, "Best New Train Journeys 2026." He'll share his recommendations and field calls from listeners.

The meditative drama "Train Dreams" follows a logger in the Northwest at the turn of the century dealing with loss and a quickly changing industrial landscape. It won a Critic's Choice for Best Cinematography and is garnering Oscar buzz for actor Joel Edgerton, who plays the protagonist. It was directed by Clint Bentley who also wrote and directed the acclaimed film "Sing Sing." Both join to discuss.

The HawtPlates describe themselves as "a family singing group that was formed in a one-bedroom apartment in The Bronx." Throughout this month until January 25, they're performing a work called Dream Feed at HERE Arts Center as part of Under the Radar. Family and band members Justin Hicks, Jade Hicks and Kenita Miller-Hicks to perform live in the studio.

After a viral altercation at a recent production of "Mamma Mia," people might be thinking about theater etiquette, and how to address misbehavior without escalating the situation, or negatively impacting the theater experience. Larry Smiglewski is a Broadway production stage manager, and also a marriage and family therapist. He shares his thoughts on compassion, respect, and dealing with bad behavior in public settings, but especially at the theater. Plus, listeners call in to share their experiences.

In the Broadway play "Marjorie Prime," an elderly woman named Marjorie (June Squibb) is struggling with dementia. In order to help her, Marjorie's daughter (Cynthia Nixon) and son-in-law (Danny Burstein) get Marjorie an artificially intelligent robot designed to look like a younger version of her late husband. But is relying on AI for your memories a good idea? Squibb, Nixon, and Burstein discuss the show, which is running through February 15.

Actor Tyler James Williams, who plays Gregory on "Abbott Elementary," discusses the latest season of the beloved sitcom.

Long gaps between season finales and premieres have become standard across television. The Ringer senior editor Ben Lindbergh and journalist and data scientist Rob Arthur teamed up to write an article headlined "The Breaks Between TV Seasons Have Gotten Really Long." They break down why the annual release schedule is fading, what’s driving longer waits between seasons, and how streaming, labor changes, and audience habits are reshaping the TV landscape.