All Of It with Alison Stewart

[REBROADCAST FROM March 17, 2025] When comedian Phil Hanley hit the first grade, he started to realize that while his classmates were learning to read, he couldn't seem to make any progress. That was the start of a lifelong journey with dyslexia, which caused Hanley to struggle in school, only to find success as a male model and now as a comedian. Hanley discusses his memoir Spellbound: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith.

Actor Eugene Levy has been pushing himself out of his comfort zone for his documentary travel series, "The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy." For Season 3, Levy tackles his bucket list, from celebrating the Day of the Dead in Mexico to playing cricket in India. Levy joins to discuss the new season of the show, which premieres on September 19 on Apple TV Plus.

100 years ago this year, celebrated director Robert Altman was born. To celebrate his legacy and influence on film, the Criterion Channel has launched a new September series, Directed by Robert Altman. The series includes films like "The Player," "The Long Goodbye," and "MASH." Sean Fennessey, co-host of "The Big Picture" and curator of the Criterion series, joins to discuss. Plus, callers share their favorite Robert Altman movies.

Our latest installment of Full Bio focuses on the life of writer James Baldwin, a literary master and essential figure of the Civil Rights movement. Nicholas Boggs discusses his new biography, Baldwin: A Love Story. On today's installment, we learn about his literary legacy, his activism, and his final years.

Grammy-award winning Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan has just released a new album, Better Broken, the artist's first in 11 years. McLachlan joins for a Listening Party, and reflects on her career, which includes being the founder of Lilith Fair.

The new documentary "Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery" tells the story of the creation of Lilith Fair, an all-female musical festival started by Sarah McLachlan. Director Ally Pankiw discusses the film, which premieres on Hulu and Hulu on Disney + on September 21.

A new documentary tells the story of an early Civil Rights Movement involving radical Black students, leftist white suburbanites, and a carousel. Emmy-award winning director Ilana Trachtman joins us to discuss her film, "Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round" which opens at IFC Center this Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Our latest installment of Full Bio focuses on the life of writer James Baldwin, a literary master and essential figure of the Civil Rights movement. Nicholas Boggs discusses his new biography, Baldwin: A Love Story. On today's installment, we learn about Baldwin's time in Paris and his relationship with Lucien Happersberger.Fact Check for the tribute to the late Robert Redford: "Barefoot In The Park" was actually released in 1967.

The Max medical drama "The Pitt" has follows Dr. Robby Robinavitch and his hardworking staff working in a Pittsburgh emergency room.Over the weekend, the series took home some significant Emmy awards. Star and executive producer of "The Pitt," Noah Wyle, joins us to discuss playing Dr. Robby, and returning to a medical drama years after starring in "E.R."

Actor and playwright Eisa Davis discusses her new production, "The Essentialisn’t," which explores race, performance, constraint and liberation.

The new musical "Saturday Church" follows a young man named Ulysses, a New York City kid who finds himself torn between family, faith, and identity when he becomes a part of Saturday Church, a group for LGBTQ+ kids. Director Whitney White, Tony-winning actor J. Harrison Ghee, and actor Bryson Battle discuss the show, which is running at the New York Theater Workshop through October 19.

Forty years ago, Spinal Tap first dialed it up to 11 in a genre-defining mockumentary. A lot has happened since then, but the band is back together for one show only. Director Rob Reiner joins us to discuss "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues."

Our latest installment of Full Bio focuses on the life of writer James Baldwin, a literary master and essential figure of the Civil Rights movement. Nicholas Boggs discusses his new biography, Baldwin: A Love Story. In today's installment, we learn about Baldwin's early life and relationship with his family.

Community Supported Agriculture, or a CSA, is a unique way to up your produce game at home. You can buy a direct share of a local farm's production, and receive fresh fruit and vegetables weekly. You might have a friend or family member in the city who has their own CSA, but maybe you're not sure how to go about finding your own. In the latest installment of our What the Hack life hack series, Angelina Montez, editor of Hunter College's NYC Food Policy Center, provides a CSA explainer and listeners shout out their local CSA.

[REBROADCAST FROM April 8, 2025] In the Emmy nominated series "Dying for Sex," a woman diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer decides to end her marriage to go on a journey of sexual self-discovery. The series stars Michelle Williams as Molly and Emmy nominated actor Jenny Slate as her friend Nikki. The show is based on a podcast of the same name by Nikki Boyer. Slate and the series co-creator, writer, and executive producer Kim Rosenstock discuss the series, which is streaming now on FX on Hulu.

[REBROADCAST FROM March 13, 2025] The Hulu series “Paradise,” which is nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series, follows the twists, turns and mysteries in the wake of a president’s murder. Two-time Emmy nominated actor Julianne Nicholson plays the world’s wealthiest self-made woman, Samantha ‘Sinatra’ Redmond, who has gained control and influence amid chaos. Nicholson reflects on the series for an All Of It Watch Party, and listeners share their thoughts about the show.

[REBROADCAST FROM March 14, 2025] The last season of the hit HBO series "The White Lotus" was set in Thailand, and follows a group of privileged vacationers at a wellness resort and spa. One of those guests, Timothy Ratliffe, seems to be facing a serious impending legal issue. Actor Jason Isaacs, who received an Emmy nomination for his role as Timothy on the show, joins us to discuss Season Three, and the mysteries of his character.

[REBROADCAST FROM June 9, 2025] Actor Jeff Hiller is nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his performance as Joel on the HBO show “Somebody Somewhere.” The star discusses his new memoir, Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success.

[REBROADCAST FROM January 8, 2025] Actor Michael Urie is up for an Emmy Award for his role on the Apple TV+ series "Shrinking" which has also been nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series. He joins to discuss playing Brian, the best friend of Jason Segal's character, Jimmy, whose friendship has survived coming out, a death and estrangement.

[REBROADCAST FROM March 17, 2025] Actor Brian Tyree Henry earned an Emmy nod for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series, for his role in “Dope Thief.” The show follows two friends who decide to pose as Drug Enforcement agents to rob a house, a decision that leads to unforeseen consequences. "Dope Thief" is now streaming on Apple TV+.

A new cookbook acts as a guide to drinking (and eating) like a Korean! There are recipes for cocktails, bomb shots, drinking food, hangover cures, and simple snacks like salty and sweet Honey-Butter Bar Nuts. Author and journalist Irene Yoo joins us to discuss her new cookbook, Soju Party.*Irene Yoo has an event with New York Times food columnist Eric Kim and Brooklyn-based writer and artist Carolyn Yoo at Books Are Magic tonight.*This segment is guest-hosted by David Furst.

When you're in a close relationship with someone, navigating income disparities can be tricky. Author and financial educator Farnoosh Torabi joins us to discuss how to start the conversation and figure out what makes sense -- and how to come up with a plan.*This segment is guest-hosted by David Furst.

The new memoir Destroy This House tells the story of author Amanda Uhle's experience growing up with a mother with a hoarding disorder and an unstable father. Uhle joins to discuss, and listeners share their own experience with hoarding.*Amanda Uhle is speaking September 12 with Books Are Magic. *This segment is guest-hosted by David Furst.

Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas has a new solo album out, titled All Night Days. It's his first since 2019 and was made amidst a move out of Thomas's longtime record label, as well as a separate Matchbox Twenty release. He joins us for a Listening Party.*This segment is guest-hosted by David Furst.

The new film "Twinless" tells the story of men who become friends after meeting in a support group for people who have lost their twin siblings. Actor Dylan O'Brien and writer, director, and star James Sweeney discuss the film, which is in theaters now.

Grammy-winning musician and singer Wyclef Jean discusses his four day run of shows at the Blue Note, from Thursday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 14.

A professor has created three artworks at Hunter college station at 68th street that are now a part of the MTA art collection. The murals are called "Liminal Location" and "Tempestuous Terrain." Lisa Corinne Davis joins us to tell us about her practice and her new show at Miles McEnery Gallery called Syllogism.

Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy discusses his new film, "Steve." Murphy stars as the exhausted head teacher of a last-chance boys reform school in the U.K. "Steve" is in select theaters on Sept. 19 and on Netflix Oct. 3.

Photographer Edward Burtynsky discusses his new show The Great Acceleration at the International Center of Photography, the first major exhibition of the world renowned photographer in New York City in over two decades. The show, which explores industry, property development and other environmental factors at the intersection of nature and civilization, is on view until Sunday, Sept. 28.

The beloved Jewish restaurant Russ & Daughters has been open for more than a century. Now, a new cookbook from the fourth generation co-owners celebrates that legacy. Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper discuss the cookbook Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing and take calls from listeners about their favorite Russ & Daughters memories.*Federman and Tupper will discuss the book at an event with the James Beard Foundation on Sunday, Sept. 14 and the first ever Russ & Daughters Day celebration will happen on Saturday, Sept. 20.

In a new thriller, a retail worker develops a parasocial relationship with a burgeoning pop star and finds a way into his orbit. Actor Théodore Pellerin and director Alex Russell discuss their film “Lurker,” now playing in theaters.

Zosia Mamet is most known for her role as Shoshanna in the hit HBO series, "Girls." Mamet is now reflecting on her years growing up in Hollywood with her new book of essays, Does This Make Me Funny?. The book touches on Mamet's experience trying to make it as a struggling actor even while being from a well-connected family, and honest stories about her mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. She discusses the book and her writing process.

Our September pick for Get Lit with All Of It is Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, which, in addition to celebrating its 25th anniversary, is being turned into an opera! We'll have Chabon and the opera's librettist Gene Scheer at our NYPL event on Sept. 24, as well as performers from the production. For a preview of the event, we're joined by the opera's composer, Mason Bates.

The Opera Next Door began in 2020 as jam sessions with musician friends when they could only gather outdoors. In 2021 they produced their first opera, Mozart's Così fan tutte. Many stoop concerts have followed and this month they'll stage Don G, an adaptation of Don Giovanni, on a stoop in Bed Stuy (on Sept. 13) and at Shapeshifter Lab in Park Slope (Sept. 17). Co-founders Sasha Gutiérrez and Zack O'Farrill join us to talk about the project.

What do you get when a group of mean mom's at a private school in NYC encounter a new mom who has secrets? Is she dating the principal? How much money does she have? And why do bad things happen whenever she is around? Mean Moms was described as "Emma Rosenblum examines the relationship between money and morals while satirizing an affluent social set."

Gene Pressman was the former co-CEO, creative director, and head of merchandising and marketing for Barneys New York before the beloved department store closed in 2020. Now, he chronicles the history of his family's business, and his own experience there, in the new memoir They All Came to Barneys: A Personal History of the World's Greatest Store. Pressman discusses the book, and listeners share their memories of Barneys.

This year, Wave Hill in Riverdale is commemorating its 60th anniversary. Gabriel de Guzman, Wave Hill Director of Arts and Chief Curator, reflects on the anniversary, guides us through the history of the horticultural space, and previews Celebrate! Arts in the Garden: Wave Hill at 60 happening later this month on Sept. 20-21.

The new film "Preparation for the Next Life" tells the story of a Uyghur immigrant working in Chinatown when she meets and falls in love with an American soldier who has returned from the Middle East. Director Bing Liu and actor Fred Hechinger join to discuss the film, which is in theaters Friday.

Ahead of Grandparent's Day, we ask you to share stories about a grandparent, specifically your grandparent's New York story. That could mean an immigration story, or the story of how they started a business, or a story about their life in New York. Von Diaz, author and StoryCorps senior producer, discusses some of her favorite StoryCorps stories about grandparents, and gives tips on how to hear and record stories from loved ones.

A narrative podcast uses humor to explore reasons why so many people have personal debt while reflecting on how we talk about those struggling with their finances. 'Debt Heads' podcast co-hosts Jamie Feldman and Rachel Webster join us to discuss the show's origins, their findings, and take listeners' calls about their experiences with debt.

New York City’s fountains are historical landmarks and works of art. Fabulous Fountains of New York looks a the architecture, the stories and the cultural significance around these fountains. Author Stephanie Azzarone & photographer Robert Rodriguez join us to share their favorite stories. Plus, listeners share their favorite fountains in the area.

A new book from Jonathan Mahler posits that the years from 1986 to 1990 were some of the most important, and tumultuous, in New York City history. Mahler discusses the book, The Gods of New York: Egotists, Idealists, Opportunists, and the Birth of the Modern City: 1986-1990.

A new documentary celebrates the music of Marc Bolan and T. Rex through archival footage and reinterpretations from musicians like U2, Lucinda Williams, and Father John Misty. Director Ethan Silverman and producer and longtime rock manager Bill Curbishley join us to discuss and take listeners' calls. "Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex" will be available to stream this Friday.

WNYC education reporter Jessica Gould talks about some of the issues facing schools this year, including the cell phone ban, AI in the classroom and other 'first day of school' topics.

Artist Joyce McDonald was born in 1951 and raised in Brooklyn's Farragut Houses. But she didn't start pursuing art until the 1990s, after being introduced to sculpture in an art therapy program while recovering from drug addiction. McDonald, who was also diagnosed with HIV in 1985, found that art gave her a way to express herself, and honed her craft with Visual AIDS, which supports artists living with HIV. Her ceramic pieces and archival materials are the subject of a new exhibit at the Bronx Museum, 'Ministry: Reverend Joyce McDonald,' on view through January 11. McDonald discusses her life and art, and why she decided to become a minister at the Church of the Open Door.

Zoe Dubno's debut novel Happiness & Love evolves over one evening in downtown NY, as the protagonist in town for a funeral. She accepts an invitation to a dinner party and spends it eviscerating the 'beautiful people' who she once looked up to. One reviewer called it "a savage, whip-smart, and genuinely hilarious takedown of New York's culture production ecosystem."

Labor Day marked the deadline to complete the 2025 All Of It Summer Reading Challenge. Producer Jordan Lauf wraps up the Challenge, shares what readers enjoyed most this year, and shares some of your comments. Plus, calls from listeners who share the best book they read this summer.

Yesterday marked the quarterfinals of men and women's singles play at the US Open. Caitlin Thompson, founder of Racquet Media. discuses how the Grand Slam has gone so far, and look ahead to the semi-finals,

Actor André Holland and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney previously worked together on the Oscar-winning film "Moonlight." Now, they've reunited for a revival of McCraney's 2005 play "The Brothers Size" about two brothers in the Deep South grappling with the aftermath of incarceration. Holland and McCraney join to discuss the play, which is running at The Shed through September 28th.

Jeremy Zucker's latest album Garden State takes New Jersey on the road. The NJ-born musician joins us in studio to play songs from his new LP, which finds him revisiting places and memories from his home state. He'll be playing at Brooklyn Steel on October 3.