All Of It with Alison Stewart

[REBROADCAST FROM October 4, 2024] We air highlights of the performance half of our September Get Lit with All Of It book club event with author Erik Larson. Songwriter and author David Berkeley and songwriter and producer Ben Parker make up the band Sons of Town Hall. The 19th-century inspired duo perform timeless folk music under the aliases George Ulysses Brown and Josiah Chester Jones.

[REBROADCAST FROM October 4, 2024] We air highlights from our October Get Lit with All Of It book club event with best-selling author and historian Erik Larson. He discusses his latest history of the Civil War, The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War.

[REBROADCAST FROM April 4, 2025] Indie rock back The Ophelias perform live from our March Get Lit with All Of It book club event. They recently released the album Spring Grove. Lead singer and guitarist Spencer Peppet talks about the group and its music.

[REBROADCAST FROM April 4, 2025] We air highlights from our March Get Lit with All Of It book club event. We read Mothers and Sons by Adam Haslett, a novel about a New York City asylum lawyer grappling with the events that led him to become estranged from his mother.

Spike Lee discusses his new film, "Highest 2 Lowest," which stars Denzel Washington as a high-powered New York City music executive who finds himself caught in a ransom plot. "Highest 2 Lowest" is in theaters August 15.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, widely considered by many to be one of the greatest American novels ever written. A.O. Scott, critic at large for the New York Times book review, discusses how and why The Great Gatsby became a staple of the American literary canon. Listeners also share their thoughts on The Great Gatsby.

A new psychological drama starring Nnamdi Asomugha and Aja Naomi King follows a Black family whose lives are upended when an intruder breaks into their home, sparking a tense investigation. Asomugha, who also produced, directed, and co-wrote the film, will talk about it alongside co-writer Mark Duplass. “The Knife” opens in theaters Friday, Aug. 15.

The new play from playwright Bubba Weiler is about a grieving woman. Maggie, played by Quincy Tyler Bernstine, has lost her husband Marv. Marv, played by Michael Chernus, was a great, if not always perfect, husband. But as mourners, family and strangers start to come to Maggie's home, she begins to wonder if she ever really knew her husband at all. Weiler, Bernstine, and Chernus discuss "Well, I'll Let You Go," which is running at the Space at Irondale through September 12.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, the controversial novel about a man's relationship with a 12-year-old girl. Kaveh Akbar, author of Martyr! discusses the complex literary legacy of Lolita, and listeners share their thoughts.

Writer Aisha Muharrar got her start in television. She wrote for "Parks and Recreation," "The Good Place," and most recently on "Hacks." Now she's turned to book writing, with her debut novel, Loved One. The book tells the story of Julia and her complicated relationship with Gabe, Julia's first crush turned best friend. When Gabe suddenly dies, Julia makes it her mission to gather all of his possessions. Aisha discusses the book, her idea for the story, and her childhood in Bay Shore on Long Island.

This month, our Full Bio series is dedicated to the life and art of controversial French painter Paul Gauguin. Our guest is Sue Prideaux, author of the book Wild Thing: A Life of Paul Gauguin. In this final installment, Prideaux discusses how moving to Tahiti influenced Paul Gauguin's life and art.

New York City–based vocalist and musician Mireya Ramos returns with her third solo album, Guerrera, following more than 15 years of touring the globe with her Latin Grammy–winning band, Flor de Toloache. Released this summer, the album features collaborations with acclaimed artists, including guitarist Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas, producer Mr. Sonic, and vibraphonist/percussionist Felipe Fournier among others. Mireya shares the inspirations behind the project and performs live with her band. Ramos is performing several local shows in the coming days.

Actor and former NY gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon discusses her roles in the most recent seasons of "The Gilded Age," and Sex and the City reboot, "And Just Like That," plus some local politics.

This month, our Full Bio series is dedicated to the life and art of controversial French painter Paul Gauguin. Our guest is Sue Prideaux, author of the book Wild Thing: A Life of Paul Gauguin. In today's installment, Prideaux discusses the beginnings of Gauguin's artistic career, and his meaningful but tumultuous friendship with Vincent Van Gogh.

As part of Classics Week, Professor of Literary Studies at Goucher College and co-curator Juliette Wells talks about "A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250", the new exhibit at The Morgan Library & Museum celebrating the beloved author's life and legacy. The show brings together rare manuscripts, personal letters, and objects from Austen's home in Chawton, England, along with items from collections around the world. Wells reflects on Austen's enduring cultural influence and why her novels continue to resonate with readers today. The exhibit is on view through September 14.

Two months after the implementation of NYC's FARE Act, which regulates the fees and practices of rental brokers and agents in the city, how has the apartment hunting process changed? New York Times housing reporter Mihir Zaveri, talks about how the market has changed, how brokers have been attempting to skirt the rules, and what it means for the future of housing affordability in New York.Note: StreetEasy did not oppose, but rather publicly supported, the FARE Act.

It is Classics Week on All Of It, spotlighting the big literary anniversaries this year. To kick things off, All Of It and Get Lit producer Jordan Lauf recommends some of the best classics to add to your summer reading list, especially if you are participating in the All Of It Summer Reading Challenge. Plus, listeners share their favorite classics.

This month, our Full Bio series is dedicated to the life and art of controversial French painter Paul Gauguin. Our guest is Sue Prideaux, author of the book Wild Thing: A Life of Paul Gauguin. In today's installment, Prideaux discusses Gauguin's childhood in Peru, and explains why she wanted to write a book about an artist who has been controversial among contemporary art fans. "

Guitarist Adrian Quesada makes up one half of the band Black Pumas, but is currently touring his solo album, Boleros Psicodélicos II, where Quesada invites collaborators to sing boleros with a psychedelic twist. The album came out this summer, and Quesada discusses his idea for the project and performs live with his band, featuring vocalists iLe, Mireya Ramos, and Angelica Garcia.

On this day in 1977, David Berkowitz confessed to being the Son of Sam killer who terrorized New Yorkers with seemingly random attacks. A new series explores interview tapes with Berkowitz to get a better understanding of the killer and his motivations. Director Joe Berlinger discusses the series "Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes," which is streaming now on Netflix. Listeners also share their memories of this period in NYC history.

[REBROADCAST from May. 9, 2025] Our April Get Lit book club pick, The Dream Hotel, comes from Moroccan author Laila Lalami and its protagonist is the daughter of Moroccan immigrants to the United States. At Lalami's request, we closed our event with music from Morocco as well. Hear performances from New York-based band Imal Gnawa and conversation with bandleader Atlas Phoenix.

[REBROADCAST from May. 9, 2025] Author Laila Lalami discusses her new book, The Dream Hotel, which follows a woman detained after an AI algorithm analyzes her dreams and determines she's at risk of harming her husband. The novel was our April selection for our Get Lit with All Of It book club.

[REBROADCAST from Nov. 8, 2024] We air highlights from our conversation with author Dinaw Mengestu who joined us for our October Get Lit with All Of It event. His new book, Someone Like Us, is about a journalist who returns home to his Ethiopian community in D.C. to uncover family secrets and examine his father's sudden death.

[REBROADCAST from Nov. 8, 2024] We air highlights from our conversation with 5-time Grammy Award-winner Angelique Kidjo who joined us for our October Get Lit with All Of It event.

"Shrinking" writer and comedian Bill Posley discusses his one man show, "The Day I Accidentally Went to War," about his experience enlisting in the military, being deployed, and coming home. The show is running at Soho Playhouse through August 30.

As Beijing bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, journalist Barbara Demick reported on the politics and impact of China's 'one-child' policy. Demick has written a new book that follows the story of how the policy affected one family, and a set of twins forcefully separated and put into the adoption system. Demick discusses her book, Daughters of the Bamboo Grove: From China to America, a True Story of Abduction, Adoption, and Separated Twins. Plus, listeners share their experience navigating the international adoption system.

In his new show "Can I Be Frank?" Morgan Bassichis interprets the life and work of gay comedian Frank Maya, who was one of the first openly gay comedians on network television before he died in 1995. Bassichis joins to discuss the show, which is running at the Soho Playhouse through September 13.

Some say the secret to a great trip is preparation. As travelers wind down their summer vacations, it's time to start thinking about fall. NerdWallet's Smart Travel podcast co-host Sally French helps us stay ahead of the curve by sharing a few travel savings tips for the upcoming season.

In 2000, Philadelphia poet Jill Scott burst onto the R&B and neo-soul scene with her debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, which included hits like "A Long Walk" and "Gettin' in the Way." For another installment of our Silver Liner Notes series, John Morrison, writer, DJ, and World Cafe correspondent, reflects on the album's 25th anniversary this summer and listeners share their favorite tracks and memories of listening to Who Is Jill Scott?

Traveling can be a great way for families to bond outside of the normal patterns of everyday life. Lonely Planet's Nitya Chambers talks about some of the best family destinations, and shares tips for vacationing with the family. Plus, listeners share their most memorable family trips.

Looking for a great weekend getaway from the city as we enter the last month of summer? Try one of the locations recommended by Hannah Towey, associate editor at Conde Nast Traveler, in her piece "19 Easy Weekend Getaways From NYC." She shares the destinations on her list, and takes calls from listeners.

Rachael & Vilray return to the studio with West of Broadway, their new album of original songs inspired by the American songbook, classic Broadway showtunes and West Coast jazz.

Visual artist Maris Jones talks about her campy, retro-fantasy “mini-movies,” her collaborations with major brands and pop star Chappell Roan, and her book, Unlock Your Aesthetic: A Visual Guide To Find Your Vibe.

Want to get better at taking selfies, family pictures, or a street scene with your smartphone? We've got you covered. For the next installment of New York Magazine's Night School newsletter, photo editors from the magazine will give you tips on how to improve your basic photography skills and make all of your friends on Instagram more jealous. Jody Quon, New York Magazine creative director, and Christopher Bonanos, city editor, discuss their "How to Take a Photo" newsletter and listeners share their tips and questions.

Planning a big trip with friends means navigating differences in budget, energy levels, desired activities, and other potential sticking points. How can you plan a successful group trip without putting strain on your friendships? Allie Volpe, senior reporter for Vox, discusses traveling with friends. Plus listeners weigh in with their own group trip experiences.

A new documentary called "My Undesirable Friends" follows Russian journalists navigating the intense press climate before, during and after the invasion of Ukraine. Director Julia Loktev discusses the film.

Food writer and Eater editor Nadia Chaudhury shares her favorite Italian restaurants across the city. Plus, listeners shout out their favorite Italian eateries in the area.

The suspect in last week's mass shooting in midtown claimed to have a condition known as CTE, a traumatic brain injury from repeated hits of the head. CTE has notable been found in the brains of football players like Junior Seau and Aaron Hernandez. The problem with self-diagnosis is CTE can only be diagnosed during an autopsy. Today we speak with associate professor of neurology at Boston University, Dr. Jesse Mez, who studies CTE and its effects on the brain and the goal to find ways to diagnosis and treat.

This summer, anti-tourist protests have swept Europe, and other popular tourist destinations. But the popularity of travel has not slowed down. So what are the keys to being a better visitor to a different city or country? Paige McClanahan, author of the book The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel, discuss how to be respectful travelers, and listeners weigh in with their thoughts.

A new book reveals that at least one hysterectomy is performed every minute, a procedure that lasts between one and four hours. It features insights from 100 women, trans men, and nonbinary individuals who have had, want, or are considering the surgery. Author Andréa Becker, an assistant professor at Hunter College-CUNY, discusses Get It Out: On the Politics of Hysterectomy and listener share their experiences with the procedure.

[REBROADCAST FROM June 2, 2025] Our Get Lit with All Of It musical guest for the month of May was actor and musician Reeve Carney, who joined us to discuss his career and creative process. Plus, he played some brand new original music live.

[REBROADCAST FROM Jan. 31, 2025] Trumpet player Anthony Hervey performs live from our January Get Lit with All Of It book club event.

[REBROADCAST FROM Jan. 31, 2025] Author Richard Price discusses his new novel, Lazarus Man, which tells the story of a group of people whose lives are affected by the collapse of a tenement building in East Harlem. The novel was our January Get Lit with All Of It book club selection. We air highlights from the sold-out live event.

[REBROADCAST FROM June 2, 2025] The latest novel from author Katie Kitamura follows an accomplished actor and the mysterious young man who suddenly enters her life. We picked Audition as our May Get Lit with All Of It book club selection. Kitamura discusses the novel with Alison in front of a sold out crowd.

The indie-folk band Lord Huron joins for a live performance of songs from their new album The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1.

The new novel Lonely Crowds follows two best friends who find their relationship challenged as they both pursue artistic success in New York City in the 1990s. Author Stephanie Wambugu joins to discuss her debut novel.

We continue our week spotlighting memoirs and biographies with a look into the life of boxer and Brooklyn native Mike Tyson. Mark Kriegel discusses his new biography, Baddest Man: The Making of Mike Tyson.

Comedian Eva Victor discusses writing, directing, and starring in her feature directorial film debut, "Sorry, Baby." It's a heartfelt look at one woman's attempt to move on from a tragic event. "Sorry, Baby" is in theaters now.

[REBROADCAST FROM Oct 22, 2024] Collaborators Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis discuss their new project, the concept album Warriors. It's a multi-genre musical adaptation of the 1979 movie 'The Warriors,' which tells the story of a Coney Island gang who need to fight their way back to Brooklyn after they are framed for a murder in the Bronx. Miranda and Davis will be hosting a listening party and silent disco at Lincoln Center on July 30, 2025.

When he was 38, journalist Jonathan Gluck received a sudden diagnosis of a rare, incurable cancer. He was given 18 months to live. And yet, more than 20 years later, he is still here. Gluck discusses his new memoir about living with a terminal illness, An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope.