All Of It with Alison Stewart

[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.

[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.

"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] 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.

[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.

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.

A new exhibition at The Shed called 'Open Call: Portals' spotlights the work of 12 New York City artists at the start of their careers. Curator Deja Belardo and Darren Biggart, director of civic programs at The Shed, discuss the exhibit, which runs until August 24.

It's been more than 15 years since the last album from The Swell Season. The duo, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, behind the award-winning movie and stage musical "Once" join us to perform new songs live in our studio.

[REBROADCAST FROM MAY 22, 2025] We continue our week spotlighting memoirs and biographies with a conversation about New York City LGBTQ+ rights activist Marsha P. Johnson with Tourmaline, author of the new book Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson.

Ken Jennings, host of "Jeopardy!" joins the show for an hour to discuss his role on the show and his new book of trivia, The Complete Kennections: 5,000 Questions in 1,000 Puzzles. Listeners have the chance to complete some of these trivia questions live with Ken on the air.

Director Amy Berg talks about her new documentary on the life, music, and lasting influence of Jeff Buckley. The film, "It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley," explores the mythology that’s grown around Buckley in the decades since his death, and features never-before-heard recordings and insights from those who knew him best. Berg discusses the challenges telling an artist's story when it's been defined by mystery and absence. The film releases in theaters on August 8. Listeners reflect on their connection to Buckley’s music and legacy.

All Of It producer Simon Close recaps the 2025 Public Song Project, which aired a radio special revealing its winners over the weekend. This Saturday, August 2, at 1 PM you can see the Public Song Project live in concert with the Brooklyn Public Library! Join us on the steps of the library's main branch in Grand Army Plaza for a free show.

It's time to check in on the All Of It Summer Reading Challenge! We are dedicating this week to one of the Challenge categories-- "read a memoir or biography." All Of It and Get Lit producer Jordan Lauf kicks things off with a list of recommendations for great memoirs and biographies to read this summer to help you complete the challenge. Plus, listeners share their recommendations.

Many podcasts are now recording video as well as audio, from hit interview shows like "Call Her Daddy" to the entire slate of New York Times audio podcasts. But why is an audio medium turning to video? And what do listeners think? Nick Quah, the podcast critic for Vulture and New York Magazine, joins to discuss. Plus, we take calls from listeners with their opinions on the subject for our latest installment of "Small Stakes, Big Opinions."

Patty Griffin's 11th studio album Crown of Roses is a personal record that finds her reflecting on the death of her mother and her own cancer treatment. She will be at Sony Hall on July 29. She joins us for a Listening Party.

As part of our summer food series, we're diving into one of NYC’s most iconic eats: pizza. Scott Wiener, founder of Scott’s Pizza Tours, joins us to share some of the best slices and pizzerias across the five boroughs. Plus, listeners call in with their go-to NYC pizza spots.*This episode is guest-hosted by Tiffany Hanssen.

In 2018, photographer Nat Ward stumbled upon Ditch Plains beach in Montauk, and he found a vibrant energy that he couldn't resist capturing. Ward spent four summers photographing Ditch Plains and the people who enjoy the beach, and he discusses his resulting photo collection, "Ditch: Montauk, New York, 11954," featuring 49 photographs that are also on view at Montauk Historical Society's Second House Museum through Labor Day.*This segment is guest-hosted by Tiffany Hanssen.

The new documentary "Match in a Haystack" follows members of Ukraine’s contemporary dance troupe as they prepare for their first performance since Russia invaded. Director Joe Hill and producer & movement director Stefanie Noll discuss the making of a film in a country at war --- and why dance and art matter in a time of crisis. *This segment is guest-hosted by Tiffany Hanssen.

Pulitzer Prize and Oscar-winning director and journalist Mstyslav Chernov joins to discuss his new documentary, "2000 Meters to Adriivka." The film follows an assault brigade of Ukrainian soldiers fighting to take back control of the small village of Adriivka. "2000 Meters to Adriivka" is in theaters today, and will premiere on PBS later this year.*This episode is guest-hosted by Tiffany Hanssen.

New York Times "Where to Eat" writer, Luke Fortney discusses all the best places to get a taco in the city. Listeners call in with their favorite taco recommendations.

Architectural historian William Hennessey has a new book called Along the Hudson: Walking Manhattan's Western Waterfront which traces the ups-and-downs of development along Manhattan’s western waterfront.

A recent Rolling Stone headline called Obongjayar “the Afrobeat innovator who can rock a stadium with no fear.” He joins for a Listening Party to talk about Paradise Now, which blends electro-pop with intimate storytelling.

In a new documentary, the likes of Bjork and David Byrne attest to the influence and importance of pioneering multi-disciplinary artist Meredith Monk. The film follows Monk, now in her 80s, as she creates her latest immersive work. "Monk in Pieces" will open in theaters on July 25. Meredith Monk joins us alongside director Billy Shebar.

The Infatuation, known for their restaurant recommendations, has compiled a summer essential: “The Best Ice Cream in New York City.” Editor Sonal Shah and staff writer Willa Moore discuss their favorite places to get scoops.

Sure, you could spend hundreds of dollars to take your family to a Mets or a Yankees game. Or you could spend a fraction of that amount to experience the enduring goofiness of minor league baseball, which takes itself a lot less seriously -- and has more interesting food. Benjamin Hill covers the minor leagues for MiLB.com, and Rex Doane (who is a senior producer at WNYC by day) is a serious fan. They discuss the joys of minor league baseball.

The new film "Videoheaven" presents a kind of video-essay about the history of on-screen portrayals of video stores, now mostly extinct. Writer and director Alex Ross Perry, who himself worked at Kim's Video, discusses the film alongside editor Clyde Folley. "Videoheaven" will screen on August 12 at Alamo Drafthouse, with a Q&A with Perry to follow.

The Gateway Program is a $16 billion project to build new tunnels under the Hudson River to improve service for Amtrak and NJ Transit trains. But as the project prepares to break ground, they have uncovered some mysterious — and some historically illuminating — obstacles, including a totally unaccounted for staircase to nowhere, pig bones from the Meatpacking District's meatpacking days, and a bevy of wires, cables, and other infrastructure dreamed up by the engineers of yesteryear. Stephen Nessen, transit reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, talks about the discoveries, and how Gateway crews will have to work around these buried treasures from the past.