All Of It with Alison Stewart

As part of our weeklong unveiling of winners of the 2024 Public Song Project, we're joined by Ashleigh Prather and Manish Ayachit, a husband-and-wife duo who record and perform as Moontripp. They share their version of Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do."Plus, Isabel Kim, associate director of Joe's Pub, joins us to discuss takeaways as a judge for the 2024 Public Song Project and share some of her personal favorite submissions and runners up.

In 19th century Staten Island, a heavily pregnant woman named Polly Bodine was accused of murdering her own sister-in-law, and her baby niece. The crime and subsequent trials set off a media firestorm in New York, with luminaries like Edgar Allen Poe and Walt Whitman covering the case. We speak with author Alex Hortis about his new book, The Witch of New York: The Trials of Polly Bodine and the Cursed Birth of Tabloid Justice as part of our series, "Women Behaving Badly," a tongue-in-cheek look at unruly women in New York history.

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sean Wang's latest feature film, "Didi," is a slice of life story about Chris, an impressionable teenager living in Fremont, California. It's summer, and the 13-year-old spends his time aimlessly skateboarding and flirting with his crush on Myspace. Chris often clashes with his immigrant mother, whose rigid expectations for her son clashes with his own desires and ambitions. Wang joins to discuss his feature directorial debut, which is out in theaters on July 26.

After 12 years, New York Times restaurant critic Pete Wells is leaving the table and shining a light on the health concerns that face many food critics. He joins us next to reflect on over a decade of reviewing food in New York.

Film director Susan Seidelman was one of the trailblazing female directors of the 1980s, working on classics like "Smithereens" and "Desperately Seeking Susan," and even directing the pilot episode of "Sex and the City." She chronicles her life and career in her new memoir, Desperately Seeking Something: A Memoir About Movies, Mothers, and Material Girls. She joins us to discuss.

As part of our weeklong unveiling of winners of the 2024 Public Song Project, we're joined by Kate Hall and Chris Bishop, who perform as Love? said the Commander. We hear their song adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's poem "Bed in Summer."Then, DJ Rekha joins us to discuss takeaways from the 2024 Public Song Project and share some of their personal favorite submissions and runners up. They also share their own musical submission to the project.

In Cole Escola's hit play "Oh, Mary!" they star as a deranged version of Mary Todd Lincoln, whose dream in life is to be a cabaret star. Mary's husband Abraham gets her acting lessons to keep her from bothering him, which sets off a chain of events which ultimately leads to his own assassination. Following a successful off-Broadway run, the show is now running at the Lyceum Theatre through September 15. Director Sam Pinkleton joins us to discuss the Broadway transfer, alongside actor Conrad Ricamora, who stars as Abraham Lincoln.

"Cats" is back in town, but with a makeover. Instead of ballet dancing and cat costumes, "Cats: The Jellicle Ball" features a disco ball, house music, avant-garde costumes, and a whole lot of voguing, dipping and sashaying. Choreographer Omari Wiles and gender consultant and dramaturg Josephine Kearns share how they blended New York's ballroom culture with a Broadway classic. "Cats: The Jellicle Ball" is running now at the Perelman Arts Center through August 11.

A new documentary, "Join or Die," tells the history of the decline in community and connection in America, and the consequences of increasing social isolation. Sibling directors Pete and Rebecca Davis discuss their film, which is screening at Firehouse Cinema from July 19 through July 25.

As part of our weeklong unveiling of winners of the 2024 Public Song Project, Candice Hoyes joins us to discuss her take on Bessie Smith's "Young Woman's Blues."Plus, All Of It producer Simon Close discusses some of the submissions from this year's project, previews the upcoming concert series at Lincoln Center on July 20th, and shares a bonus Public Song track from the team behind Radiolab's children's' podcast Terrestrials.

In a new book, The Price She Pays, two experts in mental health discuss the struggles women face in sports, including disordered eating, substance use, depression and abuse. Co-authors Katie Steele, a former D1 athlete and licensed therapist, and Dr. Tiffany Brown, a therapist who works with student athletes, join us to discuss.

New York City photographer Vivian Maier was an unknown talent in her lifetime, and worked as a nanny around the city. After her death, thousands of her photographers were discovered, and she became known as a real talent in the art world. A new exhibit at Fotografiska represents the first major retrospective of her work in the United States. Anne Morin, curator of the exhibit and director of diChroma photography, and Sophie Wright, executive director of Fotografiska, join us to discuss, Vivian Maier: Unseen Work, which runs at Fotografiska through September 29.

It seems that the circumstances of life today make it harder to meet new people, talk to strangers, and have good conversation. Science writer David Robson has written a new book about social connection, The Laws of Connection: 13 Social Strategies That Will Transform Your Life, and he tells us more about the science behind conversation and how to go about transforming our daily conversations to get the most out of life. Plus, we take your calls.This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Planning a successful trip with a friend group can be tricky to master. There are differing travel styles, personality types and financial constraints to consider. Nick Leighton, host of the etiquette podcast, Were You Raised By Wolves?, joins us to discuss how to execute these without a hitch, and take listener calls on their best and worst friend travel stories.This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

After her bestselling thriller Long Bright River, Liz Moore returns with a new mystery. In The God of the Woods, a teenage girl goes missing at the Adirondack summer camp that her parents own. What's even more strange is that her older brother also vanished years ago, and has never been found. Moore joins us to discuss this mystery novel, which Kousha has selected for the Summer Reading Challenge in the category "A book about or set in New York." Click here to join the challenge!This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

The new limited series on Apple TV+, "Lady in the Lake" tells the story of how the families of two women become entangled when a young girl goes missing in 1966 Baltimore. The director and showrunner Alma Har'el and stars Y'lan Noel and Byron Bowers join to discuss.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Producer of the Public Song Project, Simon Close, discusses the incredible submissions from this year's project, and previews the upcoming concert series at Lincoln Center on July 20th.

This summer, The Classical Theatre of Harlem is putting on a free production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for Uptown Shakespeare in the Park. Director Carl Cofield discusses the production, which is set during the Harlem Renaissance and has performances through July 28.

Cast iron cookware has a well-deserved reputation for being a kitchen workhorse, going easily from stovetop to oven. And like anything with a cult following, how to take care of it is subject to a lot of debate. Daniel Gritzer is the senior culinary director at Serious Eats, and he joins us to discuss how to season your cast iron and talk about how he uses the cookware.

The new film "Quad Gods" follows a group of New York City quadriplegic men who form an E-Sports team that helps assist them in their recovery. Documentarian Jess Jacklin joins us to discuss the film, alongside Richard Jacobs, one of the film's subjects."Quad Gods" is out now on MAX.

Chicocurlyhead's unique mix of R&B and Latin music helped him stand out as an emerging artist from Atlanta. Remezcla called him "a rising Spanglish singer ready to take over." Last month, he dropped a new EP, NEVERENDING ROADTRIP. Chicocurlyhead joins us to discuss the new project and his career in music so far.

The latest exhibit at the Met's Costume Institute brings old pieces of fashion to life through innovative techniques, including holograms. Andrew Bolton, curator in charge of The Costume Institute, joins us to discuss Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, on view now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art through September 2.

In the follow-up to author K’wan's novel,The Reluctant King, Maureen, the former matriarch of Manhattan’s King crime family, devises a plan to reclaim power after being exiled to Brooklyn with her son. It's titled, False Idols: A Reluctant King Novel. K’wan joins us to discuss the new release and the battle over the New York City's Five Points.

Just like WNYC, the beloved Caesar salad turns 100 this month. To celebrate the beloved leafy green dish, we're joined by food writer and TV host Pati Jinich. Jinich is author of the recent New York Times article, "The Century-Long Saga of the Caesar Salad," detailing the history and impact of the dish, which originated in Tijuana, Mexico. Plus, we take your calls on your favorite recipes and renditions of the iconic dish.

A new book examines the glamourous cathedrals of retail: the early New York City department stores. When Women Ruled 5th Avenue spotlights three women who helmed the C suites of the major stores, Bonwit Teller, Lord & Taylor and Henri Bendel. Author Julie Satow joins to discuss.

Producer of the Public Song Project, Simon Close, discusses the incredible submissions from this year's project, and previews the upcoming concert series at Lincoln Center on July 20th.

Beatlemania is alive and well at the Brooklyn Museum! A current exhibit, Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm, displays Paul McCartney's photographs taken during the height of their newfound fame. Curator Catherine Futter joins us to discuss the exhibit.

The new novel from Taffy Brodesser-Akner follows a very wealthy Long Island family coping with the aftermath of a kidnapping scheme. She joins us to discuss the book, Long Island Compromise, which is out today! She will be speaking tonight with the New York Public Library at 7 pm. Alison has selected Long Island Compromise for our Summer Reading Challenge in the category "a book about or set in New York." Click here to join our Summer Reading Challenge!

The protagonist in Yasmin Zaher's debut novel, The Coin, is a wealthy Palestinian woman with impeccable style and meticulous hygiene. She teaches at a school for underprivileged boys, where her eccentric methods often cross boundaries. The book follows the protagonist's intense unravelling, and her desire to regain control of her life. Zaher joins us in studio to discuss the book, which is out today. Alison has selected The Coin for our Summer Reading Challenge in the category "a book by a debut novelist. Clickhere to join our Summer Reading Challenge!

A new play from actor Marin Ireland tells the story of a woman processing the aftermath of a relationship that ended with domestic violence. The lead role is played in rotation by multiple actors, including Maria Dizzia, who also directs the show. Ireland and Dizzia join us to discuss "Pre-Existing Condition," which is running now at Connely Theater through August 3.

A new documentary provides an inside look at one of the only inpatient units in the U.S. that treats young adults for serious mental health issues. Directors Lindsey Megrue and Alexandra Shiva join clinical psychologist Dr. Laura Braider to discuss, "One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit," available on Max.

In Gilded Age New York, a Jewish woman named Fredericka Mandelbaum was able to become fantastically wealthy by running a crime syndicate. We learn how "Marm" Mandelbaum became a notorious crime boss from Margalit Fox, author of the new book, The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum: The Rise and Fall of an American Organized-Crime Boss. It's the launch of our July series "Women Behaving Badly," a tongue-in-cheek title for our look at unruly women of New York history.

A new "P-Valley" inspired docuseries from creator Katori Hall and star Nicco Annan shows viewers a real version of the Deep South, from the queer nightlife scene in Dallas, TX to the Hoodoo practitioners of Memphis, TN. Both Hall and Annan join us to discuss the show, "Down in the Valley," which premiered on Starz last week.

In honor of WNYC's 100th birthday, All Of It is celebrating 100 pieces of art in New York City. Each month we'll speak with a tastemaker in the arts world about their favorites. The premiere segment features New York Times art critic Will Heinrich who shares 10 pieces he thinks all New Yorkers should see.

[REBROADCAST FROM July 23, 2021] Food & Wine senior food editor Mary-Frances Heck joins us to talk summer cocktails, recipes, and trends.This conversation is guest-hosted by Kerry Nolan.

[REBROADCAST FROM July 1, 2024] This summer, from July 1st to the end of Labor Day weekend, we are challenging YOU, our listeners, to complete a summer reading challenge. Just like in school, but for fun!Sign up with the Google Form here and receive a little gift for participating. Then, select and read at least one book in any four of the following categories...A classic you’ve been meaning to get toSomething by a debut novelistA book recommended by a friendA book about or set in New YorkA book translated from another languageA book being turned into a TV series or movieA book you heard about on All Of ItYou can download and fill out or print this PDF form to keep track of your selections! You can also share your selections with us, and keep us updated on your summer reading progress, by tagging us in posts on Instagram, and we’ll repost you! Tag us @allofitwnyc and use the hashtag #AOISummerReadingChallenge. Once you’ve completed the challenge, we’ll follow up about your selections to receive another prize! All summer long, our hosts Alison Stewart and Kousha Navidar will be completing the challenge along with you, so tune in to the show for some great recommendations. Plus, some special guests will be sharing their selections as well. And if you’re looking for some inspiration to get you started, below are some suggestions from All Of It and Get Lit producer Jordan Lauf. Happy reading!

[REBROADCAST FROM June 19, 2024] Eater NY editor Melissa McCart talks about where to scoop up the best ice cream in the city and take calls from listeners to share their favorites.*This conversation was guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

[REBROADCAST FROM June 20, 2024] We cover some news-you-can-use and crowdsource tips from listeners on how to beat the heat. We're also joined by Annie Colbert, editor in chief of Popular Science, to talk about the science of temperature and extreme heat, and to explain how some of these strategies work.

[REBROADCAST FROM May 30, 2024] It’s officially summer travel season. If you’re thinking about planning a trip to sample some local cuisine along the Eastern Seaboard (or beyond) we’ll share some suggestions of where to check out great food with Hunter Lewis, editor in chief of Food and Wine.

[REBROADCAST FROM June 2, 2022] The summer is here, which means more opportunities for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and vacation cooking projects. But also, because of the heat, you may not to want to have that oven or stove on as long...Emily Weinstein, food and cooking editor for the New York Times, joins to talk all things summer cooking, and take your cooking questions and calls.

[REBROADCAST FROM February 26, 2021] We wrap up February’s installment of the "Full Bio" series with a look at the last years of Frederick Douglass’s life, including his experience as minister and consul general to Haiti. Historian David W. Blight, author of Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom, describes the reaction to Frederick Douglass’s death in February of 1895 as well as why Douglass’s second marriage to a woman named Helen Pitts became one of the biggest scandals in 19th century America.

[REBROADCAST FROM February 25, 2021] For the fifth installment of February’s “Full Bio” series, historian David W. Blight discusses Frederick Douglass’s political work fighting for abolition and suffrage. We look at his allegiance to the Republican Party, including his working relationship with Abraham Lincoln, and why Andrew Johnson was so dismissive of Douglass.

[REBROADCAST FROM February 24, 2021] In the fourth installment of our February “Full Bio” series, we look at Frederick Douglass’s family and friendships. Historian David W. Blight talks about Douglass’s first wife, Anna, their five children (four of whom lived to adulthood), and his long and turbulent friendship with German feminist and abolitionist Otillie Assing.

[REBROADCAST FROM February 23, 2021] For the third installment of our February "Full Bio" series, historian David W. Blight describes what made Frederick Douglass such an engaging speaker that he became one of the most powerful voices in 19th century America. Plus, we look at how the prominent abolitionist’s views on slavery evolved in the 1830’s and 1840’s. Blight’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography is titled, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom.

[REBROADCAST FROM February 22, 2021] We continue with our "Full Bio" series with historian David W. Blight, who joins us to discuss his 2018 Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. In this installment, we learn how Douglass escaped slavery and fled to the North.

[REBROADCAST FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2021] We present the full conversation from February's installment of our “Full Bio” series with historian David Blight about his book, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom, which won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for History. Blight used new information drawn from private collections to explore the work and life of Douglass. We start with a look at Douglass’s early life as an enslaved person, how he learned to read, and how he escaped to the North from Baltimore in 1838.

Humorist and Journalist Mo Rocca's new book is called Roctogenarians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks, and Triumphs, which spotlights people like Colonel Sanders, Frank Lloyd Wright and Henri Matisse, whose accomplishments as older folks demonstrate that age is indeed just a number. He joins to share stories and insights from the book, and listeners call in to share their "late in life" triumphs.

The summer is a great time for a birthday party, especially your kid's birthday. You walk in any New York City park on a given weekend, and you'll see crowds of parents and kids celebrating. Writer Laura Fenton recently wrote the article, "How to Throw a Child’s Park Birthday Party," for New York Magazine, and she gives us party planning recommendations and we take your calls and questions.

When documentarian Penny Lane decided to donate her kidney to a complete stranger, her friends and family couldn't understand her decision. So she decided to make a documentary about the process. She joins Alison (a fellow kidney donor!) to discuss the film "Confessions of a Good Samaritan," which is in theaters now.

A new audio play presented by V-Day, the global activist movement to end violence against all women, shares the stories of Black women across the diaspora. Playwright, author and V-Day founder V (formerly Eve Ensler) joins us alongside playwright, actress, and producer Hollis Heath to discuss, VOICES: a sacred sisterscape.