All Of It with Alison Stewart

[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.

The new documentary,"Farming While Black," explores the triumphs and challenges of being a Black agricultural worker and farm-owner. Director Mark Decena and farmer and subject Karen Washington join us to discuss the film.

The new Broadway revival of the 1979 play "Home" stars Tory Kittles a Cephus Miles, a rural farmer who, after being released from prison for draft-dodging, moves up north to the big city. Kittles and director Kenny Leon join us to discuss the show, which is running at the Todd Haimes Theatre through July 21.

Bobby Finger, author and co-host of the Who? Weekly podcast returns with his second novel, Four Squares. The story is set in the West Village of the 1990s, where Artie, a gay man working a tedious advertising job meets the love of his life, Abraham. The story interweaves through several stages of Art's life, including as an elderly man seeking belonging and connection in New York City. Finger joins in studio to discuss the novel.

Looking for a new podcast to enjoy during your commute, by the pool or on vacation? Lauren Passell, editor of Podcast The Newsletter, joins to recommend her favorites to check out and we take your calls.

In February of this year, our host Alison Stewart underwent emergency brain surgery, which revealed a serious infection pressing on her language center. Now, she's back on the live show, and ready to talk about her surgery and recovery process. She kicks things off by interviewing her own neurosurgeon, Dr. Randy D'Amico of Lenox Hill Hospital, about her case and the process of treating her infection (which included AWAKE brain surgery!).

Journalist Sebastian Junger nearly died a few years ago when an aneurysm in his abdomen ruptured. As he lay dying on the operating table, a vision of his dead father caused him to question for the first time the possibility of an afterlife. He joins us to discuss his memoir about the experience, In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an Afterlife.

We're launching a summer reading challenge! From now until the end of Labor Day weekend, we're challenging our listeners to read four books in any 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 ItTo sign up for the challenge (and receive a prize!) click here.To get you started, All Of It and Get Lit producer Jordan Lauf joins us for some recommendations in each category.

Our host Alison was on an extended medical leave following emergency brain surgery, and she had to deal with a lot of new, frustrating, and unexpected situations. She speaks with psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb, author and co-host of the Dear Therapists podcast and “Dear Therapist” column for The Atlantic.

From beaches to festivals to capybara enclosures, we take your recommendations for the best things to do on Long Island in the summertime… and we hear some recommendations from Newsday reporter and Long Island resident, Beth Whitehouse.*Guest hosted by David Furst*

Earlier this week, one of our producers, pointed out a Time Out New York article titled, “NYC ranked best city in the U.S. in a new study”The article’s subtitle? “We already knew—and now you know as well.”We agreed -- but we aren't closed minded -- so we put it to listeners as part of our "Small Stakes, Big Opinions" series. The question on the table: is New York, in fact, the greatest city in the world? If not, what is? Comedian and author Josh Gondelman joined us to discuss.*Guest hosted by David Furst*

A new podcast series from Reveal revisits the history of 40 Acres and a Mule: the land grants given to recently freed slaves after the Civil War that were later taken away. 40 Acres and a Lie tells the stories of those freed men and women who lost their land, their present descendants, and the Americans who own and live on the land today. Reporters Alexia Fernández Campbell and April Simpson discuss the series, which airs its final episode Sunday on WNYC at 11am, and wherever you get podcasts.*Guest hosted by David Furst*

James-Beard nominated baker Renato Poliafito joins to discuss his latest cookbook, Dolci! American Baking with an Italian Accent. It includes a mashup of Italian and American standards from Aperol Spritz Cake, to Malted Tiramisu, as well as savory treats like Cacio e Pepe Arancini. And listeners, call with any baking questions!*Guest hosted by David Furst*

Throughout cinema history, trans characters have usually been murdered, made into a joke, or viewed as threats to the normal order — relegated to a lost highway of corpses, fools, and monsters. For the last installment of our Pride on Screen series, we look at the past, present and future of transgender stories in cinema with Willow Maclay and Caden Gardner, the authors of the book, Corpses, Fools and Monsters.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

[REBROADCAST FROM April 8, 2024] The close harmony trio Tiny Habits formed at Berklee College of Music in 2022 and have quickly become a fan favorite in the world of indie folk-pop. Cinya Khan, Maya Rae, and Judah Mayowa join to perform live in our studio.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

Instead of thinking of the ocean as a silent body of water, a new book demonstrates how important sound is in the lives of sea creatures. Author and science writer Amorina Kingdon joins us to discuss, Sing Like Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

In the new play "N/A," Holland Taylor stars as N, a longtime Democratic Representative and former Speaker of the House, who spars with A, played by Ana Villafañe. A is an ambitious and progressive newly elected Representative from New York, who thinks it's time for a new generation to take control. The play follows their career trajectories, and their lengthy debates about governing and the future of America. Taylor, Villafañe, and playwright Mario Correa join us to discuss the show, which is running at Lincoln Center through August 4.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

As Pride Month comes to a close, we speak to the team behind the NYC Queer History Walking Tour. They give guided tours of the Lower East Side and the East Village, featuring venues of importance that played a part in shaping LGBTQ+ life in the city, including theaters, bookstores, and nightclubs. Katie Vogel of the Henry Street Settlement, as well as Jimmy Fay and Salonee Bhaman of the Close Friends Collective join us to discuss. *This segment is guest-hosted by Tiffany Hanssen.

This Pride Month, WNYC's community partnerships desk has been asking New Yorkers what Pride means to them, some of whom you've heard on Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Ahead of New York City's Pride March this weekend, George Bodarky, our Community Partnerships editor, joins to discuss the project, listen to voices he recorded, and take your calls to hear about what Pride means to you.*This segment is guest-hosted by Tiffany Hanssen

Today is the last of day of school in New York City public schools. To kick off summer vacation, let's listen to some music for families! Lucy Kalantari is a Grammy-award winning musician who specializes in children's music. Her new album, Creciendo, is her first full-length project in Spanish, inspired by her Puerto Rican and Dominican identity. Kalantari joins us in studio to perform live, and talk about her process as a songwriter for the new "Dora" series.*This segment is guest-hosted by Tiffany Hanssen

Today we are celebrating the last day of school in New York City public schools! Karina González is a Brooklyn-based picture book author and bilingual speech-language pathologist. She joins us in-studio to discuss her latest book, Churro Stand, which celebrates the food vendors of New York and the working parents who serve their community.*This segment is guest-hosted by Tiffany Hanssen

Today is the last day of school for New York City public schools, so as we head into summer vacation, we're celebrating with stories for kids! Journalist and author Karen Good Marable has written a new picture book, Yaya and the Sea, about a girl named Yaya who takes the A train with her mom and aunties down to coastal New York City, and learns about growing up in the process. Marable tells us more about her inspiration for the book and does a special reading!*This segment is guest-hosted by Tiffany Hanssen

Guest host Kousha Navidar is headed to his alma mater to give a commencement speech to the graduating class of 2024. To prepare Kousha, we're joined by Riley Roberts, a professional speechwriter. The two break down their favorite commencement speeches, and ask listeners about their favorites.

In her new book, Cue the Sun!: The Invention of Reality TV, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Emily Nussbaum makes the case for taking the history of reality television seriously, especially considering the 2016 election of a reality TV star as President. She joins us to discuss this history ahead of her 7 pm event tonight at the Strand.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Crooked Media founders and Pod Save America hosts Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor have written a book, Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps, about how to be involved in politics in a way that actually feels productive. They join us to discuss the book, and take your calls.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

The new film, "A Quiet Place: Day One," is set in New York City and captures the experience of the very first day that the mysterious, sound-seeking creatures landed on earth. We speak with writer and director Michael Sarnoski about the new prequel, which stars Lupita Nyong'o and is in theaters this Friday.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Hobey Baker was considered one of the very first American ice hockey stars, taking the sport to new heights in the early 20th century. Tragically, he died under mysterious circumstances while in military service during World War I. A new podcast from ESPN's 30 For 30, Searching for Hobey Baker, investigates his life, death, and identity as a gay man in early 20th century America. Executive producer Andy Reynolds joins us to discuss.*Kousha Navidar Hosts*

Summer can be a lonely time if you don't feel like you have exciting plans every weekend. Matt Lundquist, founder and clinical director of Tribeca Therapy, joins us to discuss ways to combat summer FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and take your calls.*Kousha Navidar Hosts*

Summer is officially here. See what destinations are trending, where to avoid the crowds, where to go on a budget and more with Lonely Planet's executive editor Nitya Chambers. We also take your calls and questions.*Kousha Navidar Hosts*

Summer brings longer days and warmer temperatures. But the season also brings unwanted guests like mice, fruit flies, bed bugs and roaches into your home. To prevent and eradicate these pests, we're joined by Jim Fredericks, entomologist and senior vice president of Public Affairs at the National Pest Management Association. Plus, we take your calls.*Kousha Navidar Hosts*

The band Lake Street Dive join us for a live special performance and to discuss their new album, Good Together, out today!*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

In the 1930s, President Roosevelt's New Deal program revitalized Americans struggling during the Great Depression, including those working in the arts. One program, the U.S. Music Unit, sought to record and collect folk songs from all over America. The program collected over 800 songs over a two-year span before it was shut down for supposed socialistic sympathies. Author Sheryl Kaskowitz has written a new book about the history of the program, A Chance to Harmonize: How FDR's Hidden Music Unit Sought to Save America from the Great Depression―One Song at a Time, and she is with us to discuss her book and listen to archival recordings.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Sandwiches are universal, yet they come in so many shapes and sizes. Where do you get the best one in the city? We speak with THE CITY reporter Katie Honan about her sandwich guide. Plus we take your calls for your favorites.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Today we revisit our summer series taking your recommendations about how to have summer and weekend fun in our area. Today we focus on Westchester. Amy Sowder, managing editor of Westchester Magazine, gives us her picks of the places and activities to enjoy the sunshine in Westchester County, and we take your calls!*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

Medium Build just released his acclaimed album, Country, and is currently in the midst of his North American headline tour. He joins us for a Listening Party ahead of his shows at Bowery Ballroom this weekend on Friday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22.

In August of 1971, fifty years after the UK's Football Association banned women's soccer competitions, a group of women's soccer teams gathered in Mexico City for the first unofficial Women's World Cup. The documentary, "COPA 71," tells the story of this monumental - and largely forgotten - sporting event. Directors Rachel Ramsay and James Erskine, as well as Carol Wilson, team captain of the 1971 England team join us to discuss the film, which premieres tomorrow at IFC Center and on digital streaming platforms.

Hosting a dinner party this summer? We've got you covered. Katherine Lewin is the founder of Big Night, a dinner party shop (with locations in the West Village and Greenpoint) that is full of inspiring ideas to level-up your hosting. Lewin is also author of the new book, Big Night: Dinners, Parties, and Dinner Parties, and she tells about the secrets to hosting a memorable dinner party and take your calls.

We kick off the first day of summer with 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.

Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100 is a new exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York. It's the first major museum presentation dedicated to the legendary legislator, and it looks at her legacy -- and how she changed our country forever.*This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

A new documentary from Executive Producer Shonda Rhymes spotlights the design team behind the first Black Barbie doll as well as speaks to Black celebrities and tastemakers about the importance of representation in all facets of life. Director Lagueria Davis joins to discuss "Black Barbie."*This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

As New York enters a heat wave, we speak with Eater NY editor Melissa McCart about where to scoop up the best ice cream in the city and take calls from listeners to share their favorites.*This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

[REBROADCAST FROM JUNE 21, 2023] A new book explains how ice became a necessity in our everyday lives, whether its making tall glasses of tea, skating rinks or cutting-edge cryotherapy breast-cancer treatments. Journalist and historian Amy Brady join us to discuss her latest book, titled Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks--a Cool History of a Hot Commodity.

A new film premiering on Apple TV+ attempts to humanize the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women. Golden Globe winner Lily Gladstone plays Jax, a woman trying to solve the mystery of her missing sister while trying to create some degree of stability for her niece, Roki, played by Isabel DeRoy-Olson. Both join to discuss "Fancy Dance."This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

New Zealand-Australian musician and singer Jordan Rakei's latest album, The Loop, features a beautiful symphony of bold orchestral and soulful choral arrangements. He joins us in the studio to perform songs from the album live.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Bestselling author Frederick Joseph's latest poetry collection explores the complexities of relationships and the heartache of loss. He joins us for a conversation about his new book, We Alive, Beloved on the day of its release.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

"Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution" is a new documentary that traces the history of LGBTQ+ entertainers in comedy. From legends like Lily Tomlin, Wanda Sykes and Rosie O'Donnell, the film discusses how LGBTQ+ trailblazers made a space for themselves in stand-up, late night, and Hollywood films. Director Page Hurwitz and comedians Suzanne Westenhoefer and Todd Glass discuss the project, which is available on Netflix starting today.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar