All Of It with Alison Stewart

In Nicola Yoon's first novel for adults, a woman named Jasmyn and her family move to a wealthy, utopic, all-Black community in Liberty, California. But very quickly, Jasmyn begins to realize that all in Liberty is not as peaceful as it seems. Yoon joins us to discuss her novel, One of Our Kind.This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Argentinian actor Maia Novi will stop at nothing to be in the American movies, even if it means losing her mind. It's the premise of the off-Broadway play, "Invasive Species," based on Novi's personal experiences navigating drama school. Novi and director Michael Breslin join us to discuss the dark comedy, which is running at the Vineyard's Dimson Theatre until June 30.

Disney and Pixar's “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of teenage Riley Andersen just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for new emotions such as envy, embarrassment, boredom, and anxiety. Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour, who consulted on the film, and co-writer Dave Holstein, join us to discuss the science behind teenage emotions displayed on screen. This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Pixar's latest movie, "Inside Out 2," was released in theaters over the weekend. The beloved animation studio has been making films for decades that are beloved by adults and children alike. For the latest installment of our Small Stakes, Big Opinions series, we attempt to answer the question: What is the best Pixar movie? Will Leitch, New York Magazine contributing editor, and film critic Tim Grierson have ranked the Pixar films for Vulture, and they give us their thoughts and take your calls.This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

[REBROADCAST FROM JAN. 9, 2024] In the Broadway staging of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Obie-winning play "Appropriate," Sarah Paulson stars as Toni, a woman dealing with the fallout from a gruesome discovery among her late father's things. Toni and her brothers, who are cleaning out the old family plantation home, must decide what to do with this explosive artifact. Jacobs-Jenkins, Paulson, and director Lila Neugebauer join us to discuss the show.

[REBROADCAST FROM NOV. 16, 2023] In the 1980s and '90s, Alicia Keys was a girl living with her mother in a small apartment off Times Square, with a dream of being a professional musician. Of course, we know how her life turned out. Keys is one of the creators of a new musical inspired by her early life in Manhattan, featuring original music and lyrics. "Hell's Kitchen" tells the story of Ali (Maleah Joi Moon), a 17-year-old who wants to make it big. To discuss the show, we're joined by director Michael Greif, book writer Kristoffer Diaz, and music supervisor Adam Blackstone.

[REBROADCAST FROM MAY 16, 2024] The classic musical "Cabaret" is back on Broadway, this time transforming a theater into an immersive Kit Kat Klub experience. Tony nominated stars Eddie Redmayne (the emcee) and Gayle Rankin (Sally Bowles) join us alongside director Rebecca Frecknall to discuss the production, which has been nominated for Best Musical Revival.

[REBROADCAST FROM DEC. 15, 2022] Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's now-beloved musical "Merrily We Roll Along" was a massive flop when it premiered in 1981, lasting on Broadway for only two weeks. But a new production at New York Theater Workshop has opened to rave reviews, signaling the show might have found a new life. Stars Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez join us to discuss the production, and why it's working this time.

[REBROADCAST FROM MAY 8, 2024] The new play "Stereophonic" recently became the most Tony Award-nominated play ever, receiving 13 nominations. It follows the story of a band recording a new album as their relationships with one another begin to fracture. We're joined by playwright David Adjmi, director Daniel Aukin, and composer Will Butler to discuss the show, running through August 18 at the Golden Theatre.

[REBROADCAST FROM OCT. 27, 2023] Ossie Davis's daring farce, "Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch," has been revived on Broadway for the very first time. Tony-winning actor Leslie Odom, Jr. plays Purlie Victorious Judson, a Black man determined to win back the money for his community church from Ol' Cap'n Cotchipee. Tony nominee Kara Young stars as Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins, a woman who gets caught up in Purlie's scheme. The production is directed by Tony-winner Kenny Leon, who joins us alongside Young and Odom Jr.

Lisa Keefauver is a widow, a grief activist, social worker, and host of the podcast, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch. Now, in her new book of the same title, she helps people navigating grief orient themselves to their new reality and shares tools they can use to move forward, not on.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Boston-based bilingual singer-songwriter Alisa Amador rose to fame after she won the 2022 Tiny Desk Concert on NPR. Her new album, Multitudes, is a captivating self-portrait that celebrates her Latinx roots and her journey as an artist. Amador joins us in studio before her live performance at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park tomorrow.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

In the new film "Ghostlight," a father finds meaning in joining a community theater production of "Romeo & Juliet," while realizing that the play is beginning to mirror his own life. Writer and director Kelly O'Sullivan, co-director Alex Thompson, and star Keith Kupferer join us to discuss the film, which premieres in theaters on Friday.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

To reconnect with her Thai identity, Belgium-based cartoonist Christina De Witte started virtual Thai language classes during the pandemic where she met Mallika Kauppinen, a native Thai speaker, language instructor, and accomplished cook. The pair have banded together to create a new Thai comic book cookbook, Noodles, Rice, and Everything Spice. De Witte and Kauppinen join us to discuss some of the recipes and illustrations in the book.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Grammy-award winning musician PJ Morton is back with a new album, Cape Town to Cairo, which was fully produced, written and created during his month-long trip around the African content. With collaborations with local artists and using regional sounds, PJ Morton's album is an ode to his motherland, and the cultures and stories he encountered while there. Morton joins us for a live performance and discusses his experience making the record.This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

This week, Wynton Marsalis is playing his first residency at the famous Blue Note Jazz Club in over thirty years. The Pulitzer Prize-winning trumpeter will be playing with both the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Future of Jazz Septet through June 16. Marsalis discusses with us his residency, his favorite memories of playing at the Blue Note, and his continued education efforts in Jazz.This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

"Following Harry," a documentary screening at Tribeca this year follows artist and activist Harry Belafonte in his twilight years, helping mentor the next generation of social justice activists. We'll speak with the director, Susanne Rostock, as well as poet Aja Monet and activist Matt Post who are featured in the film. This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Lesbian bars have been safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. The documentary series "Lesbian Bar Project" takes us to bars all across the globe - from Texas to Germany - to understand what they mean for the lesbian and queer femme community. Filmmakers Erica Rose and Elina Street join us to discuss the project, as part of our Pride on Screen series.This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

In "Tuesday," Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays a mother who, along with her dying teenage daughter, must confront Death when it arrives in the form of an astonishing talking bird. Louis-Dreyfus joins us to talk about her role in the new film, along with director Daina O. Pusić.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Last week marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and as we mark the historic event, we also acknowledge that soon, World War II veterans will no longer be with us. We want to invite listeners to call in and share their relative's story of their D-Day experience, or any veterans who want to share what they went through on that day. Guiding us through the conversation is author Garrett M. Graff, who will discuss his new book, When The Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Comedian Ian Karmel and his sister, Dr. Alisa Karmel, grew up overweight as kids. However, they never talked about it. In a new memoir, the two reflect on their childhood experiences. Ian joins us to discuss their book, T-Shirt Swim Club, which is out today.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

This Friday, guitarist Mike Campbell and his band The Dirty Knobs will release their new rocking album, Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits. Campbell was a founder, lead guitarist, and co-writer for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and he joins us in studio for a Listening Party preview of the new album.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

WNYC reporter and All Of It guest host Matt Katz spent years looking for his biological father, a search that turned into his acclaimed podcast, Inconceivable Truth. He joins us to reflect on how that search made him think about parenting and fatherhood ahead of Father's Day.*This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

A mother provides raw testimony about her struggle to help her son facing intense mental health challenges, including depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. It's titled,I Can Fix This: And Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child. Author Kristina Kuzmič joins us to discuss lessons she learned about supporting her children through crisis, and we take listener calls.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Friendships can ground us, nurture us, and be a great source of fun and belonging. But what happens when they aren't working? We speak to author Anna Goldfarb, whose latest book, Modern Friendship, is about how to nurture friendships and also know when to let go. Plus, we take your calls.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

Our lives are lived in three places: home, work – and a third place. Usually it’s not a place that bridges the first two, like a library, bookstore, park, cafe, barbershop, dog park. But they're becoming increasingly rare. Writer Allie Volpe joins to discuss the importance of third spaces and what its decline could mean for everyday people. She's the writer of the latest Vox article, If you want to belong, find a third place.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

In her directorial debut, queer comedian TigNotaro explores what it means to come out late(r) in life. The film, "Am I Ok?", features Lucy (played by Dakota Johnson) who reveals a long held secret about her sexuality to her best friend.Notarojoins us to talk about the film, which is available to stream on Max.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

Ahead of the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday, we take some time to look back on the history of the island, and the circumstances that led so many Puerto Ricans to move to New York City. Author Jorell Meléndez-Badillo joins us to discuss his new book, Puerto Rico: A National History.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

What's up this weekend? We ask listeners about their weekend plans. *This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

The Northern Irish police procedural, "Blue Lights," has been called "Ireland's answer to the Wire" for its both gritty and compassionate depiction of rookie cops working the hard scrabble streets of Belfast. Season 1 was nominated for 4 IFTAs (Irish Film and Television Awards) including Best New Drama. Season 2 premieres on BritBox June 13 and creators Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson join to discuss the series.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

Summer in New York is a season made for late nights. If you drink alcohol, perhaps you'll wake up with more than one hangover this summer, in which case you'll probably be craving some food to aid in nursing the typical morning-after headache. Nikita Richardson, New York Times Food editor who also writes the Where To Eat Newsletter, recently wrote about her go-to meals and places around the city for a hangover cure, and she joins us to discuss what makes the perfect hangover food and take your calls.*This episode is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

Cookbook author and globetrotting food writer Yasmin Fahr joins to discuss her latest book, Cook Simply, Live Fully, which features recipes for easy weeknight dinners and one-pot meals. Plus, she'll take listener calls.This segment is guest hosted by Kousha Navidar

Following the tour cancellations from artists like Jennifer Lopez and The Black Keys and slow ticket sales for other artists like Future and Metro Boomin', we investigate what's going on with summer concerts with Dave Brooks, senior director of live music and touring at Billboard. Plus, we discuss the Biden administration's antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster. And we take your calls! This segment is guest hosted by Kousha Navidar

Generations have grown up with Kermit the Frog, Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird. Now Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard takes a look at the man behind the muppets, Jim Henson, in his new documentary "Jim Henson: Idea Man". Ron Howard joins to discuss the film and Henson's legacy. This segment is guest hosted by Kousha Navidar

In the 1970s, Brooklyn-born saxophonist Alan Braufman released a cult classic free jazz album, Valley of Search. But for decades afterwards, Braufman was out of the spotlight, not releasing any albums as a band leader. However, in 2018 Valley of Search was rediscovered by a new generation of jazz fans, leading to Braufman recording a new critically acclaimed album, The Fire Still Burns, in 2020. He's just released a new album, Infinite Love Infinite Tears, and Braufman joins us in studio for a Listening Party ahead of his show tomorrow night at National Sawdust.This segment is guest hosted by Kousha Navidar

Movies can serve as a vehicle to broaden our understanding of the world, and find empathy and meaning in our lives. This Pride Month, we ask our listeners: What's a queer film that shaped you? Kyle Turner, freelance journalist and author ofThe Queer Film Guide joins to help answer that question. This segment is part of "Pride on Screen," our new series this June where we showcase contemporary LGBTQ+ issues through film.*This segment is guest hosted by Kousha Navidar.

From Golden Era of the 1980's to present day, jewelry has been a consistent part of hip hop style and fashion. A new exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History pays homage to the unique creativity of the designs, from "dookie chains" to the elaborate, "iced out" pendants worn by current stars like Drake and A$AP Rocky. Curator Vikki Tobak and legendary rapper Roxanne Shante join to discuss Ice Cold and the enduring style of hip hop jewels.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

[REBROADCAST FROM October 3, 2023] The play "Job" centers on the relationship between a crisis therapist, played by "Succession" actor Peter Friedman, and his client, a tech employee played by Sydney Lemmon whose recent workplace breakdown has become a viral video. Friedman and Lemmon join us with the playwright Max Wolf Friedlich. "Job" is opening on Broadway on July 15 at the Hayes Theater following two successful off-Broadway runs.

The Cannes Film Festival recently wrapped, and it gave a peek at some films that might be jockeying for Oscar nominations this season. New York Times pop culture reporter Kyle Buchanan was in Cannes and drops by to share his takeaways from the festival, as well as share films he's looking forward to this summer. We also discuss the state of the Summer Blockbuster in light of two big box office disappointments in "The Fall Guy" and "Furiosa."This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Brooklyn-born, LA-based singer Zsela's long-awaited debut album, Big For You, comes four years after the release of her EP Ache of Victory which The New York Times called "a group of songs that are emotive yet elusive." She joins us to discuss the inspiration behind music songs and preview her forthcoming album.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

The Stone Pony in Asbury Park has an almost mythical reputation in New Jersey music history. The beachside venue was where a young Bruce Springsteen first got his start, and it was a popular destination for local acts and memorable nights beginning in the 1970s. New York Times reporter Nick Corasaniti has written a new book, I Don't Want To Go Home: The Oral History of The Stone Pony, and he recounts to us what he learned about the storied venue. Plus, we take your calls.EVENT: Nick will be hosting a ticketed book release party at The Stony Pony on June 8. Doors open at 7pm.This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar

Grammy-winning musician and singer Arooj Aftab joins us for a Listening Party for her new album, Night Reign, which combines jazz and folk sounds. Pitchfork says the album's "gestures are bold, romantic, and often unforgettable."*This segment is guest-hosted by David Furst.

In an age of Web MD, most of us have found ourselves anxiously Googling symptoms, and diagnosing ourselves with terrible ailments, even if we know it's a bad idea. A new book gets to the cultural, historical, and mental health roots of hypochondria. It's titled, A Body Made of Glass: A Cultural History of Hypochondria. Author Caroline Crampton joins us to discuss, and take calls, as part of our ongoing series, Mental Health Mondays.*This segment is guest-hosted by David Furst.

Happy June! We're kicking off Pride Month by asking listeners about their 'coming out' journeys. We're joined by Mathew Rodriguez, freelance writer for Teen Vogue, Slate, Out and Remezcla, who covers LGBTQ+ topics. He joins us to talk about what 'coming out' has looked like historically in the United States, and how to support LGBTQ+ people with their coming out experience.*This segment is guest-hosted by David Furst.

A new season of Slate’s popular narrative-driven podcast, Slow Burn revisits the fight against the Briggs Initiative in California, the nation’s first statewide referendum on gay rights. Writer, producer and host Christina Cauterucci joins us to discuss.*This segment is guest-hosted by David Furst.

Audrey Kang is the bandleader of Lightning Bug, the New York City indie rock group. Kang joins us on the heels of releasing the band's new album, No Paradise. We present our interview with Kang, and a live performance. The conversation was hosted by All Of It producer Simon Close.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

We air highlights from our May Get Lit with All Of It book club event with author Lisa Ko. We discussed her book, Memory Piece, which follows three friends in New York from the 1980s through 2040 as their hopes, dreams, and ambitions change alongside the city. The conversation was hosted by All Of It producer Jordan Lauf.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

In the new film "Ezra," Bobby Cannavale plays a standup comedian who is struggling with his ex-wife about the best way to raise their son, Ezra, who has autism. The film is directed by Tony Goldwyn and written by Tony Spiridakis, based on his own experiences with his son. They join us to discuss "Ezra," which premieres in theaters today.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

Viggo Mortensen joins us to discuss writing, directing, and starring in the new Western romance, "The Dead Don't Hurt," about a couple relearning each other after the wife's husband returns from the Civil War. Mortensen is joined by actor Vicky Krieps, who plays Vivienne in the film. "The Dead Don't Hurt" is in theaters today.*This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.

Submissions for All of It's Public Song Project are closed. To give a preview of some of the song submissions, and upcoming events, Producer Simon Close joins us in studio.