All Of It with Alison Stewart

In 2023, NYC musician and venue owner Jesse Malin suffered a spinal stroke that paralyzed him below the waist. Through physical therapy, he can now cover short distances with the help of a walker. And starting later this month, he'll take the stage and share the story of his recovery in a new off-Broadway show called "Silver Manhattan." He previews the show and performs live in studio.

The 2026 Winter Olympics kick off this Friday. Matt Futterman, New York Times sports reporter shares the latest news as the city of Milan prepares for the events, which world-class athletes he'll be watching closely, and more. Plus, listeners call in to talk about their relationship with the Olympics, and what events they're most looking forward to watching.

Protein bars, shakes, and snacks now line grocery shelves, turning a basic nutrient into a booming food trend. Alice Callahan, a nutrition and health reporter for The New York Times and and Dr. Rekha Kumar, an associate professor of Clinical Medicine and Attending Endocrinologist at Weill Cornell Medicine explains why protein matters for the body, how much people actually need, and how food companies transformed it into big business.

While most people know Roald Dahl from his beloved books like Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and BFG, not as much is known about his life away from writing. A new documentary podcast looks at his history as a fighter pilot, intelligence officer and his work in science. Host and creator Aaron Tracy discusses "The Secret Life of Roald Dahl."

Growing up provides natural environments for friendship: school, summer camp, sports teams or other extracurricular activities. But adulthood provides a different challenge for making friends. Writer Laura Regensdorf is the author of a new article in The New York Times Style Magazine, 'How to Make Friends as an Adult,' with tips for finding meaningful relationships and expanding your social circle. Regensdorf speaks more about her own experience and what she's learned, and listeners share their keys to adult friendship.

The sound design team behind the blockbuster "F1" has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound. Supervising sound editors Al Nelson and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and re-recording mixer Juan Peralta discuss the complicated process of capturing the sounds of a Formula One race, collisions and all. This interview kicks of our annual "Big Picture" series highlighting Oscar nominees who worked behind-the-scenes to make movie magic in 2025.

[REBROADCAST FROM June 11, 2025] Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr's third album, Bloom is "a love letter to relationships of all types." He discusses his love for classic 90's film, incorporating 00's R&B aesthetics, and other inspirations for the album.

Many people lack clear, reliable information about fertility when hoping to have a child. Dr. Lucky Sekhon, a New York based fertility specialist and author of The Lucky Egg: Understanding Your Fertility and How to Get Pregnant Now, explains how pregnancy actually works, debunks social media myths, highlights male fertility, and reframes fertility knowledge as empowerment, not pressure.

A new PBS documentary series focuses on the intertwined relationships between the Black and Jewish communities in America throughout the centuries. Directors Phil Bertelson and Sara Wolitzky discuss the documentary, "Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History," which premieres on PBS on February 3.

This year marks a big change the life of the Sundance Film Festival. Founder Robert Redford died in 2025, and 2026 is the final year that the festival was held in Park City, Utah, before moving to Boulder, Colorado. Senior entertainment writers at The Hollywood Reporter David Canfield and Mia Galuppo discuss their new piece, "The Ultimate Sundance Oral History: 'Screaming, Crying and Almost Throwing Up,'" what the festival has meant to indie film in America, and what the future may hold. Plus, listeners share their own experiences with Sundance.

Pancakes are an enigma. The fluffy breakfast item can easily be made dry, underdone, or overmixed. The Infatuation has compiled a new list of the best pancakes in New York, including the viral cakes served at Golden Diner. Infatuation NYC editor Sonal Shah and staff writer Willa Moore tell us where to get the best pancakes, and listeners share their favorite spot.

This Black History Month is of particularly historical importance, as 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Month's founding by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Dr. Karsonya "Kaye" Wise Whitehead is the current president of ASALH, as well as a professor and the founding executive director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice at Loyola University Maryland. Dr. Kaye discusses 100 years of Black History Month, and how she's reflecting on the history of ASALH this February.

On this Groundhog day what is old is new again. Relying on second-hand clothing is becoming more popular. Some people do it to save the environment, others to engage with their communities. Some simply do it for the fashion. Journalist Emily Stochl reports on the latest trends, shopping tips, and maintenance tricks and discusses how Vintage dealers are building mutual aid networks in Minnesota.

Actors Emma D'Arcy and Tobias Menzies star in the new play "The Other Place," a modern adaptation of the classical play "Antigone." They discuss the show, running at the Shed from January 31 through March 1.

Author Angela Flournoy joins to discuss her new novel, The Wilderness, which follows 20 years of friendship in the lives of a group of Black women in New York and Los Angeles. It's is a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, as well as this month's selection for our Get Lit with All Of It book club.

Brenda Williams was a Chief Diversity Officer at New York Public Radio for 29 years before retiring last February. In her next chapter, Brenda has written a children's book, Worthy and Wonderful: A Celebration of Girls Who Matter, inspired by her granddaughters, Kaehla, Demi, Dala, and Dior. Brenda Williams returns to WNYC to talk about her book.

This year marks the centennial of the Schomburg Center, and to celebrate, they've released a new book list titled '100 Black Voices: The Schomburg Centennial Reading List,' with contributions from WNYC's own Alison Stewart. Maira Liriano, associate chief librarian of Schomburg Center's Jean Blackwell Hutson's Research & Reference Division (and the curator of the list), and Brian Jones, NYPL's senior director of reading and engagement, discuss the authors and books featured on the list, and listeners share their favorite books from Black authors.

This Sunday, the Grammy Awards will recognize some of the past year's best music. Associated Press music reporter Maria Sherman talks about the nominated tracks and albums, and previews the event.

Tomorrow from 11am to 7pm, some of the arts' biggest names including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sara Bareilles and Constance Wu will appear on the steps of The Public to perform and protest in solidarity with the people of Minnesota. We speak to Saheem Ali and Alexa Smith, the associate artistic directors of The Public about "The People's Filibuster."

The new book Pride and Pleasure: The Schuyler Sisters in an Age of Revolution tells the story of Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler, sisters in a prominent New York family in Revolutionary America (and of course the stars of "Hamilton"). Author Amanda Vaill discusses the book as part of our ongoing biography series 'Full Bio.' In today's installment, hear about Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton.

Yiddish culture has a long history in New York, and an ongoing presence in contemporary city life. Henry Sapoznik, author of the book, The Tourist's Guide to Lost Yiddish New York City, discusses some of the hidden history of Yiddish life in New York, and listeners share their favorite corner and memories of Yiddish New York history.

The New York City region has been experiencing heavy snow and frigid temperatures. That means it's a great time to hibernate at home and cook a simmering, layered broth of soup. For the next installment of our Small Stakes, Big Opinions debate series, Melissa Clark, New York Times food reporter and recipe columnist, talks about making the best soup at home, gives us a a few soup recipes to consider, and listeners share what they think is the best soup and why.

The new book Pride and Pleasure: The Schuyler Sisters in an Age of Revolution tells the story of Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler, sisters in a prominent New York family in Revolutionary America (and of course the stars of "Hamilton"). Author Amanda Vaill discusses the book as part of our ongoing biography series 'Full Bio.' In today's installment, hear about Angelica Schuyler Church and the 'charged' letters she exchanged with her brother-in-law, Alexander Hamilton.

A new book tells the story of how famed baseball player Jackie Robinson ended up testifying in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee to speak against fellow Black athlete, musician, and actor Paul Robeson. Author Howard Bryant discusses his book, Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America. Bryant will be speaking Thursday evening at the Jackie Robinson Museum.

Last fall, Bari Weiss, former New York Times columnist and creator of The Free Press, was hired as the editor-in-chief of CBS News. The hiring came soon after Paramount, CBS's parent company, was purchased by David Ellison, whose father is a supporter and adviser to President Trump. New Yorker staff writer Clare Malone has written a new piece, "Inside Bari Weiss’s Hostile Takeover of CBS News," based on her reporting on the changes happening within CBS News since Weiss was hired. Malone discusses her findings and takeaways on the state of one of America's most storied newsrooms.

The new book Pride and Pleasure: The Schuyler Sisters in an Age of Revolution tells the story of Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler, sisters in a prominent New York family in Revolutionary America (and of course the stars of "Hamilton"). Author Amanda Vaill discusses the book as part of our ongoing biography series 'Full Bio.' In today's installment, hear how the Schuyler family made their fortune in colonial New York, and about Margarita "Peggy" Schuyler.

Actor Katherine LaNasa returns to her Emmy-winning role as Nurse Dana on the HBO Max medical drama "The Pitt." She discusses Season 2, which sees Dana return to the ER even after declaring she was going to quit at the end of Season 1.

Booker Prize-winning writer George Saunders returns with his first novel since Lincoln in the Bardo. Vigil follows an oil CEO on his death bed, and the spirit of a woman who had descended to help guide him through death. Saunders discusses the novel, out now.

Forty years ago today, the Challenger Space Shuttle broke apart in the sky, killing everyone on board. Adam Higginbotham, author of the book Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space, discusses how things went so wrong, and the aftermath of the disaster. Plus, listeners share their memory of Challenger.

[REBROADCAST FROM March 7, 2025] Before the 1985 Grammy Awards, no women had ever been nominated for Producer of the Year. Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman became the first as part of Prince and the Revolution, though still no woman has ever won the award. Wendy & Lisa discuss their career as part of our series Equalizers: Women in Music Production. We also get a special visit from Susan Rogers, a veteran audio engineer who worked for years with Prince and on a number of Wendy & Lisa's albums.

The trailblazing musician Prince died 10 years ago this coming April. On the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 27, The Schomburg Center in Harlem will be screening the iconic concert film "Prince and the Revolution Live," along with a talkback event to follow with an ethnomusicologist, a curator from the Schomburg, and NYU's De Angela Duff, who previews the event on the air, discusses Prince's artistry, and takes calls from listeners sharing their favorite memories of the music.

From the flavorful broths, to endless combinations of thinly sliced meats, vegetables, and noodles, hot pot has something for everyone. And it doesn't always have to mean dining out. You can host a hot pot party at home! James Beard-award winning chef Natasha Pickowicz takes us into the world of hot pot in her new book, Everyone Hot Pot: Creating the Ultimate Meal for Gathering and Feasting, and listeners share their favorite hot pot combinations.

Premiering today on Holocaust Remembrance Day, as part of PBS's American Masters series, the new documentary "Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire" captures the life of the human rights activist and Night author. Director Oren Rudavsky and Wiesel's son Elisha Wiesel, discuss the film, and the life of the influential survivor.

For our January Get Lit with All Of It book club event, Ocean Vuong requested he be accompanied by musical guest Quinn Christopherson, a Tiny Desk contest winner, who flew in from Alaska overnight to perform some new music, live.

We air our live conversation with Ocean Vuong from our January Get Lit with All Of It book club event. We spent the month reading his novel, The Emperor of Gladness.

Did your parents have a lot stuff? After parents pass away, figuring out what to do with all of their possessions could be a full time job. And deciding what to keep, give away, or throw away, can take a lot of emotional strength. Becky Robison, author of My Parents Are Dead: What Now? A Panic-Free Guide to the Practicalities of Death, gives some advice on how to sort through a parent's possessions after they pass away, or have a conversation with a parent to help them make a plan before they pass. Plus, listeners share their personal experience and questions.

New York is coping with several inches of snow over the weekend. Weather forecaster John Homenuk, founder of New York Metro Weather, recaps how the storm hit the tri-state area, and listeners share how they spent their snow day, and reflect on their memories of famous blizzards of New York past.

In 1986, Philip Glass released the album Songs from Liquid Days, which he called "a voyage of discovery" into the art of songwriting, working with lyricists like David Byrne, Paul Simon and Suzanne Vega and featuring vocalists including Linda Ronstadt and the Roches. On Sunday, Lincoln Center will celebrate the album's 40th anniversary with the organization New Latin Wave and the Philip Glass Ensemble. Featured vocalists Sasha Gutiérrez, Melisa Bonetti, and Kayla Viviana join us to preview the concert and perform excerpts from the song cycle.

The new multi-part documentary "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!" tells the story of the life and career of the comedy legend and celebrated director, from "Blazing Saddles" to "Spaceballs." Michael Bonfiglio, who directed the documentary with Judd Apatow, discusses the film, and listeners weigh in with their favorite Mel Brooks films.

New Yorker Jane August is making it her mission to visit every museum in New York. Not just the Met, or MoMA, but museums spread throughout the five boroughs, including smaller, less appreciated museums on more niche subjects. August discusses her project, and listeners share their favorite lesser-known museum in the city.

New research suggests there are certain sports that are better for improving longevity than others. Simar Bajaj, New York Times reporting fellow discusses his reporting, and listeners call in to share the athletic activities that keep them feeling good.

In the recent adaptation of the classical play "Oedipus," actor Mark Strong stars as the titular character, a politician who is about to win a major election. Audiences meet Oedipus in his campaign office with his family and his "wife," as disturbing revelations cause him to unravel. Strong discusses "Oedipus," running through February 8.

In the Broadway revival of the Tracy Letts play "Bug," Namir Smallwood stars as Peter, a kind but paranoid man who begins living in an Oklahoma motel with a woman named Agnes (Carrie Coon). Soon, they both begin to descend into the world of conspiracy theories as Peter begins to become convinced that their room is being bugged. Smallwood discusses the play, which is running through February 22.

In 2025, rapper and producer Sean "Diddy" Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution in a trial that captured the attention of the nation. But while Combs was acquitted of the more serious charges leveled against him, more people have come forward to share their experiences with the controversial figure. The new documentary series "Sean Combs: The Reckoning" provides an in-depth look at the life and career of Combs, going back to his roots in Harlem, his role in the East Coast/West Coast rap battles of the 1990s, and his alleged abuse of women throughout his life. Director Alexandria Stapleton discusses the documentary, which is available to stream now on Netflix.

What happens when you're a performer and your body doesn't work the way it used to? This question and many more are addressed through a new production as part of the Under the Radar festival. It's called "Watch Me Walk" and it is performed by Anne Gridley, who also wrote it and has hereditary spastic paraplegia. Gridley, along with director Eric Ting, talk about play, which is showing at the Soho Rep through February 8th.

Terrance Cummings’ 'Art for Change' at the Arts Council of Princeton explores race, class, and shared humanity through vibrant, layered artwork. The exhibition sparks dialogue, challenges perceptions, and runs through Feb. 7th.

Musah Swallah’s pop-up exhibit, 'Between Worlds,' at Ethan Cohen Gallery blends Ghanaian and Western art through vibrant paintings on canvas, wood, and cork, inviting viewers into a cultural dialogue. The show runs through the end of the month.

A new art exhibition from visual artist Gideon Appah reflects everyday life in Ghana. The show is called, “Beneath Night and Day,” on display now at Pace Gallery through Saturday, February 28th.

The new documentary "Queen of Chess" puts the spotlight on Judit Polgár, a Hungarian child chess prodigy who sought to become a champion in a game dominated by men. Judit Polgár and director Rory Kennedy join to discuss the documentary, which premieres at the Sundance Film Festival and will be available to stream soon on Netflix.

Quinn Christopherson flew all the way from Alaska to join us last night as the Get Lit musical guest with Ocean Vuong. The NPR Tiny Desk winner talks more about his work, and his album, Write Your Name In Pink, plus new music.