Michael Korda recalls his memory of his uncle, filmmaker Sir Alexander Korda. He and Terry Gross later talk about the current state of book publishing.
Writer and cartoonist Jules Feiffer recently published a novel called Tantrum, which follows the story of a middle-aged father who becomes a two-year-old. He shares his take on the culture of the 1970s and writing the screenplay of the upcoming Popeye film.
Writer Christopher Cerf co-edited a humorous speculative history called The 80s, which anticipates what happens in the coming decade. Fresh Air listeners and host Terry Gross discuss a number of whimsical predictions.
Scholar, activist and singer Bernice Reagon was a member of SNCC's Freedom Singers. She talks about the history of songs associated with the Civil Rights Movement.
African-American poet Ntozake Shange tells Terry Gross about how Black liberation, women's movements and jazz have influenced her work. She has a new collection of poetry called Nappy Edges.
Author Jerzy Kozinski's new novel, Passion Play, is about polo and middle age. He talks about adopting the English language, sexuality in his fiction, and the state of the publishing industry.
Jazz trumpeter Ted Curson makes a living as a musician in the U.S. and abroad. He shares his thoughts on improvising, staying fit and playing with different ensembles.
Writer Ralph Allen returns to Fresh Air to talk about his new musical Sugar Babies and the history of burlesque, and to tell his favorite jokes from that tradition. Fresh Air listeners call in to join the conversation.
The actress of stage and screen now stars in the satirical play Miss Margarida's Way, which is designed to foster a confrontational relationship between the audience and the titular protagonist.
Science fiction writer and magazine editor Ben Bova talks about the military influence in the development of space technologies, the present state of technological innovation, and what makes for a great science fiction story.
Nigerian drummer Olatunji discusses African immigration to the United States, American attitudes toward Africa, and his unexpected popularity in the West.
