Mo Amer's Journey from Refugee to Stand-Up Star
Mo Amer, a pioneer in Arab American stand-up, is returning to our screens for his second Netflix comedy special. He discusses the power of comedy with our Hari Sreenivasan.
The Untold Story of Malcolm X
The biography "The Dead Are Arising" sheds much-needed light on the powerful but polarizing legacy of civil rights icon Malcolm X. Tamara Payne and her late father, Les, spent 30 years working on the book, which won this year's Pulitzer Prize for biography. She joins Michel Martin to reflect on Malcolm X's gripping life story and the recent exoneration of two of his convicted assassins.
Dr. Céline Gounder: “Herd Immunity Is Off The Table”
The Omicron coronavirus variant has the world on edge. At least 70 countries and territories have imposed travel restrictions on African countries since South Africa alerted the world to the variant. Epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist Dr. Céline Gounder was a member of the Biden-Harris transition COVID-19 advisory board, and she joins Walter Isaacson to discuss the latest.
“Writing With Fire:” Journalists on the Front Lines in India
A new documentary is being hailed as “the most inspiring journalism movie – maybe ever” by The Washington Post. "Writing With Fire" follows a group of journalists from India’s most marginalized caste, the Dalits, and their fight to keep India’s only female-led news outlet operating. The filmmakers discuss the project and what it reveals about India's relentless gender and caste discrimination.
Rep. Jackie Speier: The GOP Has Elements of a Cult
House Democrat Jackie Speier has announced she won’t seek reelection after nearly 14 years in Congress. Back in 1978, she narrowly survived the infamous Jonestown Massacre, and she explains to Michel Martin how it was that this moment inspired her life in public service—and why she has chosen to step back.
Microsoft to "Modernist Cuisine:" A Deep Dive Into Pizza
Nathan Myhrvold spent 14 years climbing the ranks at Microsoft to become the company's first CTO—and then he left the tech world behind to pursue his dream of attending culinary school. He went on to found Modernist Cuisine, a research lab and publishing house exploring the cutting edge of cooking. Myhrvold discusses his latest series of books, which explore the history and science behind pizza.
Tom Morello on How You Can Change the World
Tom Morello is best known as the guitarist of the rock band Rage Against the Machine, but you'll find his latest work in print. He's writing a series of essays on his music and social justice for The New York Times, all while preparing to release his new album next month -- as he discusses with Hari Sreenivasan.
A Whole New Look at The Beatles
If you think you know all there is to know about the Fab Four, think again. None other than Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson has worked his Lord of the Rings magic on an archive of footage over 50 years old, providing a whole new view of some of The Beatles' last recording sessions.
Labor Sec. Marty Walsh Defends Build Back Better
Is the U.S. job market emerging satisfactorily from the impact of the pandemic? Walter Isaacson speaks with Labor Secretary Marty Walsh.
John Cho Talks “Cowboy Bebop” and Fighting Asian Hate
One of the most influential anime series of all time has been given the live-action Netflix treatment. "Cowboy Bebop" is an action-packed Western set in space, decades in the future. At a time when diversity is the hot topic in Hollywood, John Cho sits down with Hari Sreenivasan to discuss his journey as an actor and what it means to be part of such a well-loved project.
“The First Wave:” Inside the Early Days of the Pandemic
In focus tonight: Dr. Natalie Dougé, one of the subjects of the harrowing documentary "The First Wave," by director Matthew Heineman. The film takes viewers inside one of New York's hardest-hit hospitals. Dougé and Heineman join Hari Sreenivasan to share their memories from the early stages of the pandemic.
Rachel Vindman on Democracy and Authoritarianism
Rachel Vindman was thrust into the national spotlight after her husband, Alexander, blew the whistle on President Donald Trump's alleged abuses of power. In her new podcast, Vindman talks about her breakup with the Republican Party -- and a larger trend of suburban women following suit.
Billy Porter: “I Fought for Years to Be Masculine Enough”
Billy Porter made his name as Lola in "Kinky Boots" before going on to become the first openly gay Black man to win an Emmy as lead actor for "Pose," and a key figure in the movement to de-gender fashion. Porter’s new autobiography, "Unprotected," is a powerful reflection on race, sexuality, art, and healing. He speaks about fame and grappling with the structures surrounding masculinity.
How Keith Moon Saved Carlos Santana’s Debut Performance
Carlos Santana is a musician who needs little introduction. His music blends a unique mix of rock, jazz and influences from his Mexican heritage. His band recently released their new album called “Blessings and Miracles.” He joins Walter Isaacson to explain what inspired this latest album and the people and experiences that shaped the artist he is today.
Anti-Racism Has Gone Too Far, says John McWhorter
John McWhorter is a bestselling author and linguist, and he's out with a new book called "Woke Racism." Here he is with Walter Isaacson discussing his theory and solutions for a more just and equitable America.
Why Did the FBI Dismiss Jan. 6 Warnings?
The Washington Post has conducted an extensive investigation into January 6 called "The Attack: Before, During and After." It included more than 75 journalists and interviews with over 230 people, showing a firm commitment to establishing the facts. Michel Martin speaks with Post reporters Amy Gardner and Aaron Davis about the cascade of warnings received before January 6th.
"Dopesick:" Purdue Pharma, FDA to Blame for Opiod Crisis
The new Hulu drama "Dopesick" tells the story of Purdue Pharma's highly addictive painkiller Oxycontin and its tragic ripple effect on communities throughout the country. Actors Peter Sarsgaard and John Hoogenakker join Hari Sreenivasan to discuss their roles in the project and the urgency of the opioid crisis.
The Daily Show’s Roy Wood Jr.: “Racism is Getting Craftier"
Best known as a correspondent for "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah," stand-up comic Roy Wood Jr. is noted for satire that confronts the tough topics head-on. His new hour-long special for Comedy Central, "Imperfect Messenger," takes on everything from race and police reform to mass shootings and celebrity activism. Here is Roy Wood Jr. talking to Hari Sreenivasan.
Is the Constitution the Moral Document You Think It Is?
We take a look at how one man shook the foundations of American democracy by tearing up the Constitution in a time of deadly peril. Harvard Law professor and Bloomberg columnist Noah Feldman's new book "The Broken Constitution" examines President Lincoln’s thought processes as he rewrote the rulebook and grappled with challenges from both political rivals and passionate abolitionists.
Tsedale Lemma Discusses What Could Come Next for Ethiopia
Tsedale Lemma is an Ethiopian journalist and the founder of the Addis Standard magazine. She has testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and has written for The New York Times. She joins the program to discuss what could come next for her country.
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