Podcasts

Lissa Frenkel, CEO of the Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina, discusses this cultural cornerstone which presents vibrant art, honors local history, and fosters community dialogue through innovative programming and partnerships.

Flute and whistle player and 2021 National Heritage Fellow Joanie Madden discusses her journey from a Bronx upbringing in a nurturing Irish immigrant community to achieving groundbreaking success in traditional music.

In this 2016 interview with Lin-Manuel Miranda, we talk about "Hamilton" and discuss the meticulous process behind the lyrics, the dynamic collaboration with the cast, and how hip-hop and diverse casting redefined Broadway and helped to reframe Ameri...

Dancer, choreographer, and founder of Queer the Ballet, Adriana Pierce shares her personal story, the inspiration behind and the work of Queer the Ballet, and the vital importance of inclusivity and representation in the arts.

Discover how 2024 National Heritage Fellow Pat Johnson transformed her former segregated one-room school into a thriving center for Black history and culture and community engagement in Pocahontas, Arkansas.

Tyler Blackwell, curator of Contemporary Art at the Speed Art Museum, discusses the museum's rich history, community engagement initiatives, and innovative exhibitions.

A heartfelt remembrance of blues harmonica master and 2017 National Heritage Fellow the late Phil Wiggins

Director of the Paterson Music Project (PMP) Shanna Lin discusses the program and its impact.

LGBT and Ethnic Scholar and Author Lillian Faderman discusses her book My Mother’s Wars, a reconstructed memoir of her mother’s life as an Jewish immigrant in the United States

President of Actors' Equity Kate Shindle and the NEA Director of Theater & Musical Theater Greg Reiner discuss the current challenges, strategic innovations, and the evolving landscape of American theater.

Playwright and director Psalmayene 24 discusses directing the world premiere of Kia Corthron's "Tempestuous Elements" at Arena Stage and preparing for the opening of Mary Zimmerman’s "Metamorphosis" at the Folger Shakespeare Theater.

Author Diana Abu-Jaber reflects upon her Jordanian roots, the influence of family on her storytelling, and the inspirations informing her memoirs and novels.

Poet and 2021 NEA Literature Fellow Leslie Sainz discusses her creative process and how, as the daughter of Cuban immigrants, she uses poetry to navigate themes of displacement, tradition, and identity.

“Making the world, not just living in it”: Suzan-Lori Parks discusses her current play, “Sally & Tom.”

Bassist and 2017 NEA Jazz Master Dave Holland discusses his career and the collaborative nature of jazz.

2024 NEA Jazz Master for Jazz Advocacy Willard Jenkins discusses his life immersed in jazz.

A special edition of Art Works a conversation between NEA Chair Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson and U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Santos, moderated by Sunil Iyengar, about the intersection of the arts and the social sciences.

A musical podcast with pianist, organist, vocalist, composer, and 2024 Jazz Master Amina Claudine Myers exploring her life in music from gospel to jazz.

Co-founder of I’m Your Neighbor Books Kirsten Cappy builds bridges through children’s literature.

Exploring complexities through short stories: a conversation with author and 2020 NEA Literature Fellow Danielle Evans.

Tap Dancer and 2021 National Heritage Fellow Reginald McLaughlin shares stories from his performance career from the streets and subways of Chicago to international stages, offering listeners a deep dive into the soul of tap dancing.

Saxophonist and 2024 NEA Jazz Master Gary Bartz talks about his life in music.

Author and 2015 National Humanities Medalist Isabel Wilkerson discusses her acclaimed first book “The Warmth of Other Suns,” and the profound impact of the Great Migration on every aspect of American culture.

Screenwriter and director Cord Jefferson discusses his critically acclaimed film, “American Fiction,” which is a satirical exploration of popular culture’s often narrow and limiting representation of Black people.

Folklorist Steve Zeitlin and nurse practitioner Phyllis Zimmer discuss “Heritage to Health” a program which uses storytelling and the arts to help medical professionals better treat culturally diverse populations.