Podcasts

NEA Literature Fellow and National Medal of Arts recipient Julia Alvarez discusses how her life as a reader led to her life as a writer and the rich source material she finds in her family's immigrant experience.

Ed Herendeen talks about founding and sustaining the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, committed to supporting bold, daring new works.

Basque writer Unai Elorriaga and Amaia Gabantxo, translator of Elorriaga's novel Plants Don’t Drink Coffee, discuss the book as well as the art of translation and the Basque language.

Cowboy poet Joel Nelson talks about how he grew to love poetry.

Ken Burns talks on his recent documentary series on the National Park system.

Operatic tenor Everett McCorvey talks about how he was drawn into the music, how he helped build the opera program at University of Kentucky, and the difference between spirituals and gospel, among other topics. 

John Hickenlooper on his efforts to use the arts to revitalize Denver and promote economic development and increased livability.

A look at Duke Ellington's Washington, DC, roots impact on his development as a musician and composer.

Josephine Reed talks with a collection of local experts about the history and revitalization of U Street, NW in Washington, DC.

Amy Tan talks about her first novel, The Joy Luck Club, her relationship with her mother, and the art of writing.

Carlisle Floyd talks about creating some of the most important opera works.

David Baker discusses his immersion into jazz, from playing to composing to teaching.

The Birmingham Sunlights on the creation of the group and the unique "Birmingham sound."