An African American, a PhD psychologist, and a former police chief, he has an interesting perspective on police reform. Citing research from Stanford, he asserts: “Mere political party affiliation, whether you’re republican or democrat, is more powerful than the whole issue around race.” We spoke about race, romance, and the healing power of a … Continue reading »
Monthly Archives: January 2018
Episode 199: Peter Staley
During the pandemic we’ll air some pertinent past episodes. This one features AIDS activist Peter Staley, who, 40 years ago, encountered Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Staley didn’t much like Fauci but grew to admire him, as do all of us who are not the president. Plus a segment … Continue reading »
Movies / Television / Theater
Episode 198: F. Murray Abraham
This fine actor was first admired by many people my age as Salieri in Amadeus and those my daughter’s age as Dar Adal in Homeland. We spoke at the Friars Club about his childhood in El Paso – El Paso! – his passionate devotion to our immigrant nation, and his suprising friendship with Louis C.K. … Continue reading »
Episode 197: Paula Vogel & Daniel Alexander Jones
I expected this playwright (admired for Learning to Drive) and this writer-performer (admired for his character Jomama) to be astute about theater, and they are. They also have provocative ideas about gender. “I feel – I don’t know if you agree with this – that my gender changes every day,” says Paula, “and maybe … Continue reading »
Episode 196: Dr. Mary Travis Bassett
A remastered conversation from the vault with a former New York City health commissioner, who regarded her work as part of a broader fight for social justice, not surprising given her family history: her parents are lifelong activists who met at a demonstration against a segregated restaurant, my idea of a love story. We spoke … Continue reading »
Episode 195: Loudon Wainwright III
It is the best work that lasts, says this fine musician who’s created plenty, and history determines what that is: “Time will tell,” he says. I demur: “Time won’t tell.” It may be that only good work endures, but just a tiny portion of it will be enjoyed 100 years from now, and that selection … Continue reading »