Andy Borowitz fills in for Leonard Lopate. We start the show with a Please Explain look at the top science stories of 2012! George Saunders talks about his new short story collection, Tenth of December. Michael Cannell tells the story of a California mechanic who became the first American-born driver to win the Grand Prix. And the Wall Street Journal’s Julia Angwin discusses the new powers given to the National Counterterrorism Center to collect information on Americans, even if they have not been suspected of a crime.

Andy Borowitz fills in for Leonard Lopate today. Rajiv Chandrasekaran gives a firsthand account of life inside the war in Afghanistan. Then it’s the Leonard Lopate Show Book Club! Chad Harbach joins us to talk about his novel The Art of Fielding. Janet Groth tells us about her two decades working as a receptionist at The New Yorker. Plus, our latest Underreported and Backstory segments.

Today guest host Andy Borowitz fills in for Leonard. He’ll talk to Frank Partnoy about why we should delay making decisions both big and small. We’ll look at the role that race has played in professional sports over last 20th century. Comedian, writer, and musician Dave Hill discusses his first collection of essays called Tasteful Nudes...and Other Misguided Attempts at Personal Growth and Validation. American Film Institute founder George Stevens, Jr., talks about the art of making movies and the people who have shaped the industry.

Andy Borowitz fills in for Leonard Lopate. On today’s show: industrial hygienist and chemist Monona Rossol and Miranda Massie discuss the threat posed by PCBs in New York schools. Ralph Branca, best known for throwing the pitch that resulted in the “shot heard 'round the world,” looks back on his remarkable life in baseball. WQXR’s Elliott Forrest tells us about the funny side of classical music. And this week’s Please Explain is all about what happens every year at the UN General Assembly.

Andy Borowitz fills in for Leonard Lopate.  He’ll speak with two of the winners of this year’s Lasker Awards on how their discovery of “chaperone assisted protein folding.” Bob Gruen talks about photographing everyone from Tina Turner to the Sex Pistols and the early days of CBGB. Plus, we’ll have our latest Backstory segments.

Andy Borowitz fills in for Leonard Lopate. Rock legend Robbie Robertson discusses his new album, “How to Become Clairvoyant.” Then, actor Hal Holbrook discusses his life and long road to stardom. Former Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm explains her prescription to revive American industries. Plus, word maven Patricia T. O’Conner takes your calls on the English Language!

Andy Borowitz fills in for Leonard Lopate. First, Jeffrey Kluger discusses the relationships between siblings. Then Dr. Jerome Groopman and Dr. Pamela Hartzband explain how to sort through the confusion to make the best medical decisions for ourselves and our families. We’ll find out about an ancient manuscript that sparked the Renaissance. Then, Jane Lynch tells us about her long and winding path to stardom.

Guest host Andy Borowitz fills in for Leonard. He’ll speak with comedian and actor Simon Pegg about his memoir, Nerd-Do-Well, and his roles in the cult hit movies “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz.” The artistic director of the Royal Danish Ballet joins two of the company’s principal dancers to talk about its return to New York for the first time since 1988. New Yorker editor John Donohue talks about how chefs cook for their families. Plus, we’ll talk about the documentary “Page One: A Year Inside the New York Times.”