On today’s show: Leonard’s brother Phillip Lopate talks about his two new books—one is advice to writers and professors, the other is a collection of his personal essays called Portrait Inside My Head. Country music superstars Vince Gill and Doug Green discuss their Western swing band called The Time Jumpers. Manil Suri on his latest novel, The City of Devi, which is set in Mumbai. Plus, our gurus of how-to, Alvin and Lawrence Ubell, are here to take calls and questions about home repair!

Morning Edition is your perfect morning companion: gentle, but straightforward, explaining the vagaries of international diplomacy, reporting weather and even recommending the best film in town.

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn talks about her message for the middle class in her State of the City address and her proposals for making city living more affordable for them. Plus: author and Detroit native Charlie LeDuff on his hometown; the Oscar documentary nominee series continues with “How to Survive a Plague”; the February series on fashion; and a Valentine’s Day edition of advice roulette, where listeners give and get love advice.

Fresh Air is one of the most popular programs on public radio, breaking the "talk show" mold, and Gross is known for her fearless and insightful interviews with prominent figures in American arts, politics, and popular culture.

Reporters scour the globe for the most direct and compelling information, from the spread of AIDS in India to the inexplicable fluctuations of the Brazilian economy.

Reporters scour the globe for the most direct and compelling information, from the spread of AIDS in India to the inexplicable fluctuations of the Brazilian economy.

Soundcheck celebrated Valentine’s Day with the band behind songs like “Attack on Love,” “Black Flowers” and “The Love Life of the Octopus.” Hoboken indie rock trio Yo La Tengo stops by the Soundcheck studio to play songs off of their new album, “Fade.”

In this episode of New Sounds, we’ll look beyond flamenco, experiencing collisions of Indian classical music and flamenco, along with other flamenco blends.