Daily Schedule

Former White House Counsel John W. Dean, one of the last major surviving figures of Watergate, reveals what President Nixon knew and when he knew it, and what happened during that mysterious 18 1/2 minute gap. When he was growing up, Brando Skyhorse was told that his father was an American Indian—but as he reveals in a new memoir, the situation is a lot more complicated. Tracy Droz Tragos discusses her award-winning documentary “Rich Hill,” about boys growing up in a struggling rural town in Missouri. She’s joined by one of the teenagers she profiles in the film. Plus, a look into the philosophical ideas that inspired America’s revolutionaries--from Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Young, who started the Boston Tea Party.

Your morning companion from NPR and the WNYC Newsroom, with world news, local features, and weather updates.

Sen. Cory Booker is teaming up with Sen. Rand Paul on the REDEEM Act, a criminal justice reform bill. Booker explains the details of the legislation. Plus: Russell Simmons on Keep the Peace, a grant program he’s leading to help neighborhood organizations that work to reduce violence; cops are cracking down on acrobatic subway dancers (“it’s showtime!”); a request for listeners to call us from the weirdest place possible; a look back at Andrew Carnegie’s vision for peace; and one film critic shares his 54 favorite movies.  

The Peabody Award-winning program features Terry Gross’ fearless and insightful interviews with big names in pop culture, politics and the arts.

A wrap-up of the day’s news, with features and interviews about the latest developments in New York City and around the world, from NPR and the WNYC newsroom.

A wrap-up of the day’s news, with features and interviews about the latest developments in New York City and around the world, from NPR and the WNYC newsroom.

With John Schaefer on vacation this week, Soundcheck is turning to special guests to fill the host chair and revisiting some of our favorite interviews and studio performances.

First: Popular children's illustrator and author Sandra Boynton headed to Music City for her latest musical project – a book and star-studded album, Frog Trouble. She talks about her about the country music from her childhood that inspired her to embark upon the project, and about the challenges of breaking into the Nashville music scene.

Then, country legend Emmylou Harris and veteran songwriter Rodney Crowell recently teamed up for the album Old Yellow Moon – which won a Grammy for Best Americana Album earlier this year. They perform a special session recorded at WNYC's The Greene Space.

Maybe the guitar wasn’t originally an African instrument, but it certainly has become one.  For this New Sounds, take a listen to music from the late Cameroonian guitarist Francis Bebey, along with music from Gabonese guitarist singer and musician Pierre Akendengué.  There’s also guitar music from South Africa's Derek Gripper - who does arrangements of music from other parts of Africa, especially Mali.  Plus, music from fellow South African Guy Buttery, in addition to selections from classical guitarist John Williams, and his versions of pieces of African works for guitar from the “Magic Box” record.