Eugene B. Bergman tells us about the life and work of the eccentric Renaissance man Jean Shepherd—he wrote several books, hosted a radio talk show in New York, and wrote the screenplay of "A Christmas Story." And in honor of Friday the Thirteenth, we take a detailed look at superstitions in our regular Please Explain feature.
The Art and Enigma of Jean Shepherd
Eugene B. Bergmann looks back at the life of Jean Shepard. He’s best known as the screenwriter of “A Christmas Story,” but many consider him the inventor of talk radio. Mr. Bergmann's new biography is titled: Excelsior, You Fathead!: The Art and Enigma of Jean Shepherd.
Triskaidekaphobia
Folklorist Dr. Patrick Polk, an Associate Professor in the Department of World Arts and Culture at UCLA, studies the cultural significance of folk beliefs and superstitions. He’s joined by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer, author of 13: The Story of the World's Most Popular Superstition..
» Please Explain series ...
» Please Explain series ...

Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.