On Demand
The Next Big Thing
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Relief
The Next Big Thing is relief from the heat… comic, and otherwise. We (briefly) cede the airwaves to an uninvited talk show host named Jonathan Katz, visit with the founders of a camp for Cabbage Patch dolls, and call up the ghosts of anarchists past.
Sit on a potato pan, Otis!
What’s the next big thing? It’s palindromes, according to writer Jon Agee.
Welcome to Camp Small Fry
In 1984, a New Jersey dentist found his practice disrupted by children who refused to show him their teeth until he examined their Cabbage Patch dolls. That was when he came up with a brilliant idea. Sort of. Sandy Stein and his wife Seena reminisce about their contribution to the Cabbage Patch craze with Next Big Thing contributor Julie Subrin.
Happy Camper
Yes, there really were people who sent their Cabbage Patch dolls to camp. Don’t believe us? Meet Loretta Zucconi, Laura Zucconi, and Pam Violet.
Caps Off
Esphyr Slobodkina immigrated to the United States from Siberia in 1928, and went on to author and illustrate many children’s books, including the much-loved Caps for Sale. She died last week at the age of 93. We remember her with the help of a 1975 interview conducted by her great-niece, Jill Schildkraut.
You’re On the Air with Jonathan Katz
Jonathan Katz always wanted his own radio show. Now he has one, but it seems to be causing some problems on the airwaves. This week, he and callers explore the pressing question of the day: Would you accept a collect call from the Pope? Guest appearances by Tom Leopold, Sarah Silverman, Al Franken, Ron Lynch, and Laura Silverman. Thanks to Jay Allison and the Open Studio Project. For more of "You're on the Air with Jonathan Katz" visit transom.org.
Where the Oversized Beverages Are
Chowhound Jim Leff takes on the latest fast food jumbo combos, only to discover he’s not quite big enough for the task.
Shelf Life
Producer Chelsea Merz knows that one way into a person’s world is through her library. Today she visits with Bonniebelle O’Neal, whose library is mostly in her memory. She had to give up her physical library when she became homeless.
I Married My Cousin
Have you heard? Research shows it may not be such a terrible thing to reproduce with your cousin after all. New York-based singer/songwriter and actress Joanna Parson stopped by our studio recently to imagine the possibilities.
The Break-Up Ceremony
This time of year, you can’t cross the street without running over a pair of newlyweds and their entourage. But meanwhile, what about that other, less visible, segment of the population – those couples whose relationship has reached its unfortunate end? Writer Touré imagines how they might mark the occasion, with this radio adaptation of the story from his recent collection, The Portable Promised Land.
Liberty for Sacco and Vanzetti!
Seventy five years ago, Italian anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were executed in Massachusetts, much to the horror and indignation of their political sympathizers throughout the world. They were remembered in speeches, songs and plays, from which we offer a sampling. With translation by Patrisa Tomassini.