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The Next Big Thing
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Audubon's Bobwhite Quail
What Could Be Done Differently
The relationship between birds and humans, as contemplated by essayist Frank Burroughs. Radio adventures, first with comedian Jonathan Katz, and next with writer Rick Moody and actor John Lurie. Music on the phone, and in the living room of the band "White Magic." Word play with writer Francesca Lia Block. And ice fishing.
Year of the Rooster
We talk to Gail Damerov, Tennessee-based author of numerous chicken books, about what we can expect from this next year. Produced by Julie Subrin.
Birds and Humans
Essayist and retired English professor Frank Burroughs has been looking at John James Audubon's The Birds of America for as long as he can remember. In the New York Public Library's rare book room, before a double elephant folio containing Audubon's original prints dating back to the early 19th century, Burroughs contemplates what it is about these works that still captures our imagination. Produced by Matt Lieber.
» Click here to view an image of Audubon’s Bobwhite Quail
» Click here to view an image of his Carolina Parakeet
Music for Telephones
Composers looking for a venue for their work can now pick up the phone and leave a musical message at 718-303-9553. The rest of us can call the same number and listen. Dean speaks to Michael Carreira, one of the creators of the "Sonic Supper" music project. Produced by Amanda Aronczyk.
» More on Sonic Supper
You're on the Air with Jonathan Katz
The unofficial call-in show of Jonathan Katz, creator of the animated television series "Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist." This week, Katz and his callers debate the following question: Should we observe National Middle Name Day? Guest appearances by Al Franken, Ahna Tessler, Sarah Silverman, Ron Lynch, and Tom Leopold. Thanks to Jay Allison and the Open Studio Project. Produced by Amanda Aronczyk.
Pirate Station
Writer Rick Moody has developed a fondness for pirate radio. This is his ode, in words, music and sound, for one of his favorite stations. The piece is read here by actor and musician John Lurie, and was produced by Emily Botein and Sherre DeLys.
Use It or Lose It, Part 1
Author Francesca Lia Block, best known for her Weetzie Bat books, accepts activist lexicographer Erin McKean’s challenge: to find a place in her latest work for three under-appreciated words.
Ice fishing
The sound of ice, and fishing, and of three generations of the Munson family who love to combine the two. Recorded on White Bear Lake, in Minnesota, in the dead of winter, and produced by Bente Birkeland with Amanda Aronczyk.
White Magic
Music from the living room of Andy MacLeod and Mira Billotte, two-thirds of the Brooklyn-based band White Magic. Produced by Matt Lieber.
» More on White Magic