Kristen Radtke on Loneliness, Clarissa Ward, 'Full Bio' with Patrick Radden Keefe, 'On Broadway', 'NY State of Mind'

All Of It with Alison Stewart | Aug 19, 2021

A new graphic book explores the phenomenon of American loneliness, something many experienced acutely during the months of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Author Kristen Radtke joins us to discuss her acclaimed book, Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness. Radtke also takes calls from listeners.

Because of her recent reporting in Afghanistan, we are re-airing our interview with CNN chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward, a world-renowned conflict journalist who has reported from the Syrian border, the frontlines of Ukraine’s war against Russia, and on the COVID-19 pandemic vaccine trials. She chronicles her experiences as a journalist in hot zones across the world in her new memoir, On All Fronts: The Education of a Journalist.

Patrick Radden Keefe joins us for a new installment of All Of It's "Full Bio" series. He discusses his history of the Sackler family, Empire of Pain: the Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty. In today's final segment of this month, we take a look at the roughly 4.2 billion dollar Purdue Pharma bankruptcy deal taking place right now that would go towards support opioid abatement programs in exchange for immunity for the Sackler family.

Director Oren Jacoby joins us to discuss his new documentary, "On Broadway," opening in NY on August 20. The film explores the inside story of Broadway’s last self-reinvention as told by an all-star cast including Helen Mirren, Christine Baranski, August Wilson, Hal Prince, James Corden, Alec Baldwin, John Lithgow, Tommy Tune, Hugh Jackman and Ian McKellen.

A new short film, "New York State of Mind," is a love letter to New York City that covers the Billy Joel song, New York State of Mind. Created in collaboration with NYC Next, the film is a response to the pandemic and the idea that New York City is "dead." The film features the likes of Adina Menzel, Stephen Colbert, Ben Stiller, and more, as well as landmarks of the city. Director Josh Seftel, Song Arranger Tom Kitt, and NYC Next co-founder Maryam Banikarim join us to discuss the project.

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