The History Of Money; What's The Best Beatles Album?; Criterion Hour: Movies Set in Hotels, & Debut Films from Black Women Directors

The penny is no more! As we look back at the history of the penny, economist and author David McWilliams provides some context, and examines the history of currency more broadly. He is the author of the new book, The History of Money: A Story of Humanity. Plus, listeners call in with their questions about money throughout the ages.

Recently, "The Beatles Anthology" documentary series has been remastered and updated with a new episode for Disney Plus, and includes a new companion album of 191 songs. Rolling Stone contributing editor Rob Sheffield joins us to discuss the project, and also field calls from listeners looking to settle the age-old debate: which Beatles album is the best?

From "The Shining" to "Lost in Translation," so many great films have been set in hotels. And all throughout December, you can stream many of those films on the Criterion Channel, as part of their series "Hotels on Film." Aliza Ma, head of programming for the Criterion Channel, discusses the series, and listeners share their favorite movies set in a hotel.

All throughout December, Criterion Channel subscribers can stream their new series "Black Debutantes: First Features by Black Women Directors." The series features films such as "Eve's Bayou," "Daughters of the Dust," "Just Another Girl on the I.R.T," and more. Rógan Graham, programmer and film critic, and Ashely Clark, curatorial director at the Criterion Collection, discuss the series.