Terry Gross

Writer and former prosecutor Jeffrey Toobin talks to Terry about new revelations related to the O.J. Simpson criminal trial, which ended last October. Simpson now faces a civil trial. Toobin says O.J. failed a lie detector test and was told what the verdict was before it was announced. Toobin's new book is "The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson."

Former caseworker in New York City's Emergency Children's Services, Marc Parent. It was Parent's job to investigate cases of abused children during the evening and nighttime hours. He's written a new memoir about his experiences, called "Turning Stones: My Days and Nights with Children at Risk." Kirkus Reviews writes, "At once heart-wrenching and heart-lifting is this record of four years spent riding to the rescue of abused and neglected children."

Former Reagan advisor and Bush budget director, Richard Darman has written the book "Who's In Control?: Polar Politics and the Sensible Center," from Simon and Schuster. As Budget Director under President Bush, Darman pressured Bush to approve a tax increase. This broke Bush's promise "Read My Lips, No New Taxes." Terry talks to Darman about the tax increase, this year's Presidential elections, and about why Darmen thinks both parties are too polarized today to be effective.

Gladys Knight began her singing career at age 4 and went on to lead one of the most successful vocal soul groups in America, Gladys Knight and The Pips. The group stayed together for 39 years before disbanding. The group's most notable songs include "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "Neither One of Us," and Midnight Train to Georgia." Knight has launched a solo career since. Terry interviewed Knight before a live audience in San Francisco earlier this year.

Merald "Bubba" Knight is a founding member of Gladys Knight and the Pips. He is Gladys' brother. Terry talked with Bubba about his years as one of the Pips -- one of the longest established soul vocal groups, spanning four decades.

Pulitzer Prize winning Philadelphia Inquirer reporters Donald Barlett and James Steele. "Barlett and Steele" as they are often referred to in Philly, are writing a new ten part series in the Inquirer titled "Who Stole the Dream?" Barlett and Steele say American public policy is largely to blame for why many American jobs have been sent overseas. Barlett and Steele will publish these stories in book form later this year.

Journalist Michael Specter. He's been reporting on the war in Chechnya for The New York Times. He'll talk with Terry about getting into Grozny after the fall, meeting rebel leaders and fighters, Russian soldiers, and the agreement between Russian and Chechen officials that has, for now, put a stop to fighting.

Sweeney was elected in October 1995 and has been credited with revitalizing the labor movement. He's known for championing the cause of the poorest and least powerful members of the workforce. Last week John Sweeney spoke before the Democratic Convention. His new book is "America Needs a Raise: Fighting for Economic Security and Social Justice."

Journalist Peter Godwin. His new memoir is "Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa," about growing up in Rhodesia in 1964 as the British colony is collapsing. Godwin was formerly a foreign correspondent for the London Sunday Times. He now makes television documentaries for the BBC.

Breedlove plays with the Jamaican group, The Skatalites. They're credited with creating the music known as ska, a precursor to reggae, which is often mistaken for reggae. The group got their start in the 1960s. Breedlove is an American musician who worked with Lionel Hampton, and began playing with The Skatalites about seven years ago. The Skatalites have a new album, "Greetings from Skamania."