Terry Gross

New York Times reporter Jason DeParle. In a recent New York Times Magazine cover story, DeParle wrote about Wisconsin's reformed welfare system. This week, that state enters a new phase in its efforts to shift welfare recipients into the workforce. Cash assistance ends. In exchange, the state plans to provide more opportunities to get a job.

Film maker Michael Uys. His latest project is Riding The Rails which he co-wrote, co-produced, and co-directed. The documentary film recounts the experiences of the more than 250 thousand teenagers who left their homes during The Great Depression and hopped on trains in search for a better life.

In this part of the show...Terry Gross talks with two people who as teenagers who left home and road trains during The Great Depression. Jim Mitchell and Peggy DeHart are both featured in Michael Uys' film Riding The Rails. Mitchell was 16 years old in 1933 when he first board a train. DeHart was 15 in 1938.

Actor, comic, writer, director Albert Brooks. Other comics revere him, although he's never been a huge commercial success. The films he's written, directed and acted in are "Real Life," "Modern Romance," "Lost in America," and "Defending Your Life." And he's acted in the films "Taxi Driver," "Broadcast News," and "I'll Do Anything." His latest film which he co-wrote, directed and stars in is "Mother." It's now out on video.

Comedian and current Tonight Show host Jay Leno relates the first time he performed on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. (REBROADCAST from 10/21/1996)

Actor/Comedian/Screenwriter/Playwright Steve Martin. He's the author a book of plays, and a collection of short stories. His screenwriting credits include "L.A.

Actor/Comedian Richard Pryor. In 1995 he published an autobiographical novel, "Pryor Convictions and Other Life Sentences" (Pantheon Books). A strong man who has overcome such ordeals as a drug addiction, self immolation, and six marriages, Pryor is determined to overcome his most recent battle with multiple sclerosis. (REBROADCAST from 5/22/95.)

Comedian and actor Garry Shandling. He stars in HBO's parody of talk-shows, "The Larry Sanders Show." It features Shandling as a veteran talk-show host. His guests have included Mimi Rogers and Robin Williams, playing themselves. Shandling also starred in "It's Garry Shandling's Show" a few years back. (REBROADCAST from 12/3/92.)

Record producer and songwriter Neil Innes. He is a founding member of the comedy-rock group "The Bonzo Dog Band." He's also a member of "Rutles" the band which he and Eric Idle of Monty Python, created as a spoof of the Beatles. The band recently reunited and recorded a new collection "The Rutles Archaeology" (Virgin Records). Innes is also considered the "seventh Python" player (as in the Monty Python) because he provided and performed comedy music for the troupe.

Comic Lea DeLaria. Don't call her a lesbian. She's a dyke. . . who does standup, and jazz singing. (REBROADCAST from 4/29/93)