Terry Gross

Journalist Phillip Longman specializes in politics and public policy. He'll talk with Terry about President Clinton's proposal to a impose higher-income tax on Social Security benefits for individuals with incomes over $25,000 and couples over $32,000. Longman is the author of "Born to Pay: The New Politics of Aging in America."

Psychologist and writer Carol Tavris. Her latest book, "The Mismeasure of Woman," looks at the widespread but unacknowledged custom of defining norms according to men's bodies and behavior. Tavris shows that the real differences in gender are in power, resources, and life experiences. She also wrote a review of two books dealing with incest, called "Beware the Incest-Survivor Machine," for The New York Times Book Review. In it, she calls for a more reasoned, cautious approach to a very complicated issue. The review received a fire-storm of letters from readers.

Turturro co-starred in Spike Lee's film, "Do the Right Thing." He's a favorite of the Coen Brothers, appearing in "Miller's Crossing," and "Barton Fink." Turturro just wrote, directed, and starred in the new movie, "Mac," based on his father.

Poet, journalist, and critic Luis Rodriguez's new book, "Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A." is about his participation in gang life in the 1960s in East L.A., which began at age 12. By the time he was 18, 25 of his friends had been killed. After a stint in the county jail, Rodriguez turned his back on that lifestyle. He became involved in the Chicano movement, and was encouraged to write. "Always Running," is in part an attempt to save his 16-year-old son Ramiro from gang life. Ramiro joins the conversation later in the segment.

Wills has analyzed the legendary speech in a new book called "Lincoln At Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America." He says that, speaking for only three minutes that day, Lincoln changed the history of American political thought.

Nishikawa's one-man show "I'm on a Mission from Buddha," is about some of the culturally-based absurdities he's endured as a Japanese-American. Nishikawa said he wrote it to answer, "all the nerdy, cliche-ridden, Asian-American images." His characters include a Japanese-American World War Two hero and a Sushi-phobic redneck. "I'm on a Mission from Buddha," can also be seen on PBS.

Civil Rights attorney Chai Feldblum, visiting professor, Georgetown University Law Center. She was also former legislative counsel to the AIDS and Lesbian and Gay Rights projects of the ACLU. She's talks about recent legislation and court decisions that support or curtail gay rights.

Ramis is one of the most influential forces behind some of the biggest comedy hits of the late 70s and 80s. But his influence is not generally known by those outside the industry. Ramis wrote for "The National Lampoon Show," and "SCTV." He co-wrote as well as acted in the movies, "Animal House," "Stripes," "Ghostbusters," and others. He directed the new movie, "Groundhog Day," starring Bill Murray.

Co-founder of the working women's advocacy group, "9 to 5," Karen Nussbaum. She helped found the group 20 years ago. Guest host Marty Moss-Coane will talk with her about the the changing role of women in the workplace in the last twenty years, and concerns like childcare.

In addition to his movies, Duke directed several off-Broadway plays, and lots of television, including PBS's award winning teleplays, "The Meeting," and "A Raisin in the Sun." His films include, "A Rage in Harlem," and "Deep Cover." His latest film is "The Cemetery Club," about three Jewish widows who meet up with an charming widower.