Terry Gross

Journalist Erik Larson's article, "The Story of a Gun," is the cover story on this month's issue of "The Atlantic." It tells the tale of what happens with a gun, beginning with the maker, to the dealer, and to the murderer who uses it. Larson claims there is a de facto conspiracy of gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and federal regulators, "which makes guns all too easy to come by and virtually assures their eventual use in the bedrooms, alleys, and school yards of America."

A pioneer in brain and memory research, Dr. Daniel Alkon has written a new book, called "Memory's Voice: Deciphering the Mind-Brain Code." He uses the example of one disturbed person to look at how the brain remembers -- a childhood friend who was abused by her father and emotionally scarred. Alton suggests that people like his friend never complely unlearn behavior brought upon by such traumas, and that the impressions made on a child's memory will permanently linger in the complexes of the brain.

Actor, writer, and Monthy Python member John Cleese suffered from depression and sought therapy from Robin Skynner. In 1983, the two released a co-written book called Families and How to Survive Them. They're collaborating on new book about mental health. Cleese also runs a video production company specializing in instructional films.

Paul shaped much of the sound of rock and roll. He invented the electric pickup, the device that made the electric guitar possible. He also pioneered the first multi-track recorder, and his innovations established the recording studio itself as a legitimate musical instrument. Gibson has sold guitars designed by Les Paul since the early 50s; vintage models are now worth thousands of dollars. Paul also had many top 40 hits in the 50s and his own TV show. There's a new boxed set of his music, called "Les Paul: The Legend and the Legacy."

To conclude our final broadcast of 1992, we're replaying part of a 1987 Fresh Air performance by jazz pianist and singer Jay McShann.

New-wave, Tex-Mex polka band Brave Combo joins Fresh Air for a live concert. It was first broadcast in May 1990.

Terry talks with film critic Stephen Schiff about his favorite ten movies from the year.

Terry interviewed Cage right before the release of David Lynch's "Wild at Heart." The actor says he enjoyed its dreamlike atmosphere, which allowed him to push the boundaries of his performance. He discussed his earlier work, and the extremes he's gone to capture a character. Cage is the nephew of Francis Ford Coppola; he changed his name to distinguish himself from his famous family.

Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon are the founders of the Daughters of Bilitis, an early lesbian organization. They started the group in the 1950s before the rise of the gay liberation movement. Shortly after, they began publishing "The Ladder," the first Lesbian-themed magazine. Their landmark book, "Lesbian/Woman," published in 1972 has been updated. The two have also been a couple for 39 years.