Edmund White traveled the United States to learn about the conditions of gay communities across the country. He talks about masculinity and sexual practices amongst gay men, as well as the rise of sadomasochistic culture.
President Richard Nixon's White House Counsel John Dean served time for his role in the Watergate affair. He reflects on his new life as a writer, his reputation and how he has since distanced himself from Washington politics. WUHY reporter Ralph Flood later joins the conversation.
Part 1 of Fresh Air's interview with G. Gordon Liddy. Liddy became a writer after he was released from jail for his role in the Watergate scandal. Now that all statutes of limitations have passed, he speaks frankly about the affair, as well as his views on protest and law-breaking. Fresh Air callers join the conversation.
George T. Nierenberg made the documentary No Maps on My Taps, which captures the history of jazz and tap dancing. One of Nierenberg's subjects, Sandman Sims, tells Terry Gross about his career as a dancer.
Sammy Cahn is a prolific lyricist who wrote countless classic songs, including for musicals and films. He explains how he hears words in melodies and shares anecdotes about his many collaborations over the years.
Media consultant Elliott Curson helped shape the public persona of President Ronald Reagan through television advertising. He discusses his opinions of other political campaigns.
Nina Simone is an accomplished pianist who made her mark as jazz singer. Back in Philadelphia for an extended period of time, she has chosen to make her permanent home in Africa to escape American racism.
Leonard Nimoy wrote, produced, and now acts in the one-man show Vincent, in which he portrays Theo van Gogh, brother of the famous painter. He also shares his experiences as a film actor and the impact his celebrity has had on his personal life.
Actor Molly Picon grew up in the Yiddish theater. Her husband Jacob Kalich helped manage her career. She explains how performing for children who survived the Holocaust affected her, and her later experiences in film.
Tuli Kupferberg was in the radical rock band the Fugs. He and Lannes Kenfield perform in the Revolting Theater group. They discuss the role their political convictions play in their creative pursuits.
Kirkwood wrote the book for the musical A Chorus Line and has just published a new novel, P.S. Your Cat Is Dead! He talks about his approach to his craft and the impact various love affairs have had on his life.
The actor portrays Jonestown leader Jim Jones in a new television movie about the infamous mass suicide. Boothe talks about the difficulties of making the film, as well as the research that went his portrayal of the cult leader.
Fresh Air broadcasts a lecture by sociologist Ann Beuf, who looks at how patriarchal traditions have led to a strict division of gender roles within marriage and the family, the legal disenfranchisement of married women, and men's sometimes violent displays of power.
Sheldon Harnick spent years building his reputation as a lyricist before he began collaborating with composer Jerry Bock. He talks to Terry Gross about honing his craft and two of his most significant works, Fiorello! and Fiddler on the Roof.
