Comedy

Krassner, who died July 21, published and edited the magazine The Realist from 1958 until 1974 and became known as "the father of the underground press." Originally broadcast in 1988.

Krassner publishes the countercultural and satirical magazine The Realist; he founded it in 1958, while he still lived with his parents. He also cofounded the yippies, who sought to combine politics and theater--and participated in the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Krassner now brings his left-leaning politics to the comedy stage.

Comedian Richard Belzer returns to Fresh Air to discuss his new satirical book. He talks about how his humor is evolving, becoming more aware of the problems of racial and sexual humor.

Critic-at-large Laurie Stone reviews Joan Rivers' new standup act. Stone says the performance loses steam midway through, when Rivers resorts to attacking the women in her audience. Rivers has grown more confident, accomplished and glamorous over the years; Stone hopes her comedy will one day reflect those changes.

Carol Leifer wrote for Saturday Night Live and later started performing her own material on stage. A recent divorcee, she's surprised by how bleak the dating scene is. She joins Fresh Air to talk about her personal and working life.

Critic-at-large Laurie Stone examines the style and content of Lewis Black's stand-up comedy. She says Black may not always be fall-down funny, but his political humor is trenchant.

Smith has showcased her deadpan humor on stage and television, including spots on the Late Show with David Letterman. Lately, she's been more interested in acting, hoping to distance herself from what she sees as sexist and racist trends in the world of stand-up.

Tony Hendra's new book, Going Too Far, is a humorous history of baby boomer culture. Hendra was editor of Tthe National Lampoon for eight years. In addition to his several books, he wrote the British TV series Spitting Image and appeared in the heavy metal mockumentary This is Spinal Tap.

Humorist Al Gingold talks about growing up and buying a couch.

Film Critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Coming to America," the new Eddie Murphy film that co-stars one-time TV talk show host Arsenio Hall. The movie is a comic fable about a pampered African prince who travels to the slums of New York to find the perfect woman.