I didn’t know about this show until Claudia recorded a story for it (that’s in the 6/8 podcast, I believe).
A funny rant about the publishing industry using massproduced cakes versus handproduced cupcakes as an analogy. (Those sound very, very similar to the cupcakes made at the store down the block from me. I’m just sayin is all, as Claudia would say.)
Category Archives: Podcasts
Leonard Lopate Interviews Jean Said Makdisi (6/5)
Makdisi’s written two memoirs: Beirut Fragments: A War Memoir (self explanatory, no?) and Teta, Mother and Me, the story of three generations of her family.
This interview was somewhat fractious – they seemed to be talking at cross purposes. Lopate wanted to focus on the repression of women in Arab countries and Makdisi wanted to emphasize that “modernism” doesn’t have to mean “Westernism.” She was a little unwilling to ever give ground, and refused to accept any generalizations. Which in a conversation about an enormous topic isn’t always possible. He, on the other hand, didn’t seem to know how to pick his battles in this one.
Leonard Lopate Interviews Two War Correspondents (6/2)
Two New York Times writers covering the conflict in the Middle East. Dexter Filkins (who writes for the paper) who’s been in Iraq (and on his way back) and Elizabeth Rubin (who writes for the magazine) who’s in Afghanistan and moving on to Pakistan.
Really interesting. Discusses the dangers that exist right now, particularly for American reporters. The things they’re seeing or not seeing. Who will talk to them, who won’t. What they have to do to get around the country. Pretty intense.
Sad that more than half of America is still pretending this war isn’t even going on. While the other half silently mourns.
Leonard Lopate[‘s Stand-In] Interviews Robert Altman (6/9)
Interview was obviously focused on Altman’s latest “A Prairie Home Companion.” My dad gave it a favorable review, and this interview was really interesting, so I may head out to see it this weekend. If I can find two hours that are all right next to each other.
Altman is such an old rogue.
Wait, Wait…May 31st edition.
I am way behind on listening to these, aren’t I? Which means I can usually do really well on their quizzes since it’s such old news! Bonus! 🙂
Steven Cohen soccer expert was really cracking me up. Brits are nuts, aren’t they.
Also hilarious how the Iraqis love Lionel Richie. Hey, at least someone loves him!
Protected: Paste Culture Club (2/25 & 2/28/2006): Josh Ritter
Wait, Wait… May 21st edition.
Some really funny stuff to start off with about Bush’s perch (then changed to some other fish) claims. I’ve decided I don’t like the Kiri (Carrie?) whatever woman from Texas. She can be funny (she had a lot of good quips in this show) but I think she’s a Closet Conservative. Maybe the Republicans planted her on this show!! Also funny were Ray Blount’s “this is where a joke would go” comments. Elayne Boosler was the guest. Very entertaining and lots of little “back in the day” tidbits about Andy Kaufman, etc. This is really a fun “show,” thanks SuperEggplant for getting me hooked. 🙂
KEXP: Belle & Sebastian (4/14).
Very goofy band with many, many members, none of whom are named either Belle or Sebastian. I think for some unknown reason I was picturing them as the guy and girl who make up Everything But The Girl. Not sure why as I know I own one of their earlier albums (The Boy with the Arab Strap). Enjoyed the stuff they played here. Also enjoyed their cover of Badfinger’s “No Matter What.”
Paste Culture Club (1/11/2006): Brandi Carlile
She’s had a couple songs on Grey’s Anatomy: I’ve meant to check her out. Has an odd voice; reminiscent simultaneously of K.D. Lang and Jeff Buckley. Sings to the very edges of her range, just short of breaking into falsetto. Interesting.
Also really loved a song they played earlier on: “Slow New York” by Richard Julian.
Interesting tidbits during the “Arthouse” directors segment (taken from that issue of the magazine): Gus Van Sant is going to be the director on the adaptation of Time Traveler’s Wife. (Not that I’ll be seeing it. Loved the book waaaay too much.)
Enjoyed the Pendarvis interviews Beethoven segment also.
And Nada Surf bookends the show — reminds me, I think I have an album of theirs I’ve never listened to. Probably never even taken the plastic off. Got to get to it!
Leonard Lopate Interviews Ian McDiarmid (6/1)
How weird that I just recently watched Star Wars III where McDiarmid is Senator (and then Emperor) Palatine. This was a really fun interview to listen to. Not only because McDiarmid has a great Scottish accent, but also because he seems very fun loving. Still completely excited by acting, and his co-actors. Not jaded by the industry.