Terry Gross
Stories
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Wrongly convicted, he became 'The Jailhouse Lawyer' — and helped free himself
While serving a life sentence for a murder he was eventually exonerated of committing, Calvin Duncan studied law and helped many wrongfully convicted prisoners. His memoir is The Jailhouse Lawyer.
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'I want to write myself into existence,' says 'Colored Television' author
Danzy Senna was born a few years after Loving v. Virginia legalized interracial marriage. "Existing as a family was a radical statement at that time," she says. Originally broadcast Sept. 3, 2024.
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How SCOTUS ruled to increase executive power and challenge constitutional order
New York Times reporter Adam Liptak discusses the Court's decisions to limit the power of lower courts while expanding presidential power, and its consequential use of the "shadow docket."
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Can't sleep? Journalist Jennifer Senior says you're not alone in your insomnia
Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Jennifer Senior has had insomnia for 25 years. Her new piece in The Atlantic is about her often futile attempts to fall asleep, and about the latest research into insomnia.
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How Louis Armstrong became the first Black pop star
Author Ricky Riccardi says Armstrong's innovations as a trumpeter and vocalist helped set the soundtrack of the 20th century. His book is Stomp Off, Let's Go. Originally broadcast Jan. 30, 2025.
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A 'Failed Child Star' looks back on life in Argentina and Hollywood
Tamara Yajia grew up Jewish in Argentina, intent on becoming a child star. But just when her break was coming along, her family emigrated to California. Her new memoir is Cry for Me, Argentina.
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Remembering veteran PBS newscaster Bill Moyers
Moyers, who died June 26, worked as a special assistant to President Lyndon Johnson before becoming an award-winning journalist and PBS host. Originally broadcast in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2017.
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'Hamilton' producer Jeffrey Seller traces his journey from 'Theater Kid' to Broadway
Seller has been a key behind-the-scenes figure for some of Broadway's biggest hits including, Hamilton and Rent, but he got his start on a much smaller scale. He looks back in a new memoir.
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Remembering war correspondent Rod Nordland
After surviving many close calls as a war correspondent, Norland was diagnosed with a lethal brain tumor in 2019. He died June 22. In this 2024 interview, he reflected on facing mortality.
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Blues musician Buddy Guy shares how he 'accidentally' invented a new guitar sound
Guy was one of the first guitarists to use electronic feedback and distortion. Now, at age 88, he has a cameo in Ryan Coogler's supernatural horror film Sinners. Originally broadcast in 1993.
