New book explores the world of Palantir's CEO and the rise of the surveillance state Author Michael Steinberger talks about "The Philosopher in the Valley," which explores the world of Palantir CEO Alex Karp and one of Silicon Valley's most powerful surveillance companies. Steve Inskeep
Ian McEwan discusses his new novel, 'What We Can Know' In the future, Britain is partly submerged by rising seas. What do people remember of the past? NPR's Scott Simon talks to author Ian McEwan about his novel, "What We Can Know." Scott Simon
Springsteen's label was about to drop him. Then came 'Born to Run' Biographer Peter Ames Carlin describes the making of Born to Run as an "existential moment" for Springsteen. Carlin's book is Tonight in Jungleland. Originally broadcast Aug. 7, 2025. Terry Gross
'Twice' author Mitch Albom asks: What if you could relive any moment of your life? Albom is the author of Tuesdays with Morrie, which chronicled Albom's relationship with Morrie Schwartz, his old college professor who died of ALS. Originally broadcast Oct. 13, 2025. Tonya Mosley
After John le Carré's death, his son faced the 'daunting' task of reviving George Smiley Nick Harkaway grew up hearing his dad read drafts of his George Smiley novels. He picked up le Carré's beloved spymaster character in the novel Karla's Choice. Originally broadcast Oct. 23, 2024. Sam Briger
Mahmood Mamdani on how Uganda's history shaped his belonging — and his son's moment NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Professor Mahmood Mamdani about his new book, "Slow Poison." The book is a firsthand report on the tragic unraveling of Uganda's struggle for independence. Leila Fadel
Zadie Smith's heads up to young people: 'You are absolutely going to become old' Smith was 25 in 2000 when she published her critically acclaimed first novel. Now 50, her latest collection of essays, Dead and Alive, reflects on middle age, climate change and generational gaps. Terry Gross
Was Michael Jordan NBA's GOAT? Phil Jackson reflects on the 'Masters of the Game' Legendary NBA head coach Phil Jackson and sports writer Sam Smith talk about the stars who helped define the sport, including Jordan, Kobe, Shaq and "bad boy" Dennis Rodman. Tonya Mosley
Can the lessons of 1929 help us avert another economic crisis? New York Times financial columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin draws parallels between the stock market crash of 1929, which led to the Great Depression, and today's economic uncertainty. Dave Davies
'Placeless' author traces the roots and realities of mass homelessness in America Patrick Markee spent two decades walking through New York City's tunnels, armories and intake centers. His book asks: what if homelessness isn't a personal failing, but the result of policy choices? Tonya Mosley