What do you do when you’re an African-American filmmaker living in a country full of people who dress up in blackface at Christmastime? You pick up a camera. Roger Ross Williams talks about his new documentary, "Blackface." It's about the traditional Dutch celebration of "Black Pete" -- a Santa's helper who dresses in blackface, an Afro wig, red lipstick and big hoop earrings.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
Audio
William Powers had returned home from abroad, in shock at the excess of American culture. Then he found a woman he calls Dr. Jackie Benton, living sustainabily in a 12 x 12 house in rural North Carolina. He tells her story in the book "Twelve by Twelve."
Today, the Dutch philosopher Spinoza - father of the Enlightenment - is revered, but in the mid-17th century, he was branded a heretic by his Jewish congregation in Amsterdam. Recently, philosopher Steve Nadler was asked if Spinoza should be exonerated. He explains why he said no.
The contemporary art world was shocked in 2010 when the prestigious Turner prize went to a voice installation, the work of the Scottish artist Susan Philipsz.
The Wailin’ Jennys talk about the joys and mystery of harmony, and sing a few examples.
Neuroscientist Sebastian Seung takes us inside the "connectome": the audacious project to create a detailed map of the human brain.
You can also listen to the EXTENDED interview, and read the extended transcript.
The relationship between poets William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge is discussed by Steve Paulson and Adam Sisman.
There are many ways to react to the tragedies of the past. Politically. Historically. And even… musically.
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