Chicago Tribune science writer Ronald Kotulak talks with Terry about his new book "Inside the Brain: Revolutionary Discoveries of How the Mind Works." It is published by Andrews and McMeel. Kotulak has interviewed more than 300 of the leading researchers and reveals the latest theories on how the brain thinks. Kotulak received the Pulitzer Prize for two related newspaper series on brain research: "Unravelling the Mysteries of the Brain" and "Roots of Violence."
Martin talks with Terry Gross about his life on stage. Next month, his new book "Picasso at The Lapin Agile and Other Plays" will be published by Grove Press. It contains one full length play and three one-acts. Martin is also author of a collection of short stories, "Cruel Shoes." His screenwriting credits include "L.A.
Wuhl talks with Terry about his new HBO comedy series "Arli$$." It is about the life of Arliss Michaels, a high powered Los Angeles sports agent. The cable sitcom began airing last month and airs Wednesday nights. Wuhl also played Larry in "Bull Durham," Alex Knox the investigative reporter in the movie "Batman," and D.J. Marty Driewitz in the film "Good Morning Vietnam."
Washington Post reporter Leon Dash won a Pulitzer Prize in 1994 for his eight part series "Rosa Lee's Story." He has turned that into the new book ,"Rosa Lee: A Mother and Her Family in Urban America." It shows Lee's day to day life in one of Washington D.C.'s poorest neighborhoods.
Music critic Ken Tucker reviews the new record by Quad City DJs The Florida based group's album "Get On Up & Dance" has spun out the dance hit "C'mon and Ride It."
Writer and former prosecutor Jeffrey Toobin talks to Terry about new revelations related to the O.J. Simpson criminal trial, which ended last October. Simpson now faces a civil trial. Toobin says O.J. failed a lie detector test and was told what the verdict was before it was announced. Toobin's new book is "The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson."
Former caseworker in New York City's Emergency Children's Services, Marc Parent. It was Parent's job to investigate cases of abused children during the evening and nighttime hours. He's written a new memoir about his experiences, called "Turning Stones: My Days and Nights with Children at Risk." Kirkus Reviews writes, "At once heart-wrenching and heart-lifting is this record of four years spent riding to the rescue of abused and neglected children."
Former Reagan advisor and Bush budget director, Richard Darman has written the book "Who's In Control?: Polar Politics and the Sensible Center," from Simon and Schuster. As Budget Director under President Bush, Darman pressured Bush to approve a tax increase. This broke Bush's promise "Read My Lips, No New Taxes." Terry talks to Darman about the tax increase, this year's Presidential elections, and about why Darmen thinks both parties are too polarized today to be effective.
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews "Sergio Fiorentino in Germany," a live recording from 1993, on the Appian Label. Fiorentino recently performed to the U.S. for the first time in forty years.
Music Critic Milo Miles talks about Los Del Rio's hit "Macarena." It even comes with its own dance. Miles says, given the songs substance, its popularity will likely be just a fad.
Gladys Knight began her singing career at age 4 and went on to lead one of the most successful vocal soul groups in America, Gladys Knight and The Pips. The group stayed together for 39 years before disbanding. The group's most notable songs include "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "Neither One of Us," and Midnight Train to Georgia." Knight has launched a solo career since. Terry interviewed Knight before a live audience in San Francisco earlier this year.
Merald "Bubba" Knight is a founding member of Gladys Knight and the Pips. He is Gladys' brother. Terry talked with Bubba about his years as one of the Pips -- one of the longest established soul vocal groups, spanning four decades.
Pulitzer Prize winning Philadelphia Inquirer reporters Donald Barlett and James Steele. "Barlett and Steele" as they are often referred to in Philly, are writing a new ten part series in the Inquirer titled "Who Stole the Dream?" Barlett and Steele say American public policy is largely to blame for why many American jobs have been sent overseas. Barlett and Steele will publish these stories in book form later this year.
Journalist Michael Specter. He's been reporting on the war in Chechnya for The New York Times. He'll talk with Terry about getting into Grozny after the fall, meeting rebel leaders and fighters, Russian soldiers, and the agreement between Russian and Chechen officials that has, for now, put a stop to fighting.
Sweeney was elected in October 1995 and has been credited with revitalizing the labor movement. He's known for championing the cause of the poorest and least powerful members of the workforce. Last week John Sweeney spoke before the Democratic Convention. His new book is "America Needs a Raise: Fighting for Economic Security and Social Justice."
TV critic David Bianculli reviewed The Beatles Anthology, which is out on video. This is an expanded 10-hour version of the 6-hour version which aired on television last fall.
