A podcast posted every Sunday featuring extended interviews and discussions from Bookwaves, Art-Waves, and Bookwaves Artwaves Hour programs on KPFA, and newly digitized and edited archive interviews from the pre-digital Probabilities series dating back to 1977. Literature, theater, film, the visual arts: in-depth interviews from a progressive and artistic viewpoint, with long-time KPFA/Pacifica host Richard Wolinsky.
Andrew Vachss (1942-December 27, 2021), author of several noir novels that focus on child abuse and child sexual abuse, in conversation for Probabilities with hosts Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff, recorded June 27, 1991 in the KPFA studios while he was on tour for his novel “Sacrifice.” This extended version of the interview has never before seen the light of day.
Jan Morris (1926-November 20, 2020), in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff, recorded November 16, 2001 while she was on tour for “Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere.”
Jan Morris was a noted travel writer and historian, and a leading figure in the trans world. As James Morris, she accompanied Edmund Hillary on the first expedition to the summit of Mount Everest. Before and after her transition in 1964 to the time of her death, Jan Morris had published 18 travel books, six history books including a three volume history of the British Empire, eight memoirs including the best-selling “Conundrum,” two novels and twelve collections of essays.
Joan Didion (1934- December 23, 2021), noted essayist, novelist, screenwriter social critic and journalist, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded in the KPFA studios on October 21, 2003 while on tour for her book, “Where I Was From.”
Noted gothic and ghost story writer Susan Hill, in conversation by phone with host Richard Wolinsky. An adaptation of Susan Hill’s novel, “The Woman in Black” runs at ACT’s Strand Theater through January 16, 2021. It is also running in both New York and London (where it has been running since 1987).
Anne Rice, the author of “Interview with the Vampire” and “The Vampire Lestat,” along with several other books, incluing the Mayfair Witches trilogy and “Cry to Heaven,” died of a stroke on December 11, 2021. In this interview recorded in December 2016, she discusses her return to books about Lestat along with her entire career as a writer, with host Richard Wolinsky.
Nancy Opel, Broadway veteran performer, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded November 22, 2021. Currently in “A Christmas Carol” in San Francisco, Nancy Opel has appeared on Broadway in the original productions of “Evita” and “Sunday in the Park with George,” and later in “Wicked,” “Memphis and several other shows.
An in-depth interview with Stephen Sondheim, who died at the age of 91 on November 26, 2021. In the interview he discusses a wide variety of topics, including his early career before Broadway, elements of several of his shows, his view of movie musicals, and much more. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
Robert Jordan (1948-2007) discusses his epic fantasy series “The Wheel of Time” and his writing process with Richard Wolinsky. Recorded January 13, 2003 in the KPFA studios. This interview has never been heard in its entirety.
Robert B. Parker (1932-2010) was the creator of novels featuring Spenser, the wise-cracking Boston detective, his sidekick Hawk, and girlfriend Susan Silverman through 41 novels, plus the TV series “Spenser for Hire” and a series of television film adaptations. In this interview recorded for “Probabilities” in 1981, he discusses his earlier life as a professor, the origins of his characters, and his love of noir fiction. The interview was conducted by Lawrence Davidson and Richard Wolinsky. Digitized, remastered, edited and with an introduction in 2021 by Richard Wolinsky.
Vanessa Veselka discusses her novels “Zazen” and “The Great Offshore Grounds” and her work as a health workers union organizer during the Covid era in this interview with host Richard Wolinsky.
