David Leavitt, acclaimed gay novelist, essayist, biographer and short story writer, discusses his book The Man Who Knew Too Much: Alan Turing and the Invention of the Computer, recorded in the KPFA studios November 28, 2005. Photo of David Leavitt.
Radio Wolinsky
A podcast posted weekly (usually Sunday) featuring extended interviews and discussions from the Bookwaves Artwaves Hour programs on KPFA-FM and the Bookwaves half-hour syndicated program,. Literature, theater, film: in-depth interviews from a progressive and artistic viewpoint, with long-time KPFA/Pacifica host Richard Wolinsky.
Terrence McNally, who died on March 24, 2020 of complications from COVID, was one of America’s most successful and influential playwrights and librettists. In this 2004 interview, he discusses his techniques and his personal history with Richard Wolinsky.
Artistic Director of Theatre Rhino, and writer/performer/co-director of “The Doodler,” now at The Marsh in San Francisco through July 6, 2025, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky.
Edmund White (1940-2025) in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded in the KPFA Studios, September 20, 2012 while on tour for the novel “Jack Holmes and His Friend.” Edmund White, who died on June 3, 2025 at the age of 85, was often called the Grandfather of gay literature. Equally at home writing novels, biographies, plays, memoirs, essays and various hybrids, he was a pioneer in the LBGT world. Third of four interviews. Photo: David Shankbone.
Joseph Heller, author of “Catch-22” and its sequel, “Closing Time,” in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff, recorded in San Francisco on October 17, 1994. In this interview, not heard in two decades, Heller talks about both books, the film based on “Catch-22” and some of the themes of his works. First posted May 21, 2019.
J.K. Fowler, Executive Director of the Bay Area Book Festival in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, discussing this year’s festival, Saturday May 31st and Sunday June 1st throughout the City of Berkeley.
Jacques d’Amboise (1934-May 2, 2021) spent thirty years as the principal dancer of the New York City Ballet under the direction of the choreographer George Balanchine, and founded the National Dance Institute. He discusses his life and career in this April, 2011 interview with Richard Wolinsky. First posted May 9, 2021.
Paul Mazursky (1930-2014) was a major film director during the 1970s and 1980s. Among his films were Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Harry & Tonto, An Unmarried Woman, Enemies: A Love Story, and Down and Out in Beverly Hills. On June 8, 1999, he was interviewed by Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff in the KPFA studios while on tour for his memoir, “Show Me The Magic.” This podcast was first posted on July 18, 2021.
Ann Patchett, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded in the KPFA studio on a book tour for “Bel Canto,” September 20, 2001. Photo: AnnPatchett.com
Kate MacKay, Associate Film Curator at Pacific Film Archives, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, discussing the films of John Cassavetes and specifically his work with Gena Rowlands. Kate MacKay is the curator of a retrospective of their filmsat Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archives from May 2 through May 14, 2025. (Photo from “Love Streams” courtesy BAMPFA)