Robert Jay Lifton, who died on September 4, 2025 at the age of 99., was a psychiatrist and author who studied the psychological causes and effects of wars and political violence. In this interview recorded in 1999, he talks about cults, in partricular Aum Shinrikyo, the group that loosed sarin gas into the Tokyo subway system, snd about the nature of war and trauma. He was interviewed by Richard A. Lupoff and Richard Wolinsky. This interview was digitized, remastered and edited in September 2025 by Richard Wolinsky and is heard in its entirety for the first time. Also: An excerpt from an early interview with the late horror and fantasy author Chelsea Quiin Yarbro (194202925) who died on August 31, 2025 at the age of 82, discussing her vampire hero, Count Saint-Germain, and a review of ‘Eureka Day” at Marin Theatre through Sept. 28, 2025. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.


Carl Hiaasen is a novelist best known for writing humorous and satiric crime thrillers set in Florida. His latest novel, “Fever Beach,” satirizes the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, corrupt nepo Florida Congress-critters, and rich right-wing geriatric  billionaires. Until 2021, he was a regular columnist for The Miami Herald, appearing every Sunday to discuss political and social issues. He is interviewed by host Richard Wolinsky.


John Barth (1930-2024), America’s master of metafiction, died on April 2, 2024 at the age of 93. He talks about his career and his writing with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff in an interview conducted in 2001 while on tour for the novel, “Coming Soon.” Also: An excerpt from a 2014 interview with short story master Lorrie Moore, and a review of “The Return,” a Golden Thread production at the Garret at the Toni Rembe Theatre through August 24, 2025. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.


Nature writer Rob Macfarlane discusses his latest book, “Is A River Alive?” which takes us to three different kinds of rivers – a cloud forest in South America, a dying river in India, and an undammed river in Canada. He also discusses the state of environmental issues today. Also: A review of “My Fair Lady” at San Francisco Playhouse through September 13, 2025. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.


Martin Cruz Smith (1942-2025), noted novelist of literary and genre fiction, best known for “Gorky Park” and the Arkady Renko series of detective novels. Part One: Interview recorded December, 2004 while on tour for the novel “Wolves Eat Dogs.” Part Two: Interview recorded December, 2013 while on tour for the novel “Tatiana.” Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.


Bookwaves/Artwaves is produced and hosted by Richard Wolinsky. Links to assorted local theater & book venues   Colm Toibin: “Long Island,” sequel to “Brooklyn” Colm Tóibín discusses his latest novel, “Long Island,” which follows characters from his earlier best-seller, “Brooklyn” twenty years later. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky. Colm Tóibín was born in Enniscorthy, Ireland, in … Continued