1:00 PM: Thursdays
Bookwaves/Artwaves presents in-depth interviews with authors of fiction and narrative non-fiction, delving deeply into political and social issues, literary technique, and the life of the author, along with interviews devoted to theatre and film, and archive interviews from Bookwaves and Probabilities. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
Patrick Dooley, Artistic Director of Shotgun Players theatre company, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. In the interview, Patrick discusses his own history with live theatre, the origins of Shotgun Players, his views on such issues as the age of the audience and the subscription model, as well as the rest of the 2026 theatrical season. Also: A review of “The Monsters” at Berkeley Rep’s Peets Theatre through May 3, 2026.
Mary Roach discusses “Gulp: Adventures in the Alimentary Canal” in this interview from 2013. Gemma Whelan discusses her novel “Painting in the Dark,” recorded in 2023. Also: Review of “Flex” at San Francisco Playhouse through May 2, 2026. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
Pulitzer Prize winning non-fiction author Tracy Kidder, who died on March 24, 2026 at the age of 80, is interviewed about his book “Strength in What Remains” and his career in this interview from 2009. Spy thriller author Joseph Kanon discusses his career and his novel “Defectors” in an interview from 2017. Also: Review of “The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage through April 28, 2026. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
E. Hoffman Price (1898-1988), fantasy and science fiction author who published in various pulp magazines from the 1920s into the 1950s, in conversation with Probabiliaties hosts Richard Wolinsky, Richard A. Lupoff and Lawrence Davidson, recorded in early 1979 at Price’s home in Redwood City, California. Price is known today for a collaboration with the great horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. Also, a brief interview with independent film maker Rob Nillson, and a review of “Assassins” at Oakland Theatre Project through April 5, 2026. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
From the archive: Best-selling author Terry McMillan discussing her now classic novel, “A Day Late and a Dollar Short,” recorded in 2001. Also: A short interview with Science Fiction Grandmaster Poul Anderson, recordedfor “Probabilities, recorded in 1978. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
Migdalia Cruz, an award-winning playwright and the translator/adaptor of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” at the Magic Theatre, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, discussing her play, her career, and her ideas about the nature of theatre. Plus: Reviews of “Paranormal Activity” at ACT Toni Rembe Theatre through March 22, 2026 and “All My Sons” at Berkeley Rep Roda Theatre through March 22, 2026.
Fund Drive Special: Malcolm Margolin (1940-2025), the long-time publisher of Heyday Books in Berkeley, who died on August 20, 2025 at the age of 84, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky in the KPFA Studios on November 21, 2014. Also, reviews of “M. Butterfly” at San Francisco Playhouse and “The Notebook: The Musical” at the Orpheum in San Francisco.
Part One: Theatre Rhino Artistic Director discusses the company’s latest play, “Left Field,” which runs from February 19th to March 15th, as well as what’s happening in local theatre today.
Part Two: Award-winning filmmaker Todd Haynes discusses several of his films in this interview recorded in February 2025.
Also: Reviews of “They Orc Mountaintop” at Oakland Theatre Project and “The Cherry Orchard” at Marin Theatre.
Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
John Sayles, author of the novel “Crucible” and director of eighteen independent films, including “Lone Star,” Eight Men Out” and “The Secret of Roan Inish” in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. They are joined by Maggie Renzi, John Sayles’ producer on fourteen of his eighteen films. Recorded January 20, 2026 in the KPFA studios. Also: A review of “How Shakespeare Saved My Life” at Berkeley Rep Peets Theatre through March 1, 2026. Credit: Richard Wolinsky
Part One: Actor/Pianist Hershey Felder discusses his world premiere stage show, “The PIano and Me,” playing at TheatreWorks Mountain View through February 8, Part Two: Oscar nominated actor and theatre director talks about his work directing August Wilson’s play “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” in this interview recorded in November, 2008
Also: Review of “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams, at ACT’s Tony Rembe Theatre through February 1, 2026.
