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.
Vauhini Vara, former tech reporter for the Wall Street Journal and Pulitzer Prize finalist for her novel, “The Immortal King Rao,” discusses her latest book, “Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age” which discusses how digital technologies and the internet influence and reshape personal identity. Also: A review of “Aztlan” by Luis Alfaro, at the Magic Theatre through July 13th. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
Pride Month: Novelist and biographer David Leavitt discusses the career of gay mathematician Alan Turing in an interview recorded in November, 2005. Playwright Terrence McNally (1938-2020) talks about his work and its relation to gay themes in this 2004 interview. Plus: Reviews of “Co-Founders” at ACT Strand Theatre and “Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” at ThaetreWorks Mountain View. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
Pride Month: John Fisher of Theatre Rhino discusses his play, “The Doodler”, now at the Marsh in San Francisco. The late Edmund White (1940-2025) discusses his memoir, “My Lives: An Autobiography,” recorded May 4, 2006. This extended version has never aired. Hosted by 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” and February 17, 2014 while on tour for “Inside a Pearl: My Years in Paris.” 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. 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, never before aired in its entirety, Heller talks about both books, the film based on “Catch-22” and some of the themes of his works. Also, reviews of “Parade” at the Orpheum Theatre through June 8, 2025, and “Pacific Overtures” at Brava Theater Center through June 15th. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
J.K. Fowler, Executive Director of the Bay Area Book Festival discusses the festival’s line-up and his own involvement in the process. Legendary folk singer and artist Joan Baez talks about her career and her most recent book. Plus reviews of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” at San Francisco Playhouse and “Yellow Face” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
Today’s episode of Bookwaves/Artwaves is preempted by special programming for KPFA’s 2025 Spring Fund Drive. Mitch Jeserich reads excerpts from the classic writings The Way of Chuang Tzu, translated by Thomas Merton. Thomas Merton composed a series of his own versions of the classic sayings of Chuang Tzu, the most spiritual of Chinese philosophers. Chuang … Continued
Today’s episode of Bookwaves/Artwaves is preempted by special programming for KPFA’s 2025 Spring Fund Drive. Mitch Jeserich speaks with historian and author William Dalrymple about his book The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World. His earlier books include The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire. To … Continued
Walter Mosley in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded March 5, 2025 discussing his two most recent novels, “Been Wrong So Long It Looks Like Right,” a Joe King Oliver novel, and “Farewell, Amethystine,” an Easy Rawlins novel. Today, Walter Mosley is one of America’s leading authors. He is best known for his series of mystery … Continued
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive: PFA Associate Curator Kate MacKay discusses a retrospective of films directed by John Cassavetes featuring Gena Rowlands, which runs from May 2 – May 14. Senior Curator Susan Oxtoby discusses the life and films of director Agnes Varda. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
