BPR Full Show 12/24/20: 'Twas the BPR Before Christmas...

Note: BPR is on tape for the holidays. For Thursday’s program, we brought you some of our favorite conversations from the not-too distant past.

Today on Boston Public Radio:

Bishop Michael Curry joins us to preach the power of love in dark times, in a conversation sparked by his new book "Love Is the Way: Holding Onto Hope In Troubling Times.”

Michael Norton talks about the science behind why humans have such difficulty enjoying leisure time. Norton is the Harold M. Brierley Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, and his latest book is "Happy Money: The Science Of Smarter Spending.”

Bill Buford discussed differences between attitudes around restaurant dining in France and the U.S., in a conversation about his new book, "Dirt: Adventure In Lyon As A Chef In Training, Father, And Sleuth Looking For The Secret Of French Cooking.”

Alan Alda talked about the joy of creating his new interview podcast, and a recent (pre-pandemic) trip he made with BPR contributor Sy Montgomery to the New England Aquarium. Alan Alda is an actor, and hosts the podcast "Clear + Vivid With Alan Alda."

Sy Montgomery discussed her book "Condor Comeback," about an ongoing conservation effort to bring the California Condor back from the brink of extinction. Sy Montgomery is a journalist, naturalist, whose latest book is "Becoming A Good Creature.”

Rick Steves talked about keeping our travel dreams alive during the coronavirus pandemic. Steves is an author, television and radio host, and the owner of “Rick Steves' Europe” tour group. You can catch his television show, "Rick Steves’ Europe," weeknights at 7:30 p.m. on GBH 2 and his radio show, “Travel With Rick Steves,” Sundays at 4 p.m. on GBH.

Richard Blanco joined us for another edition of "Village Voice." Blanco is the fifth presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history. His new book, "How To Love A Country,” deals with various socio-political issues that shadow America.