Musician Jon Batiste, known for his work on The Late Show, shares his innovative interpretations of Beethoven in his new album, Beethoven Blues. He discusses the intersection of classical music and blues, revealing personal insights influenced by his wife's health journey. Visual artist Mickalene Thomas showcases her powerful exhibition celebrating Black women, addressing themes of race and femininity. Book critic Maureen Corrigan recommends some of the year’s best reads, adding a literary touch to this engaging cultural conversation.

Cynthia Erivo, a British actor and singer acclaimed for her roles in Harriet and Wicked, shares her remarkable journey through music and performance. She delves into the significance of breath in singing and how it influences emotional storytelling. Erivo also reflects on her childhood experiences, her complex family relationships, and her mother's inspiring journey from Nigeria. The conversation expands to lighthearted topics, like the quirky challenges of performing arts and a whimsical miniseries about a maple syrup heist.

Stephen Colbert, the witty late-night host, and his wife Evie McGee Colbert, a creative partner on his show, share their culinary adventures grounded in South Carolina roots. They dive into their new cookbook, Does This Taste Funny?, filled with nostalgic family recipes and amusing anecdotes. Stephen recounts his dramatic burst appendix ordeal and their memorable meeting with the Pope. The couple also reflects on the challenges and joys of navigating fame together, highlighting the importance of food as a binding force in family life.

Ben Keyes, a Wharton professor and expert on housing markets, discusses the U.S. housing shortage of approximately 4 million homes. He links the crisis to the 2008 financial meltdown and highlights how climate change exacerbates the situation. Keyes explores soaring prices, interest rates, and innovative solutions, including repurposing federal properties. He also addresses the rising insurance costs tied to climate impacts and demographic shifts affecting homeownership, particularly in risk-prone areas like Florida.

Danielle Deadwyler, an acclaimed actress recognized for her powerful roles in 'Till' and 'The Piano Lesson,' discusses her journey from Atlanta's vibrant theater scene to acclaimed films. She shares insights on embodying Mamie Till, reflecting on maternal guidance amidst racial tensions. Alongside her, literary critic Maureen Corrigan unveils her top picks for 2024, showcasing must-read titles. Together, they explore themes of heritage, cultural representation, and the emotional weight of storytelling, particularly concerning Black womanhood and historical narratives.

Jon Batiste, a Grammy-winning musician and bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, shares fascinating insights about his new album, Beethoven Blues. He recounts his experience at Juilliard, almost getting kicked out for his melodica antics. The conversation dives into the healing power of music, his personal challenges, and the influence of both joy and pain in his artistry. Batiste discusses the complexities of musical interpretation and the importance of diversity in American music, showcasing a true embodiment of cultural evolution.

Renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog shares insights from his memoir, 'Every Man for Himself and God Against All'. He highlights the importance of discipline over wildness in his creative process, debunking myths about his personality. Herzog reflects on personal experiences from post-World War II Germany and discusses the tension between creativity and madness while directing intense actors. With anecdotes that reveal his calm demeanor in crises, he emphasizes the role of memory and curiosity in shaping his unique storytelling approach.

Folk musician Jerron Paxton, known for his vibrant performances of 1920s and '30s music, discusses his new album, 'Things Done Changed,' sharing insights into his unique instruments and influences. Michael Owen, author of 'Ira Gershwin, A Life in Words,' delves into Ira Gershwin's profound legacy in American music, emphasizing his clever lyricism and collaboration with his brother George. Their conversation touches on the emotional depth of folk music, the Gershwins' impact on the Great American Songbook, and reflections on the Beatles' influence.

Caroline Crampton, author of "A Body Made of Glass," dives deep into illness anxiety disorder and its cultural history, discussing personal experiences with hypochondria and new therapeutic methods. She highlights the fine line between responsible health vigilance and irrational fears. Film critic John Powers reviews two new spy series, "Black Doves" and "The Agency," contrasting their narrative styles and exploring themes of identity and morality. The insights into health anxiety and storytelling make for a thought-provoking listen!

David Wessel, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former Wall Street Journal journalist, dives into Donald Trump's economic plans, discussing the implications of tariffs, tax cuts, and the idea of a government efficiency overhaul led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Meanwhile, Maureen Corrigan, a literature professor and book critic, reviews Niall Williams' poignant novel 'Time of the Child', exploring themes of community and personal struggle in a rural Irish setting. The conversation weaves together economics and literature in a captivating narrative.