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.

Join renowned artist Mickalene Thomas, who boldly elevates Black womanhood in her vibrant work. She shares her transformative exhibition 'All About Love,' redefining beauty and representation through collages and photographs. Drawing inspiration from her mother, she speaks about merging personal narratives with art. Meanwhile, David Bianculli reviews the documentary 'Beatles ’64,' exploring the iconic band's cultural impact. Together, they weave a rich tapestry of identity, family, and the celebration of Black experiences.

Jerron Paxton, a dynamic folk musician known for blending traditional and contemporary sounds, shares his insights on music inspired by the 1920s. He discusses themes of love, gentrification, and self-discovery reflected in his new album, 'Things Done Changed.' Jerron recounts his journey learning instruments, particularly the banjo, and the importance of heritage in his work. He also opens up about navigating life with vision impairment and how music serves as a healing force, further enriching his artistic expression.

John David Washington and Malcolm Washington share their unique journey of adapting August Wilson's acclaimed play, The Piano Lesson, for Netflix, exploring themes of family legacy and heritage. Selena Gomez discusses her role in the Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez, showcasing her growth as an artist while navigating personal challenges. Film critic Justin Chang reviews blockbusters like Gladiator 2 and Wicked, offering insights into contemporary cinematic storytelling. The conversation weaves together personal narratives, cultural connections, and artistic resilience.

Pharrell Williams, the Grammy-winning artist behind hits with The Neptunes, discusses his animated biopic 'Piece By Piece,' which reflects on his childhood in Virginia Beach. He opens up about his unique synesthesia, revealing how sound translates to color in his creative process. Pharrell shares the story of a song rejected by Prince and delves into his struggles with self-acceptance regarding his voice. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration in music and the transformative power of understanding one's ancestral roots.

Yo-Yo Ma, the celebrated cellist famous for his interpretations of Bach and work with the Silk Road Ensemble, joins the discussion with Terry Gross. He shares the backstory of his cello, affectionately named 'Petunia.' The conversation explores his childhood as a prodigy, the rebellion he faced, and how he navigates his multicultural identity. Ma emphasizes the emotional power of music, discussing its role in commemorating collective heritage and the necessity of embracing imperfections in art.

Michael Owen, author of *Ira Gershwin, A Life in Words* and former archivist for the Gershwin Trusts, delves into the life of lyricist Ira Gershwin. He discusses Ira’s pivotal collaborations with his brother George, revealing insights into their songwriting process and memorable songs like 'Embraceable You.' Owen highlights the lyrical touch Ira added to 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' and reflects on the Gershwin brothers' lasting impact on American music, even through the changing tides of the 1950s.

Malcolm Washington, director of the Netflix adaptation of August Wilson's 'The Piano Lesson,' and his brother John David Washington, who stars as Boy Willie, share insights into their family collaboration. They discuss the film's themes of heritage and identity, reflecting on the symbolic significance of the family piano. The brothers reflect on their upbringing, the transition from sports to acting, and how family legacy influences their creative process. They also address the emotional ties between cinema and their childhood experiences, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices in storytelling.

Bailey Williams, a Marine Corps veteran and author of the memoir "Hollow," shares her powerful journey of resilience and recovery. She reveals the alarming prevalence of eating disorders in the Marine Corps, particularly among women, and discusses the gender dynamics and pressures within military culture. Williams opens up about the toll of sexual assault and disordered eating during her service, while advocating for awareness and change. Her insights highlight the complex relationship between body image, identity, and mental health in a high-pressure environment.

Michael Schur, creator of beloved comedies like The Good Place, discusses his new Netflix series, A Man on the Inside, which humorously tackles serious issues like Alzheimer's in a retirement home. Jimmy O. Yang shares insights from his Hulu series, Interior Chinatown, exploring Asian American representation through a unique comedic lens. They both delve into the challenges of merging humor and philosophy, the importance of ethical storytelling, and their personal journeys within the evolving landscape of television.