Terry Gross
Stories
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Remembering longtime 'The Simpsons' composer Alf Clausen
The Emmy-winning composer/arranger worked with a 35-piece orchestra for 27 years, creating music for The Simpsons. Clausen died May 29. Originally broadcast May 14, 1997.
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When is forgetting normal — and when is it worrisome? A neuroscientist weighs in
Do you have trouble remembering names or where you put your keys? Neurologist Charan Ranganath, author of Why We Remember, talks about the science of memory. Originally broadcast Feb. 24, 2024.
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Trump's billion-dollar war on Harvard, explained
Harvard Law professor Noah Feldman says the attack represents an erosion of democratic values: "Ultimately, this is about Trump trying to impose his view of the world on everybody else."
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With 'I Love Lucy' and beyond, Desi Arnaz helped shaped TV as we know it
The success of I Love Lucy is often credited to Lucille Ball's comedic talent, but biographer Todd Purdum says Arnaz was more than just "second banana" to Lucy. He also helped shape the modern sitcom.
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Stunt performer turned director walks away mostly unscathed from fights, flipped cars
Filmmaker David Leitch says it's easier to do stunts himself than direct his stunt performer friends. "You are responsible for their safety," he explains. Originally broadcast July 22, 2024.
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Her parents died 9 days apart, but Sarah Silverman gets the last laugh in 'PostMortem'
Silverman's father and stepmother are buried under one tombstone that reads: "Janice and Donald, who loved to laugh." The loss was a starting point for Silverman's "cathartic" Netflix comedy special.
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Bestselling author James Patterson on the voices that keep him up at night
Patterson's books have sold over 400 million copies worldwide. He says he often gets ideas for them late at night. His latest, The #1 Dad Book, offers advice for fathers.
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Accordionist Will Holshouser goes solo -- and soulful -- on 'The Lone Wild Bird'
Holshouser turned to accordion when a college pal gave him one as a gift. Martin Johnson reviews his latest album, then Terry Gross hosts Holshouser in the studio for conversation and some music.
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Questlove's Sly Stone documentary confronts the 'burden of Black genius'
In SLY LIVES!, Questlove documents the genius of a funk trailblazer — and the overwhelming pressure Sly felt as a Black artist. Originally broadcast Feb. 10, 2025.
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Remembering Broadway composer Charles Strouse
Strouse, who died May 15, wrote the music for musicals like Bye Bye Birdie, Annie, Applause, It's a Bird ... It's a Plane ... It's Superman, and Golden Boy. Originally broadcast in 2002.
