Brian Posehn

Indie comedian Brian Posehn joins us to discuss his latest comedy special, “Posehna Non Grata.” Also, Shawn Cosby on his recently republished debut novel, “My Darkest Prayer.” And independent filmmaker Nina Menkes on her eye-opening documentary, “Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power."

Episode 518: Brian Posehn, S. A. Cosby, "Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power"

Mike Mills

Ernie Kovacs

Mike Mills of R.E.M. takes us out to the ball game with his concept supergroup, The Baseball Project. Also, Josh Mills shares the story of one of the most innovative television comedians ever – the one and only Ernie Kovacs. And Alex Pappademas takes us inside the brilliant minds of Steely Dan.

Episode 609: Mike Mills, Ernie Kovacs, Steely Dan

John Armstrong

Hanna Flint

Film critic and broadcaster Hanna Flint joins us to talk about her cinematic memoir, “Strong Female Character." Also, film and television critic Matt Zoller Seitz and fellow film critic Walter Chaw share the legacy behind David Milch’s groundbreaking HBO series, “Deadwood.” And Vancouver punk rock pioneer John Armstrong on the Modernettes.

Episode 521: Hanna Flint, 'Deadwood,' John Armstrong 

Aisha Harris

Rachel Cochran

Rachel Cochran talks about her Southern noir novel, “The Gulf.” Also, Aisha Harris, cohost of NPR’s 'Pop Culture Happy Hour,' joins us to discuss her book, 'Wannabe.' And director Alexandre Philippe on his documentary, 'Lynch/Oz.' It explores the connections between David Lynch’s films and 'The Wizard of Oz.'

Episode 608: Rachel Cochran, Aisha Harris, 'Lynch/Oz'

Gabrielle Zevin

Executive Producer Chad Mumm takes us behind the scenes of the high-pressure lives of PGA golfers in his compelling Netflix docuseries, 'Full Swing.' And Gabrielle Zevin talks about her captivating, best-selling novel, 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.' Also, author Jeff Guinn on the tragic saga of Waco.

Episode 520: Netflix's 'Full Swing,' Gabrielle Zevin, Waco tragedy

Jena Friedman

Comedian Jena Friedman on her Peacock comedy special, “Ladykiller.” Also, author Brian J. Kramp on the history of the legendary Midwest band Cheap Trick. And Milwaukee's Patrick McGilligan on Mel Brooks' Western satire, "Blazing Saddles."

Episode 514: Jena Friedman, The History of Cheap Trick, "Blazing Saddles"

Eddie Muller

Warren Zanes

TCM's "Czar of Noir" Eddie Muller has got you covered. His new book "Noir Bar" features cocktail recipes and trivia inspired by over 50 of your favorite noirs. Also, producer Warren Zanes tells us everything we wanted to know about Bruce Springsteen's "Nebraska." And the award-winning crime fiction author S. A. Cosby returns to talk about his novel, “All the Sinners Bleed.” It's about the trouble brewing in a rural Virginia town that just elected its first Black sheriff.

Episode 607: Eddie Muller, Warren Zanes, S. A. Cosby

Guinevere Turner

Steven Wright

Jonathan Carroll

The innovative stand-up comedian Steven Wright talks about his debut novel, 'Harold.' And screenwriter/actor Guinevere Turner revisits her childhood as a member of the Lyman Family cult. Also, novelist Jonathan Carroll on his latest novel, 'Mr. Breakfast.'

Episode 606: Steven Wright, Guinevere Turner, Jonathan Carroll

"BETA" features playful and provocative profiles of the people and works changing our world through arts, pop culture and technology. The program is hosted by Doug Gordon and airs Saturdays at 9 a.m. on the NPR News &amp; Classical Network and 11 a.m. on The Ideas Network. It's available for national distribution via PRX.

Beta is a truly unique show from WPR. Fun and relevant, beta balances playful banter with deep discussions with diverse guests. This is my favorite look at art and culture today from the perspective of creators themselves

Smart and engaging

Playful and smart, quirky and complex- I so enjoy Beta! The topics and interviews are wide ranging. The conversations, questions, and quips show Doug Gordon’s interest and preparation for his guests. I find myself thinking about the episodes long after I listen to them, and am often inspired to dig even further to learn more about the historical event, book, comedian, podcast, etc. that was highlighted. I like that you can tune in during the middle of an episode to catch the next segment, and you also don’t have to listen to the episodes in any order. Even the theme song is catchy! Kudos to WPR for supporting this fun and innovative program.

Beta is the Alpha in my book!

Beta

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