
Books
Billy Penn’s series of Q&As with Philly’s independent publishers continues. This time: Daniel Akst of Tivoli Books.
7 days ago
Imani Perry, The Roots’ Black Thought, Yacht Rock with Kenan Salazar
National Book Award winner Imani Perry talks about "Black in Blues" and Black Thought, lead emcee of the legendary Philly band The Roots, discusses his early life and music.
Air Date: June 19, 2025 12:00 pm
Listen 51:36Books Through Bars promotes education — and better futures — with free books for incarcerated people
The nonprofit organization takes requests for books from incarcerated people in the Mid-Atlantic.
1 week ago
Studio 2 Extra: Susan Dominus – ‘The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success’
Wealthier families often invest in supporting less academically successful children, while lower-income families may focus their resources on their most talented child.
Air Date: June 13, 2025 12:00 pm
Listen 17:53Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter of The Roots spoke at the Community College of Philadelphia about overcoming and growing from childhood trauma.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:21Philadelphia’s Quintessence Theatre has produced the only adaptation of James Baldwin’s 1956 novel approved by his estate.
4 weeks ago
Listen 1:25From Dolly Parton to MrBeast, James Patterson is always learning
One of the best-selling authors of all time sat down with Terry Gross for an onstage interview as WHYY gave him its annual Lifelong Learning Award.
1 month ago
Listen 1:35The rise of the spicy book club
Spicy romance novel sales have jumped in the last few years. What's behind the all the buzz? Author Betty Corrello and Philly's Cupid's Bookshop owner Tina Long join us.
Air Date: May 8, 2025 12:00 pm
Listen 51:57Bucks County Book Festival draws hundreds of readers, authors to main event
The seventh annual Bucks County Book Festival drew crowds with author panels, book signings and a celebration of community, creativity and the joy of reading.
2 months ago
Listen 1:06Studio 2 Extra: The Roots’ Black Thought on ‘Upcycled: A Memoir’
Tariq Trotter's memoir, The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are, is the Free Library's selection for this year's One Book, One Philadelphia.
Air Date: April 17, 2025 1:00 pm
Listen 19:50Patti Smith takes another look back in a new memoir, ‘Bread of Angels’
In her new book, the poet-writer-musician reflects on her childhood in Philadelphia and South Jersey, her move to Michigan and her grief over the death of her husband.
3 months ago
‘We publish our books … because the ideas really matter to us’
Billy Penn’s series of Q&As with Philly’s independent publishers continues. This time: Malav Kanuga, of Common Notions.
3 months ago
The art and science of good conversation
A new book, Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, reveals the hidden architecture of good conversation and how we can become better communicators.
Air Date: March 21, 2025 12:00 pm
Listen 50:22‘The throughline is trying to publish underrepresented voices’
Billy Penn’s series of Q&As with Philly’s independent publishers continues. Today: Alison M. Lewis, of Frayed Edge Press
3 months ago
Since 2017, the small business has expanded as a hub for Black culture and community.
4 months ago