Beta

Wisconsin Public Radio

"BETA" features playful and provocative profiles of the people changing our world through arts, culture and technology. The program is hosted by Doug Gordon and airs Saturdays at 9 a.m. on the NPR News & Classical Network and 11 a.m. on The Ideas Network.

  • Episode 702: David Duchovny, T Bone Burnett, Steve Almond
    This week on "BETA," award-winning actor and director David Duchovny on learning from failure. Plus, a look at the long-awaited solo album from music legend T Bone Burnett and a crash course on writing from author, Steve Almond.
    3 May 2024, 1:00 pm
  • Episode 615: Henry Winkler, Illeana Douglas, Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh
    Henry Winkler talks about being the Fonz, his connection to Milwaukee and HBO’s ‘Barry.’ Also, actress Illeana Douglas on her love affair with Connecticut movies. And Mark Mothersbaugh on how […]
    26 April 2024, 4:56 pm
  • Episode 614: Gary Gulman, Wes Anderson’s ‘The French Dispatch,’ Why Tammy Wynette Matters
    Comedian Gary Gulman on what it was like growing up awkward in the ‘80s. TV and movie critic Matt Zoller Seitz takes us behind the scenes of Wes Anderson’s 2021 […]
    19 April 2024, 2:00 pm
  • Episode 613: Greg Proops, Reggie Watts, Myriam Gurba
    Comedian Greg Proops talks about his hilarious album, ‘French Drug Deal.’ Also, comedian and musician Reggie Watts shares his memories of growing up in his memoir, ‘Great Falls, Montana.’ And […]
    12 April 2024, 2:00 pm
  • Episode 701: Nadirah Simmons, George Pelecanos, The Blues Brothers
    This week on BETA, hip-hop historian Nadirah Simmons highlights the game-changing ladies that made history in pop music. And one of crime fiction's greatest writers, George Pelecanos, talks aout his most autobiographical work yet. And journalist Daniel de Visé on the history of The Blues Brothers.
    5 April 2024, 2:00 pm
  • Episode 612: Aparna Nancherla, ‘Telemarketers,’ ‘Sucker’
    Comedian Aparna Nancherla talks about her battle with impostor syndrome. Also, “Telemarketers” director Sam Lipman-Stern gives us the lowdown on the shady side of the business. And Daniel Hornsby on his scathing Silicon Valley novel, 'Sucker.'
    29 March 2024, 2:00 pm
  • Episode 624: Zach Woods, Steph Tolev, Scott Guild
    This week on "BETA," actor and comedian Zach Woods on his pitch-perfect NPR parody, “In the Know.” Also, comedian Steph Tolev on being filthy and funny. And Scott Guild on his multimedia novel, "Plastic."
    22 March 2024, 2:00 pm
  • Episode 611: Sarah Rose Etter, murder ballads, Walter on Walter: ’48 Hrs’
    Sarah Rose Etter talks about her surreal novel, ‘Ripe.’ Also, visual artist Kristine Potter shares the haunting reality behind murder ballads. And film critic Walter Chaw returns for another installment […]
    15 March 2024, 3:20 pm
  • Episode 623: Moshe Kasher, Sloane Crosley, Tommy Orange
    This week on "BETA," Comedian Moshe Kasher on being a "Subculture Vulture." Also, Sloane Crosley explores love, loss and grief. And "There There" author Tommy Orange on his long-awaited followup, "Wandering Stars."
    8 March 2024, 3:00 pm
  • Episode 610: Greg Marshall, Ben Purkert, ‘King on Screen’
    Greg Marshall talks about his memoir, 'Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew From It.' Also, novelist Ben Purkert asks the question, 'What do our jobs do to our souls?' And we look at Stephen King films with 'King on Screen' director, Daphné Baiwir.
    1 March 2024, 3:00 pm
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