Comedian Josh Gondelman is up for an Emmy for his writing on "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver." His new comedy album, "Physical Whisper," is out now. Listen to a tale from the album in the audio above about how he knew his girlfriend was the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
Lately, there's been a flowering of fiction from Caribbean writers. Jamaican-born Marlon James won last year's Man Booker prize. Now he's one of a chorus of voices singing the praises of his countrywoman Nicole Dennis-Benn, and her debut novel, "Here Comes The Sun."
For four years, comedian Wyatt Cenac served up timely satire as a Daily Show "Correspondent." He's now hatched his own show,"Night Train," a surreal showcase for stand-up comedians and artists. Earlier this year, Wyatt put out an album of his own stand-up material. It's called "Furry Dumb Fighter," and touches on difficult topics that feel especially relevant right now. Hear an excerpt from the album, in which Wyatt recounts the time he was accused of stealing his own car. Really.
Aparna Nancherla has written and appeared on comedy shows from "Late Night with Seth Meyers" to "Inside Amy Schumer." She's performed improv and stand-up for years, and Variety just named her one of their Ten Comics to Watch. However, one area of performance remains a thorn in her side. Listen to her tale.
Faith Salie is a regular contributor to "CBS Sunday Morning" and co-hosts the TV series "Science Goes To The Movies." Public radio fans know her as a regular panelist on "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" Her new book is called "Approval Junkie." She shares an excerpt with us.
In the 1970s, John Doe, along with partners-in-crime Exene Cervenka, Billy Zoom and DJ Bonebrake, formed X... which became one of the most important bands of the exploding L.A. punk scene. He writes about the era in "Under The Big Black Sun: A Personal History of L.A. Punk" -- a collection also featuring chapters by Cervenka, Henry Rollins (Black Flag), Dave Alvin (The Blasters), and others. Today we overhear John tell about some of the era's highs, lows... and infernos.
L.A. Weekly spotlighted Solomon Georgio as one of their People of 2016. The comedian has been featured on Conan, Last Call with Carson Daly, and Viceland's comedy documentary series "Flophouse." You can catch his stand-up around Los Angeles, or next month in Portland, Oregon at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival. He shares a tale from his youth.
You may have seen Jen Kirkman appears on the talk show "Chelsea Lately"... or confusing Richard Dreyfuss with Frederick Douglass in the series "Drunk History." Her new book is called "I Know What I'm Doing -- and Other Lies I Tell Myself: Dispatches from a Life Under Construction." She shares an excerpt with us.
Nahnatchka Khan is the showrunner of the ABC sitcom "Fresh Off the Boat," which is currently in its second season. The show has won kudos for its smart, subversive take on first and second generation American-immigrant experiences. She celebrates her own immigrant dad and his funny bone.
Writer Dawn Tripp's essays have appeared in the Believer, The Rumpus and elsewhere. Her fourth novel, a national bestseller, paints a surprising portrait of a well-known artist.