Best American Library In Paris Podcasts (2025)

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Badlands (1973) w/ Tom Augustine 1:45:12

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1d ago1:45:12

1:45:12

“He was the most trigger-happy man I had ever met.” – Badlands (1973) This week, we hit the open road with guest Tom Augustine to explore Terrence Malick’s stunning debut, Badlands. Based loosely on the real-life killing spree of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate, the film casts Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek as drifting outsiders caught bet…

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30 St Mary Axe – Rethinking the Modern Skyscraper 12:53

2d ago12:53

12:53

In this episode we head to the heart of London to uncover the story behind 30 St Mary Axe, the skyscraper better known as The Gherkin. From the tragedy of a bombed historic building to the rise of a glass tower that redefined London’s skyline, this is the story of a building that challenged not just height restrictions, but architectural expectatio…

1
We're Doing The Wiz 2 - The Black Wizard of Oz 40:34

2d ago40:34

40:34

It’s audition time at PVPA. Will students get the parts they want? Will it come down to race, talent or both? And is anyone giving Dorothy? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Santa Maria del Fiore - The Unbuildable Dome 14:29

9d ago14:29

14:29

Discover how Florence’s most iconic cathedral became the birthplace of Renaissance architecture, and how Filippo Brunelleschi solved a 45-meter-wide engineering mystery no one else could. This episode explores the political ambition, civic pride, and human genius behind the construction of the world’s largest masonry dome, completed in 1434. From m…

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We're Doing The Wiz 1 - The Tofu Curtain 38:56

9d ago38:56

38:56

When a bussing program brings a group of Black students to a predominately white performing arts high school in rural Massachusetts, a racial reckoning rocks the campus. And an unlikely selection for the school’s annual musical reshapes the student body forever. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

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The Wind (1928) Feature Length Commentary Track 1:25:27

16d ago1:25:27

1:25:27

“If only the wind would stop!” – The Wind (1928) This week, we return to the silent era with a full-length commentary track for Victor Sjöström’s haunting 1928 drama The Wind. Starring Lillian Gish in one of her most intense and vulnerable performances, the film tells the story of a woman slowly unraveling on the harsh, wind-swept plains of the Ame…

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Parthenon – The Illusion of Perfection 17:42

16d ago17:42

17:42

Discover the secrets behind one of the most iconic buildings in history. This episode explores the Parthenon in Athens. Not just as a temple to the goddess Athena, but as a masterclass in political power, architectural illusion, and cultural identity. Learn how 5th-century BCE architects used subtle curves, tilted columns, and optical tricks to cre…

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Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz 2:48

16d ago2:48

2:48

Coming up next on Radiotopia Presents: We’re Doing The Wiz. Two former classmates reconnect to unpack the high school musical that changed their lives Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

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Shane (1953) w/ Kenny Neibart 1:07:26

23d ago1:07:26

1:07:26

This week, we saddle up for a conversation about Shane (1953) with screenwriter, producer, and podcast host Kenny Neibart. A formative Western and a film that helped define American masculinity on screen, Shane gives us plenty to dig into, from its mythic final shot to the complex tension between pacifism and violence. Kenny joins us to unpack the …

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Red for Revolution x The Frogs 23:02

23d ago23:02

23:02

On May 24, 2025 in LA, Red for Revolution's creator/writer/director Jana Naomi Smith joined The Frogs for a rollicking live taping of their podcast, to talk career, inspiration, the origins of R4R, and for a live performance featuring Caro Guzmán. To listen to the full episode, head over to the The Frogs — where theater, culture, and vibe collide. …

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Guggenheim Bilbao Museum – The Birth of the Bilbao Effect 16:57

23d ago16:57

16:57

The Guggenheim Bilbao Museum is more than an architectural icon and a turning point in the history of cities. In this episode, we explore how a daring political decision, a collapsing industrial economy, and a radical design by Frank Gehry came together to create what is now known as “The Bilbao Effect.” Learn how Bilbao, once a declining port city…

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It Happened One Night (1934) w/ Andrew Daniels 1:48:13

30d ago1:48:13

1:48:13

“I just had the unpleasant sensation of hearing you referred to as my husband.” – It Happened One Night (1934) This week, returning guest Andrew Daniels joins us to break down the original screwball sensation: Frank Capra’s It Happened One Night. As the first film to ever sweep the “Big Five” Oscars, this charming romantic comedy set the template f…

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Empire State Building - The Making of an American Legend 16:12

1M ago16:12

16:12

Step into 1930s New York and discover the incredible story behind the Empire State Building, a skyscraper born from rivalry, built during the Great Depression, and crowned the tallest in the world for nearly 40 years. From secret spires and airship dreams to record-breaking construction and pop culture fame, this episode unpacks how the Empire Stat…

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Shadows (1959) w/ Robert Bellissimo 1:52:33

1M ago1:52:33

1:52:33

“The film you have just seen was an improvisation.” – Shadows (1959) This week, returning guest Robert Bellissimo joins us for a conversation on John Cassavetes’ Shadows,, a landmark of American independent cinema. Shot on the streets of New York with a semi-improvised style and a raw, jazz-infused energy, Shadows broke all the rules and opened new…

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Neue Nationalgalerie - Mies van der Rohe’s Final Masterpiece 12:51

1M ago12:51

12:51

Step into 1960s Berlin with me as we uncover the story of the Neue Nationalgalerie, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s final masterpiece. Designed during the Cold War tensions and under the Berlin Wall’s shadow, this modernist icon redefined museum architecture with its minimalist steel-and-glass pavilion. Explore how Mies, returning to Germany after decad…

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How the National Film Registry Came to Be (with Congressman Robert Mrazek) 1:52:27

1M ago1:52:27

1:52:27

In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Congressman Robert Mrazek, the man whose legislation led to the creation of the National Film Preservation Board. Without his efforts, the National Film Registry as we know it wouldn’t exist. Mrazek shares the inside story of how film preservation became a congressional priority, the cultural battles …

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Taj Mahal – A Love Story Told in Architecture 12:43

1M ago12:43

12:43

Discover the story behind one of the most iconic buildings in the world: the Taj Mahal. More than a monument, this 17th-century masterpiece is a symbol of love, loss, power, and architectural brilliance.In this episode, we explore the history of the Taj Mahal, the relationship between Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, and the cultural and politi…

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Introducing Selects from Radiotopia and Room Tone 32:40

2M ago32:40

32:40

Today we’re introducing our Radiotopia Presents listeners to a brand new show out now from Radiotopia. It’s called Selects. Selects is a monthly show that brings you unearthed audio works we’ve found buried in web archives, radio streams, and old podcasts. They’ve come to us through the recommendations and inspirations of some of the most talented …

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Touch of Evil (1958) w/ Ryan Luis Rodriguez 1:44:21

2M ago1:44:21

1:44:21

“He was some kind of a man. What does it matter what you say about people?” – Touch of Evil (1958) This week, we’re crossing into the shadowy borderlands of noir with special guest Ryan Luis Rodriguez to unpack Orson Welles’ Touch of Evil. From its legendary opening tracking shot to Welles’ haunting turn as the corrupt Hank Quinlan, the film stands…

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Seattle Public Library – A Machine for Learning in the Digital Age 22:54

2M ago22:54

22:54

Discover how Seattle built one of the most radical libraries of the 21st century. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and OMA, the Seattle Central Library redefined what a public building could be. A twelve-story machine for learning, wrapped in glass and steel. From its book spiral to its bold design logic, this episode unpacks the architecture, ambition, an…

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An American in Paris (1951) w/ Arlene Hellerman 2:07:33

2M ago2:07:33

2:07:33

“’S Wonderful! ’S Marvelous!” – An American in Paris (1951) This week, we step into the dreamlike Technicolor world of An American in Paris with special guest Arlene Hellerman. A Publications Associate for Broadway Licensing Global, Arlene brings a multifaceted perspective shaped by a career spanning theatre, film, television, broadcast news, and p…

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Golden Gate Bridge - The story behind the most iconic bridge ever built 17:55

2M ago17:55

17:55

In this episode of Architecture Topics we'll explore the full story behind the Golden Gate Bridge. From the geographic and economic factors that made it make sense, to the ambitious engineer who dared to imagine the impossible but didn't actually know how to build it, to the team behind the scenes that did... Discover how Joseph Strauss rallied pub…

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A Brief History of Betty Boop: From the Inkwell to the Musical 2:02:09

2M ago2:02:09

2:02:09

Boop-Oop-a-Doop! In this special bonus episode, we present A Brief History of Betty Boop: From the Inkwell to the Musical. We begin with the story of Fleischer Studios—the groundbreaking animation house behind Betty Boop, Popeye, and Koko the Clown—and trace how their surreal, adult-oriented cartoons challenged the norms of early animation and stoo…

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Centre Pompidou Paris - The "inside-out" museum 12:24

2M ago12:24

12:24

Explore the story behind the Centre Pompidou in Paris, one of the most radical and controversial buildings in modern architecture. Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers in the 1970s, this iconic "inside-out" museum challenged everything Paris thought it knew about culture, design, and public space. In this episode we will talk about the politi…

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After 15 months of displacement...from Up First 30:08

2M ago30:08

30:08

Recently, the White House announced its plans to ask Congress to rescind funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. If the plan passes, there could be serious consequences for the public media ecosystem. Rather than tell you why we think public media is important, we are sharing this piece from NPR's Up First. This story is one of the best…

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The Cheat (1915) w/ Jae Kim 1:54:42

2M ago1:54:42

1:54:42

“You are mine—body and soul!” – The Cheat (1915) This week, we’re traveling back to 1915 with returning guests Amanda Rush and Jae Kim for a deep dive into Cecil B. DeMille’s The Cheat. A landmark of early American cinema, The Cheat helped shape visual storytelling through its pioneering use of lighting, editing, and narrative tension. But alongsid…

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La Pedrera - The Gaudí Masterpiece Barcelona Once Mocked 18:46

2M ago18:46

18:46

Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is one of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona and a landmark of Antoni Gaudí's architecture. Discover how this bold and controversial building was mocked when it was built in the early 20th century, and how it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of modernist innovation. Perfect for fans of Barcel…

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NYC Guggenheim Museum – The Building That Refused to Fit In 12:54

2M ago12:54

12:54

The NYC Guggenheim Museum is a building that broke every rule of museum design, defied the city's building codes. It became Frank Lloyd Wright’s final, and most controversial masterpiece. Wright was in his late seventies when he took on the commission. He hated New York. He didn’t like museums. And yet, over sixteen turbulent years, he fought to br…

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Sydney Opera House - Building the Impossible 13:33

2M ago13:33

13:33

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, but few know the dramatic story behind its creation. In this episode, we explore how Danish architect Jørn Utzon won an international design competition, solved an impossible engineering challenge, and then was forced to abandon the project before it was finished. Discov…

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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) w/ Ben Hosley 2:05:33

3M ago2:05:33

2:05:33

“Which one of you nuts has got any guts?” – One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) This week, we check into the ward with special guest Ben Hosley, producer of Blank Check with Griffin and David, to take on Miloš Forman’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. One of only three films to sweep the “Big Five” Oscars, this anti-establishment classic remains…

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Welcome to Architecture Topics! Architecture History—One Story at a Time 1:01

3M ago1:01

1:01

Welcome to Architecture Topics, the podcast where we delve into the stories, ideas, and designs that shape the world around us. My name is Liam Caron, and in each episode, I’ll take you on a journey through the ideas, designs, and people that have shaped architectural history. From ancient monuments to modern skyscrapers, I’ll explore how architect…

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Introducing: Harlem Queen 13:37

3M ago13:37

13:37

Today we're sharing the first episode of Harlem Queen, a historical audio drama detailing the powerful story of “Policy Queen” and “gangster” Madame Stephanie St. Clair. Madame St. Clair had a powerful impact on building the Harlem community underground and aboveground and defining the Harlem Renaissance. Our goal is for you to be entertained, educ…

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Where Are My Children? (1916) commentary track 1:14:56

3M ago1:14:56

1:14:56

“We must be brave enough to look truth in the face.” – Where Are My Children? (1916) This week, we return to the public domain vault for a full-length commentary track on Where Are My Children?, the provocative 1916 silent drama from Lois Weber and Phillips Smalley. As one of the earliest American films to tackle topics like birth control, abortion…

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Jason and Isabelle Revisit My Mother Made Me 6:09

3M ago6:09

6:09

In October 2024, Apple Podcasts launched a new initiative to highlight narrative series, including designating a new show every month as a Series Essential, celebrating the finest storytelling and the medium’s greatest achievements. My Mother Made Me is the March 2025 selection. For this special occasion, we asked Jason to sit down with his mother …

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Magical Maestro (1952) w/ Jordan Beck 1:39:12

3M ago1:39:12

1:39:12

“And now, I shall entertain you!” – Magical Maestro (1952) Animation aficionado and producer Jordan Beck returns to the show to tackle Tex Avery’s Magical Maestro, one of the most frenetic and technically dazzling cartoons of the Golden Age. With its relentless visual gags and groundbreaking use of the “wipe” technique, this controversial short is …

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Alternate Realities from Embedded 27:55

3M ago27:55

27:55

Today, we're sharing the first episode of a new limited-run series from NPR's Embedded, "Alternate Realities". Zach Mack and his dad are living in separate realities, and it's tearing their family apart. Like so many Americans, Zach's dad has gotten swept up in conspiracy theories. After years of circular arguments, the father challenged his son to…

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A Night at the Opera (1935) w/ David Bluvband 1:56:04

3M ago1:56:04

1:56:04

"You can't fool me! There ain't no Sanity Claus!" David Bluvband (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) returns to the show to discuss the Marx Brothers' first film for MGM, A Night at the Opera. We talk Otis B. Driftwood, Riccardo Barone, and the eternal Paramount vs. MGM debate. Follow the Show: Twitter Instagram Website Music by Mike Natale…

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Blade Runner (1982) w/ Phil Iscove 2:17:56

4M ago2:17:56

2:17:56

"The star of "RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK" and the director of "ALIEN" take you on a spectacular journey to the savage world of the year 2019!!" Phil Iscove (Sleepy Hollow, Podcast Like It's...) returns to the show for the fifth time to kick off Season 5 with a seismic sci-fi story whose history is as complex as the future it depicts: 1982's Blade Runn…

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Red for Revolution 6 - I Love Paris 41:30

4M ago41:30

41:30

As tensions escalate and hearts are both shattered and healed, our season one love story reaches its climax in the City of Love. Jazmine’s family surprises her with a graduation trip to Paris, but little do they know, she has a surprise of her own in store. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direct…

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Red for Revolution 5 - Send in the Clowns 43:11

4M ago43:11

43:11

As tensions between Jazmine and her mother boil over, Grandma Ella steps in, guiding the three women to confront the painful reality of intergenerational homophobia. Meanwhile, back in the 1970s, the stakes soar for Ella and Lorraine’s relationship as young Ella is falsely accused of a crime. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by …

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The 97th Academy Awards, Part 2: Ranking Every Nominee 2:01:17

4M ago2:01:17

2:01:17

In this fifth edition of You're Missing Out's annual Oscar special, we're doing a two-parter, just like Wicked and Dune. Last episode, we talked through each of the 10 Best Picture nominees (Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Done Part 2, Emilia Perez, I'm Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, Wicked). Now, in Part 2, we'll rank …

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The 97th Academy Awards, Part 1: Best Picture Roundtable 2:27:20

4M ago2:27:20

2:27:20

In this fifth edition of You're Missing Out's annual Oscar special, we're doing a two-parter, just like Wicked and Dune! On this episode, we'll talk through each of the 10 Best Picture nominees (Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune Part 2, Emilia Perez, I'm Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, Wicked). In Part 2, we rank not …

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Red for Revolution 4 - He Looked Beyond My Faults 29:22

4M ago29:22

29:22

Jazmine holds space for Ms. Lorraine as she shares her story of substance abuse, inspiring a conversation about grace and self-acceptance. Meanwhile, back in the 70s, a younger Lorraine confesses her substance abuse to Ella, generating a difficult impasse between the two. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with…

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Red for Revolution 3 - Stormy Weather 32:06

4M ago32:06

32:06

As Jazmine grapples with self-acceptance, Grandma Ella and Ms. Lorraine feel compelled to share their respective insecurities. This leads to a poignant recollection of the day a power outage compelled a young Ella and Lorraine to reveal their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smi…

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Red for Revolution 2 - Never Will I Marry 47:37

5M ago47:37

47:37

Jazmine uncovers her grandmother's journals, shedding light on previously unknown aspects of her inner life and igniting the tale of how Ella and Lorraine reconnected in 1971, New York City for a taping of the TV show Black Dreams after their passionate first encounter in Gary. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smit…

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Red for Revolution 1 - I’ve Got a Crush On You 34:47

5M ago34:47

34:47

After the assassination of a Black female revolutionary, an unexpected romance blossoms between the two women left in her wake—an apolitical jazz singer and a radical activist. While in the present day, college-bound Jazmine embarks on a journey to find her grandmother's first love and document their love story. Red for Revolution is created, writt…

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Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution 2:21

5M ago2:21

2:21

Red for Revolution is an enthralling audio drama that tells the passionate love story between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of 18-year-old Jazmine, who is coming of age and seeking wisdom from her grandmother, Ella. As Jazmine conducts heartfelt interviews with her grandmother, li…

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Best of Radiotopia - Weight For It 40:43

6M ago40:43

40:43

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Weight For It - “Into Thin Air." It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - This Day in Esoteric Political History 20:27

6M ago20:27

20:27

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - This Day in Esoteric Political History - “Dick Cheney Shoots Friend In The Face”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - The West Wing Weekly 1:01:42

6M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The West Wing Weekly - “The American President”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia