Best American Library In Paris Podcasts (2025)

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

20h 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…

1
Empire State Building - The Making of an American Legend 16:12

2d 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…

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

8d 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…

1
Neue Nationalgalerie - Mies van der Rohe’s Final Masterpiece 12:51

9d 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…

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

15d 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 …

1
Taj Mahal – A Love Story Told in Architecture 12:43

16d 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…

1
Introducing Selects from Radiotopia and Room Tone 32:40

21d 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 …

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

22d 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…

1
Seattle Public Library – A Machine for Learning in the Digital Age 22:54

23d 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…

1
An American in Paris (1951) w/ Arlene Hellerman 2:07:33

29d 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…

1
Golden Gate Bridge - The story behind the most iconic bridge ever built 17:55

30d 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…

1
A Brief History of Betty Boop: From the Inkwell to the Musical 2:02:09

1M 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…

1
Centre Pompidou Paris - The "inside-out" museum 12:24

1M 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…

1
After 15 months of displacement...from Up First 30:08

1M 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…

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

1M 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…

1
La Pedrera - The Gaudí Masterpiece Barcelona Once Mocked 18:46

1M 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…

1
NYC Guggenheim Museum – The Building That Refused to Fit In 12:54

1M 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…

1
Sydney Opera House - Building the Impossible 13:33

1M 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…

1
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) w/ Ben Hosley 2:05:33

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

1
Introducing: Harlem Queen 13:37

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

1
Jason and Isabelle Revisit My Mother Made Me 6:09

2M 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 …

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

2M 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 …

1
Alternate Realities from Embedded 27:55

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

1
Blade Runner (1982) w/ Phil Iscove 2:17:56

3M 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…

1
Red for Revolution 6 - I Love Paris 41:30

3M 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…

1
Red for Revolution 5 - Send in the Clowns 43:11

3M 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 …

1
The 97th Academy Awards, Part 2: Ranking Every Nominee 2:01:17

3M 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 …

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

3M 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 …

1
Red for Revolution 4 - He Looked Beyond My Faults 29:22

3M 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…

1
Red for Revolution 3 - Stormy Weather 32:06

3M 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…

1
Red for Revolution 2 - Never Will I Marry 47:37

4M 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…

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

4M 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…

1
Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution 2:21

4M 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…

1
Best of Radiotopia - Weight For It 40:43

5M 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

1
Best of Radiotopia - This Day in Esoteric Political History 20:27

5M 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

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

5M 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

1
Best of Radiotopia - The Stoop 34:59

5M ago34:59

34:59

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Stoop - “This Ain't Texas, It's Africa." 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

1
Best of Radiotopia - Song Exploder 27:28

5M ago27:28

27:28

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Song Exploder - “Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Our House." 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

1
Best of Radiotopia - The Recipe with Kenji and Deb 38:12

5M ago38:12

38:12

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Recipe with Kenji and Deb - “Popcorn”. 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

1
Best of Radiotopia - Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 40:15

5M ago40:15

40:15

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative - “Just a Girl with a Microphone." 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

1
Best of Radiotopia - Radio Diaries 14:03

5M ago14:03

14:03

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Radio Diaries - “The John Birch Society”. 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

1
Best of Radiotopia - Normal Gossip 1:01:37

5M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Normal Gossip - “The Suite Life of Rachelle and Kelsey”. 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

1
Best of Radiotopia - The Mortified Podcast 30:37

5M ago30:37

30:37

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Mortified Podcast - “The Origin Story”. 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

1
Best of Radiotopia - The Memory Palace 9:54

5M ago9:54

9:54

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Memory Palace - “Lost Jobs”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! And you can buy The Memory Palace book here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - The Kitchen Sisters Present 12:43

5M ago12:43

12:43

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Kitchen Sisters Present - “Tupperware”. 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

1
Best of Radiotopia - Hyperfixed 33:55

5M ago33:55

33:55

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Hyperfixed - “Casey Wants to Believe”. 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

1
2024 National Film Registry (Live Reactions) 2:08:35

5M ago2:08:35

2:08:35

Another year, another batch of 25 (give or take) titles added to the National Film Registry, and another live reaction episode from You're Missing Out. As is tradition, hosts Mike Natale and Tom Lorenzo jumped on mic mere hours after the list was made public. Neither host knew what titles were inducted until producer Kyle kicked off a YouTube lives…

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American Library In Paris Podcasts

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