Randy Cohen

“The disease, the people believed, was caused by sorcery and could be cured by sorcery,” says bioethicist Robert Klitzman. And by “the people” he does not mean RFK Jr. but a stone age tribe in New Guinea. Klitzman also tells us about hospital chaplains, the pool in central park and a stone axe head.

Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich’s play “Here There Are Blueberries” is built around an actual photo album assembled at Auschwitz of the ordinary daily life of the perpetrators. Following a run at the McCarter Theater, the play is now touring nationally (if you’re reading this early in 2025, not in, oh, 2026 in exile on the Martian colony). Hear about Karl Höcker and their rehearsal room.

Historian at CCNY’s Black Studies Department Emmanuel Lachaud says, “If I really want to have a good writing day, I take the train an hour and fifteen minutes to somewhere that I love. I like to call it the quietest place in New York City.” Lachaud tells us about the Center for Fiction Library and Pierre Toussaint.

After 50 years as a mezzo-soprano, Frederica von Stade still embraces this advice from her first teacher: “Sing as though it comes from the bottom of your heart, because that’s what it’s about.” Stade tells us about her father’s piano and Paris.

The new president of Hunter College, Nancy Cantor, is a champion of “social infrastructure.” Here’s how to recognize it: “It’s a public good. Everybody uses it, nobody owns it.” Cantor also discusses Central Park’s Great Lawn and an Anita Hill op-ed.

This week's episode features a fascinating conversation with Zalmen Mlotek and Steven Skybell, who share insights into their work on “Fiddler on the Roof” in Yiddish, a triumph of heritage and performance. Mlotek recalls how Isaac Bashevis Singer once called his mother the "Sherlock Holmes of Yiddish songs," a tribute to her dedication to preserving this rich tradition. The podcast is presented by the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, with special mentions of Joel Grey, The Museum of Jewish Heritage, and three volumes of Yiddish songs that have helped shape their musical journey. Plus, Randy reflects on Achilles and Athena in his "People" segment.

Actor Charles Busch says “My life was a bit like the plot of Auntie Mame.” Busch has stories about Linda Lavin, Christopher Isherwood, Lily Tomlin, Angela Landsbury, Vivien Leigh, Marlene Dietrich, and tells us about Gritti Palace, Venice. Plus, he sings.

Conservationist and adventurer Peter Fong led an expedition down Mongolia’s Selenge River, described in his book “Rowing to Baikal.” “To me the river is like a god, a god that I can be in conversation with. I feel like it’s alive. I don’t always understand it, but I don’t understand god either.” A conversation at the Explorers Club.

In addition to being a much admired writer, Ann Patchett owns Parnassus Books in Nashville. “Because I own a bookstore, I get a copy of just about every book that comes out. It’s like being pelted to death with books,” she says. Patchett tells us about Meg Mason, her bookstore, and her father’s watch.

Movie and TV writer Andy Breckman, creator of “Monk,” shares his love for public radio, tells us about Ken Freedman and his place, his local movie theater. Tune in to hear Breckman’s stories and how he has a show on his public radio station.