The singer-songwriter Annie DiRusso debuted this year with the album Super Pedestrian and already has a Tiny Desk concert under her belt. She performs live from WNYC's studios, and discusses her music.

"All the Walls Came Down" is a documentary short — short listed at the 98th Academy Awards — that provides a candid look at the aftermath of 2025's Eaton fire that devastated Alta Dena, California. Writer/director Ondi Timoner, who lost her own home in the fire, discuss the film and her own journey to rebuild, along with the director of My Tribe Rise, Heavenly Hughes, who is working to help neighbors rebuild.

Chris Duffy is an award winning comedian with experience working on comedy shows with Wyatt Cenac and John Oliver, and host of the podcast "How To Be A Better Human". He discusses his new book, Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy, which explores the science behind laughter, and why it is important. 

Condé Nast Traveler recently published a list of “The Best Places to Go in the US in 2026.” Associate director of articles Megan Spurrell shares their most budget and family friendly travel destinations.

Our January Get Lit with All Of It book club selection is the novel The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong. The story follows a young man named Hai who is struggling with addiction and mental health when he becomes the caretaker for an elderly woman with dementia. Vuong previews the the novel ahead of our January 20th event. Click here to grab your free tickets!

The Under the Radar Festival returns this year with more than 25 examples of groundbreaking stage productions from around the world.  The festival's co-creative directors Meropi Peponides and Kaneza Schaal preview the program, which begins tomorrow. 

Sometimes long lines for food can be worth it. Tammie Teclemariam, the Underground Gourmet columnist at New York Magazine, joins to discuss her piece "The Best Lines of 2025" and take calls from listeners who want to share what lines they think are worth waiting in.

Looking for a way to reset your mental health, and activate your brain in 2026? Dana G. Smith of the New York Times is spearheading a five day brain health challenge, with five different activities to help boost your brain. Smith discusses the project, and provides other tips for how to benefit your brain in the new year.

Five years ago today, a violent mob broke into the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Mary Clare Jalonick, a reporter for the Associated Press, discusses her new book, an oral history of January 6th, titled Storm at the Capitol: An Oral History of January 6th, and listeners share their memories and thoughts on the event.

What television shows and streaming series should we look forward to in the new year? Vulture TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk shares her recommendations.