There's new work from artist Alvaro Barrington on view at Nicola Vassell in Chelsea. Barrington was born in Caracas to parents from Grenada in Haiti. He was raised between Brooklyn and the Caribbean, and his new show, Alvaro Barrington: Island Life, references his Caribbean roots, specifically his paintings of the hibiscus flower. Barrington joins us to discuss the exhibition, which is on view through December 21.

Brooklyn-based Americana trio The Lone Bellow, consisting of members Zach Williams, Kanene Donehey Pipkin and Brian Elmquist, joins us to perform live in studio ahead of their three-night run at Rockwood Musical Hall to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut self-titled album.

*Correction: At one point in the conversation we refer to Zach Williams as Zach Wilson. The correct last name is Williams. 

[REBROADCAST FROM Dec. 8, 2022] Comedian Mike Birbiglia was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes some time ago. He chronicles his attempts to reverse that diagnosis by taking up swimming in his hilarious new one-man show, "The Old Man & the Pool." Birbiglia joins us to discuss the show, which has now been made into a Netflix special.

"School Pictures," a new one-person show at Playwrights Horizons, takes aim at the education system in New York, especially the High School admissions process. The show is written and performed by Milo Cramer, a former tutor, and they join to discuss their production, which Vulture calls "completely wonderful." "School Pictures" runs through December 3.

The holiday season is also the season for entertaining. We discuss some new takes on the Hot Toddy, Spritzes, Eggnog and more with Carey Jones and John McCarthy, bartenders and authors of the new book, Every Cocktail Has a Twist. We also take your calls and questions.

A WINTER’S NAP

Unique in the cocktail world, Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro brings an inviting warmth to drinks, like a cozy old sweater. The orange notes of Amaro Montenegro and a good base of rye whiskey make this reasonably stiff cocktail nonetheless accessible. A star anise contributes great aromatics and makes this drink photo ready.

2 ounces rye

1 ounce Amaro Montenegro

1 ounce Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro (page 27)

1 orange peel for garnish

1 star anise for garnish

In a mixing glass, combine all the ingredients. Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full of ice. Stir for 30 seconds and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Express a 3-inch strip of orange peel, skin side down, over the surface of the drink, run the skin around the rim of the glass to distribute the citrus oils, and add the peel, skin side up, to the cocktail. Garnish with a star anise.

A new book uncovers a medical scandal that led to HIV infections of around 8,000 people in the United States, and many more in the UK. Blood Farm: The Explosive Big Pharma Scandal That Altered the AIDS Crisis details how a cure for promised hemophilia relied on contaminated blood plasma, collected in locations like nightclubs and prisons. Cara McGoogan, the book's author and host of the investigative podcast of the same subject, Bed of Lies, joins us to explain.

Singer and songwriter Nellie McKay stops by to perform from her latest album, Hey Guys, Watch This.

The annual Studio Museum residency has long been one of the most prestigious artist residencies in the city, and a fertile ground for emerging Black artists. The program includes alumni such as David Hammons, Mickalene Thomas, and Kehinde Wiley. A new exhibition at MoMA PS1 presents the work of the 2022-23 artists in residence: Jeffrey Meris, Devin N. Morris, and Charisse Pearlina Weston. Meris and Morris join us alongside curator Yelena Keller to discuss the show. And ever an edge: Studio Museum Artists in Residence 2022–23 is on view through April 8.

"The Crown" is back for its final season, and critically acclaimed favorites like "Slow Horses" and "True Detective" are set to return in the coming weeks. We speak with Kathryn VanArendonk, one of our favorite TV critics, about what to watch over the holiday season and into early next year, as well as take your calls.

Ahead of Giving Tuesday, we talk about some places where you can donate, and where you might be able to receive donations, such as free coats. Beth Amodio, CEO of One Warm Coat, joins us to discuss their work and take calls from listeners about where they are planning on giving this year.