Singer/Songwriter Ben Folds reflects on creating brutal piano rock. Also, "The Ringer"'s Shea Serrano serves up some cinematic thought experiments. And Folake Olowofoyeku on how immigrating to America led to her leading role in the sitcom, "Bob Hearts Abishola."

The "Czar of Noir" Eddie Muller joins us for a hard-boiled conversation about film noir. Also, Rumaan Alam on his suspenseful and resonant novel, "Leave the World Behind." And author Claire McNear on the smartest and most popular game show of all time -- "Jeopardy!"

Legendary comedian/writer/actor John Cleese tells us how we can tap into our creativity. And Talking Heads' drummer Chris Frantz talks about his life in music. Also, Rebecca Roanhorse on her epic fantasy novel, "Black Sun."

Author Jenny Offill talks about inventing the pre-apocalyptic novel. Also, Eric Johnson on how his folk trio Bonny Light Horseman breathes new life into old folk songs. And Wendy Mitchell on her book, "Citizen Canine: Dogs in the Movies."

We revisit some of our most blood-curdling and spine-chilling moments. Author Joe Hill talks about collaborating with his father, Stephen King. And filmmaker Don Coscarelli on his 1979 cult classic, "Phantasm." Also, author Robin Means Coleman on the history of Black horror movies.

Matt Berninger of The National talks about his debut solo album, "Serpentine Prison." Also, film critic Adam Nayman on Paul Thomas Anderson's masterful movies. And author Miles Harvey on the most infamous con man you've never heard of -- James Strang.

Comedian Steven Wright reflects on more than 40 years of deadpan standup comedy. Also, we look at the lasting legacy of D'Angelo's masterpiece, "Voodoo." And biographer Patrick McGilligan takes us behind the curtain of Mel Brooks's debut film, "The Producers."

Wisconsin martial arts teacher and actor Mike Moh on his dream role. Plus, we go behind the stories from Apple TV’s “Little America” and get life advice from some of history’s greatest women.

Dwayne Kennedy on his socially piercing, provocative comedy. Author Susan Napier tells us how animator Hayao Miyazaki creates his magical cinematic universes. And music critic Steven Hyden on how Radiohead's 1990 album, "Kid A," predicted our current world.

Author Sharon Dolin looks at her life through the lends of Alfred Hitchcock movies. Also, Stephen Graham Jones on his horror novel, "The Only Good Indians." And we explore the enduring appeal of "Goodfellas" with film critic Glenn Kenny.