Novelist Helen Phillips explores the complexities of motherhood in her thriller, "The Need." Also, journalist Mark Jacobson on the Grandfather of American Conspiracy Theories. And Chris Difford, co-founder of the British rock band, Squeeze, finds his fantastic place. Plus, we fade out on a Rock and Roll Thought Experiment.

Pop culture critic Chuck Klosterman on his collection of "fictional nonfiction." Also, television writer and producer Javier Grillo-Marxuach takes on the toxic culture behind many TV shows. And Juliet Escoria explores mental illness and addiction in her debut novel, "Juliet the Maniac."

"Newhart" and "Deadwood" actor William Sanderson on his transcendent career. Plus, punk journalist and musician Vivien Goldman shares the "her"story of the punk scene and author Nick de Semelyn on the wild and crazy guys who changed Hollywood comedy films forever.

Documentary filmmaker Erin Lee Carr reflects on the loss of her father, the celebrated journalist David Carr. And Onalaska’s own Mark Proksch on his accidental path to stardom. Also, guitarist and composer Steve Tibbetts on how exploring the world influences his music.

Novelist Gary Shteyngart crisscrosses the country looking for success. Also, we explore the “Theory of Obscurity" with filmmaker Don Hardy, hear a Black Friday tale, and hit rewind to a time when the Walkman ruled the world.

"BoJack Horseman" creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg on his debut collection of short stories about love. Also, poet and critic Hanif Abdurraqib makes the case for one of the most influential rap groups ever, A Tribe Called Quest. And filmmaker Jeanie Finley talks about her year embedded with "Game of Thrones" to make the HBO documentary, "The Last Watch."

Celebrity chef Roy Choi serves up a menu of social conscience with his documentary series, “Broken Bread.” Plus, musician Andrew Bird talks about his finest work yet and MacArthur Genius writer Karen Russell shares stories from her new collection, “Orange World.”

"Fall" novelist Neal Stephenson on the digital afterlife. Also, DJ Ankur Malhotra is trying to preserve Indian folk music one vinyl press at a time, and blogger Heather Armstrong shares the lengths she went to battle depression. Plus, a look at how the funeral industry is breathing new life into memorials.

Comedian Fred Armisen is still drumming up laughs. He talks about how he’s made a career out of combining music with comedy. And writer Brian Raftery makes the case for 1999 being the best movie year ever. Also, “Top Chef” contestant Kwame Onwuachi on how he overcame the obstacles to become a professional chef.

Indie filmmaker Penny Lane introduces us to a group of Satanists who are making waves. Musician T Bone Burnett talks about his first album in more than a decade. And journalist Clive Thompson on how there’s no margin for error in the world of coding.