BETA

Poet and author Kevin Young traces the history of the hoax. Also, writer Susan Orlean shares the story of the biggest library fire in American history. And we explore “the front page of the Internet,” Reddit, with journalist Christine Lagorio-Chafkin.

Film critic Adam Nayman tells us what really ties the Coen brothers’ movies together. Also, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah takes on racism with his surreal short story collection. And The Roches’ Suzzy Roche shares memories of her late sister, Maggie.

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.

D.C. crime novelist George Pelecanos on his hit HBO series “The Deuce” and his novel “The Man Who Came Uptown.” Plus, writer Courtenay Hameister on overcoming anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. And, “Jeopardy!” champion Ken Jennings on how comedy is conquering our culture.

Musician Marc Ribot reflects on his "Songs of Resistance" album. Cult movie director John Waters introduces us to some of his visual art. Comedian Maeve Higgins shares her thoughts on being an extraordinary Irish immigrant.

We talk with comedy writer Simon Rich about his new collection of short stories, “Hits and Misses.” Plus, musician Sam Phillips on her cinematic album, “The World On Sticks,” and Tedium’s Ernie Smith on the history of hidden tracks on albums.Also, writer and journalist C. Brian Smith traces the sordid saga of road rage.

Netflix's "Dark Tourist" host David Farrier takes us on a nightmare vacation. Plus, we get real with virtual reality journalist David Ewalt and tackle the patriarchy with Erin Gibson.

Writer Al Ridenour introduces us to the spokesmodel of dark Christmas, the Krampus. Also, comedian Charlie Berens, the man behind the hit YouTube series, "Manitowoc Minute", keeps 'er movin'. And science fiction author Robert Reed shows us what "It's a Wonderful Life" looks like in the multiverse. It’s an encore presentation of the holiday-tinged episode of BETA. Because BETA is the gift that keeps on giving and we all get duplicates of gifts once in a while, don’t we?

Terence Nance, creator of HBO’s “Random Acts Of Flyness,” explores black experiences in America. Plus, scientist Emma Byrne says voicing vulgarity could be good for you and “Boom Town” author Sam Anderson thunders on about the secret allure of Oklahoma City.

Megan Abbott talks about her women-centered crime fiction and writing for the HBO series, “The Deuce.” Guy Branum shares how art shaped his life as a stand-up comedian. And Benjamin Errett explains how our five senses of taste might predict our cultural tastes.