This week on "BETA," Comedian Moshe Kasher on being a "Subculture Vulture." Also, Sloane Crosley explores love, loss and grief. And "There There" author Tommy Orange on his long-awaited followup, "Wandering Stars."

Greg Marshall talks about his memoir, 'Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew From It.' Also, novelist Ben Purkert asks the question, 'What do our jobs do to our souls?' And we look at Stephen King films with 'King on Screen' director, Daphné Baiwir.

Legendary actor Billy Dee Williams talks about his lifetime in the arts and his landmark roles (including his famous turn as Lando in "Star Wars"). Also, author M.D. Dunn on the life and career of Canadian singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn. And Ed Park talks about his mind-bending novel, “Same Bed Different Dreams.”

Mike Mills of R.E.M. takes us out to the ball game with his concept supergroup, The Baseball Project. Also, Josh Mills shares the story of one of the most innovative television comedians ever – the one and only Ernie Kovacs. And Alex Pappademas takes us inside the brilliant minds of Steely Dan.

This week on "BETA," award-winning filmmaker and TV creator Ed Zwick on his fortysomething years in Hollywood. Plus, comedian Laurie Kilmartin on her new special and actor Priya Guns on her new novel, “Your Driver is Waiting.”

Rachel Cochran talks about her Southern noir novel, “The Gulf.” Also, Aisha Harris, cohost of NPR’s ‘Pop Culture Happy Hour,’ joins us to discuss her book, ‘Wannabe.’ And director Alexandre Philippe on his documentary, ‘Lynch/Oz.’ It explores the connections between David Lynch’s films and ‘The Wizard of Oz.’

Theater critic Alexis Soloski on her gripping psychological suspense novel, “Here in the Dark.” Also, documentary producer Denny Tedesco joins us to talk about his latest film, “Immediate Family.” And film critic Katharine Coldiron on why bad movies matter.

TCM’s “Czar of Noir” Eddie Muller has got you covered. His new book “Noir Bar” features cocktail recipes and trivia inspired by over 50 of your favorite noirs. Also, producer Warren Zanes tells us everything we wanted to know about Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska.” And the award-winning crime fiction author S. A. Cosby returns to talk […]

Comedian and host Scott Aukerman joins us to talk about turning his hilarious podcast, “Comedy Bang! Bang!” into a book. Also, author Sam Wasson is our guide as we explore “The Path to Paradise: A Francis Ford Coppola Story.” And author Bethonie Butler takes us through 50 years of "Black TV."

Comedian and host Scott Aukerman joins us to talk about turning his hilarious podcast, “Comedy Bang! Bang!” into a book. Also, author Sam Wasson is our guide as we explore “The Path to Paradise: A Francis Ford Coppola Story.” And author Bethonie Butler takes us through 50 years of “Black TV.”