We review the new film, 'Straight Outta Compton,' about the controversial rise and fall of Compton, California gangsta rap group N.W.A. Next, Dallas Morning News intern Emma Court joins us to discuss her essay for the Modern Love column in The New York Times, 'A Millennial’s Guide to Kissing.' Finally, digital separation anxiety. Our Christopher Wynn talks about going off the grid recently for a routine medical procedure that left him in an emotional tailspin. Has constant connection made it impossible for us to unplug or focus on the things that really matter?

On episode 11 of Mixed Media: Dallas filmmaker Barak Epstein talks about the 10th anniversary release of his campy sexploitation comedy Prison-A-Go-Go! Then, Dallas Morning News investigative journalist Doug Swanson discusses the paperback release of his book, Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker (including an update on the movie rights). Finally, we debate the art and artifice of the ghostwriter as we discuss Chris Vognar's profile of celebrity ghostwriter David Ritz.

On today’s show, Dallas Morning News pop music critic Hunter Hauk and News staff writer Brandon Formby help us overanalyze things. Formby attempts to explain “Deez Nutz” and how Snoop Dogg and Dallas' Central Expressway are involved. Then, the fifth edition of the homegrown indie music festival Gorilla Vs. Bear is this Friday with headliner Jamie xx. We talk about why this may be the smartest indie music showcase being produced today. Next, Podcast Movement, the world's largest podcaster conference hits Fort Worth this weekend. We get a preview with co-founder Dan Franks and talk about the state of podcasting today. Hunter Hauk will also tell us about his new “music-minded” podcast, "Listening." Finally, are introverts the new extroverts? A story in The New York Times style section declares being introverted is cool — and apparently big business. We break it down and even do our own Myers-Briggs Type Indicator exams.

​We geek out with Dallas Morning News super nerds Britton Peele and Mike Merschel. First, ​the group chats with ​'​Ready Player One​'​ author Ernest Cline about his new book​, 'Armada,' ​and what it feels like to have Steven Spielberg anoint you to supreme nerd status. Next, ​we consider ​the new movie Pixels starring Adam Sandler. Are the film’s retro arcade characters attacking the earth or our intelligence? You’ll find out. Finally, it’s joysticks-off as we reminisce about the video games of our youth and assess the state of gaming today​.

'Go Set a Watchman,' the much-hyped companion novel to Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' dropped yesterday amid Harry Potter levels of hoopla. We discuss the book, the backlash and how 'Watchman' may complicate Lee’s legacy. Next, we discuss why professional and aspiring writers alike are obsessed with the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference, which is back for its 11th edition this weekend in Grapevine. Finally, a new book and upcoming film pay tribute to legendary late comedian Richard Pryor. We’ll discuss these works and Pryor’s towering influence.

We discuss the new documentary, 'Nowitzki: The Perfect Shot,' about Dallas Mavericks superstar Dirk Nowitzki. Next, we learn some new tricks from Dallas magician Confetti Eddie, who is making waves in Exposition Park with his irreverent blend of magic, illusion, burlesque and sideshow. Finally, Lauren Smart advises us on the perfect Texas summer road trip to find great art.

Dallas Morning News restaurant critic Leslie Brenner and Al Dia managing editor Alfredo Carbajal join us to talk about producing the paper’s first-ever completely bilingual interactive about the rise of new-wave Mexican cuisine in Dallas. Next, we have our first repeat guest: Dallas Morning News architecture critic Mark Lamster is back to help us talk about televised sports as over-produced entertainment. Lamster will share his theory of the role Dallas played in creating the beast. Finally, we check in on Jurassic World. The fourth chapter of the dinosaur franchise looks to chomp and snort its way to box-office domination this weekend. But is it any good?

Nasher Sculpture Center director Jeremy Strick talks about the new exhibit by British artist Phyllida Barlow, ‘Tryst’, and the announcement of a $100,000 Nasher Prize for Sculpture. Next, thanks to historic flooding, the Trinity River is suddenly a hot cultural attraction. Dallas Morning News architecture critic Mark Lamster and Dallas Observer columnist Jim Schutze join us to talk about what happens when the waters recede. Finally, Chris Vognar just got back from this year’s BookExpo America in New York and will have a complete breakdown of the annual industry love-fest.

Author Jacob Silverman talks about his new book, 'Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection.' Next, Will Evans, the founder of Dallas indie publisher Deep Vellum is here to talk about what’s next with his growing literary arts powerhouse. Finally, we all went to The McKinney Avenue Contemporary (MAC) Saturday night to see Kitchen Dog Theater’s new play, 'The Firestorm.' We’ll go one-on-one — or, three-on-one — with the play’s director, Tina Parker. She’ll also tell us about her longtime work with Kitchen Dog and the group’s big upcoming move. Oh yes, and her role on that little TV series called 'Breaking Bad.'

Chris Harrison, longtime host of ABC’s hit shows 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette,' joins us in studio to talk about love, life and his debut romance novel, 'The Perfect Letter.' Joining us for that conversation is the new editor of 'The Dallas Morning News' — and a confirmed Bachelor-phile — Mike Wilson. Next, writer Michael Granberry will preview his upcoming story in 'The Dallas Morning News' about one man’s Indiana Jones-style adventure to track down and restore the original Pegasus sign, Dallas’ famous flying red horse. And, finally, the newspaper’s pop-music critic, Hunter Hauk, is here. He weighs in on the St. Vincent concert with Dallas Symphony Orchestra for the Soluna Festival. We’ll then talk about the songs of summer: What makes a good one? What are Hauk’s picks for this year’s contenders? The hosts share their personal favorites as well.