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BETA

“BETA” comes from producer/host Doug Gordon. “BETA” is a polyphonic mosh pit where high culture and low culture collide, taking an immersive, innovative, playful and provocative approach to exploring arts, culture and technology.

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NPR News & Music, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., The Ideas Network, Sundays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Latest Episodes

  • Episode 611: Sarah Rose Etter, murder ballads, Walter on Walter: ’48 Hrs’

    Sarah Rose Etter talks about her surreal novel, ‘Ripe.’ Also, visual artist Kristine Potter shares the haunting reality behind murder ballads. And film critic Walter Chaw returns for another installment of ‘Walter on Walter.’ Today, he talks about Walter Hill’s film, ’48 Hours.’

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    Episode 611: Sarah Rose Etter, murder ballads, Walter on Walter: ’48 Hrs’
  • Episode 623: Moshe Kasher, Sloane Crosley, Tommy Orange

    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.”

    Episode 623: Moshe Kasher, Sloane Crosley, Tommy Orange
  • Episode 610: Greg Marshall, Ben Purkert, ‘King on Screen’

    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.

    Episode 610: Greg Marshall, Ben Purkert, ‘King on Screen’
  • Episode 622: Billy Dee Williams, M.D. Dunn on Bruce Cockburn, Ed Park

    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.”

    Episode 622: Billy Dee Williams, M.D. Dunn on Bruce Cockburn, Ed Park
  • Episode 609: Mike Mills, Ernie Kovacs, Steely Dan

    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.

    Episode 609: Mike Mills, Ernie Kovacs, Steely Dan

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Adam Friedrich

Executive Producer

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