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The Frame Tile

The Frame

A daily chronicle of creativity in film, TV, music, arts, and entertainment, produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from November 2014 – March 2020. Host John Horn leads the conversation, accompanied by the nation's most plugged-in cultural journalists.

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  • Listen 25:52
    The comedian talks about his new stand-up special, which is aptly titled "End Times Fun"; for animators, the show must go on; comedian John Thomas insists “Everything's Gonna Be Okay.”
    The comedian talks about his new stand-up special, which is aptly titled "End Times Fun"; for animators, the show must go on; comedian John Thomas insists “Everything's Gonna Be Okay.”
  • Listen 25:42
    The co-hosts of the New York Times culture podcast, "Still Processing," talk about their new season of episodes; podcast expert Nick Quah on what he's recommending these days.
    The co-hosts of the New York Times culture podcast, "Still Processing," talk about their new season of episodes; podcast expert Nick Quah on what he's recommending these days.
  • Listen 25:51
    We devote our entire show today to pop music, asking creators how they’re coping in the Age of Covid. We’ll hear from singer/songwriter Bhi Bhiman, country musician Jessi Alexander, and A.J. Jackson, the lead singer from the band Saint Motel, which had to cancel its world tour.
    We devote our entire show today to pop music, asking creators how they’re coping in the Age of Covid. We’ll hear from singer/songwriter Bhi Bhiman, country musician Jessi Alexander, and A.J. Jackson, the lead singer from the band Saint Motel, which had to cancel its world tour.
  • Listen 25:39
    The anniversary festival is up in the air as the promoter and his one-time backer are at odds; Max Joseph made a film that's a paean to bookstores and reading; Song Exploder deconstructs a song from The Cranberries' final album.
    The anniversary festival is up in the air as the promoter and his one-time backer are at odds; Max Joseph made a film that's a paean to bookstores and reading; Song Exploder deconstructs a song from The Cranberries' final album.
  • Listen 26:15
    "Gay of Thrones" is the hilarious Funny or Die web series that recaps each episode of the HBO hit; Georgia's governor signed an abortion bill that might impact film and TV production in the state; the singer who goes by Cimafunk is known as "the Cuban James Brown."
    "Gay of Thrones" is the hilarious Funny or Die web series that recaps each episode of the HBO hit; Georgia's governor signed an abortion bill that might impact film and TV production in the state; the singer who goes by Cimafunk is known as "the Cuban James Brown."
  • Listen 25:13
    The Korean boy band performed two shows to loud audiences, cementing its place in the global pop music world; filmmaker Mike Mills made an unlikely collaboration with the band, The National; the Write Girl program gives teen girls a boost.
    The Korean boy band performed two shows to loud audiences, cementing its place in the global pop music world; filmmaker Mike Mills made an unlikely collaboration with the band, The National; the Write Girl program gives teen girls a boost.
  • Listen 25:38
    Latinos go the movies in numbers that far surpass their percentage of the U.S. population. So why don't studios cater more to that audience?; the HBO documentary, "At the Heart of Gold," looks at the U.S. gymnastics sexual abuse scandal; creating a soundtrack for "Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes."
    Latinos go the movies in numbers that far surpass their percentage of the U.S. population. So why don't studios cater more to that audience?; the HBO documentary, "At the Heart of Gold," looks at the U.S. gymnastics sexual abuse scandal; creating a soundtrack for "Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes."
  • Listen 25:40
    Bruce Springsteen's long-time guitarist has his first solo album in 20 years —and it's just one of his many gigs; Democratic presidential hopefuls are starting to make the rounds in Hollywood.
    Bruce Springsteen's long-time guitarist has his first solo album in 20 years —and it's just one of his many gigs; Democratic presidential hopefuls are starting to make the rounds in Hollywood.
  • Listen 25:41
    The streaming service, now mostly owned by Disney, unveiled its new projects that include big stars and an expansion of the company's comic book properties; playwright Eleanor Burgess deals with 'The Niceties'; Jonny Pierce leads the way for the band The Drums.
    The streaming service, now mostly owned by Disney, unveiled its new projects that include big stars and an expansion of the company's comic book properties; playwright Eleanor Burgess deals with 'The Niceties'; Jonny Pierce leads the way for the band The Drums.
  • Listen 25:41
    The musical "Hadestown" led the way with 14 nods, but the big surprise was the omission of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Network" in the best new play category; Michelle and Robert King talk about their hit TV series, "The Good Fight."
    The musical "Hadestown" led the way with 14 nods, but the big surprise was the omission of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Network" in the best new play category; Michelle and Robert King talk about their hit TV series, "The Good Fight."
  • Listen 26:37
    The campaigns of the rookie Congresswoman and three other candidates are documented in a Netflix film; filmmaker John Singleton ("Boyz n the Hood") died today at the age of 51; with "Avengers: Endgame" breaking box office records, what's next for the Marvel movie universe?
    The campaigns of the rookie Congresswoman and three other candidates are documented in a Netflix film; filmmaker John Singleton ("Boyz n the Hood") died today at the age of 51; with "Avengers: Endgame" breaking box office records, what's next for the Marvel movie universe?
  • Listen 25:42
    Former CBS executive speaks out about the workplace culture at CBS which she says is toxic. Then, the Victoria Riskin, daughter of Hollywood legends, writes a memoir. And one Armenian-American musician strives to keep her culture's musical history alive.
    Former CBS executive speaks out about the workplace culture at CBS which she says is toxic. Then, the Victoria Riskin, daughter of Hollywood legends, writes a memoir. And one Armenian-American musician strives to keep her culture's musical history alive.
  • Listen 25:44
    Aaron Sorkin was approved by Harper Lee to adapt "To Kill A Mockingbird" to the stage but just months before it was due to premiere her estate sued. The issues got resolved and now the play is a timely Broadway blockbuster. And, "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett's future on the show is unknown but last night his character made TV history.
    Aaron Sorkin was approved by Harper Lee to adapt "To Kill A Mockingbird" to the stage but just months before it was due to premiere her estate sued. The issues got resolved and now the play is a timely Broadway blockbuster. And, "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett's future on the show is unknown but last night his character made TV history.
Episodes
  • Listen 23:40
    As part of NPR's "A Nation Engaged," project we look at America's changing role as the world's leading exporter of pop culture; David Schwartz writes wacky music for Maria Bamford’s wacky show, “Lady Dynamite”; a San Francisco theater company wrestles with the use of "yellowface" makeup for "The Mikado"
    As part of NPR's "A Nation Engaged," project we look at America's changing role as the world's leading exporter of pop culture; David Schwartz writes wacky music for Maria Bamford’s wacky show, “Lady Dynamite”; a San Francisco theater company wrestles with the use of "yellowface" makeup for "The Mikado"
  • Listen 23:58
    Actress Tika Sumpter was also a producer on "Southside with You," the film about The First Couple's first date; this weekend's Telluride Film Festival once again features Oscar-hopefuls; Melora Marshall takes on an acting marathon every weekend at Theatricum Botanicum.
    Actress Tika Sumpter was also a producer on "Southside with You," the film about The First Couple's first date; this weekend's Telluride Film Festival once again features Oscar-hopefuls; Melora Marshall takes on an acting marathon every weekend at Theatricum Botanicum.
  • Listen 24:03
    Matt and Ross Duffer are the brothers behind the hit Netflix show, "Stranger Things"; as part of our Cops on TV series, professor Kathleen Donovan connects the dots between TV dramas and our attitudes about police; there's a new battlefront in the fight for subscribers between Apple and Spotify.
    Matt and Ross Duffer are the brothers behind the hit Netflix show, "Stranger Things"; as part of our Cops on TV series, professor Kathleen Donovan connects the dots between TV dramas and our attitudes about police; there's a new battlefront in the fight for subscribers between Apple and Spotify.
  • Listen 24:16
    "Complete Unknown," starring Rachel Weisz, is Joshua Marston's third film, but his first in English; in a new epsiode of "Song Exploder," Andra Day dissects "Forever Mine"; more people than ever are canceling pay TV services, and that has networks worried.
    "Complete Unknown," starring Rachel Weisz, is Joshua Marston's third film, but his first in English; in a new epsiode of "Song Exploder," Andra Day dissects "Forever Mine"; more people than ever are canceling pay TV services, and that has networks worried.
  • Listen 24:00
    Fede Alvarez directed the thriller "Don't Breathe" with a $10 million budget and it grossed $26 million in its opening weekend; Kamala Lopez's documentary explains why women in the U.S. don't have equal protection under the law; Mexican singer Juan Gabriel died suddenly in L.A. at the age of 66.
    Fede Alvarez directed the thriller "Don't Breathe" with a $10 million budget and it grossed $26 million in its opening weekend; Kamala Lopez's documentary explains why women in the U.S. don't have equal protection under the law; Mexican singer Juan Gabriel died suddenly in L.A. at the age of 66.
  • Listen 23:59
    Sam Esmail originally wrote "Mr. Robot" as a screenplay, but he realized it would work better as a TV series. The first season nabbed six Emmy nominations, including for Best Drama; Julia Holter's music is a blend of experimental compositions and indie pop.
    Sam Esmail originally wrote "Mr. Robot" as a screenplay, but he realized it would work better as a TV series. The first season nabbed six Emmy nominations, including for Best Drama; Julia Holter's music is a blend of experimental compositions and indie pop.
  • Listen 24:17
    "BoJack Horseman" creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg reveals how Hollywood awards culture led to the story arc for his show's third season; how Markees Christmas got his unexpected break as the lead in "Morris from America" after making a web series with his Big Brother mentor; are there too many mega music festivals?
    "BoJack Horseman" creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg reveals how Hollywood awards culture led to the story arc for his show's third season; how Markees Christmas got his unexpected break as the lead in "Morris from America" after making a web series with his Big Brother mentor; are there too many mega music festivals?
  • Listen 24:00
    Richard Tanne's film, "Southside with You," imagines the first date between Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson; "South Park" turns 20 with an interactive exhibit at the Paley Center for Media; Spanish-language TV powerhouse Univision has been buying popular English-language websites.
    Richard Tanne's film, "Southside with You," imagines the first date between Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson; "South Park" turns 20 with an interactive exhibit at the Paley Center for Media; Spanish-language TV powerhouse Univision has been buying popular English-language websites.
  • Listen 24:00
    Jazz great Herbie Hancock has been a boundless musical explorer and now he's working with L.A. producer Flying Lotus; a U.S. District Court has ruled in favor of the Norton Simon Museum in a case involving ownership of 16th Century paintings of Adam and Eve; the Pokemon Go! craze seems to be waning.
    Jazz great Herbie Hancock has been a boundless musical explorer and now he's working with L.A. producer Flying Lotus; a U.S. District Court has ruled in favor of the Norton Simon Museum in a case involving ownership of 16th Century paintings of Adam and Eve; the Pokemon Go! craze seems to be waning.
  • Listen 24:00
    As a fledgling screenwriter, Stephen Chin traveled to war-torn Iraq and lived to tell some of his stories in "War Dogs"; Cubans get current TV programming from the U.S. and other countries illicitly, but openly, through a home-delivery service; Paramount's woes continue with its big budget remake of a famous period film.
    As a fledgling screenwriter, Stephen Chin traveled to war-torn Iraq and lived to tell some of his stories in "War Dogs"; Cubans get current TV programming from the U.S. and other countries illicitly, but openly, through a home-delivery service; Paramount's woes continue with its big budget remake of a famous period film.
  • Listen 24:37
    The filmmaker's new documentary is a look at how almost all aspects of our lives are somehow intertwined with the Internet; NBC's TV ratings for the Olympics are down, but online streaming is way up; indie director So Yong Kim's latest is "Lovesong."
    The filmmaker's new documentary is a look at how almost all aspects of our lives are somehow intertwined with the Internet; NBC's TV ratings for the Olympics are down, but online streaming is way up; indie director So Yong Kim's latest is "Lovesong."
  • Listen 24:00
    The actress is both in front of and behind the camera for “A Tale of Love and Darkness”; author James Andrew Miller goes behind the scenes in “Powerhouse: The Untold Story of Hollywood’s Creative Artists Agency”; a guerrilla arts group erected nude statues of Donald Trump in several cities.
    The actress is both in front of and behind the camera for “A Tale of Love and Darkness”; author James Andrew Miller goes behind the scenes in “Powerhouse: The Untold Story of Hollywood’s Creative Artists Agency”; a guerrilla arts group erected nude statues of Donald Trump in several cities.