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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 25:40
    The writer and stand-up comedian has a new book and a newfound passion for performing; TV networks preview their coming shows, including the next season of "Fargo," starring Chris Rock and Jason Schwartzman; the exhibit "Natural History of Horror" looks at how real events inspired some favorite scary movies.
    The writer and stand-up comedian has a new book and a newfound passion for performing; TV networks preview their coming shows, including the next season of "Fargo," starring Chris Rock and Jason Schwartzman; the exhibit "Natural History of Horror" looks at how real events inspired some favorite scary movies.
  • Listen 25:40
    There aren't many women working as second unit directors on movies, much less African-Americans, but Victoria Mahoney has broken through; Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman make their sales pitch for Quibi.
    There aren't many women working as second unit directors on movies, much less African-Americans, but Victoria Mahoney has broken through; Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman make their sales pitch for Quibi.
  • Listen 25:49
    Zahra Noorbakhsh, an Iranian-American comedian who regularly incorporates her identity into her act, now has some new material; actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II played Doctor Manhattan on "Watchmen" and this year, he’ll star in two high profile movies; the man behind The Daptone Sound.
    Zahra Noorbakhsh, an Iranian-American comedian who regularly incorporates her identity into her act, now has some new material; actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II played Doctor Manhattan on "Watchmen" and this year, he’ll star in two high profile movies; the man behind The Daptone Sound.
  • Listen 25:50
    The pianist has taken full advantage of his role as bandleader for "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert"; breaking down the Directors Guild Award nominations.
    The pianist has taken full advantage of his role as bandleader for "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert"; breaking down the Directors Guild Award nominations.
  • Listen 25:40
    Stars and executive producers Kate Moenning and Leisha Hailey talk about the reboot of the Showtime series; Harvey Weinstein's trial gets underway in New York City; the influential L.A.-based artist John Baldessari has died.
    Stars and executive producers Kate Moenning and Leisha Hailey talk about the reboot of the Showtime series; Harvey Weinstein's trial gets underway in New York City; the influential L.A.-based artist John Baldessari has died.
  • Listen 51:00
    "Watchmen" star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is in high profile movies this year from Jordan Peele and Aaron Sorkin; John Horn reviews the evolution in film, television, pop music and theater over the last decade; we meet the band Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles.
    "Watchmen" star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is in high profile movies this year from Jordan Peele and Aaron Sorkin; John Horn reviews the evolution in film, television, pop music and theater over the last decade; we meet the band Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles.
  • Listen 25:42
    The highlights and lowlights from the 2010s in movies with Manohla Dargis (New York Times) and culture critic Tre'vell Anderson, and pop music with Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding of the podcast, “Switched on Pop.”
    The highlights and lowlights from the 2010s in movies with Manohla Dargis (New York Times) and culture critic Tre'vell Anderson, and pop music with Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding of the podcast, “Switched on Pop.”
  • Listen 25:41
    The highlights and lowlights from the 2010s in TV with Lorraine Ali (Los Angeles Times) and Daniel Fienberg (The Hollywood Reporter), and theater with Jesse Green (New York Times).
    The highlights and lowlights from the 2010s in TV with Lorraine Ali (Los Angeles Times) and Daniel Fienberg (The Hollywood Reporter), and theater with Jesse Green (New York Times).
  • Listen 16:00
    In his memoir, "Acid For The Children," the bass player from the Red Hot Chili Peppers (born Michael Peter Balzary) details his wild days as a child and teen before forming the band in Los Angeles.
    In his memoir, "Acid For The Children," the bass player from the Red Hot Chili Peppers (born Michael Peter Balzary) details his wild days as a child and teen before forming the band in Los Angeles.
  • Listen 16:00
    The singer/songwriter's memoir reflects on death, sex, motherhood and misogyny.
    The singer/songwriter's memoir reflects on death, sex, motherhood and misogyny.
Episodes
  • Listen 15:59
    Bill Maher’s use of a racial epithet on his HBO show has led to calls for Maher's firing and ignited debate over who can say the N-word. We get reaction from NPR's Karen Grigsby Bates and "Dear White People" filmmaker Justin Simien; Brett Haley's new movie, “The Hero," looks at our admiration of cinematic heroes through the life of an aging actor whose public persona is defined by a role he played on screen.
    Bill Maher’s use of a racial epithet on his HBO show has led to calls for Maher's firing and ignited debate over who can say the N-word. We get reaction from NPR's Karen Grigsby Bates and "Dear White People" filmmaker Justin Simien; Brett Haley's new movie, “The Hero," looks at our admiration of cinematic heroes through the life of an aging actor whose public persona is defined by a role he played on screen.
  • Listen 25:16
    Artist Jeff Koons has his detractors, but he is an undeniable force in contemporary art; blues veterans Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo' have finally made an album together; George Pérez is the DC Comics writer and artist who revived "Wonder Woman" in the 1980s.
    Artist Jeff Koons has his detractors, but he is an undeniable force in contemporary art; blues veterans Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo' have finally made an album together; George Pérez is the DC Comics writer and artist who revived "Wonder Woman" in the 1980s.
  • Listen 24:00
    Between the White House Correspondents Dinner, his "Daily Show" gig and Netflix special, comedian Hasan Minjaj is having a good year; a playwriting workshop tries to help veterans re-connect with civilian life; Spotify settles a class action lawsuit that was filed by songwriters claiming they weren’t being properly compensated.
    Between the White House Correspondents Dinner, his "Daily Show" gig and Netflix special, comedian Hasan Minjaj is having a good year; a playwriting workshop tries to help veterans re-connect with civilian life; Spotify settles a class action lawsuit that was filed by songwriters claiming they weren’t being properly compensated.
  • Listen 23:58
    Sheila Nevins talks about how she navigated the workforce early in her career as assumptions about women were changing in America; Now that the DGA and WGA contracts are signed, it’s time for SAG-AFTRA to step to the negotiating table; Mexican-American singer Lila Downs has a new album that takes the romantic ballad genre known as bolero and pairs it with topical lyrics.
    Sheila Nevins talks about how she navigated the workforce early in her career as assumptions about women were changing in America; Now that the DGA and WGA contracts are signed, it’s time for SAG-AFTRA to step to the negotiating table; Mexican-American singer Lila Downs has a new album that takes the romantic ballad genre known as bolero and pairs it with topical lyrics.
  • Listen 23:58
    After a performance in blackface at an inaugural gala for President Ronald Reagan in 1981, Ben Vereen's career suffered. Artist Edgar Arceneaux has written an experimental play that explores the Broadway legend's intent; Vulture.com's Kyle Buchanan gives a recap on the most striking moments of this year's Cannes Film Festival.
    After a performance in blackface at an inaugural gala for President Ronald Reagan in 1981, Ben Vereen's career suffered. Artist Edgar Arceneaux has written an experimental play that explores the Broadway legend's intent; Vulture.com's Kyle Buchanan gives a recap on the most striking moments of this year's Cannes Film Festival.
  • Listen 24:00
    Reed Morano talks about being executive producer and director for the first three episodes of "The Handmaid's Tale"; Zoe Lister-Jones' directed "Band Aid" with marriage and music in mind.
    Reed Morano talks about being executive producer and director for the first three episodes of "The Handmaid's Tale"; Zoe Lister-Jones' directed "Band Aid" with marriage and music in mind.
  • Listen 23:55
    Yuja Wang is an internationally recognized piano genius who is in L.A. for the next two weeks to perform Bartók's piano concertos with the L.A. Phil; David Michod talks about how he’d been looking to make a film about America’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for about a decade before he came across Michael Hastings’ book.
    Yuja Wang is an internationally recognized piano genius who is in L.A. for the next two weeks to perform Bartók's piano concertos with the L.A. Phil; David Michod talks about how he’d been looking to make a film about America’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for about a decade before he came across Michael Hastings’ book.
  • Listen 23:59
    Luhrmann's love of hip-hop history brought him on to the series 'The Get Down' which Netflix has just decided not to renew for a second season. He discusses his first foray into television– an ambitious project that Luhrmann says was like producing a Broadway show in every episode. And The Frame visits writer-director Robin Swicord on the set of her Bryan Cranston-Jennifer Garner movie 'Wakefield.'
    Luhrmann's love of hip-hop history brought him on to the series 'The Get Down' which Netflix has just decided not to renew for a second season. He discusses his first foray into television– an ambitious project that Luhrmann says was like producing a Broadway show in every episode. And The Frame visits writer-director Robin Swicord on the set of her Bryan Cranston-Jennifer Garner movie 'Wakefield.'
  • Listen 23:58
    "Long Strange Trip" documents how The Grateful Dead found its sound and made Jerry Garcia a reluctant leader. "Wait Wait Don't Kill Me" is a podcast musical that satirizes the podcast "Serial," but it's also about our fascination with true crime and murder. Can Snapchat build an audience for short form shows by well-known TV celebs like Conan O'Brien?
    "Long Strange Trip" documents how The Grateful Dead found its sound and made Jerry Garcia a reluctant leader. "Wait Wait Don't Kill Me" is a podcast musical that satirizes the podcast "Serial," but it's also about our fascination with true crime and murder. Can Snapchat build an audience for short form shows by well-known TV celebs like Conan O'Brien?
  • Listen 23:58
    Documentary filmmaker Ryan White's investigation of a nun's murder led to uncovering a sex abuse scandal in Baltimore; music critic Ann Powers on the connection between young girls and live music.
    Documentary filmmaker Ryan White's investigation of a nun's murder led to uncovering a sex abuse scandal in Baltimore; music critic Ann Powers on the connection between young girls and live music.
  • Listen 23:58
    "Black Mirror" creator Charlie Brooker and co-executive producer Annabel Jones on their sci-fi show that has become a touchstone for certain moments in real life; promoters of the ill-fated Fyre Festival are reportedly facing a federal fraud investigation.
    "Black Mirror" creator Charlie Brooker and co-executive producer Annabel Jones on their sci-fi show that has become a touchstone for certain moments in real life; promoters of the ill-fated Fyre Festival are reportedly facing a federal fraud investigation.
  • Listen 23:58
    'Guardians of the Galaxy' director James Gunn opens up about how Marvel Comics and Alice Cooper made him realize he wasn't alone in the world. He explains the importance of score and music to the success of the 'Guardians' franchise; Daniel Fienberg, TV critic for The Hollywood Reporter, and Jeanine Poggi, media reporter at AdAge, recap Upfronts 2017.
    'Guardians of the Galaxy' director James Gunn opens up about how Marvel Comics and Alice Cooper made him realize he wasn't alone in the world. He explains the importance of score and music to the success of the 'Guardians' franchise; Daniel Fienberg, TV critic for The Hollywood Reporter, and Jeanine Poggi, media reporter at AdAge, recap Upfronts 2017.