Skip to main content
Facebook icon Twitter icon Instagram icon YouTube icon
Playlist Culture

Culture

From the Archives: Nora Ephron

Before she wrote and directed such iconic films as When Harry Met Sally... and Sleepless in Seattle, Nora Ephron was a journalist. She appeared on WTTW in 1975 to discuss her book of published essays and share a hilarious story about reporting from the front lines.

Easter Around the World

April 13 at 8:00 pm, Rick Steves explores European Easter traditions. Take your own tour of the holiday and discover exploding carts, colorful kites, and the history of the Easter bunny. 

Nobel Prize-winning Poet Derek Walcott Dies at Age 87

In 1981, the monumental poet of the Caribbean appeared on Studs Terkel's radio show to discuss his native West Indies, their unique people, and elemental landscape. 

How Well Do You Know Patsy Cline?

A new American Masters documentary explores the life and influence of Patsy Cline, one of country's biggest stars despite her brief career. 

From the Archive: Race Car Driver Janet Guthrie

Janet Guthrie was the first woman to qualify for and compete in the Indianapolis and Daytona 500s. In 1979, she spoke to WTTW's John Callaway about her most recent Indy race and the sexism she encountered as a racer.

The Fascinating Characters of Irish Chicago

Explore some historic figures of Irish Chicago on this St. Patrick's Day. Beyond green beer and parades, there's a lot more to learn about. 

Author Amy Krouse Rosenthal Dies at 51

Amy Krouse Rosenthal, known for her children's books, memoirs, and short films, died of ovarian cancer on Monday at age 51. A recent essay in The New York Times' "Modern Love" section went viral. She also appeared on The Interview Show this season.
 

From the Archive: 'New Yorker' Film Critic Pauline Kael

Hear the influential critic speak about writing a review and the animosity towards a woman writing criticism in this interview with WTTW's John Callaway in 1980. 

From the Archive: 'Playboy' Executive Christie Hefner

Last month, Playboy brought back nude pictorials after a year without them. Hear part of the debate over the magazine's portrayal of women as it stood back in 1978, in an archival interview with Christie Hefner, then the VP of the company.

Ken Burns: America's Storyteller

In Ken Burns: America's Storyteller, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Wynton Marsalis, and more celebrate the career of legendary documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. Watch clips highlighting Burns and his career.

New York City Ballet's Genius Choreographers

Great Performances broadcasts two works by New York City Ballet founder George Balanchine, while the Joffrey Ballet is currently performing works by his modern successor Justin Peck.

"Her Life is History": The Universality of Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was beyond prolific, and her life touched on many of the most significant people and events of the twentieth century. The creators of a film about the great woman discuss the difficulty of capturing her multi-faceted life on film, why they admire her, and what she was like.

Meet the Musicians Who Paid Tribute to Smokey Robinson

Cee-Lo Green, Esperanza Spalding, Corinne Bailey Rae, and many others saluted Smokey Robinson with performances when he received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

'Meat and Candy': An Interview with Old Dominion's Matthew Ramsey

The lead singer of the country band, who can be seen on Soundstage Thursday, February 9 at 9:00 pm, talks about the band's upcoming album and the story behind the delightful title of their debut.

Which of the Six Wives of Henry the VIII are you?

The last installment of Secrets of the Six Wives airs Sunday, February 5 at 9:00 pm.