Over the past few months, we've seen many organizations stepping up to fundraise for humanitarian efforts working to help Ukrainians suffering from the Russian invasion of their country. A new book aims to use Ukrainian literature to raise money for relief efforts, as well as promote Ukrainian authors and stories. Love in Defiance of Pain: Ukrainian Stories, which is available for pre-order now, includes a variety of different contemporary Ukrainian authors with stories of war, love, and fantasy. Ali Kinsella and Zenia Tompkins, co-editors of the book, join to preview the project, highlight some authors check out, and speak to the importance of reading Ukrainian literature right now. Proceeds from the sales of this collection will be donated to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

We continue our series highlighting debut authors by speaking with Adam White about his first book, The Midcoast. It tells the story of a Maine high school English teacher who accidentally discovers that his old college friends might have been involved in a murder. Publisher's Weekly says "readers will be hooked." White joins us to discuss as part of our series 2022 Debuts.

Last week, Free Shakespeare in the Park returned for a summer of productions! The first play of the season is Shakespeare's "Richard III," directed by Tony winner Robert O'Hara and starring Danai Gurira in the title role. O'Hara and Gurira join us to discuss performing in the park, and how they adopted "Richard III," which is running until July 17

Comedian Josh Gondelman is the head writer and executive producer on "Desus & Mero," the host of the podcast Make My Day, and author of the book Nice Try... and somehow, he still found time to record a new stand up comedy special! Gondelman joins us to discuss the special, called "People Pleaser," available to rent on VOD.

The US Supreme Court recently overturned their original ruling on Roe V. Wade, the topic of season 7 of Slate's podcast Slow Burn. Host Susan Matthews revisits a time when more Republicans supported abortion rights than Democrats while focusing on how women received the right to an abortion in the first place. Matthews joins us to discuss this season.