Ben Folds Performs Live, Art that Influenced a Generation, Examining the Rising Rates of Eating Disorders, Richard Avedon at 100

4 segments
A photo of Ben Folds.

For transcripts, see individual segment pages.

In the 8 years since Ben Folds' last album, he's published a memoir, started a podcast, become the first artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, and launched his own music charity. On June 2, he’ll release the new solo album, What Matters Most. He joins us in the midst of a world tour to play some new songs in the WNYC studios.

David Hammons' art makes bold, provocative statements that feel current today. A new film, "The Melt Goes On Forever: The Art and Times of David Hammons" looks at his life and career. We speak to co-directors Judd Tully and Harold Crooks about it.

Rates of eating disorders have risen sharply during the pandemic, especially affecting adolescent girls. As part of our series Mental Health Mondays, we are diving into this difficult topic with Dr. Evelyn Attia, director of the Center for Eating Disorders at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Dr. Joanna Steinglass, associate director of the Eating Disorders Research Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and The New York State Psychiatric Hospital. And we take your calls.

May 15 is the 100th birthday of renowned American photographer Richard Avedon. A new exhibition at Gagosian, Avedon 100, celebrates his centennial by presenting a collection of his photographs selected by over 150 people, from Spike Lee, Brooke Shields, Elton John, and more. Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, professor and art and cultural historian who wrote an essay for the exhibition catalog, joins us to discuss the importance of Avedon's work in the history of photography. Avedon 100 is open through June 24.