John & Yoko's Political and Personal Life, At-Home Margaritas, How the Whiting Awards Have Discovered New Literary Talent, and Cooking For Your Seder

A new documentary explores the years leading up to John Lennon’s first and only full-length solo concert after The Beatles—a benefit show that raised $1.5 million for children abused at the Willowbrook State School in Staten Island. Director Kevin MacDonald joins us to discuss the film, “One to One: John & Yoko” which opens in theaters today. 

 

For 40 years, the Whiting Awards have been discovering up-and-coming literary talent, and awarding them with substantial grants. Past recipients include Michael Cunningham, Jonathan Franzen, Hernan Diaz, Ocean Vuong, Michael R. Jackson, Mary Karr, and more. This week, the 40th Annual Whiting Awards handed out grants to a new class of writers. Courtney Hodell, director of literary programs with the Whiting Foundation, discusses her role overseeing the awards, and how the Foundation has become so adept at identifying emerging literary talent.

 

It may be officially Spring, but the weather outside is still grey and dreary. Want to manifest some sunshine in your life? Try margaritas. Author Caroline Pardilla, digital content editor for Imbibe magazine, has written a new book, Margarita Time: 60+ Tequila & Mezcal Cocktails, Served Up, Over & Blended. She discusses her love of margs, and her tips for making them extra tasty. Plus, listeners share their favorite recipes.

 
With the first nights of Passover coming up this weekend, listeners might be thinking about what to cook for their Seder tables. Jake Cohen, the cookbook author behind Jew-ish, and I Could Nosh, shares his tips, tricks and recipes for Passover cooking. Plus, listeners call in with their secrets for spicing up their charoset, or making the most of matzoh brei for the bread-less week ahead.