How We Learn and Lose Language, The Immanuel Wilkins Quartet Performs 'Blues Blood' Live, Consumer Candy Trends, A History of Puerto Rico

In the new book, Linguaphile: A Life of Language Love, linguist Julie Sedivy traces her interest in communication through the lifecycle of language learning and loss -- how kids first encounter it, how our speech diminishes in old age, and everything in between. Sedivy joins us and takes calls from listeners about their personal experiences with language. You can read more about Alison's own story of language recovery following her brain surgery in a recent profile of her by the New York Times.

Earlier this month, New York-based alto saxophonist, composer, and arranger Immanuel Wilkins released his second album, Blues Blood. Wilkins returns to All Of It to talk about the album and perform live with his quartet, which features Micah Thomas on piano, Rick Rosato on bass, and Kweku Sumbry on drums.

With Halloween looming and costumed kids preparing to demand sugary treats from their neighbors, Jackie Peiser, retail reporter for the Washington Post, discusses the latest trends in the candy industry, including the impact of climate change on chocolate prices, and why gummy products are becoming more popular. Plus, listeners call in to share what they love about their favorite candies.

[REBROADCAST FROM June 7, 2024] The Trump campaign continues to face backlash after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a racist jokes about Puerto Rico at a rally at Madison Square Garden last Sunday. We take some time to reflect on the history of the island, and the circumstances that led so many Puerto Ricans to move to New York City. Author Jorell Meléndez-Badillo joins us to discuss his new book, Puerto Rico: A National History. (This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.)