Private Passions

Courtney Pine reflects on a career that helped redefine British jazz, from a breakthrough debut album to decades of influence as a performer, broadcaster, and educator. The episode also traces the classical and Jamaican musical roots behind his wide-ranging tastes.

Eric Idle reflects on a career that helped reshape British comedy, from Monty Python to Spamalot. The episode also touches on his songwriting, his memoir about life in Provence, and the classical music he loves.

Francis Fukuyama reflects on the ideas that made him famous, from liberal democracy to the populist backlash he feared might follow prosperity and stability. The episode also turns personal, linking his political evolution to a memoir and to music by Bach, Handel, Mozart and Carl Orff.

Elif Shafak discusses a body of work that ranges across continents, centuries and even nonhuman points of view. The episode touches on her latest book about Gustave Flaubert, her fascination with silenced voices, and her commitment to books and freedom of expression.