Best Erica Berg Podcasts (2024)

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Ep. 118 A Midsummer Night's Dream by Benjamin Britten 1:58:33

2h ago1:58:33

1:58:33

“The course of true love never did run smooth.” Shakespeare’s iconic "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" gives us some of the Bard’s most memorable (and ridiculous) characters and situations. Benjamin Britten, together with his partner Peter Pears, so appreciated the merits of Shakespeare’s play that they faithfully adapted the script into a libretto for B…

1
Robert Kagan on his latest book 'Rebellion,' and why a country led by Trump would be 'frightening' 31:51

21h ago31:51

31:51

Historian and Washington Post editor at large Robert Kagan joins The Post’s Jonathan Capehart for a conversation about the stakes in the 2024 presidential election, the historical parallels to this moment in American politics and what he calls the “anti-liberal rebellion.”Conversation recorded on Thursday, May 16, 2024.…

1
The state of global press freedom and the threats to democracy 25:10

11m ago25:10

25:10

During Washington Post Live's World Press Freedom Day event on May 3, Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, Clayton Weimers, executive director of RSF USA and president and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Stephen Capus assess the state of global press freedom, ensuring the safety for journalists around the world, the …

1
Percival Everett on reimagining ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ 27:43

4d ago27:43

27:43

Acclaimed author Percival Everett joins The Post’s Jonathan Capehart for a conversation about Everett’s latest novel, “James,” which reexamines Jim from Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” in an attempt to give the character “control of his own story.” Everett also tackles the issue of book bans across the country, Twain’s use of the …

1
Jon Bon Jovi on a new Hulu docuseries and the 40th anniversary of his band's debut album 29:13

11d ago29:13

29:13

Legendary musician Jon Bon Jovi of the band Bon Jovi, joins The Post’s Jonathan Capehart for a conversation about the group’s new Hulu docuseries, “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” which chronicles their journey from Jersey Shore clubs to some of the largest stages in the world, their trials and triumphs, what their legacy means and the 4…

1
Ep. 117 The Fairy Queen by Henry Purcell 1:58:38

1M ago1:58:38

1:58:38

Was it only a dream? Baroque composer Henry Purcell was on his way to establishing a national operatic tradition based on the dramatic and musical traditions of the English, when, alas, his life was cut short after just 36 years. Join us as we explore Purcell’s musically and emotionally rich “The Fairy Queen,” a delightful twist on the Bard’s “A Mi…

1
Best Of: Colin Jost on his journey to SNL and the power of comedy 25:35

1M ago25:35

25:35

Longtime SNL cast member Colin Jost will be hosting this year's White House correspondents’ dinner. We revisit a 2020 conversation with Jost about how he has used the power of the written word and comedy to get through life’s challenges and some of the poignant events that have shaped him.Conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on July 20, 2…

1
Alex Edelman on ‘Just for Us’ and the state of Jewish comedy 35:24

1M ago35:24

35:24

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on April 3, comedian Alex Edelman talks about his HBO comedy special “Just for Us,” how it became “conversant with the times” in the aftermath of Oct. 7, the mechanics of his comedy and why he’s decided to stop doing the routine.By The Washington Post

1
Adam Bry on the future of drones at home and in the battlefield 23:36

1M ago23:36

23:36

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on March 21, Skydio CEO Adam Bry talks about the prominence of China in the drone industry, why it threatens U.S. national security, and how the company’s drones are being used both in Ukraine and here in the United States.By The Washington Post

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Regina King on bringing groundbreaking lawmaker Shirley Chisholm to the big screen 31:44

2M ago31:44

31:44

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on March 22, actor Regina King breaks down her starring role as Shirley Chisholm in the new biopic, “Shirley,” talks about why the film took 15 years to make and explores the lawmaker’s enduring legacy.By The Washington Post

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Julio Torres on his surrealist take on the U.S. immigration system, ‘Problemista’ 24:05

2M ago24:05

24:05

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on March 13, actor and comedian Julio Torres talks about his directorial debut, “Problemista,” which he also wrote and stars in, digs into how his own experience with the U.S. immigration system informs the film and explores the importance of the protagonist Alejandro being a fully fleshed char…

1
Rep. Ro Khanna on why he’s calling for a permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Gaza war 29:56

2M ago29:56

29:56

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on March. 6, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) breaks down why he’s worried President Biden’s support for Israel is fraying the Democratic coalition, how Congress should investigate the administrations steady and quiet transfer of arms to Israel, how activists’ calls for a permanent cease-fire have aff…

1
Jeffrey Wright on ‘American Fiction,’ identity and ‘improving discourse’ regarding race in the U.S. 31:07

2M ago31:07

31:07

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Feb. 23, Oscar-nominated actor Jeffrey Wright discusses his latest film, "American Fiction," how the movie further explores themes of race and identity, how to have "better discourse" regarding race and the landscape for Black storytellers in Hollywood.…

1
Ep. 116 Verdi's La Forza del Destino & Lisa Reagan's What We Need Is Here 2:05:58

2M ago2:05:58

2:05:58

Where passion joins with music and poetry we find opera. In this sweet spot, we also find What We Need Is Here, the most recent project by accomplished musician and singer, Lisa Reagan. Lisa joins us to talk about creating an album of songs for classic poems that have been meaningful to her life. Lisa Reagan spent twenty years singing with the Wash…

1
A’ja Wilson on inspiring the next generation with ‘Dear Black Girls’ 29:56

2M ago29:56

29:56

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Feb. 15, two-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson discusses her new book, “Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You,” as well as how her grandmother made her a dreamer, what brought her to basketball and why Black women and girls need to have “the talk” that’s associated with Black men and boys sin…

1
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on the ‘catastrophe’ of U.S. immigration policy 29:47

3M ago29:47

29:47

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Feb. 14, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston talks about how the influx of migrants sent to his city has pushed it to “a breaking point,” what the impact of the bipartisan Senate immigration bill would have been and how former president Donald Trump is trying to keep the crisis going.…

1
Post Opinions: The Disorienting Feeling of Being American Amid the Israel-Gaza War 20:49

3M ago20:49

20:49

Almost four months since Hamas’ barbaric attacks, Israel’s bloody operation in Gaza is still ongoing, with civilian casualties mounting by the day. The war has dominated our news feeds and dinner table conversations, and opened up rifts that cross traditional partisan lines. Three of our columnists — Jason Rezaian, Alyssa Rosenberg and Shadi Hamid …

1
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor on the journey from ‘Caste’ to ‘Origin’ 33:20

3M ago33:20

33:20

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Feb. 2, actor Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor digs into her new film “Origin," working with director Ava DuVernay, and how she prepared her portrayal of author Isabel Wilkerson writing the best-selling book, “Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents.”By The Washington Post

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Michele Norris shines light on ’Our Hidden Conversations’ 39:18

4M ago39:18

39:18

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Jan. 19, Post columnist Michele L. Norris discusses her new book, “Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity,” how she got people to open up about such a fraught topic, and the difference between “race” and “racism.”…

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Ep. 115 Berg's Lulu & Erica Miner's Prelude to Murder 1:58:32

3M ago1:58:32

1:58:32

Two things never go out of fashion: opera and mystery. In this episode, mystery writer and former opera violinist Erica Miner talks with us about her opera mystery series and Lulu, Berg’s high-body-count melodrama. Lulu, which features prominently in Erica’s new novel, centers on a beautiful young woman whose admirers descend into obsession. Join u…

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David Oyelowo on bringing the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River to life 31:49

4M ago31:49

31:49

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Jan. 10, actor David Oyewolo talks about his new series, “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” in which he plays the eponymous Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. Oyelowo also discusses what it was like to work with his wife in a part weighted with personal and h…

1
Justin Pearson on continuing the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. 28:18

4M ago28:18

28:18

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Jan. 11, Tennessee Rep. Justin J. Pearson discusses how the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. has impacted the rising generation of political leaders and why he thinks U.S. institutions are being degraded through partisan politics.By The Washington Post

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Ep. 114 Amahl and the Night Visitors 1:58:27

4M ago1:58:27

1:58:27

In Amahl and the Night Visitors, a young boy and his mother unexpectedly play host to the Magi on their way to meet the infant Jesus. Originally written for television, this opera uniquely bridges the ancient and modern in a heartfelt exploration of the meaning of hospitality. In the second half of this episode, we are joined by Grant to talk about…

1
Best of: Colson Whitehead on ‘Crook Manifesto’ and his Harlem trilogy 30:32

4M ago30:32

30:32

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on July 20, Colson Whitehead discusses his new book, “Crook Manifesto,” how the novel fits into the Harlem trilogy, his process of grounding critiques of how we live into his writing, and what genres he plans to conquer next.By The Washington Post

1
Best of: How Ruth E. Carter brings Black style to the big screen 29:23

5M ago29:23

29:23

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on June 22, two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter discusses her new book, “The Art of Ruth E. Carter: Costuming Black History and the Afrofuture, from Do the Right Thing to Black Panther,” dives deep on her creative process, and reflects on how her work has helped defin…

1
Michelle Ebanks is forging the Apollo Theater’s next act 23:50

5M ago23:50

23:50

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Dec. 14, Michelle Ebanks, the president and CEO of the Apollo Theater, discusses the history of the legendary performing arts venue in the heart of Harlem, the building’s first expansion and renovation – and how two decades of leadership at Essence Communications have positioned her to lead …

1
Adrienne Warren and Marissa Jo Cerar dig into ‘Black Cake’ 29:16

6M ago29:16

29:16

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Dec. 6, actor Adrienne Warren and creator & showrunner Marissa Jo Cerar discuss their new series, “Black Cake,” and dig into the intergenerational, intersectional story of a Black American family learning the truth about their mother after her death. Warren and Cerar also touch on the import…

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Lily Gladstone and Erica Tremblay on their ‘love letter’ to Native communities 31:51

6M ago31:51

31:51

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Nov. 29, actor Lily Gladstone and writer-director Erica Tremblay discuss their new film, “Fancy Dance,” the importance of setting the story on a Seneca-Cayuga reservation, the themes of indifference and invisibility, and why, despite its great acclaim and reviews, no studio has bought the fi…

1
Best of: Ned Blackhawk on ‘The Rediscovery of America’ 29:27

6M ago29:27

29:27

In this conversation first recorded for Washington Post Live on April 27, Yale University professor Ned Blackhawk discusses his book, “The Rediscovery of America: Natives Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History,” which recently won the National Book Award for nonfiction, and explores the foundational role Native Americans have played in U.S. histo…

1
The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop: ‘Somebody knows’ 51:26

6M ago51:26

51:26

Every 19th of October, Grenadians mark a somber anniversary: the 1983 execution of the country’s former prime minister and revolutionary leader, Maurice Bishop, and others who died alongside him. The people of this Caribbean nation still have no closure 40 years later. The remains of Bishop and his supporters were never returned to their family mem…

1
Ep. 113 L’Italiana in Algeri by Rossini 1:58:13

6M ago1:58:13

1:58:13

By turns funny, serious, and seriously funny, L’Italiana in Algeri is a fascinating assembly of romantic tropes: a spurned wife, a shipwrecked lover, a pirate king, and a daring escape. At the same time, it deals with serious themes of agency, power, and silence. Set in a world that is both alien and familiar, this opera has something to say to all…

1
Tzipi Livni and Rula Jebreal share their perspectives on the Israel-Gaza war 23:57

6M ago23:57

23:57

In these Washington Post Live conversations from Nov. 14, former Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni and award-winning Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal discuss the Israel-Gaza war from their respective vantages, plus the next steps for the conflict.By The Washington Post

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Rob Rubba on charting Oyster Oyster’s sustainable path 21:10

6M ago21:10

21:10

In this Washington Post Live conversation from Nov. 8, Rob Rubba — winner of the 2023 James Beard Award for outstanding chef — discusses his Michelin-starred restaurant Oyster Oyster, why he sees it as a “stepping-stone” for restaurants of the future and how sustainability is worked into everything from the food in the kitchen to the plate on the t…

1
Rep. Goldman on his first term in the House, and being in Israel on Oct. 7 30:03

6M ago30:03

30:03

In this Washington Post Live conversation from Oct. 31, Rep. Daniel S. Goldman (D-N.Y.) discusses how he and his family sheltered in a Tel Aviv hotel during Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel, his support for Israel’s right to defend itself and his thoughts on new House Speaker Mike Johnson.By The Washington Post

1
Jada Pinkett Smith corrects the record 31:03

7M ago31:03

31:03

In this Washington Post Live conversation from Oct. 16, actress and author Jada Pinkett Smith discusses her new memoir, “Worthy,” growing up in Baltimore, her misunderstood relationship with Tupac Shakur, and corrects the record about her marriage with Will Smith.By The Washington Post

1
Raoul Peck turns his lens on the land dispossession of Black owners 31:38

7M ago31:38

31:38

In this Washington Post Live conversation from Oct. 4, filmmaker Raoul Peck discusses his new documentary, “Silver Dollar Road,” which explores the history of land dispossession of Black homeowners through the story of the Reels family, and explains what drew him to their fight to save their home.By The Washington Post

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Drew Gilpin Faust on her mid-century path to civil rights activism 30:35

7M ago30:35

30:35

In this Washington Post Live conversation from Sept. 20, Drew Gilpin Faust, a historian and the first female president of Harvard University, discusses her new book, “Necessary Trouble: Growing Up Midcentury,” which chronicles her path toward civil rights activism, and puts her scholarship on the Civil War into greater context.…

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Ep. 112 The Egyptian Helen by Richard Strauss 2:09:00

8M ago2:09:00

2:09:00

“The face that launched a thousand ships.” Helen of Troy, the most beautiful woman in the world, has a problem. Her husband plans to kill her, but she just wants him to fall in love with her again. She may just need a miracle to pull it off, but if anyone can do it, she can. Richard Strauss and Hugo von Hofmannsthal aimed for a light and comic oper…

1
Samantha Power on climate change’s disproportionate impact on women 28:10

7M ago28:10

28:10

In this Washington Post Live conversation from Sept. 18, USAID administrator Samantha Power discusses the ways women are leading the charge in combating our changing climate, why they are disproportionately impacted, and USAID’s efforts to help communities mitigate and adapt to the climate change.By The Washington Post

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Michele Norris on the importance of ‘Your Mama’s Kitchen’ 28:23

8M ago28:23

28:23

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Sept. 6, Post columnist Michele Norris discusses her new podcast, “Your Mama’s Kitchen,” where she talks with guests about the importance of their mom’s kitchen in the life of their home and family, and how childhood food memories shape us.By The Washington Post

1
Best of: Mark Whitaker on 1966 – the year Black Power challenged the civil rights movement 30:44

8M ago30:44

30:44

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Feb. 8, former Newsweek editor Mark Whitaker discusses his new book, “Saying It Loud: 1966 – The Year Black Power Challenged the Civil Rights Movement,” how the year transformed the way in which Black Americans viewed their lives and lessons for activists organizing today.…

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Best of: Chasten Buttigieg has something to say about coming out and acceptance 29:03

9M ago29:03

29:03

In this Washington Post Live conversation from May 10, Chasten Buttigieg discusses the new edition of his memoir, “I Have Something to Tell You,” which he rewrote for young adults, why he thinks the far right is going after LGBTQ Americans and what he hopes for his two children when they are old enough to read his book.…

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Ep. 111 Tosca by Giacomo Puccini 1:58:35

9M ago1:58:35

1:58:35

One of the top ten most-performed operas in the world, Puccini’s Tosca is considered by some the greatest of operas. A painter provides refuge for an escaped political prisoner, which begins a chain of events that starts with petty jealousy and ends in a death leap. Things spiral further and further out of control in this epic confrontation of tyra…

1
Best of: Maya Moore Irons and Jonathan Irons on ‘Love & Justice’ 31:34

9M ago31:34

31:34

In this conversation first recorded for Washington Post Live on Jan. 19, Maya Moore Irons and Jonathan Irons discuss their new book, “Love & Justice: A Story of Triumph on Two Different Courts,” their journey to get him released from prison after a wrongful conviction and their view on reforms to the criminal justice system.…

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Pete Berg on the Sackler family and his new series, ‘Painkiller’ 28:55

9M ago28:55

28:55

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Aug. 11, director Pete Berg talks about his new limited series, “Painkiller,” which details the efforts by the Sackler family to aggressively profit from OxyContin by expanding the availability and marketing of the prescription opioid.By The Washington Post

1
Alicia Roth Weigel on new documentary about intersex community 29:49

9M ago29:49

29:49

In this conversation recorded on July 19 for Washington Post Live, Alicia Roth Weigel, an activist profiled in “Every Body," a new documentary exploring the lives of intersex people who are born with a combination of male and female biological traits, joins The Post’s Jonathan Capehart for a conversation about the intersex community, gender identit…

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Paul Ortiz on Florida’s efforts to curtail the teaching of Black history 29:01

9M ago29:01

29:01

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on Aug. 2, University of Florida professor of history Paul Ortiz discusses the state’s efforts to curtail the teaching of African American history, including new curriculum standards to teach how enslaved people benefited from skills gained during slavery.…

1
Ep. 110 Das Liebesverbot by Wagner 2:04:06

10M ago2:04:06

2:04:06

Richard Wagner’s style is one of the most distinctive and recognizable in all of opera. But Wagner wasn’t always the Wagner we’ve come to know. The earliest of Wagner’s operas to be performed in his lifetime was an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, Das Liebesverbot, where he is still developing his craft and working on his relationsh…

1
Christine Emba and Richard Reeves explore masculinity and modern men 33:01

9M ago33:01

33:01

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on July 12, Washington Post opinion writer Christine Emba and Richard Reeves, president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, discuss Emba’s essay, “Men are lost. Here’s a map out of the wilderness,” how to address issues facing the modern American male and why the phrase “toxic masculini…

1
Colson Whitehead on ‘Crook Manifesto’ and his Harlem trilogy 30:32

10M ago30:32

30:32

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on July 20, Colson Whitehead discusses his new book, “Crook Manifesto,” how the novel fits into the Harlem trilogy, his writing process and what genres he plans to conquer next.By The Washington Post

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