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BETA

“BETA” comes from producer/host Doug Gordon. “BETA” is a polyphonic mosh pit where high culture and low culture collide, taking an immersive, innovative, playful and provocative approach to exploring arts, culture and technology.

Schedule

NPR News & Music, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., The Ideas Network, Sundays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

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Latest Episodes

  • Episode 613: Greg Proops, Reggie Watts, Myriam Gurba

    Comedian Greg Proops talks about his hilarious album, ‘French Drug Deal.’ Also, comedian and musician Reggie Watts shares his memories of growing up in his memoir, ‘Great Falls, Montana.’ And Myriam Gurba on her thrilling, no-holds-barred essay collection, ‘Creep.’

    Episode 613: Greg Proops, Reggie Watts, Myriam Gurba
  • Episode 701: Nadirah Simmons, George Pelecanos, The Blues Brothers

    This week on BETA, hip-hop historian Nadirah Simmons highlights the game-changing ladies that made history in pop music. And one of crime fiction’s greatest writers, George Pelecanos, talks aout his most autobiographical work yet. And journalist Daniel de Visé on the history of The Blues Brothers.

    Episode 701: Nadirah Simmons, George Pelecanos, The Blues Brothers
  • Episode 612: Aparna Nancherla, ‘Telemarketers,’ ‘Sucker’

    Comedian Aparna Nancherla talks about her battle with impostor syndrome. Also, “Telemarketers” director Sam Lipman-Stern gives us the lowdown on the shady side of the business. And Daniel Hornsby on his scathing Silicon Valley novel, ‘Sucker.’

    Also Aired On:

    Episode 612: Aparna Nancherla, ‘Telemarketers,’ ‘Sucker’
  • Episode 624: Zach Woods, Steph Tolev, Scott Guild

    This week on “BETA,” actor and comedian Zach Woods on his pitch-perfect NPR parody, “In the Know.” Also, comedian Steph Tolev on being filthy and funny. And Scott Guild on his multimedia novel, “Plastic.”

    Episode 624: Zach Woods, Steph Tolev, Scott Guild
  • Episode 611: Sarah Rose Etter, murder ballads, Walter on Walter: ’48 Hrs’

    Sarah Rose Etter talks about her surreal novel, ‘Ripe.’ Also, visual artist Kristine Potter shares the haunting reality behind murder ballads. And film critic Walter Chaw returns for another installment of ‘Walter on Walter.’ Today, he talks about Walter Hill’s film, ’48 Hours.’

    Also Aired On:

    Episode 611: Sarah Rose Etter, murder ballads, Walter on Walter: ’48 Hrs’

Meet The Staff

Adam Friedrich

Executive Producer

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BETA Articles