Wednesday’s attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris prompted an international outpouring of support from satirists and comedians around the world. On today’s show, a candid conversation with the former editor of The Onion on the careful craft of satire.
Plus, the manliest man of Russia. A simple Google search reveals countless images of Vladimir Putin, riding horseback, hunting, and brandishing weapons. We’ll talk to a scholar about how the Russian leader uses machismo and gender stereotypes to build political legitimacy.
Listen to the full show and click Read more for individual segments.
Careful Craft of Satire
- Joe Randazzo, is a comedian, writer and the former editor of The Onion, and he penned an op-ed for MSNBC about the power and importance of free speech. "Freedom of Speech Cannot be Killed." He's got a new book coming out this April, Funny on Purpose.
- We've got more on the story at this link: Former Onion Editor on the Careful Craft of Satire
Sex, Politics, & Putin
- Valerie Sperlingis professor of political science at Clark University and author of the new book: Sex, Politics, and Putin: Political Legitimacy in Russia.
- The practice of photoshopping Vladimir Putin into odd situations is now an internet standard. We looked at a few and tried one of our own. Check it out here: Photoshopping Vladimir Putin
Don Draper vs. Seth Rogan
- To young television viewers in the U.S., Don Draper, the fictional character played by John Hamm in AMC's Mad Men is the epitome of masculinity: he is serious, well-dressed, chiseled, and enigmatic. Eric Molinsky tries to understand why fans of the show are ready to ditch their t-shirts and jeans for dapper suits and ties.
- You can listen to this story again at PRX.org.
The Classical Music Crisis
- Will Roseliep is a cellist, media director for the Cambridge Philharmonic, and author of the Classical Dark Arts blog. In his book The Libertine’s Guide to the Classical Music Revolution, he outlines why the industry is in crisis, and what can be done to save it.
Battling The Male Dominated World of Conducting
- Producer Sarah Elzas profiles a Paris-based American conductor who has fought sexism throughout her career.
- You can listen to this story again at PRX.org.