January 02, 2009

Keeping Up with the Sarah Joneses

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The Tony Award-winning writer and performer (“Bridge & Tunnel”), briefs Kurt on her experiences at the Aspen Ideas Festival, a gathering of big thinkers to tackle big problems. Jones transforms from a self-deprecating Brit to a Jewish grandmother, to a young male rapper.

(Entire program originally aired: July 18, 2008)

(Recorded live in Aspen: July 5, 2008. See a video of the whole show.)


Sarah Jones performs at the Aspen Ideas Festival:


If you can't see the video click here

"Christmas in Washington"

Steve Earle casts a critical eye on the political scene, in a song from his record El Corazon.

Ask a Harvard Psychologist

Howard Gardner, who developed the theory of multiple intelligences, joins Kurt and Sarah on stage for a session of free advice. He analyzes audience members’ big life-changing moments, and gets Sarah to fess up about how her impersonation skills came in handy when playing hooky from high school.


Weigh in: Have you changed your mind -- and life?

Steve Earle

The country rocker tells Kurt about how his move from Nashville to New York City inspired his new album, Washington Square Serenade. He also talks about his role on HBO’s The Wire: "a redneck recovering addict, so it required no acting."

"Tennessee Blues"

Steve Earle performs this song about leaving his adopted home of Nashville with no regrets.

Willing to be Lucky

Kurt remembers the essay that brought him to New York, and the blind date that changed his life.

Nereida Comes to America

Sarah Jones channels a young Dominican immigrant living in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. "Nereida" tells her story about her family’s first miracle in America.

"City of Immigrants"

Steve Earle's wife and musical collaborator, Allison Moorer, joins Earle on this love song to their new hometown.

Bonus Track: "Days Aren't Long Enough"

Allison and Steve perform their duet from Washington Square Serenade.

Show credits

Studio 360 Live in Aspen 2008 is a co-production of PRI, WNYC, The Aspen Institute and The Atlantic. Special thanks to Ed Haber, Rob Christiansen, Chris Bannon, Nuala McGovern and Lisa Allison.

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