August 5, 2025 - Robert Reich, The Ciota Brothers on "Cassino in Ischia," and Phoebe Potts on "Too Fat for China"

Robert Reich served  in three presidential administrations, including as Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton. He’s served as an advisor– endeavoring on behalf of working people exploited by the system. As a professor he has been the ultimate explainer about rising inequality. As a public intellectual he pulls no punches–calling out the bullies:  anyone and any institution that threatens democracy and human decency.  It’s a life’s work on which he reflects in his new book “Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America.”   He joins The Culture Show to talk about it. On September 2nd he’ll be at Harvard Book Store. To learn more go here.From there the filmmaking duo, brothers Frank Ciota and Joe Ciota, join The Culture Show to talk about their years of collaboration and their new film, “Cassino in Ischia.” It’s a romantic comedy that follows the misadventures of Nic Cassino, a fading action hero who is fighting for an ultimate cinematic comeback. Finally comedian and story teller Phoebe Potts joins The Culture Show to talk about  her one-woman show “Too Fat for China,”  centers on the ups and downs of her quest to adopt a child. It’s onstage at Central Square Theater August 7th through August 10th. To learn more go here.