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KPFA - Radio Wolinsky
by KPFA
A podcast posted weekly (usually Sunday) featuring extended interviews and discussions from the Bookwaves Artwaves Hour programs on KPFA-FM and the Bookwaves half-hour syndicated program,. Literature, theater, film: in-depth interviews from a progressive and artistic viewpoint, with long-time KPFA/Pacifica host Richard Wolinsky.
Episodes
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Maureen Gosling, Documentary Filmmaker, “The Nine Lives of Barbara Dane”
Maureen Gosling, director of the films ‘The Nine Lives of Barbara Dane” and co-director, with Chris Simon, of “This Ain’t No Mouse Music: about the late KPFA host Chris Strachwitz, is interviewed by host Richard Wolinsky, recorded October 12, 2026. Maureen Gosling spent twenty years working with...
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Probabilities Archive: Frank Belknap Long (1901-1994), Pulp Magazine Horror Writer
Frank Belknap Long and H.P. Lovecraft Frank Belknap Long (1901-1994), pulp magazine author and protege of H.P. Lovecraft, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded March 1, 1980 in Long’s apartment in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. Frank Belknap Long got his start as a young adult...
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Kazuo Ishiguro, Winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature, 2015
Kazuo Ishiguro, winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded April 1, 2015 at Book Passage Bookstore in Corte Madera, California, while he was on tour for his novel, “The Buried Giant.” Over the past decades, Kazuo Ishiguro has come to be regarded…
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Mary Roach: America’s Funniest Science Writer, “Gulp,” 2013
Mary Roach in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded May 2, 2013 while she was on tour for Gulp: Adventures in the Alimentary Canal. Mary Roach brings a sharp eye and excellent research skills to explain how things work, how they don’t work, and the various things that happen in…
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Sisters in Crime: Margaret Maron (1938-2021), the Judge Deborah Knott and the Sigrid Harald series of mysteries, 1994
Margaret Maron (1938-2021) in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff on the Probabilities radio program on KPFA, recorded June 6, 1994 while she was on tour for the third Deborah Knott mystery, Shooting at Loons. This is the third in a series of Sisters in Crime interviews...
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Kate Christensen, Novelist, Essayist, Memoirist, “Good Company,” 2026
Kate Christensen, whose latest novel is titled “Good Company,” in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Kate Christensen is the author of ten novels, including “The Great Man,” which won the PEN/Faulker Award for fiction, Trouble, and Welcom Home, Stranger. She’s also written two memoirs along...
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Probabilities Archive: Gene Wolfe (1931-2019), Science Fiction Grandmaster, 1982
Gene Wolfe, from a 1982 video. Gene Wolfe (1931-2019), author of several science fiction novels and short stories, including “The Book of the New Sun,” interviewed by Richard Wolinsky, Lawrence Davidson and Richard A. Lupoff at Bay Con, Thanksgiving weekend, 1982. The noted fantasy and science...
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Ursula Hegi (1946-2026), Acclaimed Novelist and Short Story Author, 1991
Ursula Hegi (1946-2026), who died at the age of eighty on July 27, 2026, best known for her novel “Stones from a River,” about life in a small town in Germany in the days leading up to World War II, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded November 6, 2001 while on tour for her short story...
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Probabilities Archive: Robert B. Parker (1932-2010), The Spenser novels, 1992
Robert B. Parker (1932-2010), in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff, recorded June 13, 1992 while on tour for the Spenser novel, “Double Deuce.” Mystery and suspense author Robert B. Parker died at the age of 77 on January 18, 2010. His career encompassed 38 novels in his...
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Sisters In Crime: Nancy Pickard, the Jenny Cain Mysteries, 1990
From the Probabilities Archive: Nancy Pickard, author of the Jenny Cain mysteries, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff, recorded April 4, 1990 in the KPFA studios while on tour for the novel “Bum Steer.” Originally a journalist, Nancy Pickard turned to mysteries in 1984…
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Probabilities Archive: Robert Bloch (1917-1994), Legendary Pulp Magazine Writer and Novelist
Robert Bloch (1917-1994), who died on September 23, 1994 at the age of 77, began his career writing fantasy and horror for the pulp magazines, and graduated after World War II to writing psychological thriller novels, often focusing on serial killers. He is best known today for having written the...
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From the Archive: Susan Sontag (1933-2004)
Susan Sontag (1933-2004) was an essayist, novelist, activist, film-maker, philosopher and teacher. On March 16, 2000, while on tour for what would be her final novel, “In America,” she was interviewed by Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff in San Francisco. From Wikipedia: “Among her best…
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Carlos Ruiz Zafon (1964-2020): Renowned Spanish Author, “The Cemetery of Forgotten Books”
Carlos Ruiz Zafon, who died on June 19, 2020 in Los Angeles of colorectal cancer at the age of 55, burst onto the literary scene in 2001 with his novel, The Shadow of the Wind, first of an interrelated group of four novels titled The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, set in Barcelona, Spain, his...
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Sisters in Crime: Sara Paretsky, The V.I. Warshawski mysteries, 1991
Sara Paretsky in 2019. Sara Paretsky, author of the V.I. Warshawski mysteries, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff as part of the “Probabilities” radio series, recorded in the KPFA s studio on March 16, 1991 following the publication of “Burn Marks” and before the...
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Lisa See, “Daughters of the Sun and Moon,” 2026
Lisa See, whose latest novel is “Daughters of the Sun and Moon,” in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded in Culver City, California on June 28, 2026. Lisa See’s best-selling books include Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, China Dolls, The Island of Sea Women more…
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Edmund White (1940-2025) Icon of Gay Literature, 2000
Edmund White (1940-2025), “The Married Man,” 2000 Edmund White (1940-2025) discusses his novel “The Married Man” in a newly digitized interview conducted in the KPFA studios on June 10, 2000 with host Richard Wolinsky. Digitized, remastered and edited on June 20, 2026 and heard for the first time...
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David Sedaris, New Collection of Essays “The Land and Its People,” 2026
David Sedaris, author of the new essay collection, “The Land and Its People,” in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Originally known for his commentaries on “This American Life” on NPR, David Sedaris has now written 14 books, all of which have become best-sellers, including the early “Me…
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Encore Podcast: George R. R. Martin, 1991: Before Game of Thrones
George R.R. Martin, recorded in 1991, interviewed by Richard Wolinsky & Richard A. Lupoff. On May 25, 1991, five years before the publication of Game of Thrones, and perhaps before its conception, Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff had a chance to chat with George R. R. Martin. At the time,...
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“A Complete Stanley Kubrick Retrospective” at BAMPFA
Jeff Griffith-Perham is the curator of a retrospective “A Complete Stanley Kubrick” at Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA), running from June 12 through August 30, 2026. He is interviewed by host Richard Wolinsky. Stanley Kubrick was one of the most acclaimed film directors of the...
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Helen Benedict, “The Soldier’s House,” a novel about Iraqi refugees in America, 2026
Helen Benedict, Columbia Profesysor of Journalism and author of the novel, “The Soldier’s House,” about the lives of Iraqi refugees in America in 2010, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. “The Soldier’s House” tells the story of a refugee from Baghdad, Naemi, who comes to America in 2010,...
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Science Fiction & Horror Master Dan Simmons (1948-2026), 1991
Dan Simmons (1948-2026), Huge and World Fantasy Award winning novelist and short story writer, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff, recorded September 22, 1991 while on tour for the novel “Summer of Night.” Dan Simmons, who died February 21, 2026 at the age of 77, was the...
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John Lanchester, Novelist & Essayist, “Look What You Made Me Do,” 2026
John Lanchester, whose latest novel is “Look What You Made Me Do,” in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded May 6, 2026 via computer. John Lanchester is the author of five previous novels, one collection of stories,Reality and Other Stories, published in 2020, and four works of…
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Michael Cunningham, Pulitzer Prize Winning Novelist discussing “The Hours” & “Specimen Days,” 2005
Michael Cunningham in the KPFA studios, 2010. Photo: Richard Wolinsky. Michael Cunningham in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded while on the book tour for “Specimen Days,” recorded in the KPFA studios, June 24, 2005. Michael Cunningham is a celebrated author of eight novels, along...
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Probabilities Archive: Ian Watson (1943-2026), Surrealist British Science Fiction Author
Ian Watson. Photo: Glenn Hall. Wikipedia Commons Ian Watson (1943-2026), unconventional British science fiction and fantasy writer, who died on April 13, 2026 at the age of 82, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff for the Probabilities radio program, recorded in Oakland at...
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Margaret Atwood, The Maddaddam Trilogy, 2013
Margaret Atwood, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded in the KPFA studios OCtober 3, 2013 while on tour for the novel “Maddaddam.” These days, the great Canadian author Margaret Atwood is best known for her books The Handmaid’s Tale and its 2019 sequel, The Testaments, both of which…
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George Saunders, “Vigil,” 2026
George Saunders, whose latest novel is Vigil, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. George Saunders is the highly acclaimed author of several short story collections, including “Tenth of December,” and “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline,” and others, along with political commentary that has appeared…
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Patrick Dooley, Artistic Director, Shotgun Players in Berkeley
Patrick Dooley, Artistic Director of Shotgun Players theatre company, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Patrick Dooley founded Shotgun Players in 1992, which originally produced plays in the basement of LaVal’s Pizza Parlor in Berkeley, California. Surviving with multiple venues over…
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Encore Podcast: Joseph Kanon, Author of Spy Thrillers, 2017
Joseph Kanon, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded June 17, 2017 during the book tour for the spy thriller “Defectors.” Over the course of the last thirty years, Joseph Kanon has established himself as one of the best spy novelists around, in the vein of John Le Carre, Alan Furst…
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Tracy Kidder (1945-2026), Pulitzer Prize Winning Non-Fiction Author
Tracy Kidder (1945-2026), Pulitzer Prize winning author of literary non-fiction, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded in the KPFA studios during the book tour for “Strength in What Remains: A Journey of Remembrance and Forgiveness, ” which focuses on the extraordinary true story of…
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Probabilities Archive: E. Hoffman Price (1898-1988), Science Fiction & Fantasy Pulp Magazine Author
E. Hoffman Price (1898-1988), fantasy and science fiction author who published in various pulp magazines from the 1920s into the 1950s, in conversation with Probabiliaties hosts Richard Wolinsky, Richard A. Lupoff and Lawrence Davidson, recorded in early 1979 at Price’s home in Redwood City,...
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Terry McMillan, Novelist, Chronicler of the Lives of Contemporary African American Women, 2001
Terry McMillan, best-selling novelist in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded February 13, 2001 while on tour for her novel, A Day Late and a Dollar Short. Terry McMillan’s novels focus on the lives, aspirations and journeys of discovery of African American women and their families....
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Migdalia Cruz, Playwright, Adaptation/Translation “Macbeth” at the Magic Theatre
Migdalia Cruz, an award-winning playwright and the translator/adaptor of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” at the Magic Theatre, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, discussing her play, her career, and her ideas about the nature of theatre. Migdalia Cruz is best known for her plays “Featherless...
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The Probabilities Archive: Science Fiction Grandmaster Poul Anderson (1926-2001), 1978
Poul Anderson (1926-2001), noted science fiction and fantasy author, winner of seven Hugo Awards and three Nebula Awards, in conversation with the late Lawrence Davidson, recorded for the Probabilities radio program on KPFA on June 10, 1978. The late Poul Anderson, who died on July 31, 2001 at…
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From the Archive: Antonia Fraser, “The Six Wives of Henry VIII,” 1992
Lady Antonia Fraser, noted writer of English history and biography, discusses her book, “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” with Probabilities hosts Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff, recorded November 17,1992 while she was on tour in San Francisco. With the arrest of the former Prince Andrew, we...
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John Fisher, Artistic Director of Theatre Rhino, writer/director/actor, “Left Field”
John Fisher, Artistic Director of Theatre Rhino, and writer/dictor/actor in “Left Field,” which runs at Theatre Rhino from February 19th to March 15th , in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. Recorded February 4, 2026. Theatre Rhino is the longest running LGBTQ+ theatre company in America, and…
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John Sayles, Film-maker and Novelist, “Crucible,” 2026
John Sayles and Maggie Renzi. Photo: Richard Wolinsky John Sayles, author of the novel “Crucible” and director of eighteen independent films, including “Lone Star,” Eight Men Out” and “The Secret of Roan Inish” in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. They are joined by Maggie Renzi, John Sayles’...
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Delroy Lindo, Actor and Director, 2008
Delroy Lindo, actor and theatre director, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky in the KPFA studios in November 2008 while directing August Wilson’s play, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at Berkeley Rep. Actor and director Delroy Lindo was born in London and moved to the United States at the age of…
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Hershey Felder: “The Piano and Me,” 2026
Hershey Felder discusses his world premiere stage show, “The PIano and Me,” playing at TheatreWorks Mountain View through February 8, 2026, with host Richard Wolinsky. Over the past three decades, Hershey Felder has been performing one-person plays with his piano accompaniment, focusing on a...
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John Varley (1947-2025), Hugo and Nebula Award-winning Science Fiction Author
John Varley (1947-2025), Hugo and Nebula Award winning science fiction novelist, who died on December 10, 2025 at the age of 78, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded in the KPFA studios July 17, 1992 while on tour for the novel “Steel Beach.” John Varley hit the ground running with his...
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Laura Truffaut: The Films of Francois Truffaut (1932-1984)
Laura Truffaut, daughter of the great French New Wave film-maker Francois Truffaut (1932-1984) in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, discussing her father’s films and her memories of his film shoots. Berkeley Art Museum & Pacifc Film Archive is presenting a retrospective of nine films of...
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Alan Furst, Master Spy Novelist, 2002
Alan Furst, historical spy novelist, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded in the KPFA studios during the book tour for “Blood of Victory, September 26, 2002. This is a first-time podcast. In this interview, he discusses his early career, resistance during World War II, and creating the...
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Azar Nafisi: Best-selling Author of “Reading Lolita in Tehran,” 2009
Azar Nafisi,author of the best-selling memoir, “Reading Lolita in Tehran,” in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded in the KPFA studios on January 12, 2009 while on tour for the memoir, “Things I’ve Been Silent About.” Azar Nafisi burst on the literary scene in 2003 with her memoir,...
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The Probabilities Archive: Jack Arnold (1916-1992), film director, “Creature from the Black Lagoon” and others, 1980ish
Jack Arnold (1916-1992), who died at the age of 75 in 1992, was the 1950s master of the science fiction film. Among the films he directed were It Came From Outer Space, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Revenge of the Creature, Tarantula, and The Incredible Shrinking Man. The Probabilities crew…
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Joe Lansdale, Prolific Genre Writer, Part Two: 2025
Joe R. Lansdale, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky f, recorded November 12, 2025, discussing his latest Hap & Leonard book, “Hatchet Girls,” his recent collections, and his life as a writer. Joe R. Lansdale writes a broad spectrum of fiction, from his successful Hap and Leonard series of noir...
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Malcolm Margolin (1940-2025), Legendary Publisher of Heyday Books in Berkeley
Malcolm Margolin (1940-2025), the long-time publisher of Heyday Books in Berkeley, who died on August 20, 2025 at the age of 84, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky in the KPFA Studios on November 21, 2014. Malcolm Margolin founded Heyday Books, the renownedy non-profit publishing house located...
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Lauren Gunderson, Noted Contemporary Playwright, the “Christmas in Pemberley” series
Lauren Gunderson, recognized as the most produced contemporary playwright in America four of the last five years, including 2025, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Lauren Gunderson is a prolific playwright whose plays are produced all over North America and in Britain and Europe. She is...
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The Bookwaves Archive: John Banville, Irish Literary Master, 2007
John Banville, Booker Prize winning novelist, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky in the KPFA studios, on March 19, 2007 while on tour for the novel, “Christine Falls,” written under the pseudonym Benjamin Black. John Banville is a giant of Irish literature, winner of the Booker Prize for...
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The Bookwaves Archive: Amy Bloom, Award-Winning Literary Novelist, 2007
Amy Bloom, award-winning novelist and short-story writer, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky in the KPFA studios, on October 4, 2007 while on tour for her second novel, “Away.” Amy Bloom, says the New Yorker, gets more meaning into individual sentences than most authors manage in whole books....
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Joe R. Lansdale, Prolific Genre Author (Part One: 1994 Interview)
From the Probabilities Archive: Joe R. Lansdale, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff, recorded August 2, 1994 during the author tour for the Hap and Leonard novel, “Mucho Mojo,” recorded in the KPFA Studios. Joe R. Lansdale writes a broad spectrum of fiction, from his...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast posted weekly (usually Sunday) featuring extended interviews and discussions from the Bookwaves Artwaves Hour programs on KPFA-FM and the Bookwaves half-hour syndicated program,. Literature, theater, film: in-depth interviews from a progressive and artistic viewpoint, with long-time KPFA/Pacifica host Richard Wolinsky.
HOSTED BY
KPFA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does KPFA - Radio Wolinsky have?
KPFA - Radio Wolinsky currently has 49 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is KPFA - Radio Wolinsky about?
A podcast posted weekly (usually Sunday) featuring extended interviews and discussions from the Bookwaves Artwaves Hour programs on KPFA-FM and the Bookwaves half-hour syndicated program,. Literature, theater, film: in-depth interviews from a progressive and artistic viewpoint, with long-time...
How often does KPFA - Radio Wolinsky release new episodes?
KPFA - Radio Wolinsky has 49 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to KPFA - Radio Wolinsky?
You can listen to KPFA - Radio Wolinsky on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts KPFA - Radio Wolinsky?
KPFA - Radio Wolinsky is created and hosted by KPFA.
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