The Roundtable

For more than half a century, Gail Godwin has earned acclaim for novels that blend emotional depth with intellectual curiosity, receiving three National Book Award nominations along the way. In 'The Art of Becoming a Citizen: A Memoir,' she shifts from fiction to reflection, tracing the experiences that shaped her understanding of democracy, belonging, and public life.Part personal history, part meditation on the responsibilities of citizenship, the memoir explores how private lives intersect with national ideals. Written with the grace and insight that define Godwin's work, it offers a timely and thoughtful perspective on America's current political moment.

Hudson Valley Shakespeare’s summer season is underway in its first permanent home, the Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center. Designed to immerse audiences and actors in the rich landscape of the Hudson Valley, its unique indoor-outdoor setting for the company’s open-air productions offers an unparalleled theater experience.The 2026 Season includes Shakespeare’s 'As you Like It' and 'King Lear' this month, and in August, a production of 'Les Mis.' Davis McCallum is the Artistic Director and joins us for a preview this morning.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are a senior fellow and faculty member in the Center for the Advancement of Public Action at Bennington College. She is the President of Beyond Plastics and former EPA Regional Administrator. Judith is co-author of the book 'The Problem with Plastic' Judith Enck, The Ulster County Comptroller and the former president and CEO of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley March Gallagher, Semi-retired, Editor at large/columnist/editorial writer, Times Union Jay Jochnowitz, and a full professor in the History Department at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) Allison Kavey.

Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho forever changed movie history with one shocking scene, but novelist Leah Rowan asks a tantalizing question: what if Marion Crane had survived? In her debut thriller, 'Marion,' Rowan reimagines one of cinema's most famous victims as a woman who fights back, setting off a suspenseful story of survival, revenge, and reinvention.A modern, feminist twist on a classic, the novel blends psychological suspense with sharp social commentary as Marion flees the aftermath of a deadly encounter while trying to save her sister from an abusive marriage. It's a bold, unexpected retelling that turns a familiar story on its head.

Few families have inspired as much fascination as the Kennedys and Britain's royal family. Journalist Caroline Hallemann has spent years covering both as Digital Director of 'Town & Country,' and in her first book, 'The Kennedys and the Windsors: The Story of Two Dynasties, One Born, One Made,' she brings their histories together in a fresh and revealing way.Drawing on extensive archival research and interviews, Hallemann traces nearly a century of connections, rivalries, tragedies, and public mythmaking, showing how America's closest thing to royalty and Britain's actual monarchy have reflected, influenced, and reshaped one another across generations.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are public policy and communications expert Theresa Bourgeois, Principal, Faith in the Public Square and Co-Principal of The Religious Nationalisms Project The Reverend Peter Cook, an author, lawyer, consultant, public speaker, and entrepreneur; her most recent book is: 'Race Rules: What Your Black Friend Won't Tell You' Fatimah Gilliam, and Former Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.

For decades, Cory Doctorow has been one of the sharpest critics of the digital world—a bestselling science-fiction writer, journalist, co-editor of Boing Boing, and longtime advocate for digital rights and an open internet. His latest nonfiction book, 'The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI,' takes aim at the hype, fear, and confusion surrounding artificial intelligence.

Brad Gooch has spent much of his career telling the stories of larger-than-life figures. The poet, novelist, and acclaimed biographer is known for celebrated books on Keith Haring, Frank O’Hara, Flannery O’Connor, and the 13th-century mystic Rumi.A Guggenheim Fellow and recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship, Gooch has built a reputation for combining literary insight with a keen eye for the personal details that shape a life. In his new memoir, 'Good Morning Moon: A Snapshot of an American Family,' he turns that eye inward.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Lecturer of Cognitive Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and former Fulbright US Scholar to Egypt Jackie Berry, an educator who teaches drama and humanities at Poughkeepsie Day School in Poughkeepsie Stephen Haff, a former U.S. Army officer and State Department Diplomat who taught at Bard College for six years and is now a Senior Fellow at Bard's Center for Civic Engagement Ambassador Fred Hof, and the Arthur Zankel Chair in Management for Liberal Arts at Skidmore College where she teaches International Affairs and Business Management Pushi Prasad.

This week's Book Picks comes from Lily Bartels from the Open-Door Bookstore in Schenectady, NY.

Ancram Center for the Arts announced its 2026 season with five ambitious works that explore the themes of our times: polarization but yearning for de-escalation, finding love in an age of anxiety, art’s capacity to hold grief and remembrance, the human ethics of scientific advancement, and the psychic damage of war, even when soldiers return without a scratch. Co-Director Paul Ricciardi says “The times we are in call for questioning conventions and creative courage.” He adds, “We also lean in on the unique shared experience that theater offers to take stock and reflect on what keeps us open and humane while living in uncertain times.” To tell us more about this work, we welcome Paul Ricciardi - a Professor of Theatre Arts at the City University of New York - Kingsborough Community College - to the RT to tell us more.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are an author, lawyer, consultant, public speaker, and entrepreneur; her most recent book is: 'Race Rules: What Your Black Friend Won't Tell You' Fatimah Gilliam, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Robert Pondiscio, Political Consultant & Lobbyist Libby Post, and Former Times Union Associate Editor Mike Spain.

The Dog’s Gaze: A Visual History' is a unique visual history that examines the social bond between two species, shedding new light on the human condition through the eyes of our canine companions. Art and Cultural Historian Thomas Laqueur will tell us more about his book.

Bard SummerScape is an annual multi-arts summer festival offering programs in dance, theater, opera, music, and more.Highlights include the Bard Music Festival, SummerScape Opera, major premieres through Fisher Center LAB, and the Spiegeltent.Bard SummerScape is a must-visit destination for breathtaking, thought-provoking performances and gatherings in an idyllic Hudson River Valley setting. There is A LOT. So, we will get a preview of event with Gideon Lester - Fisher Center Artistic Director and Chief Executive.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Professor of History and International Relations at Vassar College. He is a specialist on the history of US foreign policy Robert Brigham, Senior Fellow, Bard Center for Civic Engagement Jim Ketterer, and Former Vice President for Editorial Development at the New York Press Association and a longtime editor of the Daily Gazette, Judy Patrick.

Stéphane Wrembel stands as one of the world’s most celebrated guitarists in the world. Originally from Fontainebleau, France, Wrembel is known for his masterful blend of jazz, gypsy swing, and world music captivating audiences across the globe with his unique sound. ‘Rolling Stone’ as called him ‘a revelation.’Wrembel is also a respected composer with original compositions in acclaimed films; ‘Midnight in Paris’ and ‘Vicky Christina Barcelona.’ Midnight in Paris one a Grammy Award for ‘Best Compilation Soundtrack.’ He also has an impressive discography of over 20 albums including ‘The Django Experiment,’ ‘Origins,’ and most recently ‘New Orleans II: Hors Serie.’Stéphane Wrembel Quartet will be at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center at their Indigo Room on Friday June 26th at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm. You can go to mahaiwe.org for more information.

We’ll preview the 49th Saratoga Jazz Festival happening next weekend! 2 days, 2 stages, and 22 electrifying artists from jazz to roots, funk, blues, soul, rock, indie, and beyond.This year’s headliners are R&B legend and “Godmother of Soul” Patti LaBelle and the New Orleans rock collective known for their triple-platinum hit “Wish I Knew You,” The Revivalists.The Annual summer event is filled with good times where you can enjoy craft beer, a local food vendor village, a fine arts and crafts fair, family fun, and more on SPAC’s idyllic grounds.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Joseph Palamountain Jr. Chair in Government at Skidmore College Beau Breslin, a writer and analyst. He recently retired from the presidency of Siena College and was a former NY Congressman. His new book is 'The Spirit of Philadelphia' Chris Gibson, Political Consultant & Lobbyist Libby Post, and Diplomat in Residence at Bard College. She retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2025 after over 30 years in public service. Her last post was ambassador to the SE Asian country, Timor-Leste Donna Welton.

For more than four decades, Anthony Mason has been one of the most trusted voices in American journalism, bringing curiosity, intelligence, and a steady presence to his reporting for CBS News. As a correspondent and former co-host of CBS This Morning, he's interviewed presidents, cultural icons, and some of the world's most influential artists.Now, Mason is launching a project that feels especially personal. His new series, 'Alchemy,' explores the creative process through intimate, long-form conversations with musicians and artists including Hozier, Paul Simon, and Nile Rodgers. But 'Alchemy' isn't focused on fame, success, or even the work itself. Instead, it asks a deeper question: how does creativity help people transform hardship, uncertainty, and experience into something meaningful?

The world of Buddhist scholarship has lost one of its most influential voices. Robert Thurman, the pioneering scholar, author, father of actor Uma Thurman, and advocate for Tibetan Buddhism, died yesterday in Woodstock, New York. He was 84.Thurman spent decades introducing Western audiences to Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and culture, serving for 30 years as Columbia University’s Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies. A close friend and longtime student of the Dalai Lama, he was the first American ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk and later co-founded Tibet House US, dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture in exile.Named by Time magazine as one of America’s most influential thinkers, Thurman leaves behind a profound intellectual and spiritual legacy that shaped generations of students, readers, and practitioners.I spoke with him in 2017 about his book, 'Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet.' We play a portion of that interview this morning, in memoriam, where he talks about how he began his friendship with the Dalai Lama.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are educator who teaches drama and humanities at Poughkeepsie Day School in Poughkeepsie Stephen Haff, Professor of Government at Dutchess Community College and since 2023, she has been President of the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley Dr. Karin Riedl, and Investment Banker on Wall St. Mark Wittman.

This week's Book Picks comes from welcome Laure Colodner and Ana Guimil of the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA and we also welcome Matt Tannenbaum from The Bookstore in Lenox, MA.

The book hitting store shelves Tuesday, June 16, takes readers from the start of the American republic in 1789 to the end of the nineteenth century through stories that engage topics such as political violence, fake news, and contested elections.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Joseph Palamountain Jr. Chair in Government at Skidmore College Beau Breslin, preceptor in Public Speaking for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University Terry Gipson, and Associate Professor in the department of sociology at Vassar College. Her research is on health, wellness, and medical knowledge Catherine Tan.

Straight No Chaser is not your typical acapella group that comes to mind. No blazers, khakis, ties, and singing traditional college songs on campuses. They are quite the opposite!Straight No Chaser is an all-male acapella group consisting of nine members that started on a college campus in the mid-90s, but grew to new heights becoming a phenomenon in the acapella world. They have grown a massive fanbase over the years and accumulated a long list of accomplishments. They have 2 RIAA Gold Certified albums, over 1.5 million concert tickets sold worldwide, over 1 billion streams on Pandora, and over 2 million albums sold worldwide.Straight No Chaser will kick off it’s ‘Straight No Chaser Beach Bash Tour’ tomorrow on June 16th. They will be at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center on Saturday June 20th at 8:00 pm.

The Arch Stanton Quartet will conclude its yearlong music-and-spoken-word series “Exploring the Sheltering Sky: The Music and Words of Paul Bowles” with a free public performance on June 19 at the Albany Institute of History & Art. The performance begins at 12:30 p.m.“Exploring the Sheltering Sky” debuted in October 2025 and has been performed at a dozen libraries for hundreds of patrons who have been transported to the world of Paul Bowles’ writing and music. The series has been generously supported by a community-arts grant from the Albany County Arts and Culture program, coordinated by Advance Albany County Alliance.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are public policy and communications expert - Theresa Bourgeois, Professor of Political Science at Hartwick College in Oneonta, who studies gender in politics, women political candidates, women voters and women in elected office Laurel Elder, and Senior Fellow, Bard Center for Civic Engagement Jim Ketterer.

Science writer Elizabeth Preston has spent years exploring the strange brilliance of the world in the places like ‘The Atlantic’ and ‘The New York Times.’ In her new book ‘The Creatures' Guide to Caring’ she turns to animal parenting from devoted octopuses to fiercely protective birds and mammals. Revealing how care, survival, and connection shape life across species. The book blends reporting, evolutionary science, and wonder-filled storytelling into a look what creatures can teach us about raising the next generation.

Eight years ago, when wildfires threatened musician David Baerwald’s family home in Los Angeles. He salvaged all but forgotten boxes belonging to his grandfather. Among the discoveries inside them were a spy camera, a samurai sword, breathtaking photographs, and dairies and letters that will change his life forever. The platinum selling artist behind ‘Welcome to the Boom Town’ and ‘Come What May’ spent seven years and sold his music catalog to write the novel ‘The Fire Agent,’ based on his grandfather’s astonishing story. The result is a gripping chronicle, the rise of fascism in both the West and Japan.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are a senior fellow and faculty member in the Center for the Advancement of Public Action at Bennington College. She is the President of Beyond Plastics and former EPA Regional Administrator. Judith is co-author of the book The Problem with Plastic Judith Enck, a full professor in the History Department at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) Allison Kavey, and Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Robert Pondiscio.

We learn now about this weekend’s Forever Farmland event - connecting local farmers with the community to celebrate a special collaboration between the Argyle Brewing Company and the Agricultural Stewardship Association.The event on Sunday from Noon – 5 PM at the Beer Garden at Argyle Brewing Company in Greenwich, NY is a perfect opportunity to meet the dedicated farmers behind ASA-conserved properties, learn about vital local conservation efforts, and raise a glass to our vibrant agricultural community.

For more than three decades, the Chester Theatre Company has been a Berkshire summer tradition, known for intimate productions that spark big conversations. Today, we’re joined by Co-Artistic Directors Christopher Baker and Michelle Ong Hendrick.Together, they’ve crafted a 2026 season that looks toward the future through four distinctive works: a portrait of visionary Buckminster Fuller, a musical celebration of civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer, the world premiere thriller 'Amchitka,' and the East Coast premiere of Liz Duffy-Adams’ 'Dear Alien.'

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are public policy and communications expert - Theresa Bourgeois, The Empire Report’s JP Miller, Vice President for Editorial Development at the New York Press Association Judy Patrick, and Political Consultant and Lobbyist Libby Post.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Executive Director of Communities for Local Power and former White House Advance Lead Anna Markowitz, the founder and director of the Volunteer Literacy Project. She is also a columnist for The Free Press and a Greene County resident Larissa Phillips, and Former Times Union Associate Editor Mike Spain.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Lecturer of Cognitive Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and former Fulbright US Scholar to Egypt Jackie Berry, Joseph Palamountain Jr. Chair in Government at Skidmore College Beau Breslin, Senior Fellow, Bard Center for Civic Engagement Jim Ketterer, and the Arthur Zankel Chair in Management for Liberal Arts at Skidmore College where she teaches International Affairs and Business Management Pushkala Prasad.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Principal, Faith in the Public Square and Co-Principal of The Religious Nationalisms Project the Reverend Peter Cook, CEO of The Business Council of New York State Heather Mulligan, Siena University Professor of Economics Aaron Pacitti, and an Associate Professor in the department of sociology at Vassar College. Her research is on health, wellness, and medical knowledge Catherine Tan.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Professor of History and International Relations at Vassar College. He is a specialist on the history of US foreign policy Robert Brigham, Former Vice President for Editorial Development at the New York Press Association and Former Longtime Editor of 'The Daily Gazette' Judy Patrick, and Diplomat in Residence at Bard College. She retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2025 after over 30 years in public service. Her last post was ambassador to the SE Asian country, Timor-Leste Donna Welton.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Stuart Rice Honorary Chair at the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) and Faculty Associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University Fran Berman, public policy and communications expert Theresa Bourgeois, and Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Robert Pondiscio.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are former New York 19th Congressman and NY Assemblyman John Faso, Former Mayor of the City of Albany, New York Kathy Sheehan, and Former Times Union Associate Editor Mike Spain.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are public policy and communications expert Theresa Bourgeois, Joseph Palamountain Jr. Chair in Government at Skidmore College Beau Breslin, and Professor of Government at Dutchess Community College and since 2023, she has been President of the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley Karin Riedl.

Today is the last day of the producer of The Roundtable Sarah LaDuke. She has worked at WAMC for 20 years and worked on the Roundtable for 18. Her career at WAMC has been amazing and extensive. She has done countless interviews with organizations, artists, musicians, Broadway stars, authors, and the list goes on. She also worked hard behind the scenes to make The Roundtable run smoothy all these years.She will be sorely missed, but her history and career at the station will live forever.

Barbara Kopple is an award-winning director and producer and here at BIFF she will be in conversation with Mary Mott after the Special 50th Anniversary screening of the Academy Award Winning Documentary ‘Harlan County USA’ at 2:15 p.m. today.Barbara Kopple is director of ‘Harlan County USA,’ and other world-class docs: ‘American Dream,’ ‘Bearing Witness,’ ‘Wild Man Blues,’ ‘A Conversation with Gregory Peck,’ ‘My Generation,’ ‘Running from Crazy,’ ‘Miss Sharon Jones,’ ‘Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing,’ and ‘Desert One.’

Tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. at The Mahaiwe in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, The Berkshire International Film Festival will present a screening of ‘The Choice.’Yotam Haim was an Israeli hostage mistakenly killed by IDF troops after escaping Hamas captivity in Gaza.The documentary film, ‘The Choice,’ follows his mother, Iris Haim’s search for meaning. The search led her to Dr. Edith Eger, an Auschwitz survivor whose story reshapes Iris’s path to healing.‘THE CHOICE,’ is directed by John David Coles who joins us now along with Iris Haim and her son, Tuval.

The Delegation of the European Union to the United States has selected the Berkshire International Film Festival as the inaugural U.S. festival partner for its newly launched Transatlantic Rising Stars Project. The initiative is designed to deepen cultural connections and spark creative collaboration between the EU and the United States.As BIFF enters its third decade, the partnership underscores the festival’s growing role on the international stage. Together with the European Union and U.S. based partners, the Transatlantic Rising Stars Project aims to elevate creative dialogue, broaden public engagement, and support the ongoing development of global artistic exchange.EU film directors applied to be a part of the 2026 cohort and we are joined by filmmaker and Film Program Director of the Transatlantic Stars Program Seanne Winslow; director of ‘SLEEPLESS CITY,’ from Spain, Guillermo Galoe; and director of ‘UNDER THE GREY SKY,’ from Poland, Mara Tamkovich.The EU films are screening during BIFF, and the Tea Talk featuring the five filmmakers is taking place on Saturday, May 30 at 3:00 PM right here in The Indigo Room at The Mahaiwe.

At this year’s Berkshire International Film Festival, actor Karen Allen is being honored for a career that has moved effortlessly between blockbuster adventure, comedy classics, independent film, and the stage. Allen became part of movie history as Marion Ravenwood opposite Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark, while also leaving an indelible mark on audiences in films including Starman, The Sandlot, and Animal House.Speaking of Animal House, actor and director Peter Riegert is here, His sharp, grounded performances have made him one of the most recognizable character actors of his generation. From Animal House and Local Hero to Crossing Delancey and acclaimed television work, Riegert has built a career defined by intelligence, wit, and versatility.

Welcome to the Roundtable’s LIVE broadcast from the 20th annual Berkshire International Film Festival which kicked off last night. Now they will present a blockbuster lineup and celebratory weekend of films, events, and very special guests. The festival runs through May 31st in Great Barrington and Lenox.BIFF will honoring Award-Winning Actor Karen Allen and then will close with the Sundance Hit Documentary about global tennis icon and activist, Billie Jean King in 'Give me the Ball!' with director Elizabeth Wolff in attendance.Founder and artistic director Kelley Vickery is here with a preview. Janis Martinson, ED of the Mahaiwe and Ben Elliott, Creative Director of the Triplex, will be joining me.

Tig Notaro is an Emmy and Grammy nominated stand-up comedian, actor, writer, podcaster, and producer – ‘Rolling Stone’ named her one of the “50 best stand-up comics of all time.” But you don’t have to take Rolling Stone’s word for it – I’m telling you: Tig is the best. Put her on stand-up Mount Rushmore where she’s all 4 faces but with slightly different haircuts.She’s bringing her new stand-up tour to The Egg in Albany, New York for two shows on June 4 - tickets to the 9:30 show are available.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Principal at Faith in the Public Square and Co-Principal of The Religious Nationalisms Project the Reverend Peter Cook, Former Mayor of the City of Albany Kathy Sheehan, and Diplomat in Residence at Bard College Donna Welton.

Alison Larkin's hit show ‘Grief… A Comedy’ comes to the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, Massachusetts on June 12 and 13, where it will be filmed before a live audience for an upcoming special, directed by Scott Floyd Lochmus with music by Gary Schreiner.