All Of It with Alison Stewart

Free bread for the table used to be a staple of most restaurants across America. But increasingly, restaurants are charging customers for the bread baskets that used to be a symbol of good hospitality. Caity Weaver, a writer for The Atlantic, went on a journey around America to find the best free bread still available to restaurant-goers, and to investigate why complimentary bread and butter has become increasingly rare. Weaver discusses her piece "I Found It: The Best Free Restaurant Bread in America," plus listeners share their favorite free restaurant bread in the city. Photo by Hugo Yu

Duration:00:19:46

Steal This Story, Please!' Spotlights Journalist Amy Goodman

The new documentary "Steal This Story, Please!" spotlights the life and career of Amy Goodman, journalist and founder of the news program "Democracy Now!" Goodman discusses the film, which is running now at the IFC Center. Photo courtesy of Reed Brody

Duration:00:29:34

Cartoonist Julia Wertz Illustrates Her Covid Pregnancy Journey

Julia Wertz is a cartoonist and frequent contributor to The New Yorker's cartoons. A few years ago, Julia went through a surprise pregnancy and unexpected marriage right before the COVID lockdown. Her new graphic memoir, Bury Me Already (It’s Nice Down Here), explores the stages of Julia's pregnancy and parenthood in a cartoon format. Julia discusses the experience of giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how drawing comics helps her make sense of her life. Julia has a book event at Books Are Magic (Montague St. location) on April 15 at 7, and at Rizzoli Bookstore on April 16th at 6. Cover art courtesy of Black Dog & Leventhal

Duration:00:26:51

One Woman's Quest to Make OB-GYN Care More Accessible

As additional restrictions began to be placed on women's reproductive healthcare across the United States, one OB-GYN had an idea. Dr. Mary Afsari decided to take her medicine out of the hospital and head on the road, converting an RV into a mobile women's clinic to serve patients across the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Afsari discusses her new memoir about her experiences, Labor: One Woman's Work. Cover art Courtesy of Avid Reader Press

Duration:00:24:45

Celebrating International Fiction with The New York Public Library's World Literature & Arts Festival

On April 15, The New York Public Library kicks off their annual World Literature & Arts Festival, with a series of events and author talks spotlighting excellent fiction from around the world. Plus, 12 translated titles will be available to borrow as e-copies immediately, in unlimited quantities. Erica Parker, the NYPL associate director of adult cultural programming, previews the festival, and the 12 novels available to borrow. Plus, listeners share their favorite translated works. Photo by Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Duration:00:12:59

Small Stakes, Big Opinions: Dogs in NYC

There are various laws governing dogs in New York City, but lately, some feel like dog owners are flouting the rules. After a long cold winter of frozen dog poop preserved beneath the surface of snowdrifts has pushed some to the brink. Reporter Rachel Sugar discusses her recent article in Curbed, "Where Does a Dog Belong." Plus, listeners weigh in. Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Image

Duration:00:36:53

A State-by-State Guide to the Greatest Burger Joints in America

A brand new edition of Hamburger America: A State-By-State Guide to 200 Great Burger Joints, features 38 new restaurants, spotlighting the nation's best roadside stands, diners, mom-n-pop shops, and college town favorites. George Motz, author, chef and owner of the eatery Hamburger America, discuses the book, and what makes a good quality burger. On Tuesday, Motz will hold a book signing at his restaurant at noon, and at 6pm a “Surprise hamburgers” will be revealed. Cover art courtesy of the publisher

Duration:00:24:48

Diving into the World of Cryptocurrency with Ben McKenzie

In the new documentary "Everyone is Lying to You for Money," director Ben McKenzie explores the world of cryptocurrency to figure out who stands to profit the most from pushing more people to invest in crypto. McKenzie discusses the film, which is playing now at the IFC Center. Image courtesy of C-SPAN

Duration:00:26:06

A Wonder Is What It Is: Nick Offerman Reads 'The Wild Rose' by Wendell Berry

For National Poetry Month, actor, author, and woodworker Nick Offerman hosts "A Wonder Is What It Is," an audio series from All Of It with Alison Stewart dedicated to poet, activist, author, and Nick's personal hero: Wendell Berry. In four short installments, released every Friday throughout April, Nick reads a poem by Berry – poet, farmer, and environmental activist – and share his reflections. In this second episode of four, Nick reads the poem “The Wild Rose.” Sometimes hidden from me in daily custom and in trust, so that I live by you unaware as by the beating of my heart, suddenly you flare in my sight, a wild rose blooming at the edge of thicket, grace and light where yesterday was only shade, and once more I am blessed, choosing again what I chose before Produced by Simon Close Mixing by Amber D Bruce Music composed by Mark Greenberg at The Mayfair Workshop Art by Greg Ruth

Duration:00:03:48

'Sean Hayes' Play "The Unknown" Closing Soon

[REBROADCAST FROM March 2, 2026] In the new one-man show written by David Cale, Sean Hayes stars as Elliott, a playwright and lyricist suffering from writer's block. But as he searches for something to write about, he begins to realize that he might be being stalked. Cale, Hayes, and director Leigh Silverman discuss "The Unknown," running at Studio Seaview through April 12. Photo courtesy of the production

Duration:00:25:03

The History of the New York Pickle

Pickles and New York go hand in hand. A new book, The Pickled City: The Story of New York Pickles, explores how pickles evolved in the city, from immigration-driven delis on the Lower East Side to dedicated pickle stores like The Pickle Guys. Authors Paul van Ravestein and Monique Mulder, who are also the principals of Mattmo, a branding agency in Amsterdam specializing in culinary history, discuss their research and interest in pickle history alongside Alan Kaufman, owner of The Pickle Guys. Plus, listeners share their favorite kind of pickle. Photo by WDnet via Wikimedia Commons

Duration:00:23:15

'The Travel Companion' Explores Creative Insecurities and Friendship

'The Travel Companion' is a new independent film that tells the story of Simon, a struggling documentary filmmaker, and his friendship with Bruce, an airline worker who invites Simon to be his traveling companion for a year, meaning he can fly for free. But their relationship is complicated when Bruce meets Beatrice, a more successful filmmaker that challenges Simon's creative insecurities. The film, shot locally around New York, premieres at BAM April 10-16. Co-writers and directors Alex Mallis and Travis Wood discuss their inspiration for the story, and what it takes to make an indie film in 2026. Film still courtesy of Oscilloscope Laboratories

Duration:00:20:50

Michaela Coel Stars in 'The Christophers'

The new Steven Soderbergh film "The Christophers" follows siblings who hire an art forger, played by Michaela Coel, to pretend to be an art dealer in order to acquire and finish their estranged father's paintings. Coel, who stars alongside Ian McKellen in the film, discusses her role in "The Christophers," in select theaters now. Coel also stars in the film "Mother Mary" alongside Anne Hathaway, which hits theaters on April 17. Image courtesy of the studio

Duration:00:24:57

To Go Grey or to Not Go Grey?

For many people, the decision of whether to let their hair go grey naturally, or to begin dyeing it, is a fraught and complicated one. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times fashion director and chief fashion critic, discussed the topic in a recent edition of her column "Ask Vanessa," and shares insights with listeners. Plus, listeners share their thoughts on going grey, or not! Photo via Professor25/Getty Creative

Duration:00:19:08

Artist Julie Mehretu Talks Exhibit at Marian Goodman, Obama Presidential Center Installation

Julie Mehretu is a Macarthur Genius-winning artist, born in Ethiopia and based in New York. Her latest exhibit, 'Our Days, Like a Shadow (a non-abiding hauntology)', features new paintings made in the last few years. The show opens at Marian Goodman Gallery at 385 Broadway on April 14. Mehretu previews the exhibit, and discusses her installation at The Obama Presidential Center, which opens in June. Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Duration:00:20:49

Do You Shun Popular Pop Culture?

If something in pop culture — a movie, a TV show, a song or viral content — is especially popular, how does that change your eagerness to engage with it and be part of the conversation? Atlantic contributing writer Anna Holmes considers herself someone who avoids pop culture particularly popular in the present, like 'The Pitt,' and she's not alone. Holmes discusses her reporting in her recent Atlantic article, "The People Who Shun Super-Popular Pop Culture," and listeners share the culture they've avoided due to its popularity. Image by Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Duration:00:28:34

Jon Bernthal and Jessica Hecht Star in 'Dog Day Afternoon'