This week, host Charlotte Alter is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, James Ijames. Known for his groundbreaking Broadway debut, "Fat Ham" –a unique adaptation of Hamlet set in the backdrop of a backyard barbeque– Ijames shares stories of his personal journey into theater and growing up in the South. The pair discuss how James weaves his life experiences and storytelling traditions into his work, and the importance of cultural diversity in the arts. 

This week, host Charlotte Alter is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, James Ijames. Known for his groundbreaking Broadway debut, "Fat Ham" –a unique adaptation of Hamlet set in the backdrop of a backyard barbeque– Ijames shares stories of his personal journey into theater and growing up in the South. The pair discuss how James weaves his life experiences and storytelling traditions into his work, and the importance of cultural diversity in the arts.

TIME Senior Correspondent Charlotte Alter hosts candid conversations with the people who shape the world, about the forces that shape them. Tune in each Thursday to meet TIME's Person of the Week.

TIME Senior Correspondent Charlotte Alter hosts candid conversations with the people who shape the world, about the forces that shape them. Tune in each Thursday to meet TIME's Person of the Week.

Person of The Week

The top stories from TIME’s award-winning, fact-based journalism, providing daily analysis and insight into the latest developments around the world—all in one place.

TIME's The Brief  - Briefing

This week, host Charlotte Alter is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, James Ijames. Known for his groundbreaking Broadway debut, "Fat Ham" –a unique adaptation of Hamlet set in the backdrop of a backyard barbeque– Ijames shares stories of his personal journey into theater and growing up in the South. The pair discuss how James weaves his life experiences and storytelling traditions into his work, and the importance and implications of cultural diversity in the arts.

James Ijames • Bessemer to Broadway

This week, 8-time Grammy award-winner Jack Antonoff joins host Charlotte Alter to talk about the indelible mark he’s left on music history. The pair discuss the magnetic pull of their shared hometown of New Jersey, the profound impact that Antonoff’s family has had on his work, and the intimate and intricate processes behind today’s chart-topping hits. Whether you're an aspiring musician or just hum to the rhythm of Bleachers, tune in for an inspiring and exciting backstage pass to the musical genius of Jack Antonoff.

And check out our episode playlist on Spotify to hear some of our producers' favorite Jack Antonoff hits! https://tinyurl.com/bp7cf7ek

This week, 8-time Grammy award-winner Jack Antonoff joins host Charlotte Alter to talk about the indelible mark he’s left on music history. The pair discuss the magnetic pull of their shared hometown of New Jersey, the profound impact that Antonoff’s family has had on his work, and the intimate and intricate processes behind today’s chart-topping hits. Whether you're an aspiring musician or just hum to the rhythm of Bleachers, tune in for an inspiring and exciting backstage pass to the musical genius of Jack Antonoff.
And check out our episode playlist on Spotify to hear some of our producers' favorite Jack Antonoff hits! https://tinyurl.com/bp7cf7ek

Best of "Person of the Week" Jack Antonoff • Creating the Sound of Right Now

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has unique insight into the current state and future of American schools. This week, we’re sharing a conversation Secretary Cardona had with host Charlotte Alter last month to help shed light on this changing landscape. Cardona shared cherished memories of being an elementary school principal and the challenges of post-pandemic education. The pair unpacked everything from student loan debt solutions under the Biden administration to the critical role of mental health support in schools around the country. In addressing some of the most pressing issues in education today, Secretary Cardona spoke to the multifaceted use of standardized testing, the integration of AI and new technologies in classrooms, and strategies to address chronic student absenteeism. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on shaping tomorrow’s educational landscape with the man at the head of the class.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has unique insight into the current state and future of American schools. This week, we’re sharing a conversation Secretary Cardona had with host Charlotte Alter last month to help shed light on this changing landscape. Cardona shared cherished memories of being an elementary school principal and the challenges of post-pandemic education. The pair unpacked everything from student loan debt solutions under the Biden administration to the critical role of mental health support in schools around the country. In addressing some of the most pressing issues in education today, Secretary Cardona spoke to the multifaceted use of standardized testing, the integration of AI and new technologies in classrooms, and strategies to address chronic student absenteeism. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on shaping tomorrow’s educational landscape with the man at the head of the class.

Best of "Person of the Week" • Secretary Miguel Cardona • Evolving American Education

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is a renowned historian, author, scholar, filmmaker, and is the Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. This week, Gates joins host Charlotte Alter and reflects on his formative years in the working-class mill town of Piedmont, West Virginia, his early education during the pivotal era of school desegregation, and his experiences watching the civil rights movement unfold in America. The pair delve into the power of genealogy, as Gates shares insights from his groundbreaking series "Finding Your Roots," and discusses how uncovering family histories can provide profound understanding of American heritage, individual identity, and the interconnectedness of all people beneath the surface of skin color. In discussing Gates’ latest book, “The Black Box: Writing The Race,” the pair unpack the significance of "checking boxes” in today’s shifting landscape of racial discourse and cultural identity, the history and future of affirmative action, and how the backlash to America’s first Black presidency has impacted how Gates teaches African American studies. Tune in for a deeply informative look into the narratives that shape our understanding of race, history, and ourselves.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is a renowned historian, author, scholar, filmmaker, and is the Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. This week, Gates joins host Charlotte Alter and reflects on his formative years in the working-class mill town of Piedmont, West Virginia, his early education during the pivotal era of school desegregation, and his experiences watching the civil rights movement unfold in America. The pair delve into the power of genealogy, as Gates shares insights from his groundbreaking series "Finding Your Roots," and discusses how uncovering family histories can provide profound understanding of American heritage, individual identity, and the interconnectedness of all people beneath the surface of skin color. In discussing Gates’ latest book, “The Black Box: Writing The Race,” the pair unpack the significance of "checking boxes” in today’s shifting landscape of racial discourse and cultural identity, the history and future of affirmative action, and how the backlash to America’s first Black presidency has impacted how Gates teaches African American studies. Tune in for a deeply informative look into the narratives that shape our understanding of race, history, and ourselves.

James Ijames • Bessemer to Broadway

In 1 playlist(s)

Person of The Week

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips