Anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss, who profoundly challenged the understanding of human cultures, has died at the age of 100. We’ll look back at his work and its meaning.

Our show today about the life and times of Thelonious Monk had us peering into the jazz world to look for the children of the “George Washington of be-bop.” Who are Monk’s musical and spiritual heirs?

Fred Astaire danced his way into American legend—the original dancing superstar. We look at the man behind the top hat and tails.

Famed crime thriller writer Elmore Leonard talks about his latest, “Road Dogs,” and compares notes with former poet laureate Robert Pinsky.

Napoleon Bonaparte’s favorite sister was shocking, beautiful and worthy of an empire all her own. We talk with biographer Flora Fraser.

Meet the Girls from Ames and hear their remarkable story of a forty-year friendship through thick and thin.

We talk with the director of the new animated film “Coraline” about his thrilling and disturbing children’s tale.

We hear from underground artist Jon Nelson, who uses musical mashups to tap into our media-age dreams.

Photographer Annie Leibovitz talks about the most important public – and personal – images of her celebrated career.

We’re going with the critics to the holiday movies — “Australia,” “Revolutionary Road,” “Valkyrie,” “Cadillac Records,” and many more.

We talk about style and our times with the fashion designer who helped turn Target into Tar-jay.

Circus days. Big Apple Circus founder and ringmaster Paul Binder gives us his exit interview on a life under the Big Top.

Fifty years ago, Motown Records crossed racial lines and helped define an era. We listen back to the music and those who made it.

From “The Andromeda Strain” to”Jurassic Park,” “ER,” and “State of Fear,” we look at the blockbuster master’s long reach.

Acclaimed filmmaker Mike Leigh goes way upbeat in his latest film, “Happy-Go-Lucky.” We’ll ask him why.

Remembering Paul Newman. Actor and activist. Butch Cassidy. Cool Hand Luke. We look back on an American movie hero.

We talk with three ex-convicts who tell the stories of their lives, in and out of prison, in a provocative new play, “The Castle.”

A new film shows off the soft side of Genghis Khan. We talk with the director of “Mongol.”