410. What Does Covid-19 Mean for Cities (and Marriages)?
26 March 2020 - 40 minsThere are a lot of upsides to urban density — but viral contagion is not one of them. Also: a nationwide lockdown will show if familiarity really breeds contempt. And: how to help your neighbor.
Series Episodes
657. Whose “Messiah” Is It Anyway?
All sorts of people have put their mark on “Messiah,” and it has been a hit for nearly 300 years. How can a single piece of music thrive in so many settings? You could say it’s because Handel really knew how to write a banger. (Part three of “Making ‘Messiah.’”)
48 mins
19 December Finished
Who Pays for “Messiah”?
In the 18th century, Handel relied on royal patronage. Today, it’s donors like Gary Parr who keep the music playing. In this bonus episode of our “Making ‘Messiah’” series, Parr breaks down the economics of the New York Philharmonic.
42 mins
17 December Finished
656. How Handel Got His Mojo Back
When he wrote “Messiah” (in 24 days), Handel was past his prime and nearly broke. One night in Dublin changed all that. (Part two of “Making ‘Messiah.'”)
57 mins
12 December Finished
655. “The Greatest Piece of Participatory Art Ever Created”
Why does an 18th-century Christian oratorio lend such comfort to our own turbulent times? Stephen Dubner sets out for Dublin to tell the story of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” (Part one of “Making ‘Messiah.’”)
56 mins
5 December Finished
Dying Is Easy. Retail Is Hard. (Update)
Macy’s wants to recapture its glorious past. The author of the Wimpy Kid books wants to rebuild his dilapidated hometown. We just want to listen in. (Part two of a two-part series, first published in 2024)
1 hour 2 mins
28 November Finished
Is Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Its Most Valuable Asset? (Update)
The iconic department store calls the parade its “gift to the nation.” With 30 million TV viewers, it’s also a big moneymaker — at least we think it is: when it comes to parade economics, Macy’s is famously tight-lipped. In this 2024 episode, we try to loosen them up. (Part one of a two-part series.)
52 mins
27 November Finished
