How Crazy Am I to Think I Know Where That Malaysia Airlines Plane Is?

When a science writer and pilot named Jeff Wise was first asked to write about the disappearance of MH370, he had no idea that the plane’s mysterious disappearance would take over his life. Soon, he was appearing as an on-air expert on CNN upwards of six times a day. He found himself unable to let go of his obsession, even after the international hubbub died down. This essay is about what happened next.

Author: Jeff Wise
Published: Feb 23, 2015
Length: 17 minutes (4,320 words)

The Hidden Story of Harley Quinn and How She Became the Superhero World’s Most Successful Woman

Riesman talks to the creators of the popular comic character, and explains how she’s evolved over the years.

Published: Feb 17, 2015
Length: 16 minutes (4,197 words)

Joni Mitchell, Unyielding

The singer sits down with a writer and has a frank conversation about her legacy.

Published: Feb 8, 2015
Length: 14 minutes (3,618 words)

To the Office, with Love

What do we lose when the traditional office job disappears? An examination of the forced freelance future.

Published: Jan 7, 2015
Length: 17 minutes (4,300 words)

What It Was Like to Be Basquiat’s Lover

Three scenes of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat’s life with his longtime lover Suzanne Mallouk, as sketched by Mallouk’s friend Jennifer Clement.

Published: Dec 15, 2014
Length: 8 minutes (2,000 words)

Talking to Cheryl Strayed About What Made ‘Wild’ Work

How did Wild become such a huge bestseller? Oprah helps, but Kathryn Schulz talks to the author about how her story—now a movie starring Reese Witherspoon—resonated with readers.

Published: Dec 8, 2014
Length: 20 minutes (5,005 words)

Is Livestreaming the Future of Media, or the Future of Activism?

On the livestreamers hitting the streets to bring thousands of online viewers an unedited look at the protests occurring in Ferguson and elsewhere.

Published: Dec 7, 2014
Length: 14 minutes (3,739 words)

In Conversation: Chris Rock

Things discussed with the comedian: if the Obama presidency is a disappointment; the difficulty of workshopping stand-up material in the age of social media; Ferguson and the lack of black leaders.

Author: Frank Rich
Published: Nov 30, 2014
Length: 29 minutes (7,346 words)

The Strand’s Stand: How It Keeps Going in the Age of Amazon

A look behind the business of the Strand, an independent bookstore in New York City that was founded in 1927.

Published: Nov 23, 2014
Length: 8 minutes (2,156 words)

In Conversation: Jon Stewart

An interview with the Daily Show host about making movies, the 2016 election, and why everybody loves Stephen Colbert.

Published: Nov 2, 2014
Length: 28 minutes (7,043 words)