Popular Culture Programs

Amazon Prime's “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” moved its star Rachel Brosnahan—and her picture-perfect wardrobe—into the center of the pop-culture spotlight. Stef Woods of American University explores the show’s complex character relationships and how it portrays the shifting social outlook of the 1950s as reflected through Midge’s transformation from jilted spouse to aspiring comedy-biz pro.

In an evening that honors Katie Couric for using her voice to encourage important discussions about issues that touch American lives, she talks about topics including her career, her collaborations in new media, and how the issues and causes for which she advocates connect to her role as a journalist.

Join beloved chef Lidia Bastianich for a lively conversation about her close-knit family, her professional ascent, and the dedication and passion for food that led to multiple restaurants, many best-selling cookbooks, and 20 years on public television.

Singer-songwriter Ben Folds has crafted a wide-ranging career path that's sometimes been as unexpected as it has been successful. He's chronicled that experience in a new memoir, and in a special evening discusses the book and what it took to move from a working-class childhood in North Carolina to stardom.

Chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio recently launch their third restaurant together, named Estuary in the spirit of the Chesapeake Bay. Join them as the brothers discuss their journey from their hometown of Frederick, Maryland, to “Top Chef” fame, how they created the menu at Estuary, and what it’s like to cook with family.