Why the Voting Rights Act is Under Fire; “Meet the Patels”; Johnny Mathis Turns 80

On this week's podcast:

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was one of the seminal achievements of the civil rights movement, but in recent years it has come under fire with efforts in state legislatures and the courts to roll back its reforms. Ari Berman, political correspondent for The Nation, joins us to discuss his new book, “Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America,” which explores why equal access to the ballot for all has once again become a cause for concern.

Actor Ravi Patel, who stars alongside John Stamos in the new Fox series “Grandfathered,” joins us to discuss his directorial debut – “Meet the Patels,” an autobiographical documentary that offers an honest and comedic look at Patel’s family and culture, not to mention his love life.  

Legendary singer Johnny Mathis turned 80 years old this week, and for nearly 60 of those years he’s been affiliated with Columbia Records. The label is celebrating Mathis’ birthday and their long collaboration with “Johnny Mathis: The Singles,” a newly released four-disc anthology which brings together every one of his recordings issued for the singles market. Mathis joins us to talk about his life and career.