This week, one of America’s great writers joins Kurt Andersen in Studio 360. John Irving’s new novel is called Until I Find You. It follows a boy, then a man, named Jack Burns as he searches the world for an absent father. Irving tells Kurt about his own missing father, and how this book is his most autobiographical work yet. He also explains why he got tattooed as research and learned to tattoo — he practiced on a piece of fish. And we have a rare visit from Meshell NdegeOcello, the virtuoso bassist-singer who changes styles with every album. Often called the “queen of neosoul,” NdegeOcello talks about her new album, The Dance of the Infidels, which features several jazz heavyweights but no vocals from Meshell.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!