Mixed Media

Curator Aja Martin brings us inside Friday's Aurora Dallas art exhibition. Chris Vognar and DMN Books Editor Mike Merschel preview the Texas Book Festival, happening Saturday and Sunday in Austin. And Vognar breaks down the new monthly science fiction film series he created with the Dallas Film Society. Plus, our weekly touts.

Dallas composer Donald Fowler discusses the debut of his long-awaited Jack the Ripper-inspired musical, '#Creep.' 'Dallas Morning News' architecture critic Mark Lamster talks about museums, architecture and the #Nasher Prize. And 'FD' magazine's Christopher Wynn revisits his story about Dallas architect Russell Buchanan, who was wrongly suspected of raping and murdering an #SMU sorority girl in 1984 during #Texas-OU weekend. The story has been dramatized in a new investigative TV show called 'Suspicion.' What explains the ongoing fascination with this case and with murder entertainment in general? We’ll hash it out with help from 'Dallas Morning News' crime writer Tristan Hallman. Plus, our weekly touts.

'Tinker Belles and Evil Queens' author and SMU film professor Sean Griffin discusses the rise in LGBT themes and characters in entertainment and the new Queer cinema. Next, Dallas Contemporary's Justine Ludwig talks about her curatorial mission to add heat and international relevance to Dallas' art scene. Finally, we consider how guys use sports talk as a social safety net. How 'bout them Rangers? Plus, why James Franco and Stephen King are taking over downtown Dallas, Sean Griffin sings on-air and our weekly touts.

Award-winning poet and best-selling memoirist Mary Karr joins us to talk about her new book, 'The Art of Memoir.' Next, Dallas' Sarah Hamilton discusses directing Upstart Productions' new play, 'Dry Land', about female friendships and abortion. Finally, Chris Vognar talks with actor Matt Damon about his new movie, 'The Martian,' and the hosts consider why Damon is a great actor, but a terrible movie star. Plus, our weekly touts.

Dallas Morning News staff writer Avi Selk joins us to talk about his story that broke the internet involving a Muslim boy, a homemade clock, and handcuffs. Next, we journey into Dallas’ underground world of lucha lubra, the masked-and-costumed Mexican wrestling sport. Al Dia Writer Vianey Alderete and Dallas Morning News photographer Nathan Hunsinger talk about what they saw. Al Dia’s Tommy Cummings and Jorge Chavez tell us how this project became a bilingual, cross-departmental piece of journalism. Finally, have we got friends in low places? Yes, and his name is Hunter Hauk. The News' pop music critic explains why Dallas is still obsessed with country superstar Garth Brooks.

On this special episode of the Mixed Media podcast, Dallas Morning News writer Avi Selk discusses his story about Irving ninth-grader Ahmed Mohamed, a Muslim boy who was arrested for bringing to school a homemade digital clock that some thought was a bomb. Selk's story went viral and Ahmed is now a social media sensation — and an unwitting symbol. Selk talks candidly about the story, the reaction and what some are describing as America's Islamophobia problem.

Lauren Smart talks about her Dallas Observer cover story on how Dallas libraries are striving to survive in a digital world. (Hint: A library podcast called Street View for downtown's homeless citizens. We're not kidding.) Next, workout culture — is all of the stuff distracting us from actually working out? And is our fixation on having the perfect body making us unhealthy? Dallas Morning News healthy living writer Leslie Garcia gives us answers. Finally, what’s the deal with craft beer? GuideLive.com's Tiney Ricciardi says Dallas is obsessed with homegrown brews and a new community is emerging as a result. News books (and more) editor Mike Merschel guest hosts.

Host Chris Vognar calls in from the Venice Film Festival and Dallas independent filmmaker Jason Reimer takes his spot in the studio. We consider the continued fallout from that promotional video for Alpha Phi at the University of Alabama. (You know, the one with the blond sorority sisters laughing, blowing glitter from their hands and prancing in bikinis.) Turns out, it was shot by a 20-year-old Coppell High School grad who is now dealing with the aftermath of viral fame. Next, “Wanna see some shapes?” Shapes is the title of the zine by Dallas artist Randy Guthmiller, who has built a mini zine publishing empire for local artists. Guthmiller talks about what it all means in advance of the inaugural Dallas Zine Party. Finally, we point our microphones back at guest-host Jason Reimer for a lightening round of topics. He’ll tell us about the book he just optioned for a TV series about the Chitlin' Circuit, we’ll discuss reports that his crew may (or may not) be negotiating to take over the historic Lakewood Theat

Dallas Morning News staff writer Alan Peppard talks about his interview with Kidd Kraddick Morning Show co-host Jenna Owens for the September issue of FD magazine (including Owens’ racy Instagram account and her obsession with serial killers). Next, ready for a bunch more superhero movies? Us either. Good thing the fall movie season is here. We preview some of the films to see — and avoid — during Hollywood's prestige-film months and smack-talk about Matt Damon. Finally, is your house or apartment filled with books you don’t have room for and will never have time to read? Do you sometimes buy books just for the endorphin rush of buying books? Yes, us too. Chris Vognar writes about his little problem with books in the September issue of the design magazine, FD House. We do group therapy on-air. Plus, our weekly host touts.

On episode 13 of Mixed Media: Dallas royal Owen Wilson is taking his career down a new path in No Escape, a movie Wilson says being a father helped define. We talk about it all with writer Michael Granberry, who profiles the actor in a new story for The Dallas Morning News. Next, the epic music documentary trilogy, The Decline of the Western Civilization, screens this weekend at the Texas Theatre with director Penelope Spheeris in attendance. We discuss the impact of these three films, shot between 1979 and 1998, with FD magazine digital editor, Christopher Mosley, who credits them with inspiring his early freelance work in music journalism. Finally, obsessed fans of the 2001 cult classic film, Wet Hot American Summer, finally got their long awaited follow-up when Netflix recently released the TV series prequel: Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp. Was it worth reviving? GuideLive.com managing editor Amanda Wilkins joins us to talk about it. We’ll also consider other summer camp films and share our own

We review the new film, 'Straight Outta Compton,' about the controversial rise and fall of Compton, California gangsta rap group N.W.A. Next, Dallas Morning News intern Emma Court joins us to discuss her essay for the Modern Love column in The New York Times, 'A Millennial’s Guide to Kissing.' Finally, digital separation anxiety. Our Christopher Wynn talks about going off the grid recently for a routine medical procedure that left him in an emotional tailspin. Has constant connection made it impossible for us to unplug or focus on the things that really matter?

On episode 11 of Mixed Media: Dallas filmmaker Barak Epstein talks about the 10th anniversary release of his campy sexploitation comedy Prison-A-Go-Go! Then, Dallas Morning News investigative journalist Doug Swanson discusses the paperback release of his book, Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker (including an update on the movie rights). Finally, we debate the art and artifice of the ghostwriter as we discuss Chris Vognar's profile of celebrity ghostwriter David Ritz.

On today’s show, Dallas Morning News pop music critic Hunter Hauk and News staff writer Brandon Formby help us overanalyze things. Formby attempts to explain “Deez Nutz” and how Snoop Dogg and Dallas' Central Expressway are involved. Then, the fifth edition of the homegrown indie music festival Gorilla Vs. Bear is this Friday with headliner Jamie xx. We talk about why this may be the smartest indie music showcase being produced today. Next, Podcast Movement, the world's largest podcaster conference hits Fort Worth this weekend. We get a preview with co-founder Dan Franks and talk about the state of podcasting today. Hunter Hauk will also tell us about his new “music-minded” podcast, "Listening." Finally, are introverts the new extroverts? A story in The New York Times style section declares being introverted is cool — and apparently big business. We break it down and even do our own Myers-Briggs Type Indicator exams.

​We geek out with Dallas Morning News super nerds Britton Peele and Mike Merschel. First, ​the group chats with ​'​Ready Player One​'​ author Ernest Cline about his new book​, 'Armada,' ​and what it feels like to have Steven Spielberg anoint you to supreme nerd status. Next, ​we consider ​the new movie Pixels starring Adam Sandler. Are the film’s retro arcade characters attacking the earth or our intelligence? You’ll find out. Finally, it’s joysticks-off as we reminisce about the video games of our youth and assess the state of gaming today​.

'Go Set a Watchman,' the much-hyped companion novel to Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' dropped yesterday amid Harry Potter levels of hoopla. We discuss the book, the backlash and how 'Watchman' may complicate Lee’s legacy. Next, we discuss why professional and aspiring writers alike are obsessed with the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference, which is back for its 11th edition this weekend in Grapevine. Finally, a new book and upcoming film pay tribute to legendary late comedian Richard Pryor. We’ll discuss these works and Pryor’s towering influence.

We discuss the new documentary, 'Nowitzki: The Perfect Shot,' about Dallas Mavericks superstar Dirk Nowitzki. Next, we learn some new tricks from Dallas magician Confetti Eddie, who is making waves in Exposition Park with his irreverent blend of magic, illusion, burlesque and sideshow. Finally, Lauren Smart advises us on the perfect Texas summer road trip to find great art.

Dallas Morning News restaurant critic Leslie Brenner and Al Dia managing editor Alfredo Carbajal join us to talk about producing the paper’s first-ever completely bilingual interactive about the rise of new-wave Mexican cuisine in Dallas. Next, we have our first repeat guest: Dallas Morning News architecture critic Mark Lamster is back to help us talk about televised sports as over-produced entertainment. Lamster will share his theory of the role Dallas played in creating the beast. Finally, we check in on Jurassic World. The fourth chapter of the dinosaur franchise looks to chomp and snort its way to box-office domination this weekend. But is it any good?

Nasher Sculpture Center director Jeremy Strick talks about the new exhibit by British artist Phyllida Barlow, ‘Tryst’, and the announcement of a $100,000 Nasher Prize for Sculpture. Next, thanks to historic flooding, the Trinity River is suddenly a hot cultural attraction. Dallas Morning News architecture critic Mark Lamster and Dallas Observer columnist Jim Schutze join us to talk about what happens when the waters recede. Finally, Chris Vognar just got back from this year’s BookExpo America in New York and will have a complete breakdown of the annual industry love-fest.

Author Jacob Silverman talks about his new book, 'Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection.' Next, Will Evans, the founder of Dallas indie publisher Deep Vellum is here to talk about what’s next with his growing literary arts powerhouse. Finally, we all went to The McKinney Avenue Contemporary (MAC) Saturday night to see Kitchen Dog Theater’s new play, 'The Firestorm.' We’ll go one-on-one — or, three-on-one — with the play’s director, Tina Parker. She’ll also tell us about her longtime work with Kitchen Dog and the group’s big upcoming move. Oh yes, and her role on that little TV series called 'Breaking Bad.'

Chris Harrison, longtime host of ABC’s hit shows 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette,' joins us in studio to talk about love, life and his debut romance novel, 'The Perfect Letter.' Joining us for that conversation is the new editor of 'The Dallas Morning News' — and a confirmed Bachelor-phile — Mike Wilson. Next, writer Michael Granberry will preview his upcoming story in 'The Dallas Morning News' about one man’s Indiana Jones-style adventure to track down and restore the original Pegasus sign, Dallas’ famous flying red horse. And, finally, the newspaper’s pop-music critic, Hunter Hauk, is here. He weighs in on the St. Vincent concert with Dallas Symphony Orchestra for the Soluna Festival. We’ll then talk about the songs of summer: What makes a good one? What are Hauk’s picks for this year’s contenders? The hosts share their personal favorites as well.