Between the Lines With Barry Kibrick

Actress Cindy Williams reflects on her career from "American Graffiti" to "Laverne and Shirley." Drawing from her memoir "Shirley I Jest!" she shares personal stories of her journey to stardom revealing the humor challenges and resilience behind her success.

Actor and singer Theodore Bikel reflects on his remarkable career from "Fiddler on the Roof" to "The Defiant Ones." Drawing from his autobiography "Theo" he shares stories of performance music and activism shaped by a life spanning continents and history.

Pioneering writer Erica Jong discusses her book "Fear of Dying" which explores love aging and identity through the story of a woman navigating family desire and change. Building on "Fear of Flying" Jong reflects on female autonomy relationships and the evolving experience of womanhood.

Explore the life and legacy of Cecil B. DeMille through the eyes of his daughter Cecilia DeMille Presley. With rare images and personal insight her book "Cecil B. DeMille: The Art of the Hollywood Epic" reveals how her father helped shape Hollywood and defined the spectacle of epic filmmaking.

NBA legend Elgin Baylor reflects on his groundbreaking career in his book "Hang Time." From revolutionizing the game with his athletic style to confronting racism on and off the court Baylor shares how his perseverance helped reshape basketball and expand opportunities for future generations.

Veteran producer Lynda Obst ("Sleepless in Seattle") discusses her book "Sleepless in Hollywood" and the film industry's shift from character-driven stories to blockbuster franchises. Drawing on decades of experience she reveals how global markets technology and economics have reshaped Hollywood.

Acclaimed biographer Walter Isaacson discusses "Einstein: His Life and Universe" revealing how his rebellious spirit and curiosity shaped groundbreaking discoveries. Drawing on personal letters and research Isaacson examines the connection between creativity freedom and scientific innovation.

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jared Diamond explores "The World Until Yesterday" drawing on decades of fieldwork to examine traditional societies. The best-selling author reveals what modern life can learn from the past offering insights into health conflict and human behavior.

Best-selling author and director Nicholas Meyer shares stories from his memoir "The View from the Bridge" reflecting on a career that spans novels film and television. From "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" to "The Day After" he reveals how he built and sustained a lasting career in Hollywood.

George Washington's descendant Austin Washington discusses his research and uncovers the little-known book that shaped our first president's character. Drawing on historical insight and family legacy he reveals new perspectives on Washington's values leadership and enduring influence.

Baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. shares insights from his book "Get in the Game: 8 Elements of Perseverance That Make the Difference" drawing on his record-breaking career to reveal the principles of perseverance integrity and discipline that shaped his success on and off the field.

Historian Laurence Bergreen discusses his book "Columbus: The Four Voyages 1492-1504" revealing the complex legacy of Christopher Columbus. Drawing on detailed research he examines the triumphs and consequences of exploration from ambition and discovery to conflict and lasting global impact.

Arianna Huffington discusses her book "Thrive" challenging traditional ideas of success built on money and power. Drawing from personal experience and research she introduces a new model centered on well-being and balance showing how small changes can improve health productivity and fulfillment.

Best-selling author James Ellroy explores "Blood's a Rover" the final novel in his Underworld USA Trilogy. Set in the late 1960s the story blends real events with fiction examining political conspiracies corruption and violence during one of America's most turbulent eras.

William Friedkin the Oscar-winning director of "The Exorcist" and "The French Connection" reflects on his groundbreaking career. Drawing from his memoir "The Friedkin Connection" he shares how his work helped define 1970s "New Hollywood" and reshape genre filmmaking.

Professor Larry Arnn discusses his book "Churchill's Trial" examining how Sir Winston Churchill confronted threats to freedom in the 20th century. Drawing on history and political philosophy he reveals lessons in leadership courage and constitutional government that remain relevant today.

Mystery writer Michael Connelly discusses "The Burning Room" the 17th novel in his Harry Bosch series. Drawing on his experience as a "Los Angeles Times" crime reporter he explains how real investigations inspire his fiction and why Bosch remains one of crime fiction's most enduring detectives.

Historian Richard Abrams examines how the United States changed from World War II through the turn of the 21st century. Drawing from his book "America Transformed" he explores the sweeping "revolutions" in politics culture economics and social norms that reshaped American life.

Best-selling author Jackie Collins discusses her novel "Drop Dead Beautiful" set amid the glamour and danger of Hollywood and Las Vegas. She reflects on writing powerful characters like Lucky Santangelo and the storytelling style that made her one of the world's most widely read novelists.

Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield reflects on his extraordinary path from being drafted by four professional leagues in 1973 to a 22-year MLB career. The 12-time All-Star shares key moments including his 400th home run the 1992 World Series and insights from his book "Dropping the Ball."

Astronaut Ron Garan reflects on his 178 days aboard the International Space Station and his profound shift in perspective known as the Overview Effect. Drawing from 71 million miles in orbit he shows how seeing Earth as a fragile interconnected system calls for global cooperation.

Director Ron Howard discusses the making of his historical adventure "In the Heart of the Sea" starring Chris Hemsworth. He reflects on his journey from beloved actor to Academy Award-winning director the challenge of filming at sea and adapting the real-life events that inspired "Moby-Dick."

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward J. Larson examines the years between George Washington's resignation as commander of the Continental Army and his election as the first U.S. president showing how he shaped the young nation while still a private citizen.

Creator Matthew Weiner examines the success of the groundbreaking drama "Mad Men." He explores the psychology behind the characters the cultural tensions of the early 1960s and how the series used the world of advertising to reflect deeper social change.