Terry Gross

Gay rights activist Candace Gingrich. She is the sister of Newt Gingrich, the Speaker of the House. Gingrich is the spokeswoman for the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the nation's largest gay and lesbian lobbying organization. She is presently on a 48 city tour as a part of the Human Rights Campaign Fund's National Coming Out Project.

Singer/Actor Herb Jeffries. In the late 1930's he became the first and only black singing cowboy on the silver screen. Then in the late 1940's he sang with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. At 83, Jeffries has recently recorded his western songs for the first time on an album - "The Bronze Buckaroo (Rides Again)" (Warner). Included on this album are highlights from his work with Earl Hines (who discovered him) and Ellington, including "Flamingo" and the original version of "You, You Darlin."

Psychologist Robert Jay Lifton. His new book Hiroshima in America: Fifty Years of Denial (Grosset Putnam), which he co-wrote with Greg Mitchell, assesses the political, ethical and psychological impact on our nation of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. August 6 marks the fiftieth anniversary of this event. Lifton is the author of many other important books including the Nazi Doctors and The Protean Self.

Film director Robert Townsend. His film, "Hollywood Shuffle," took a satiric look at the roles offered to blacks in Hollywood. He's a former standup comedian and actor. (REBROADCAST FROM 6/9/87)

Keenan Ivory Wayans. He co-wrote and acted in "Hollywood Shuffle," Robert Townsend's film about a black actor trying to make it in a world of show business stereotypes. He wrote, directed and starred in, "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka," a comedy that parodies black exploitation, kung fu and wild action movies. (REBROADCAST FROM 8/9/89)

Filmmaker, writer, director, playwright, producer and actor Melvin Van Peebles. His 1970 movie, "Sweet Sweetback's Baadass Song" made him famous and made Variety's list of all-time money-makers. He's launched two musicals on Broadway and written five novels. (REBROADCAST FROM 7/17/90)

Father Gregory J. Boyle. He is described as being "the priest who loves gangsters." Boyle is a pastor at the Dolores Mission Church in Los Angeles where they provide shelter for the women and children, a day care center, and an alternative high school. He provides support and guidance to young men in Latino gangs and shows them alternatives to their life of crime. His biography Father Greg and the Homeboys (Hyperion) was written by Celeste Fremon.

Executive Director of the Christian Coalition, Ralph Reed. The Christian Coalition is a national organization dedicated to mobilizing the religious right, for political and legislative objectives. The coalition was founded by evangelist Pat Robertson. It's "Contract with the American Family" includes calls for: school prayer; eliminating federal funding for abortions; limits on late-term abortions; restrictions on pornography on the Internet, and eliminating federal funding for the NEA and public broadcasting.

Actor/Director Ron Howard. As a child actor he appeared in "The Music Man" and the long running television series "The Andy Griffith Show." He also starred in the TV series "Happy Days" and was known for his roles in "American Graffiti." Howard later made a name for himself as a director of several movies including "Splash," "Cocoon," "Parenthood," and "Backdraft." His new film "Apollo 13" which stars Tom Hanks is now in theaters. Terry recently talked with Howard about "Apollo 13,".

Poet and writer Michael Ryan. His first book of poems won the Yale Series of Younger Poets Award and was nominated for a National Book Award in 1974. Ryan's book Good Hunger won the Lenore Marshall/Nation Award for the most outstanding book of poems published in 1989. His new book Secret Life (Pantheon) is his autobiography in which he shares his experiences of childhood molestation and sexual addiction. (Contains brief excerpt of 12/12/1989 interview).