Kurt Andersen

Host

Studio 360

Kurt Andersen has been a columnist for "The New Yorker" and was editor-in-chief of both "New York" and "Spy" magazines, the latter of which he co-founded. Andersen began his career in journalism at "Time," where he was an award-winning writer on national affairs and criminal justice, and then for eight years the magazine's architecture and design critic.

Kurt Andersen is a writer as well as host and co-creator of Studio 360.

His most recent book, "Fantasyland," spent a month on the New York Times' bestseller list, and has been called "a great revisionist history of America" (Hanna Rosin in the Times), "deeply insightful" (Harvard professor Laurence Tribe), "dazzling, an absolute joy" (Freakonomics' Stephen Dubner), "incredibly illuminating, urgent, terrifying and funny" (Harvard professor Jorie Graham) and "the most important book that I have read this year" (MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell).

He is also co-author of "You Can't Spell America Without Me," another 2017 Times bestseller, and the author of three other critically acclaimed bestselling novels — "True Believers," "Heyday" and "Turn of the Century." His other books include "Reset," about the history and consequences of the 2008 financial crisis, and "The Real Thing," a book of humorous essays. He has written and produced prime-time network television programs, and co-wrote "Loose Lips," an off-Broadway theatrical revue. He is a regular contributor to The New York Times and Vanity Fair, and frequent commentator on MSNBC.

Previously, Andersen was a staff writer and columnist for The New Yorker, a columnist for New York, and the architecture and design critic for Time. He was also editor-in-chief of both New York and Spy magazines, the latter of which he co-founded. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College, and received an honorary doctorate from the Rhode Island School of Design.

Clara Schumann

Composer and pianist Clara Schumann achieves a modern milestone

Clara Schumann was one of 19the Century Europe's most well-known pianists. She was also a composer, but her husband, Robert Schumann, eclipsed her in this realm. A recording of one of Clara's piano trios has now been inducted into a prestigious collection at the Library of Congress — putting her, at least in one small way, on a par with her better-known spouse.

Composer and pianist Clara Schumann achieves a modern milestone

Best of 2016: Kurt’s Favorite Conversations

Best of 2016: Kurt’s Favorite Conversations

How Shakespeare Came Alive for Me — and Stays Alive Today

How Shakespeare Came Alive for Me — and Stays Alive Today
Jace Clayton

Jace Clayton, aka DJ/rupture, explains 'world music 2.0'

Jace Clayton, aka DJ/rupture, explains 'world music 2.0'
Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman

Amanda f---ing Palmer puts it all out there with courage and humor

Amanda f---ing Palmer puts it all out there with courage and humor

How Shakespeare Came Alive for Me — and Stays Alive Today

Shakespeare shouldn’t be lost on anyone, but how much should the text be changed?

How Shakespeare Came Alive for Me — and Stays Alive Today

Kurt's Five Lessons of Comedy

Before he was our host, Kurt Andersen co-founded the pioneering humor magazine Spy. Here are his suggestions for finding the funny.

Kurt's Five Lessons of Comedy

Tony Bennett: Gentleman, Singer, Doodler

When Kurt Andersen interviewed Tony Bennett, the singer left him with a surprise parting gift: a portrait he had sketched of Kurt while they were talking.

Tony Bennett: Gentleman, Singer, Doodler

The Neil Patrick Harris Oscars: A Big Night for the Underdogs

"Birdman" won best picture, Patricia Arquette won best supporting actress, and Neil Patrick Harris didn't totally disappoint in his first shot at hosting the Academy Awards. 

The Neil Patrick Harris Oscars: A Big Night for the Underdogs
The Starry Night oil on canvas painting by Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh.

Was Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' inspired by a scientific drawing?

In his latest book, the journalist, filmmaker and photographer Michael Benson surveys the history of humanity’s attempts to depict the universe and the Earth. Surprises await.

Was Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' inspired by a scientific drawing?
Mike Nichols

How a German-born, American comedy actor influenced the life of a kid growing up in Omaha

Mike Nichols died earlier this week at the age of 83. He's been celebrated for his comedic genius and his contribution to entertainment — contributions that were influential on a young (and less young) Kurt Andersen.

How a German-born, American comedy actor influenced the life of a kid growing up in Omaha

Extra Credit: A Gaggle of Plurals

<p>We know all about schools of fish and gaggles of geese. Now Kurt Andersen wants you to create new collective nouns for curious groups of humans: including hipsters, critics, and venture capitalists.</p>

Extra Credit: A Gaggle of Plurals

And the Oscar for Worst Award Show Goes To...

We ended up again with awards that were all expected, except Best Picture -- we were betting on Gravity, as it seemed to have all the perfect elements for the top Academy Award: actio...

And the Oscar for Worst Award Show Goes To...
The World

The Pink Panthers' Hollywood-Style Heists

On July 28, 2013, an armed man, wearing a bandana and a hat, walked into the Carlton InterContintental, snatched $136 million worth in jewels, and fled on foot. The whole thing lasted about a minute and not a shot was fired.

The Pink Panthers' Hollywood-Style Heists
The World

Carla Bruni: Little French Singer

A decade ago, the former supermodel Carla Bruni released her debut album, surprising people who'd been more than a little skeptical of her as a musician.

Carla Bruni: Little French Singer