Waking from the American Dream

Kelly is joined by Dylan Brody, Beth Lapides, and Rick Overton in an exploration of the idea of destiny, fate, a conscious universe, free will, choice. As always they go deep while cracking each other up. Kelly then plays an excerpt from her 2009 interview with Sid Caesar, honoring his passing. Music by Tracy Newman.

Kelly reads her newest essay, "Deadline," and then welcomes her guest Avi Tuschman, political anthropologist and author of "Our Poltiical Nature: The Evolutionary Origins of What Divides Us where they discuss the evolutionary underpinnings of the Right/Left political divide of humans. Music by Allen Stone.

Kelly reads her latest essay, "Alone," and then welcomes her guest author, lecturer and world traveler Phil Cousineau. They discuss the purpose of art, how to keep the creative spark alive and the true nature of forgiveness. Music by The Hereafter and Dan Bern.

Kelly reads her essay "I Don't Know How to Write," and then welcomes three calls from Darren Staley, Lee Camp and Troy Conrad. There is discussion about @TheGeorgeCarlin twitter feed, preventing activist burnout and the comedy improv show "Set List."

In this episode, Kelly reads her essay, "White Noise," and has comedian Ben Morrison as her guest. They discuss the effects of over saturation of media in our lives, how Ben got drunk and started a career in comedy, reptilian aliens and why being a Montessori kid and Gemini rocks. Music by Ben Morrison.

Octagon Discussion Table: Gratitude After reading her beat poem, "Ode," Kelly and her guests Rick Overton, Dylan Brody, and Chris Bonno discuss Thanksgiving memories, how gratitude transforms one's life and how the Macy's Day Parade has always been a piece of shit. Logan Heftel spins some tunes by Rick Overton, John Elliott, and Dan Bern.

Kelly ponders what Autumn means for us all in her essay, "The Turn." Her guest Peter Maguire discusses his book, Thai Stick: Surfers, Scammers and the Untold Story of the Marijuana Trade. Music by John Elliott and Tracy Newman.

Kelly reads her newest essay, "The Onion," takes calls from friends and listeners - with topics as wide ranging as pit bulls, gluten-free vaginas, how Kelly's dad actually got something wrong, and what it takes to be truly happy - while her in studio guests, Bobbie Oliver, Rosie Tran and Alex Stein bring their funny and deep insights to the moment. Logan spins three great Eric Kufs' songs.

Kelly read her newest essay, "The Hat." Rick Overton, Dave Rubin and Amy Englehardt joined Kelly for a conversation about the idea of Acceptance. Ultimately, they had to accept that no matter where they started, they ended up having to accept that the world is fucked up. Logan played Adil Omar, Cary Cooper and Katie Goodman.

Today Kelly reads her newest essay, "Note to Self," talks the nation down from thinking that this weekend is the end of summer, and then takes a few calls from you, the trusty listeners of WFAD. Music by Chris Trapper, John Elliott, and Billy Stewart.