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Mal Sharpe Asks "Are You Happy with Your Toaster?"

Mal Sharpe, the self-described last of the Man-on-the-Street interviewers. Sharpe, who used to contribute to National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," specializes in eliciting unusual responses from unsuspecting interviewees. He'll ask a screaming delegate on the floor of the Republican Convention in 1980 if they're happy with Reagan as the nominee. After the delegate effuses, Sharpe will ask them what's their favorite fish, or vegetable ("Asparagus, but what's that got to do with Reagan?"), or if they're happy with their toaster, or how's their underwear holding out?

10:07
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Other segments from the episode on May 19, 1988

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, May 19, 1988: Interview with Willie Mays; Review of Prince's album "Lovesexy"; Interview with Mal Sharpe; Review of the film "Colors."
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26:23

Baseball Great Willie Mays.

Baseball great Willie Mays, one of the most potent all-round players in the history of baseball. In his 22 seasons in the major leagues, Mays played in 21 All-Star Games, batted over .300 and hit 660 home runs. His autobiography, Say Hey, has just been published. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

Interview
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03:59

"Colors" is a Mediocre Hit.

Guest film critic Michael Sragow, film critic for The San Francisco Examiner, reviews "Colors," the controversial film about gangs and gang violence in Los Angeles. It stars Robert Duvall and Shawn Penn, and is directed by Dennis Hopper.

Review

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47:19

Journalist Noah Adams on Writing for Radio and Print

All Things Considered host Noah Adams. After dropping out of college he began his radio career as a DJ. He was also a car salesman. Adams came to National Public Radio over twenty years ago as a writer and tape editor; he started working for "All Things Considered" soon after he was hired. His new book, "Noah Adams on All Things Considered," discusses his involvement with ATC and how the show and his journalistic style have changed.

Interview
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28:01

Confronting the President

ABC reporter Sam Donaldson is known for his loud, often aggressive manner of questioning President Reagan during press conferences and other news events. He believes his style is necessary, especially considering Reagan's predilection for secluding himself from the media.

Interview

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52:30

Daughter of Warhol star looks back on a bohemian childhood in the Chelsea Hotel

Alexandra Auder's mother, Viva, was one of Andy Warhol's muses. Growing up in Warhol's orbit meant Auder's childhood was an unusual one. For several years, Viva, Auder and Auder's younger half-sister, Gaby Hoffmann, lived in the Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan. It was was famous for having been home to Leonard Cohen, Dylan Thomas, Virgil Thomson, and Bob Dylan, among others.

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This fake 'Jury Duty' really put James Marsden's improv chops on trial

In the series Jury Duty, a solar contractor named Ronald Gladden has agreed to participate in what he believes is a documentary about the experience of being a juror--but what Ronald doesn't know is that the whole thing is fake.

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