Character Actor William Forsythe

The Pulitzer Prize-winning writer joins Fresh Air to talk about the scientific and cultural history of the Red Planet. He advocates for robotic and human exploration of Mars -- an endeavor that would lead to greater technological innovations and international cooperation.

Chester Arthur Burnett didn't become a professional musician until he was 38, when he adopted the stage name Howlin' Wolf. Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the musician's move from the South to the North, and the development of his urban blues sound.

Performance artists Karen Finley and Holly Hughes, whose work is often sexual and political in nature, recently had their NEA grants vetoed, despite a recommendation by the organization's peer review board. Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Stephan Salisbury speaks to Fresh Air about the controversy.