Ep 80. Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo; Alexandra Styron; James B. Stewart

In the 80th episode of season 19 of Charlie Rose, the host sits down with three guests: Rajiv Joseph, the playwright behind the award-winning play "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo"; Alexandra Styron, author of the novel "All the Finest Girls"; and James B. Stewart, a journalist and author of several books, including "Tangled Webs" and "DisneyWar."

The discussion begins with Joseph discussing his inspiration for "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo," which is set in the early days of the Iraq War and explores themes of war, violence, and the human psyche. He explains that he was drawn to the idea of using an animal, the titular Bengal tiger, as a character in the play because of the way it could serve as a mirror for the actions of the human characters.

Styron then joins the conversation, and the trio discusses the role of art in times of war and conflict. They touch on the importance of storytelling as a means of processing trauma and grief, as well as the need for empathy and understanding in times of conflict.

The conversation shifts to Stewart, who shares his insights on the modern media landscape and the challenges facing journalists today. He also discusses his research process for his books, which often involve years of investigation and interviews with key players in the industries he covers.

Throughout the episode, the guests engage in a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion that delves into the nuances of human nature, the power of art, and the complexities of the world we live in. Rose skillfully guides the conversation, allowing each guest to share their unique perspectives and insights while also expertly tying together the various themes and topics discussed.