Today on Boston Public Radio we’re on tape, bringing you some of our favorite conversations from recent months:

John Della Volpe talks about Gen Z’s relationship to political activism, and the events that pushed them to action. Della Volpe is director of polling at Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics and a former campaign adviser to President Joe Biden. His new book is: “Fight: How Gen Z Is Channeling Their Fear And Passion To Save America.”

Howard Mansfield previews his book, "Chasing Eden: A Book of Seekers," about communities throughout American history that sought freedom, happiness and utopia. Mansfield is an author who writes about history, architecture and preservation.

Kim Kelly tells stories about the history of labor movements in the United States, and how they connect to renewed union pushes today. Kelly is a journalist, columnist for Teen Vogue and author of “FIGHT LIKE HELL: The Untold History of American Labor.”

Rosa Brooks discusses her book, “Tangled Up In Blue: Policing The American City,” and describes her experiences as a reserve police officer in Washington, D.C. Brooks is a former Pentagon official in the Obama administration and a professor of law and policy at Georgetown Law.

Valerie Biden Owens shares what life was like growing up in the Biden family, and talks about her experiences as the longtime campaign manager and political adviser to her older brother, President Joe Biden. Biden Owens is chair of the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware, a partner at Owens Patrick Leadership Seminars and a senior advisor to Diversified Search Group. Her book, “Growing Up Biden: A Memoir,” was released on Tuesday.

Jelani Cobb explains how he positioned the Kerner Commission Report in today’s political context for his book, “The Essential Kerner Commission Report.” Cobb is a staff writer at The New Yorker and the Ira A. Lipman Professor of Journalism at the Columbia Journalism School.

Ken Burns dives into Benjamin Franklin’s life, previewing his latest documentary on Franklin’s early life and work as a scientist and inventor. Burns is an award-winning documentarian.

Sy Montgomery talks about her encounters with birds of prey while learning falconry. Montgomery is a journalist, naturalist and a BPR contributor. Her latest book is "The Hawk’s Way: Encounters with Fierce Beauty.”