for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. join me next for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. t smiley, join me next for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. a smiley, join me next for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. v smiley, join me next for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. smiley, join me next for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. s smiley, join me next for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. ♪and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like ♪and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you -- thank you. - today on america's test kitchen, bridget cooks milk braised pork loin, jack challenges chris to a tasting of apricot preserves, gadget guru lisa reviews apple corers, and julia prepares roasted pears with dried apricots and pistachios. america's test kitchen is brought to you by dcs. dcs: manufacturers of professionally styled indoor and outdoor kitchen equipment.

for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. join me next for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. t smiley, join me next for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. a smiley, join me next for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. v smiley, join me next for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. smiley, join me next for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. s smiley, join me next for benjamin booker, we'll see you then. ♪and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you -- thank you. >>> good evening from rs like alexandria, -- good evening from los angeles, i'm tavis smiley. travis alexia has garnered high prize for his poems and short stories about contemporary native american life. he discusses his first work of nonfiction, a personal and moving memoir titled, "you don't have to say you love me." we're glad you've joined us. a conversation with sherman alexi coming up in a moment. ♪

up next, musician, benjamin booker.y with us. ♪ >>> please welcome benjamin booker to this program. three years ago he was twenty something working at a coffee shop. his debut received early praise and this month, he released a follow up to the break out album, it is called "witness" and featured guest appearance on the title track. who better on the track than "witness." >> benjamin, it is great to have you here on the program. >> thank you for having me. >> my honor. i don't know if i ever opened up and read liner notes that james baldwin and john paul sharp. [ laughter ] >> i was impressed but i was taken aback by that. tell me your -- rational for the two. >> well, i was having a little bit of exponential crisis. >> sounds like it. [ laughter ] >> yeah. >> part of writing this album and taking a trip to mexico and isolating myself was of the idea just trying to see who i was without the comforts of home and the people around me and those kinds of things. i think that a lot of me trying to see who i really was. the t

>> discovering new ways to help people communicate and relate to one another effectively then benjamin bookerthe are glad youe joining us, all of that is coming up just a moment. ♪